The Rabbit hOle — Attraction in North Kansas City

Our first visit was during the “soft open” phase, when it was expected that not everything was ready. We purchased a membership because we believed in what we thought they were creating, and foresaw spending days and days there, reading and exploring and learning.

Today, we had our second, and last, visit. Immediately upon arrival, we were told that no food or drink was allowed. Fine, rules are rules and we respect that, but we were allowed to bring water bottles in last time. This building is a former industrial factory, with minimal updates done and a serious lack of insulation. On hot days like today, where it creeps up on 90°, this means it gets HOT and when there are lots of people and children are active, they need water. At the risk of sounding rather “Kareny,” I don’t feel like it’s asking much to simply be allowed to carry a water bottle. Wonderscope Children's Museum has zero issue with it 🤷‍♀️ We were informed we could either take them to the car, or leave them up at the front counter, where anyone could access them. Ew 😬

Following this awkward conversation, we decided to just carry on and enjoy the facility. Although touted as a “children’s museum” of sorts, my daughters were tailed by a staff person the entire time as they explored and gasp touched things within the exhibits. The museum is literally set up like one big playground of literary characters, but apparently touching things is off limits. The irony is that, upon review of the customer reviews online, there are several photos of others kids doing far worse than touching things and yet, my daughters were treated as if they are you common criminals. My six-year-old mentioned that she noticed “the lady in the blue vest keeps staying by us” before I had a chance to say anything. The woman stepped in when kiddo decided to sit on the bathtub exhibit, which LITERALLY has a seat on it, and told her to get down. I asked her okay, if they can’t touch any of the things they have seen while she has been following us, what are they welcome to touch?

She proceeded to, quite literally, point things out one by one until i said “thank you” for the third time, and removed ourselves from the interaction with her.

We opted to leave at this point, as it was no longer fun.There was no reason to be tailed throughout our visit to the degree that it made them uncomfortable.

As we walked out the exit door from the exhibits and back to the main lobby, I noticed there is a large, “all” gender 🙄 bathroom to the side of the service desk. No separation for privacy; there are literally bathroom stalls in the lobby, in full view of all patrons coming and going.

I stopped by the desk to grab our water bottles and when I did, I explained that we didn’t appreciate being followed through the museum, nor did I appreciate my daughters being given instruction as I was standing there with them. I told them that, between the poor attitudes and the way we were treated today, I was now requesting a refund of our membership fees and we would not return. I was sure to mention that we would opt for a membership to Science City instead, or “somewhere you guys can actually TOUCH things. 👀 No, I’m not sorry.

While in the museum, there were several bits of suggestive content that leaned in favor of celebrating other cultures while leaving our own out. Call me crazy, but adding bits of propagandist material to what is presumed to be a children’s attraction isn’t my idea of “age appropriate.” The influence was an unwelcome one, to say the least.

We also found that many of the exhibits, which had been fully assembled during their soft launch, were now missing pieces. What’s more, was that exhibits promised to be complete by the grand opening in late April, still have yet to be completed, or even begun. The entry fee is just not worth it, based on that alone.

The Rabbit Hole was full of SUCH promise and we were so excited to utilize it, but we will happily find someplace else after our...

We went today with an 8 and 5 yr old. If you plan ahead and read the books to your kids, they will be more engaged when there as they can identify stories you have read to them. Otherwise, kids really only see the bright colors and the things they can climb on. Each display has the featured book but it can be hard to read to kids while there due to the noise and distractions. Even if they had a quiet spot upon entry where they featured the books and you could read a few and then say "okay, let's go see these books in person" so it is fresh in their minds.

They have several unique, older and award winning books displayed with wonderful messages and I know the idea is to introduce people to books not well known. I also loved the diversity and inclusivity. But I also wish there were more that are familiar to the masses. Curious George and Toot the Tugboat are in progress. Goodnight Moon/Runaway Bunny was neat. But the Hungry Caterpillar would have been such a good one. Think of all the food kids could have climbed or "eaten" through before they cocooned and became a caterpillar. A treehouse for the Berenstein Bears. A collection of nursery rhymes with three types of houses - let kids build houses of sticks and brick for the 3 little pigs. Or what looks like a candy house for Hansel and Gretel. I had so many ideas walking through...

They don't allow strollers for safety reasons and this is on their website. But they may need some rules posted at the door since people don't always look online. I saw one family with an infant in a stroller and they were upset about the policy.

They have one floor open with more exhibits on that floor and the 2nd floor planned. I understand they wanted to get it open after such a long journey to bring in revenue but it can be a quick walk through when it is too loud to read.

The Rabbit Hole entrance with the lines from books is clever and well done. The books themselves inserted into the foundation is also clever. Books are a foundation for lifetime learning so I loved the connection.

It is a bit confusing at first as to the flow and exit (the Iguana). I think it would also be neat if they had recordings of the books with background noises being read in some of the separate, smaller rooms. The only noise was children screaming so I think light background noise in some smaller areas would be a nice touch to break up the screaming.

They also have a map of displays online but the pamphlet you unfold doesn't show a map and it can take a minute to figure out which book is being featured if there aren't copies nearby. So even a plaque or something would help.

So much creative work and artistry went into this museum as it stands and it will only get better so I can be patient and excited for what is to come. But if you are not someone that engages with your kids and just let them run around hoping the exhibits alone will entertain them, I can see getting bored quickly. It isn't City Museum. It is quietly thoughtful and needs more parental investment.

It appears there will be an art room and a cafe soon so that will be neat to have creative interactive activities vs just exhibits you can climb on or holes you can explore.

I still give it 5 stars because I can see the passion and dedication in the work. We love books in this family and in a time of banning and restricting free thought - this creativity and drive to show how books can transport your imagination...

We've been several times since it's opened. The art and creativity of the exhibits is impressive.

For those reviewers freaking out about the "free air" bathroom, there's private, single toilet stalls on the other side past the bookshop. I actually love the open style of bathroom - a lot easier to keep track of people and what's going on.

My family has not had the experience of helicopter volunteers. In general, they've been positive and friendly. I do feel there needs to be developmentally appropriate expectations in the space since it's otherwise really well suited for young kids. I have seen the exhibits that have taken a beating - especially the Blueberry for Sal space with our most recent visit - with utensils broken off out of the drawer, a broken stove handle (decorative only and unfortunately just the perfect angle for too much force applied the wrong way, if seems), and apparent efforts to eat the fake sugar 😬 I imagine that's incredibly discouraging with the painstaking care that's been put into it. The pie crust lattice weaving is a fun idea, and something that may engage an older kid.

We have a membership and can easily spend about two hours with looking for new updates, reading stories, and spending time in the bookstore.

What I'd love to see the most would be some sound proofing/muffling in the main space. It's quite the din. That's the biggest detraction from enjoyment in my experience. We were offered headphones most recently for my oldest who was expressing dismay about the level of noise in the front entrance, but we didn't need to take them up on it.

Doors with handles that actually open to something would also be very cool, like the tree with the red door.

Otherwise, I love the opportunity to slow down, look for little details (like the panorama upstairs), read familiar and new stories, while also doing some big body movement activities, as well. My 4.5 year old loves the selection of books in the bilingual book section and we almost always sit in there to read at least one during our visit.

Hopefully the demands of maintaining the space will not wear down the goodwill of those involved in this ambitious project. We look forward to continuing to visit. Btw, the cafe is adorable with interesting food. I would like to see less potential for single use item waste. We've only gone once, but were very happy with the items...