Josiah Rodriguez checks on an infant dummy in the "Mind Your Own Body" exhibit at the Tucson Children's Museum. The exhibit teaches children about health issues such as eating habits and exercise.

Jill Torrance / arizona Daily Star

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Kids from near and far are learning about being healthy — and getting a dose of fun — at a Tucson Children's Museum exhibit.

They can role-play being doctors and other medical workers, shop for fake produce in a farmer's market, dance in a popular game, do tai-chi, hip-hop and yoga in a virtual-reality class and do other activities in the exhibit, called "Mind Your Own Body."

"Mind Your Own Body" is a permanent health-and-wellness exhibit at the children's museum, Downtown at 200 S. Sixth Ave.

"It's a fun way to use play to help children become aware of health issues. Children and families across the country are facing a lot of issues such as exercise, healthier eating habits and wellness in general," said Michael Letson, spokesman for Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Road. The TMC Foundation is one of the exhibit's sponsors, along with the Marguerite Casey Foundation and the Kroger Co. Foundation.

"We found that 'Mind Your Own Body' can be a wellness resource here in Tucson for families," Letson said.

The exhibit has been open since late March, though its official grand opening celebration was held April 27.

"This is by far the most popular exhibit now," said Peggy Solís, the museum's director of community relations and visitor services.

Leonor Cuevas and her 5-year-old son, Isai, have been to the museum three times. She said they plan to go there once or twice a month throughout the year, possibly buying a membership package.

Cuevas said she thinks the "Mind Your Own Body" exhibit is good for her son.

"It keeps him busy and makes him get interested in the shopping and the dancing. And the rock climbing is good for him," Cuevas said. The exhibit has a kid-sized traversing wall.

And Isai likes the exhibit, too. His favorite part? "Everything," he said.

Andres Lopez, 9, sometimes goes to the children's museum with the Cuevases, who are his aunt and cousin. He likes playing the exhibit's Dance Dance Revolution game, in which players dance on a platform following the game's cues.

Tucsonans are taking their out-of-town guests to the museum for something fun to do indoors and escape the summer heat.

Local resident Wynnette Netz had never been to the children's museum before, but she heard about it on television and thought it would be a nice place to take her grandchildren when they come to visit.

She was right. "I think it's really a wonderful place," she said as her grandson Dawson Netz, 7, explored "Mind Your Own Body" and other exhibits. Dawson is from Sierra Madre, Calif.

"I think it's very educational. I think it's nice for them because they are kind of free to roam. They don't have people saying, 'Don't do this, don't do that,' " Netz said.