Programs, Events and Activities at the
Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut

SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION DATES

Monday, June 14, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
MEMBERS-ONLY Registration Day
Two days before registration is open to the general public, Museum Members can walk-in or phone-in their payment and registration. The Museum is not open to play on this day, but a simple activity is available to keep children busy while registering. The Members-Only registration period is June 14-15 only. All classes must be paid-in-full.

Wednesday, June 16, 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Registration Opens to ALL!
Registration opens to all beginning June 16. If registering by phone, please have a credit card ready. Pay by cash, check, or credit card if coming to the Museum to register. All classes must be paid in full.
 
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MUSEUM BABIES
Designed for very young children and their caregivers. Museum Babies focuses on simple toys, play, and new friends. Music and activities appropriate for children who are having their first group experience and mobile -- either walking or crawling. Best for ages 12-18 months.
Single-session, 45-minute classes meet on Fridays beginning Jun. 11. Fee: $8 member, $13 non-member (includes admission for child). Register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Friday, Jun. 11, 9:30 am
Handprints and Footprints
Dress for a pretty, squishy mess!
 
Friday, Jun. 18, 9:30 am
Splashing in the Tub
Boats and ducks, balls and frogs, everyone in the tub!
 
Friday, Jun. 25, 9:30 am
Over, Under, Around and Through
Wear your sweats and sneakers ’cause we’re doing an obstacle course.
 
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TODDLER PLAYGROUPS
Toddler playgroups are informal opportunities for toddlers to be part of a group. Emphasis is on process and exposure to new and different materials, plus stories and a craft. Each 45-minute class costs $8 for members, $13 nonmembers (includes museum admission for child). The following playgroups are grouped by age and whether attending with or without caregiver. Call to register: (860) 691-1111.
 
First Friends: For toddlers attending without caregivers. Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:45 am; best for toddlers 24-36 months old.
Together Time: For toddlers attending with caregivers. Thursdays at 9:30 am are best for toddlers 18-24 months. Thursdays at 10:45 am are best for toddlers 24-36 months old. Saturdays at 9 am are best for toddlers 18-36 months old.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 9, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Thursday, Jun. 10, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Saturday, Jun. 12, 9 am
Ball and Chutes
Send the balls down the slope and have a friend catch them at the end.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 16, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Thursday, June 17, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Saturday, June 19, 9 am
Frogs on Logs
Can you keep the frog from splashing in the pond? Or maybe you’d like to help him jump right in!
 
Wednesday, Jun. 23, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Thursday, Jun. 24, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Saturday, Jun. 26, 9 am
Push it Here, Pull it There
Play with push and pull toys and have a classroom parade! 45-minute session.
 
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PRESCHOOLERS
45-minute, single-session themed programs for 3-5 year olds: $8 member, $13 nonmember (includes museum admission for child). Call to register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Tuesday, Jun. 8, 10 am
Sweet Dreams
What did you dream about last night? Let’s build a dream catcher to keep the good dreams coming!
 
Friday, Jun. 11, 10:30 am
Robot Parade
Let’s use recycled materials to turn ourselves into some rockin’ robots!
 
Tuesday, Jun. 15, 10 am
Tie Dye
Let’s get a bit messy for Dear Ole Dad and try some fabric dying.
 
Friday, Jun. 18, 10:30 am
June Bugs
Learn about the anatomy of bugs and create your own critter.
 
Tuesday, Jun. 22, 10 am
Desert Life
Summer is here! How hot can it get? Come find out!
 
Friday, Jun. 25, 10:30 am
Summer Snow
Do you miss the cold days of winter? Us too!! Bring on the snow and ice!
 
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PRESCHOOL SCIENCE
Microscopes to binoculars, critters to rocks, launching rockets to volcanoes. Children are exposed to many facets of the scientific world.
Single, 45-minute single sessions on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm. Best for ages 4-6. Fee: $9 member, $15 nonmember (includes museum admission for child). Call to register: (860) 691-1111.

Tuesday, Jun. 8, 1:30 pm
Secret Science
We’ll feature a “secret” material to be used in an invention or craft. We challenge you to use your creative and building skills to reuse and recycle.

Tuesday, Jun. 15, 1:30 pm
Tie It Up!
Can you tie your shoes? We can help you learn all sorts of ties and knots and even help craft a note pad for your #1 dad.

Tuesday, Jun. 22, 1:30 pm
Tummy Troubles
Learn all about the ins and outs of your digestive system.
 
