On my visit to Wannado City, I was impressed with the quality of the hands-on learning by way of lectures, diagrams, charts and recordings. In the Delivery Room a number of young doctors and nurses were handling life-size dolls (male and female.) Dressed in white, they were instructed in washing and feeding the babies. It is delightful watching babes care for babies. Having a newspaper background, I decided to watch the reporters and editors as they went to press; there is an actual newspaper that comes out of the on-the-job training.
The next stop: juggling. Children were taught by a professional juggler to keep all the balls in the air; this art would likely take more than a single lesson. In another room, children checked out the diamonds with the jeweler's loupe or interrogated a suspect while wearing blues and carrying handcuffs. With all that was going on in this huge arena, everything was organized. Toddlers too young for careers have an upstairs room with a slide play area with toys. I didn't see the toddler room but read about it in the children's Wannado City newspaper.
The first Wannado City was built in Mexico City and the partners of this gigantic enterprise are now planning other such venues around the United States as well as in Asia and Latin America. The idea came from the daughter of one of the partners. Luis Javier Laresgoiti was watching as his daughter role-played her daddy's job using office items. This gave dad the idea of creating "a complete environment where children could play out their fantasies while they learned about responsibility." It would be fun and educational.
IF YOU GO
Wannado City is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $24.95 for "kidizens" 3-14. Over 14 is $15.95, under 3, free. For more information visit www.wannadocity.com.
Marilyn Zeitlin is a freelance travel writer.
