Lilly de la Motte and her husband Niklas first started coming to the Children’s Museum in 2014 when their daughter, Louise (Lou Lou), was just three months old. Now, a little over three years later, they have a new addition to the family—Alec—and continue to regularly visit. We recently spoke with Lilly about her family’s first experience with the Museum, Lou Lou’s favorite things to do here, and what the Children’s Museum means to her and her family.
How did you first hear about the Museum?
We had known about the Museum before we moved here in 2012—friends with children already shared with us how great the Museum was and told us we would probably be spending quite a bit of time there when we started a family of our own. We came at the first opportunity we could…for the Baby & Me class.
We know Alec’s still getting to know the Museum, but could you share some of Lou Lou’s favorite things to do here?
As she’s gotten older, her interests have evolved. She directs us to where she wants to play. She’s always loved the gym but has started to enjoy the art studio, ice cream shoppe, the reading room, the puppets…she even plays a little a mini golf. She puts on the dress up clothes, climbs to the top of the ship, goes fishing…. she’s explored every corner and taken advantage of everything the Museum has offered at various stages. She wants to stay until it closes, we often wait until the lights go out. She would sleep here if she could.
What does the Museum mean to your family?
The Museum has been a place for our children to learn, to grow, to mature, to socialize and to be part of a community. It’s become our satellite playroom. It’s a place where they meet other kids, use their imagination and build confidence.
I also think what the Museum gives back to the community is very important. It’s wonderful to know that children beyond the East End are benefiting from this magical place. People who would not typically be able to come here are afforded the same opportunity that I’ve been afforded. It encourages me to support the Museum even more knowing that it’s getting spread out in other areas of Long Island.