DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum — Attraction in Maryland

The kids had a great time using their imagination and interacting with the different themed spaces.

As a parent, the experience was a bit different. There was no one to greet us when we came in which I found odd. Some items that were for sale, were placed very close to the toys that where for play in the same area, which caused some confusion.

Also theres no one to monitor everyones activity so you can be targeted for others damage to property. Unfortunately, that was the case for my children and I. I was sent an email saying we were BANNED after traveling counties over to support, because of someone elses mess. I was also told I didn't supervise my children which was also FALSE. All of this from someone who calls themself the owner who I never meet nor saw, who wasn't present while my family and I were there, but on behalf of an artist who I saw engaging in beautiful art with another artist for the entirety of our visit.

There was such an opportunity wasted for POS of artists work that could've been sold but no one engages with you as you exit. As an artist, I know how hard it is to have the work you've created, be appreciated and also purchased. That was disappointing more than the ban to be honest.

I was the 2nd of my neighbors to visit and unfortunately I have to pass on my experience to our other neighbors and request their solidarity in NOT purchashing...

They have limited staff as they are nonprofit - but staff is amazing. Costs only $10 each. This is a place where you grow your child’s imagination. Art work is amazing - but fragile- so you must supervise the kids always. They have lots of exhibits: such as a giant bed to jump on with other kids, big dinosaurs that are musical instruments (created by artist), 2 pianos, space station, costumes, lots of things for kids to ride on, and toy cars & trucks to roll down ramps. There is a “fairy house” filled with tons of dolls and doll houses, there is an art area for kids to cut & glue paper designs and color. They offer classes and people are friendly. Really tons of stuff to explore. Kids are not allowed to run & scream - which was nice for everyone in the indoor space. There is always music playing. Exploration, using imaginations , and learning from the experience is the basic theme of museum. Also DoodleHATCH only utilizes the middle section of building. The other parts are occupied by Lee Anderson fashions (beautiful artistic clothing), while another part is managed by the state who won’t allow DoodleHATCH use; which is sad because it doesn’t seem to be used for anything else. It’s a must see place. Amazing for bad weather days - and good weather days. It’s a magical place to visit mythical creatures in your...

This place doesn't seem very kid or people friendly. I took a group of toddlers here ages 12mths-5yrs and not one of them wanted to go in. Ok, so that was attempt #1. Attempt #2 I went on a weekend with myself and my two adult daughters..we weren't allowed in because they said we needed to have a group of 10 or more...hmmmmmmm seemed like a weird rule to have. Since when does it matter how many people come in to look at art?? Hmmmmm..I wonder????? So there will not be a 3rd attempt.

So I will just say starting with the very questionable name of this place.."doodlehatch"..REALLY? and with the less then inclusive, creepy and unwelcoming vibe of this place I think Longreach is doing a real disservice to the very people who live here.

It's bad enough our village center is basically non existent but to have such an unfriendly business taking up most of the space just doesn't seem right. Oh I'm sorry I forgot we have the liquor store...how thoughtful (NOT!!) Nothing against the liquor store but seriously how many times have we seen this show???

I love Columbia and while the doodlehatch probably does have a spirit of some kind. I would have to say it does NOT share the overall inclusive spirit...