Summer is Here!

And so with the summer feeling more official (school got out in most places this week!), the museum has become a bustling and lively place both during the week and on the weekends. We seem to be THE place to be on a cloudy summer's day!

This coming week's preschool Think and Play Series, Friday, July 3rd at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, will be featuring Stella Star of the Sea by Marie-Louise Gay. A hilarious and adorable story about a sister and her younger brother, you will surely be chuckling as Stella plays to brother Sam's fear of the unknown on his first trip to the seaside. Join us following the read-aloud to craft your own fish puppet to participate in a fun game of Red Fish, Green Fish! This program is free with paid admission!


*Please take note that we will be closed in observance of Independence Day, Saturday, July 4th!* (picture source: thingstodoinvallarta.com)

Summer Shenanigans!

To celebrate the summer months at the museum, our staff has put together a special roster of programming and events. The current Think and Play preschool programming will remain, but we have added some fun weekly activities sure to please a variety of ages. This is still in the planning stages, so stay tuned to our blog for updates, changes, etc.

Here is a sneak peek at the upcoming schedule:
Wednesday's Workshop Experience: School aged children, hands-on science experiments, set to begin July 22nd *Additional fee applies
Theater Thursdays: All ages, fun activities in our theater (dance party, dress up, sing-along, etc.), set to begin July 2nd
Think and Play Fridays: Preschool aged children, read-alouds, crafts, cooking, games

For more information on any of these programs, please don't hesitate to call our Education Coordinator, Dayna Abrazinski at 536-KIDS.


The first of our upcoming summer events is Batter Up with Wally! A Red Sox Family Fun Fest at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round on Sunday, June 28th from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. This event is free, and our very own Dayna Abrazinski will be facepainting. So please stop by and say hello! This event features Wally the Green Monster, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm. Also featured will be Curious George, Super Why, Sparky, Ed Popielarczyk (balloon sculpturist), and yummy food! Visitors with Red Sox gear will receive a ride on the Merry-Go-Round for half price!

This event is sponsored by WGBY, Holyoke Fire Department, and Holyoke Parks & Recreation Department. Call 538-9838 for more information.



Finally, don't forget our preschool Think and Play Series for next Friday, June 26th! Come and spark your imagination! Zuzu's Wishing Cake by Linda Michelin and D.B. Johnson is the story of a young girl with fantastic creativity. Join us for a craft where we will work magic and, as per Zuzu's example, make something out of "nothing!" This program takes place at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm in the Discovery Depot and is free with paid admission.

Introducing...

Continuing our staff spotlight series, we would like to introduce Ashley Barton. She is our Programs and Operations Assistant. She runs the weekly preschool Think and Play Series, and often works her love of cooking into the curriculum (think homemade goodies at her once-a-month food related Think and Play!). In addition, she facilitates the birthday parties on weekends, designed and maintains this blog, and is on call for all sorts of other odd jobs. Schedule a birthday party or bring your little one to Think and Play one Friday and say hello!



Speaking of Think and Play Series, next week (Friday, June 19th) we will feature My Dad by Anthony Browne for our preschool read-aloud in honor of upcoming Father's Day. This hilarious and heartwarming story will serve as a fabulous backdrop for our art project: interactive pop-up cards to give to all of our amazing dads on their special day! Join us at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm in the Discovery Depot. This program is free with paid admission!

Upcoming Programs

Saturday, June 13th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm the Children's Museum at Holyoke will be hosting the last of the Second Saturday Series until this fall. Birds of Prey features "wildlife rehabilitator and former state wildlife biologist, Tom Ricardi, who will give an up-close look and tell the life story of his hawks, falcons, owls, and bald eagles." Please join us! Program is free with paid admission and will take place in the Discovery Depot! (Quote and picture borrowed from http://sheldonbarnes.com)


Don't forget about our weekly preschool programming! The Think and Play Series continues on with a read-aloud of Fancy Nany by Jane O'Connor on June 12th. This book has become a national icon! Join us for a posh get-together (fancy attire encouraged)! Directly following the story, we will hold a stylish tea party filled with delightful delectables and an art project of royal proportions! This program, held in the Discovery Depot, runs at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm and is free with paid admission.