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New Jersey Children's Museum To Fade Into Memory

PARAMUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A popular children's museum in North Jersey will be closing its doors for good in just a few weeks.

After 22 years, the New Jersey Children's Museum in Paramus will fade into memory, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported. It will be closed as of Sept. 1.

Founder Anne Sumers says Valley Hospital has purchased the building to be built into a medical facility.

New Jersey Children's Museum To Fade Into Memory

On rainy days, the 15,000 square-foot indoor facility was usually packed with children and imaginations running wild, away from television and internet.

Sumers and her husband spent more than two decades as full-time doctors, parents and museum operators.

"Children are happy when they're doing something," Sumers said. "The preschoolers and toddlers, when they came, really enjoyed the hands-on play."

The closing will put 20 employees out of work.

"It's very sad because I'm worried about my staff. I want them all to find good jobs," Sumers said.

The iconic centerpieces, including the backhoe, helicopter and castle, are all for sale.

Before closing down, Sumers is encouraging families to come by one last time for a good time.

"The only time the kids ever cry when they come to the Children's Museum, they cry when they have to leave," Sumers said.

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