Fitness takes flight

Making fitness fun is the focus of "Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action," the new traveling exhibit that opens Saturday at the Children’s Discovery Center.

Primarily aimed at children ages 5 to 12, the exhibit focuses on the type of action-adventures popular in children’s books and movies. Some activities are suited to younger children, as well.

And as with all exhibits at the center, parents are encouraged to join in the learning and fun.

Each of the four adventure scenes centers on a different aspect of physical fitness.

Balance is key in the Surfing and Snowboarding area, where a large video screen simulates the experience of riding past pine trees or riding waves on a pristine blue ocean. Children choose one of four balance boards — two basic and two advanced — and see how long they can stay on for the ride.

In the Kung Fu Forest, kids’ coordination will be put to the test. After trying to balance in the stances of the rooster, snake and tiger, children will be guided by a sequence of light-box images to spring into action.

Children must use their strength in the Climbing Canyon — a set of climbing walls that includes four paths of varying difficulty: Toddler Trail, Beginners’ Bend, Rugged Ridge and Extreme Expanse.

And their endurance will be put to the test at Flycycle Sky, where they’ll strap on a helmet and climb onto a "flycycle," a stationary bike with wings or a propeller.

After trying out each of the scenes, kids can engage in Action Star Training, an area that includes a yoga station, a dance club and a strength center with gym equipment such as monkey bars and leg presses.

"Run! Jump! Fly!" was brought to Hawaii through a partnership between the center and HMSA.

"It is a win-win situation for everyone, and the biggest winners are our children," said center Chairwoman Loretta Yajima.

Stefanie Nakasone, Star-Advertiser

Playwright puts new spin on Greek characters

Honolulu Theatre for Youth and playwright Yokanaan Kearns introduce kids age 8 and older to two tragic characters from ancient Greece with a newly written story about Icarus and the half-human Minotaur.

In the traditional tales, Icarus is given a pair of wings but fails to heed his father’s warnings about flying too close to the sun. The wings melt and he falls into the ocean and dies. The Minotaur, a creature with a bull’s head and a human body, was imprisoned in a labyrinth and was eventually killed there.

Kearns has imagined an alternative story in which Icarus and the Minotaur are friends, and kids learn about "friendship, relationships between parents and children, what it means to become a man, and tragedy."

A free study guide that includes the original stories of Icarus and the Minotaur is available at www.htyweb.org.

John Berger, Star-Advertiser

Preschoolers learn about nature’s wonders

Explore the world of bugs, plants, ducks, flowers and bees at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden’s Pre-School Nature Hour.

The free classes, for keiki ages 2 to 5, offer stories, crafts and nature hikes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month.

The theme for February is leaves, followed by the sun in March, ducks in April, flowers and bees in May and seeds in June. A teddy bear picnic is planned for July.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and families may pack lunch and stay for a picnic. Walking shoes, insect repellent and rain gear are advised.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is at 45-680 Luluku Road in Kaneohe. Meet at the visitor center. Reservations are required; call 233-7323.

Nina Wu, Star-Advertiser