Please call (860) 691-1111 for information or to register for the following programs:

FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS!

Friday, April 5, 5 - 8 p.m.
First-Friday-Free Family Night!
Join us the first Friday of each month for free!
* Sponsored by Electric Boat Employees Community Fund

Fridays, April 11, 18, and 25, 5 - 8 p.m.
Half-Price Family Friday Nights.
Half-price admission, 5-8 p.m. Become a member on this night and receive $5 off a basic membership.
Come enjoy all the Museum has to offer. Save Friday nights for affordable family fun!

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SPECIAL EVENTS!
Sunday, April 6, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST WITH RICTOR - Special fundraiser for critter care
$8 per person
$4 for children 2 and under

Join us for the 2nd Annual Breakfast with our famous icon, Rictor the Boa Constrictor. Enjoy hot pancakes, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. Local herpetologist, Linda Krulikowski arrives with Rictor's friends at 10:30. Could this be the year that Rictor comes out of his house?

Thursday, April 17, 5 to 7:30
AUTISM SPECTRUM EVENING
Relax and enjoy a special opening for families, children and siblings living with Autism Spectrum.
~ Regular admission applies. $6 per person. Museum members and children under 1 are free.

Saturday, April 19
EARTH DAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Composting 101 - Learn about two methods of composting and choose the one that is right for your family. A program for kids and their caregivers.
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111. Limited materials available for families to use to construct a passive compost bin at home.

1:00 p.m. Bee Hive Installation - Watch local apiarist, Jerry Holmberg install our new hive loaded with bees and help us find the Queen!
~ Free with admission.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Recycled Art - a program for kids and their caregivers. $10 fee for materials. Bring your own pot and create a lovely mosaic, using Italian pottery shards, for yourself or to give away.
~ Drop-in. No pre-registration needed.
~ $10 fee for mosaic materials. (Bring your own pot).

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APRIL SCHOOL VACATION!

Monday-Friday, April 14-18
Join us for a new take on April Break! Each day has a different science theme with classes held each morning and afternoon. Optional Lunch Bunch in between with a story and activity (bring your own lunch, the Museum will provide juice). Sign up for one, sign up for all, sign up for mornings, sign up for afternoons, sign up for as many as you please!
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

APRIL SCHOOL VACATION: Monday, April 14 Water Day

Morning Session
10a.m. - 12 noon Be Wise about Water
Using simple materials, experiment with the properties of water. Test for ph, and learn about water conservation too.
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Lunch Bunch
12 - 1 Water Stories & Sink and Float
~ $10 member/$15 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Afternoon Session
1 - 3 p.m. Clean Water
Act out the story of a young fish and watch as his water becomes very dirty. Build a simple filter system and perfect it.
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

APRIL SCHOOL VACATION: Tuesday, April 15 Inventor's Workshop

Morning Session
10a.m. - 12 noon “You can't get there from here!”
You can't throw it; you can't carry it, so how do you get the ball from here to there?
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Lunch Bunch
12 - 1 Famous Inventor Stories
~ $10 member/$15 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Afternoon Session
1 - 3 p.m. Rube Goldberg Fun
Invent a game maze using odds and ends, bit and pieces and lots of ingenuity.
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

APRIL SCHOOL VACATION: Wednesday, April 16 Relics of the Earth

Morning Session
10a.m. - 12 noon -- Volcanoes and Earth Quakes
Have you ever experienced an earthquake? What makes a volcano erupt? Feel the jostle of an earthquake and make your own volcano right here in Niantic!
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Lunch Bunch
12 - 1 -- Listen to the story of your changing backyard
~ $10 member/$15 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Afternoon Session
1 - 3 p.m. -- Realistic Relics
Join Karen, our resident archeologist, and touch our collection of fossils. Dress for a mess as we make a modern fossil to take home.
~$20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

