More time for family fun

VOLO — With so much to do and see, and with crews completing more amenities nearly every day this summer, the Volo Museum’s long-standing closing time of 5 p.m. needed nudging.

New hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, said Jim Wojdyla, marketing director for the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. Extended summer hours are under way and will remain in place through Labor Day weekend.

“A visit here has become more and more of an all-day excursion,” Wojdyla said. “Many people drive quite a distance, and we wanted them to have some extra time to enjoy it.”

Museum officials have continuously expanded the number and allure of children’s attractions in recent years. This summer, they’re introducing an exciting array of new kid-friendly activities, including a mining depot called the Munchin’ Junction. Nestled near a picturesque water tower, this homage to the museum’s new train collection features a mining station where visitors may discover treasures ranging from gemstones and crystals to arrowheads, shark teeth and fossils.

An adjacent gift shop offers vintage toys and concessions — all alongside a shaded seating area.

In addition, Jurassic Jen’s 9-hole golf course is expected to be completed by late June. The mini golf course is dino-themed and situated next to its own shaded seating and picnic area, with another new concession area nearby. All concessions now feature adult beverages as well as soft drinks. Nearly $40,000 in new picnic tables and benches can be found throughout the landscaped park.

Also in the works is a 40-foot outdoor stage on which a 12-character animatronic band is sure to provide an unforgettable concert-in-the-park experience.

All of the new features, combined with the already voluminous collection of everything from muscle cars to screen-used, full-sized trains, vintage recreational vehicles, vintage boats designed with automotive flair, a century-old carousel, a Titanic museum and on and on, well, it would take more than a day to truly take it all in. But museum officials hope the extra hour or two will give visitors a better chance to absorb as much wow-factor as possible at a less hectic pace.

Museum admission is $22.95 per adult, $20.95 per senior or military, $12.95 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. Separate admission to the Jurassic Gardens dinosaur park is $15.95 each; free for children 4 and younger. Combo passes for both attractions cost $34.95 for an adult or $24.95 for children ages 5 to 12, and are good for two consecutive days. Members are admitted free.

Admission to the new Titanic Museum is $19.95, or $14.95 in combination with any other ticket, or for members. For other details, visit volofun.com, find Volo Museum on social, or call 815-385-3644.