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Wednesday, Jun. 9-Jun. 30, 1:30 pm
SCIENCE FOR ’SCHOOLERS
Join us each week for 5 weeks of 45-minute, fun-filled programs with science, stories and art! Best for 5-8 year olds. Drop off available. $55 member, $80 nonmember (includes admission for child). Call to register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 9, 1:30 pm
Shrinky Dinks
Find out how to turn regular, old recyclables into zipper pulls, magnets and window ornaments.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 16, 1:30 pm
Moldy Science
Wear your detective’s hat to class, as we swab and dab to find out what lurks in the museum’s nooks and crannies.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 23, 1:30 pm
Solar Ovens
Build your own solar oven and cook up a treat to share.
 
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TWEENS

Jun. 11, 7-8:30 pm
Tween Night at the Museum
The second Friday of every month. Snacks included! Tweens, 10-12 years old, attend alone but parents must escort them in and out. $15 per tween. Register (860) 691-1111.
 
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FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

Tuesday-Saturday, June 1-5, 10 am-3 pm
Step Back in Time
Partnering with the East Lyme Historical Society, come and tour the Thomas Lee House and the Little Boston School House. See the barn, picnic among landscaped gardens, and try your hand at old-fashioned games. On June 5, go back in time and discover old-fashioned lessons in the school house. Free to museum members; donations to the East Lyme Historical Society are welcome.
 
Friday, June 4, 5–8 pm
First-Friday-Free Family Night!
Join us the first Friday night of each month for free, sponsored by Electric Boat Employees Community Services Association; and Families and More: Stories Galore program with stories and projects, sponsored by the Target Corporation.
 
Monday, Jun. 7, 10 am-Noon
Members-Only Monday Morning
Museum members join us the first Monday each month for special hours and an activity. Not a member, yet? You can buy your membership and enjoy the Museum this day, too!

Sunday, Jun. 20, All Day
Father’s Day
Dad’s admission is half price all day. Enjoy a special faux-fishing activity with your dad, too!

Friday, Jun. 25, 3:00–4:30
School’s Out Bash!
Swing and sway to live Caribbean music by the Carnival Trio. Enjoy music, games, and snacks to celebrate the unofficial start of summer!

 
Week of Creative Nonsense June 28 – July 2

Monday, Jun. 28, 10:30 am
Make a Jabberwocky
Lewis Carroll tells us what a Jabberwocky is, then we’ll make our own using materials found in the classroom. Best for ages 3-6. $8 member, $13 nonmember. Registration required.
 
Monday, Jun. 28, 2:30–3:30 pm
Drop In: Packing Peanut Art
With just some throwaway items and some tap water, what fun we can create!?! For all ages.
 
Tuesday, Jun. 29, 10:30 am
For the Birds
Learn a bit about the anatomy of our feathered friends, then build a bird and nest to take home. Best for 3-6 year olds. $8 member, $13 nonmember. Register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Tuesday, Jun. 29, 2:30–3:30 pm
Drop In: Newspaper Hats and Sailing Ships
Roll up your sleeves and start folding, it’s time to make some fun!
Bring some newspaper from home to share, if you have extra. For all ages.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 30, 10:30 am
Splatter Painting
Calling all Jackson Pollack lovers! Get ready to get splattery in this outdoor painting class. Best for ages 3-6. $8 member, $13 nonmember. Register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Wednesday, Jun. 30, 2:30–3:30 pm
Drop In: Soaring Spaghetti Towers
How tall can you build? We’ll provide the pasta and marshmallows, you provide the creativity! For all ages.
 
Thursday, Jul. 1, 10:30 am
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Using the book as a guide, we will make some nonsensical weather! Best for ages 3-6. $8 member, $13 nonmember. Register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Thursday, Jul. 1, 2:30–3:30 pm
Drop In: Build a Box City
Boxes of all shapes and sizes will be our materials as we create a city for play! For all ages.
 
Friday, Jul. 2, 10:30 am
Move It!
What’s your body doing when you sit still? How about when you dance to a rockin’ beat? A stethoscope or even a plastic cup will help us hear our heart pumpin’. Best for ages 3-6. $8 member, $13 nonmember. Register: (860) 691-1111.
 
Friday, July 2, 2:30–3:30 pm
Drop In: Jump Rope Games
Solo, with some friends, or maybe even a grown-up, let’s all join in some jump rope songs and games! For all ages.
 
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Special Openings/Closings

Summer hours begin on June 21:
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday, noon-5 pm
First Friday, open until 8 pm