APRIL SCHOOL VACATION: Thursday, April 17 All Creatures, All Features

Morning Session
10a.m. - 12 noon -- Special Creature Features
Insects, lobsters, dogs and more! Compare first hand how these animals are built for comfort in their own special homes.
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Lunch Bunch
12 - 1 -- Read Ann Morris', Houses and Homes to learn about the homes of humans.
~ $10 member/$15 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Afternoon Session
1 - 3 p.m. -- Animal Habitat
Take a walk in the hidden yard of the Museum and look for animal homes. Compare animal feet, play Eye Spy with our habitat dioramas, and so much more.
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

APRIL SCHOOL VACATION: Friday, April 18 Art from the Earth

Morning Session
10a.m. - 12 noon -- Mucking about with Mud and Clay
Use your creative juices to compare art with clay and art from mud. Make a pot, sculpture or just gush your way to fame!
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Lunch Bunch
12 - 1 -- Explore photos of ordinary objects from a new perspective.
~ $10 member/$15 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

Afternoon Session
1 - 3 p.m. -- Making Pigments and Art Tools
Try your hand at a variety of all natural projects from making your own paint to crafting a special paint brush.
~ $20 member/$30 non-member (each session)
~ Best for ages 5 to 9.

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PROGRAMS and CLASSES:

Saturday, April 5, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
TWEEN NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
The first Saturday of every month. Get your "Tween Night" Card and receive a punch each month. After 5 punches, get a free night! Pizza and snacks included! Tweens attend alone, but parents must escort them in and out.
~ Tweens are ages 9, 10, 11, 12 years old.
~ Cost: $12 for each "tween".
~ Call to register (860) 691-1111.

MUSEUM BABIES (Ongoing Sessions)
6 Week Session: March 7 - April 11
Designed for very young children and their caregivers. Museum Babies will focus 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..
~ Fridays, 9:30 a.m. (45 minutes)
~ Best for ages 12 - 18 months
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

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TODDLER PLAYGROUPS (New Sessions)
Toddler playgroups are an informal opportunity for toddlers to be a part of a group. Emphasis on process and exposure to new and different materials, stories and a craft. .
~ Best for ages 18-36 months.
~ 6 week sessions (see specific dates and descriptions below)
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

TODDLER PLAYGROUP (toddlers attend alone)
~ 6 week session: April 30 - June 4
~ Wednesdays, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
~ Best for ages 24 - 36 months
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

TODDLER PLAYGROUP (toddlers attend alone)
~ 6 week session: April 30 - June 4
~ Wednesdays, 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
~ Best for ages 24 - 36 months
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

TODDLER PLAYGROUP (toddler with caregiver)
~ 6 week session: May 1 - June 5
~ Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
~ Best for ages 18-24 months
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

TODDLER PLAYGROUP (toddler with caregiver)
~ 6 week session: May 1 - June 5
~ Thursdays, 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
~ Best for ages 24-36 months
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

TODDLER PLAYGROUP (toddler with caregiver)
~ 6 week session: May 3 - June 7
~ Saturdays, 9 - 9:45 a.m.
~ Best for ages 18-36 months
~ Fee: $36 member, $62 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111
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PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
~ Programs designed for 3-5 year olds
~ Single sessions. Tuesdays & Fridays at 10 a.m. (45 minutes)
~ Cost per class: $7 members, $12 non-member (includes admission for child).
~ To register for the following classes, please call: (860)691-1111
SPECIAL: During Spring Vacation Week --Monday thru Friday Preschooler events!

Tuesday, April 1, 10 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Don't Get Fooled
It's April Fools Day and we will show you a few easy tricks to fool your grown-ups!
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Friday, April 4, 10 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Let's Pretend
Stretch your imagination using simple, yet thoughtful props.
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Tuesday, April 8, 10 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: My 5 Senses
Try out our new sensory exhibit and then try a few extra sensory activities in the classroom.
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Friday, April 11, 10 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Trucks, trucks, trucks
Big trucks, little trucks, all kinds of trucks! Use truck tires to make a very cool painting..
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Monday, April 14, 10a.m. VACATION WEEK
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Solar Power
We will meet at the park for this class to discover if solar power really works. Call for location and directions.
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Tuesday, April 15, 10a.m.VACATION WEEK
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: The Secret Spots of the Museum
The signs says, “Employees Only,” but today you get to peek behind the scenes and learn about the “other-side” of the Museum.
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Wednesday, April 16, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15p.m. VACATION WEEK
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Buses and Trains
Ride a real train and real bus as we take a field trip. Arrive at the Museum at 10:15 and take a bus to the New London train station. Board Amtrak and ride through Niantic to Old Saybrook, where our friendly bus driver awaits to bring us back to the Museum. No children on laps, please. Children participate with a caregiver, one adult per child.
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $35 member, $45 non-member (includes admission to the Museum for both)

