After closing its doors more than seven months ago, the Children’s Museum Tucson plans to reopen to the public on Nov. 11 with mostly outdoor activities and limited access to indoor exhibits.

The Children’s Museum Tucson, 200. S. Sixth Ave., will open to members first on Oct. 31 before reopening for general admission with limited capacity and timed entry on Nov. 11.

Activities, crafts and games are planned for the courtyard area, including a maker space and paint activity, in lieu of the Imagine It! exhibit, a cactus ring toss and animal-themed beanbag game in honor of the Sense of Place space, and a new dig pit with backhoes, the museum said in a news release.

Jesse Katayama has been stranded in Peru since the country implemented strict travel restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic, barring him from leaving. But in reward for his long wait, the 26-year-old Japanese tourist has become the first person in seven months to be allowed to enter Machu Picchu. The resident of Osaka who normally works as a boxing teacher had purchased his ticket to enter the park on March 15th only to have it close the next day. "This is totally amazing. Thank you Minister of Culture Alejandro Neyra for letting me see Machu Picchu," said Katayama. "Jesse decided to stay in Machu Picchu until it opened its doors," said Jose Bastante, the Parks Director. He spent his time teaching boxing classes to local children in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which in contrast to its usual bustle, now looks like a ghost town. “It has been a good experience for me, I have friends that I have met here, now I know a lot about this place,” he said. Peru's government rewarded his thwarted effort by giving him an exclusive private tour of the ruins as a way to highlight the country being awarded the Safe Travel seals by the World Travel and Tourism Council in London. The seal designates Peru to be a safe tourist destination that meets international hygiene standards and biosecurity against COVID-19. "Peru is one of the first countries that implemented the eight protocols in the tourist sectors and today we are receiving the seal which is very important for the country," said Walter Martos Ruíz, President of Peru Council of Ministers. This is a step to reactivate all of the tourist activities which is one of the areas which has been very, very heavily affected by the pandemic" There is no date yet for the reopening of Machu Picchu, which received 1.5 million tourists a year, and which is the largest Peruvian attraction for international tourism. As for the rest of the country, a total of 17 archeological sites and museums have opened their doors to visitors and another nine sites will do so progressively until the end of the month, and six more are expected to open gradually between November and January. Peru's Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra, speaking in the Pachacamac archaeological site in Lima, said that visitors can make sure authorities are taking precautions. "What is important for us is that there is complete security so you can attend with the protocols we are taking, allowing only a 50% capacity," said Alejandro Neyra, Peru's Culture Minister. Among the archaeological sites that opened are Ollantaytambo, Chichero, both in Cusco, Chan Chan in the north, some of the best known for national and international tourism, while the Nazca lines will be available to visitors from November 12.

There will be limited access to indoor exhibits like Sense of Place, Electri-City and Public Safety, the museum said.

Visitors ages 5 and up will be required to wear masks, and sanitation stations have been set up. The museum will offer four 90-minute play sessions when it’s open — Thursdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Only 50 visitors will be allowed per session. Staffers will clean and disinfect between play sessions.

Admission is $9 per person, with discounts available for military and visitors on public assistance.

“The museum’s social distancing measures and cleaning protocols are in place to ensure visitors stay safe while getting the chance to stretch their wings with some engaging play,” said Executive Director Hilary Van Alsburg said. “With limited admissions and mandatory masks, we are exercising caution in our reopening plans, to support visitors and staff until a full reopening is possible.”

The Children’s Museum Oro Valley will continue with virtual programming as part of a phased reopening plan.

For more information, visit childrensmuseumtucson.org.

Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.