Our Summer 2024 program kicks off with a fun-filled, high-energy lineup of activities, performances and mini camps infused with health, fitness and STEM. We’ll provide an environment for children to share unique experiences, to spark curiosity and creativity. All of the programs, except for camps, are free with museum admission.
First off, we’re offering a Summer Special of 50% off online admission tickets while our major HVAC improvement project is underway. The Ladder 11, Garden Terrace, Sea of Boats, Big Games, and Great Explorations exhibits remain open. To accommodate construction, the following exhibits are temporarily closed: Block Harbor, Portia’s Playhouse, Bugs & Other Arthropods, House About It, and Pets & People. Components from each closed exhibit have been moved to an open Gallery pop-up exhibition space.
Here’s what’s in store for your kids for Summer 2024:
June 27 through August 30, our 2024 Summer Mini Camps are back with themes including STEAM, Superheroes, Cooking, and Carnival! They run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for children aged 5 through 9. Slots are filling fast, with some camps sold out so join the waitlist! Sign up here: https://www.sichildrensmuseum.org/2024-summer-mini-camps/
On Saturday, June 29 & Saturday, July 27, therapy dogs from Staten Island Pride Center’s Luv on a Leash program are eager to hear stories read to them by our museum visitors. Well-trained, registered and insured therapy dogs love literature and will listen without judgement or comment, all designed to help children improve their reading ability, build confidence and develop a life-long love of books. Kids are welcome to bring their favorite reads. 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Space is limited; tickets for each session are available at the front desk upon arrival. Ages 3-9.
On Sunday, June 30 & Sunday, August 11, our family yoga sessions will provide a harmonious adventure for your whole family in a 45-minute family yoga session. Kids will immerse themselves in a playful blend of stretching, mindfulness and laughter, fostering wellness and bonding. 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm. All ages.
In July, our Walk in! Workshops will offer young artists the experience of stone painting using acrylic paint pens and tempera sticks, creating colorful designs on stones and/or shells. In August, kids also can get a “street art” experience where they can draw their favorite sea creatures and ocean designs in designated framed spaces on the concrete wall. For those who need more guidance, pre-drawn fish, plants, waves will be outlined, waiting to be filled in by participants with chalk. This mural will grow, fade and change as time goes on depending on weather conditions. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Ages 4 and up.
On Sunday, July 7, Cosmos Cirque will demonstrate aerial arts and acrobatics and include the audience in basic stretching moves balancing exercises that circus artists do. 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm. Ages 5 and up.
July 10th through August 28th, Boogie Boogie Wednesdays offers kids the experience of dance and music from a variety of cultures, from Bollywood & Bhangra to Eastern Europe Folk dance, as well as from Irish Stepping to Hip Hop & Street dance each Wednesday afternoon. 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm. Ages 5 and up
On Saturday, July 13, we encourage our visitors to show their best moves at a summer dance party by Music 2 The Max, 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm. Ages 5 and up.
On Sunday, July 14 & Saturday, August 3, ShopRite Kidz Cook will introduce kids to a diversity of foods, explain cooking concepts, and help build dexterity with cooking utensils. During this workshop, young cooks will practice their cooking skills to make a healthy meal such as Summer Lentil Salad and Spring Rolls. Workshops will be at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Pick up tickets at the front desk upon arrival. Ages 4 and up.
On Friday, July 19, visitors will witness awesome scientific demonstrations to introduce kids to dry ice – a solid that does not melt into a liquid but instead changes directly into a gas! They will explore and experience the chemistry of colors, a soap volcano, artificial snow, a storm in a flask, scientific soda making, a foggy grand finale and much more. 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm. Ages 5 and up.
On Saturday, July 20, the Summertime Rocket Show takes kids to the skies as this introduction to rocketry explains how and why rockets fly. Kids will witness model rocket launches that soar several hundred feet into the air then deploy parachutes for their return. 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm. Ages 5 and up.
On Sunday, July 28 & Friday, August 30, kids can unleash their inner acrobat as they conquer the ultimate bounce house. Kids can jump, climb, and slide their way through a thrilling experience. 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. Ages 4 and up.
On Sunday, August 4, using his sleight of hand talents, slapstick comedy and zany humor, Magical Matt will have the entire audience cracking up as he performs his award-winning magic show. 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm. Ages 4 through 10.
On Sunday, August 18, come one, come all and behold: the Big Top Science circus is about to begin. Kids will step into three rings of fun as they will experience a series of chemistry and physics demos that explain how a bed of nails can provide a great night’s sleep or how important balance can be to a tight ropewalker. Kids will be amazed as they hatch the super-secret “Snooberfish” eggs and take an amazing high dive that won’t make a splash! 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm. Ages 5 and up.
On Friday, August 23, a scientist from the Crazy Science Lab will dazzle visitors with mind-blowing scientific demonstrations, introducing the incredible world of liquid nitrogen. This extraordinary chemical can freeze objects in mere seconds, boasting a mind-numbing boiling point of -195°C or -320°F! Participants will have the chance to witness liquid nitrogen firsthand as it transforms roses, balloons, and even popcorn right before their eyes. 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm. Ages 5 and up.
On Thursday, August 29, enjoy Flow Jugglers, an LED juggling and flow arts show. Enjoy a dazzling display of LED props lighting up the night. After the show, kids and families can join a fun spin jam to try the props and learn basic techniques. 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm Ages 5 and up.
Come and enjoy! See you here!