Thursday, April 17, 10a.m. VACATION WEEK
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: The Pond
We are back to the pond in search of tadpoles and frogs. Meet at Dodge Pond and wear your rubber boots!
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Friday, April 18, 10a.m. VACATION WEEK
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Fire House Visit
Join us for a special field trip to the local fire station. Meet at the Grand Street Fire Headquarters.
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Tuesday, April 29, 10 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Gardening Gloves
Help us prepare for our returning butterflies by weeding and planting the garden. Dress for outdoor, muddy, activities!
~ Ages 3 through 5
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

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TUESDAY'S TALES
Join us each week for a story and more.
~ Tuesday, 1:30 to 2:15
~ Single sessions
~ Best for ages 4 through 6
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Tuesday, April 1, 1:30
TUESDAY'S TALES: Lost In The Woods by Carl Sams
Dress to go outside so we can look and listen for signs of spring.
~ Best for ages 4 through 6
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Tuesday, April 8, 1:30
TUESDAY'S TALES: The Umbrella by Jan Bret
Take an in-house field trip to the Museum's Rain Forest exhibit after hearing this beautiful story.
~ Best for ages 4 through 6
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Tuesday, April 29, 1:30
TUESDAY'S TALES: The Dot by Irma S. and James H. Black
A very art-y class. Listen to this award-winning book and let your creative juice flow. Dress for a mess!.
~ Best for ages 4 through 6
~ Cost: $7 member, $12 non-member (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

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EXHIBIT EXPLORERS (separate session each week)
Travel throughout the museum each week and explore a different exhibit in depth. Learn unusual facts, discover great literature, make a craft or do an experiment each week.
~ Best for ages 6 to 9
~ Friday, 4:00 - 5:00
~ Single sessions
~ Fee: $8 for member, $13 non-members (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Friday, April 4, 4 pm
EXHIBIT EXPLORERS: Exhibit Designers
After a quick tour of the outdoor exhibit space, we will brainstorm new ideas for our side yard and use foam core to construct one element.
~ Best for ages 6 to 9
~ Fee: $8 for member, $13 non-members (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

Friday, April 11, 4 pm
EXHIBIT EXPLORERS: Pirates of the Muse-i-bean
No work here, just a chance to let your imagination soar. Will you be Black Beard, Annabelle Lee, or create your own salty sea dog! Costumes provided!
~ Best for ages 6 to 9
~ Fee: $8 for member, $13 non-members (includes admission for child)
~ Call to register: (860) 691-1111

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SCIENCE FOR 'SCHOOLERS (New Series)
Join us each week for fun-filled programs with science, stories and art! Drop off available.
~ Wednesdays, 1:30 - 2:15 p.m.
~ 6-week series: April 30 - June 4
~ Best for 5 - 8 year old children.
~ Fee: $48 member, $70 non-member (includes admission for child)

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The Museum is OPEN:
• 9:30 - 5 Tuesday thru Saturday, Fridays till 8 p.m., Sundays Noon -5.
• School holidays and vacations
• New Year's Eve 9:30a.m. - 5 p.m.

Members Only Mondays!
• First Monday of the month, members can enjoy the Museum from 10-2.
Want to become a member? Buy your membership on Members Only Mondays and start enjoying this special benefit for our members that very day!

The Museum is CLOSED:
• Mondays from Labor Day through Memorial Day (except for school holidays and vacations).
• Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter Sunday,
Memorial Day and 4th of July.

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