Stepping Out

The legend rolls on

Go for a ride at Long Island Children's Museum

Posted

Get behind the handlebars and rev those engines. “Hands-On Harley-Davidson,” Long Island Children’s Museum’s latest immersive exhibit, has take up residence here for the summer, closing Sept. 2.
The interactive traveling exhibit, created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee, Wis., is a lively installation that enhances the lore of the iconic motorcycle brand.
“The roar of a motorcycle is a sound we associate with the season as many Long Islanders take to the highways to enjoy summer sights,” says the museum’s Director of Education Aimee Terzulli. “This exhibit lets children get up close with these fascinating vehicles and explore the science behind those exciting sounds.”
Three theme areas take everyone from the drawing board to the open road.
Visitors can become design engineers and learn how acceleration, speed, friction and gravity affect a motorcycle in motion. Using a series of ramps, jumps and curves, families can build a custom test track and conduct experiments to see what happens when a rider throttles, leans into a curve or descends a mountain road. You can choose a “motorcycle tour” using an interactive world map to learn about the bike’s mechanical systems, solve math challenges and see fascinating destinations.

In the “dealership” component, learn about engine parts and how they work together to create a smooth and safe ride. Step into one of the bays where you’ll find kid-sized motorcycles inspired by a real Harley-Davidson Road King. There you can build your dream-ride using interchangeable custom motor parts and accessories, including magnetic flames, logos, saddlebags and a personalized license plate. Even get that engine revving to give the custom bike a test.
Safety is critical on the road. Role-play as a motorcycle-riding community service officer, complete with a “see yourself” monitor and videos that help visitors understand traffic safety, hand signals and preparing for a trip.
Also gear up with a vest and helmet and learn about protective equipment that keeps riders safe. Take a “ride” during the first-person riding experience, which includes a throttle to control the speed of your bike, working turn signals, costumes, audio effects, and even the wind in your face.
A multi-level play space, created with real Harley-Davidson parts, accessories and sounds complements the “dealership.”
“The exhibit has a strong STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] focus with a lot of opportunities for imaginative play,” says Claire Flynn, the museum’s youth STEM coordinator. “ It’s fun and engaging, and does a good job of breaking down complicated concepts.”
She notes that the exhibit has an intergenerational appeal. “The different aspects are exciting and also informative. It’s a loud exhibit that draws everyone in. People are excited to find out what’s making all that noise.”
As always, the museum’s staff has planned themed activities to enhance the overall experience. Upcoming programming includes “Ready Set Go!” on Aug. 9. Examine how people have sought out adventure through different means of reaching foreign lands and undiscovered places. Discuss the first motorcycles and let those imaginations go using fun materials to create a travel machine for the future. 
There’s also a “Build-Your-Own Motorcycle workshop on Aug. 15, which focuses on customizing bikes. Design and create a one-of-a-kind motorcycle with paper, markers and moving wheels. And at “Zooming with Color and Friction,” on Aug. 28, participants can explore friction, the force that resists motion between two objects when they come in contact with one another. Using ramps, different textures and rolling objects, experiment to see how friction works. Then create friction-inspired art to take home using paint and a variety of different sized balls.“Kids are innately drawn to the look, sound and power of these vehicles,” Terzulli says. “Adults like all those same things, as well as the fact that their children are being introduced to the laws of physics as they create a series of motorcycle ramps, jumps and curves. It’s a perfect choice to combat concerns of a summer learning slide.”

Hands-On Harley-Davidson
Admission: $14 for adults and children, $13 seniors, free to museum members and children under 1 year old. Additional fees for theater and special programs apply. View the LICM events calendar at www.licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800.
Where: Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City.