Scott Family Amazeum

Imagine a place where curiosity knows no bounds and learning turns into an exciting game. The Scott Family Amazeum is a modern interactive children's museum in Bentonville, USA, which has become a true center of attraction for families. Spanning nearly 5,000 square meters, it houses exhibits that inspire the study of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

The museum building itself is an interesting site: it holds a LEED Silver certification for its eco-friendliness, and its open structural design visually demonstrates engineering solutions to visitors. The name, coined by children, combines the words amazing and museum, which perfectly justifies the atmosphere of this wonderful space.

The Amazeum's exhibits are closely linked to the culture and nature of Northwest Arkansas. Here, you can find both modern laboratories and cozy corners reminiscent of regional traditions, such as an Ozark Highlands cabin. It is not just a museum in the classic sense, but a living space for creativity and discovery.

For more details about visiting or organizing group tours, you can use the official communication channels. The museum actively interacts with visitors through its website and by phone.

In this museum, the "hands off" rule doesn't apply—here, you are encouraged to interact with everything! One of the most exciting features is a massive 35-foot climbing structure, which offers a panoramic view of the entire exhibition hall from the top. In the Nature Valley Water Amazements zone, young explorers can build dams and conduct experiments with water currents.

For those interested in science, the unique Hershey’s Lab is available. It is one of the few facilities of its kind in the country where children can conduct real chemistry experiments using sweets. Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the full-size 18-wheeler truck, where they can feel like a real driver and learn the basics of logistics.

Creative minds will find inspiration in the Art Studio, where drawing directly on the walls is permitted, or in the Tinkering Hub, where tools can be used to create original inventions. To get a touch of local history, step into the authentic cabin with an apple orchard, a reminder of the days when this region was a major apple producer.

Reaching this center of innovation is quite simple. The Amazeum is located at 1009 Museum Way, in the immediate vicinity of the famous Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. If you are in the city center, the walk to the museum will take only 5–10 minutes. For those who prefer active recreation, scenic bicycle and pedestrian paths integrated into the city's trail network lead directly to the building.

If your journey begins at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), the drive by car or taxi will take about 15–20 minutes (a distance of approximately 20 kilometers). Free parking is provided on-site for visitors, which is very convenient for families traveling by personal vehicle.

You can also use taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which operate actively in the region. For those using public transportation, Ozark Regional Transit routes connect key points of the city to the cultural district.

The story of the museum began in the early 2000s when local community leaders recognized the need for a space to develop children's creative potential. The project gained official status in 2006, and before the permanent building opened, organizers held popular mobile events such as "Touch a Truck" to draw attention to the future center.

Major regional benefactors and companies played a significant role in making the dream a reality. The primary donors were the family of Lee Scott (former CEO of Walmart), the Walton Family Foundation, and the Walmart Foundation. Even the name Amazeum was created thanks to children: they combined the words "amazing" and "museum," perfectly reflecting the essence of the place.

Construction of the building, which received a LEED Silver certification for environmental sustainability, began in 2014, and the grand opening took place in July 2015. Success exceeded all expectations: instead of the projected 160,000 visitors in its first year, the museum welcomed over 311,000 people, and by its fourth anniversary, it had surpassed the 1 million guest mark.

To fully enjoy all the interactive zones, plan to spend 2 to 4 hours at the museum. This is typically enough time for children to try out various roles—from scientists to artists.

Families often spend a whole day here, alternating between indoor play and relaxing in the outdoor areas. Given that the exhibits and laboratory experiments are updated regularly, every new visit can bring completely different experiences.

The museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except for Tuesdays. Please note the extended hours in the middle of the week, which are convenient for evening visits.

The operating schedule is as follows:

• Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Bentonville is a city where modern art and innovation meet the scenic nature of the Ozarks. A stroll around the area after visiting the children's museum will allow you to dive deeper into the unique atmosphere of this region.

Within walking distance, you will find both historic monuments and modern architectural masterpieces. Be sure to spend some time exploring the park areas and cultural sites that make this district truly special.