December 2010 Calendar - Children's Museum of Southeastern CT

To contact us regarding programming, e-mail Diane Dusza or call (860) 691-1111.
(Click on program/event title or scroll down for complete description.)

Parents & Guardians registering for programs, please read:
Toddler Parents — Pre-School Parents — Illness Policies — Program Policies

JANUARY >

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

FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

Friday, Dec. 3, 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, a bi-lingual program of stories and projects, sponsored by the Target Corporation.

Monday, Dec. 6, 10 am - Noon
Members-Only Monday Morning
Our museum members can join us for special hours and an activity. Not a member, yet? You can buy your membership and enjoy the Museum this morning, too!

Saturdays and Sundays
Winter Weekend Drop-In Activities
Our weekend drop-in activities return to help chase away the cool weather chills. Take part in science and art the hands-on, up close, Museum way.
• Free with admission
• Saturday afternoons, 2:30-3:30 pm
• Sunday afternoons, 1-2 pm

Sunday, Dec. 12 - Museum is closing early at 4:00
Around Town - 22nd Niantic (East Lyme) Light Parade
Niantic, CT - Thousands of area residents and visitors will line Main Street for this family-favorite town tradition. Sure to be an event worth watching. Make sure you bundle up! For up-to-date info about the town festivities, visit Discover East Lyme.

Friday, Dec. 17, 6-7:30 pm
Autism Spectrum Evening
Sponsored by Pfizer and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Join us for an evening of fun for families with a child on the Autism Spectrum. Special activities and staff to enhance your visit. Download Social Story PDF.
• Call to register for this free event: 860-691-1111

Saturday, Dec. 18, 5:30-9:00 pm
Parents' Night Out!
Take some time to get those last minute holiday errands tied up and leave the kids with us!! This Museum After Dark evening will include games, dinner, a film and a look at the Museum behind-the-scenes and fun, fun, FUN!
• Limited number of spaces available, please call to register: 860-691-1111
• Fee: $25 per child for Museum member, $35 per child for non-member

Monday - Thursday, Dec. 27-30, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Holiday Break Fun!
We’ll supply all of the materials that you need to have a good time while learning when you drop by for these drop-in activities. No registration required. FREE with admission.

Friday, Dec. 31, 11:00-1:00
Countdown to NOON!
Can’t stay up ‘til midnight to ring in the New Year? Us either!! That’s why we celebrate at NOON!! Pretty clever, huh?!? Join us for games, traditions, song and celebration as we prepare for 2011. FREE with admission.
Museum will be closing at 5:00 PM.

PROGRAMS

MUSEUM BABIES (6-week Series)
Designed for very young children and their caregivers. Museum Babies will focus on simple toys, play, and new friends. Activities appropriate for children who are having their first group experience and are mobile, either walking or crawling.
• Best for ages 12 - 18 months
• Friday, 9:30. (45 minutes)
• 6-week series: Nov. 3 - Dec. 15. (no class on Nov. 26)
• Fee (due at registration): $54 member, $90 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Friday, Dec. 24, 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to MUSEUM BABIES
Are you interested in knowing more about our popular MUSEUM BABIES classes?
Try this special "Introduction" class!
• Best for ages 12 - 18 months
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

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TODDLER PLAYGROUPS: FIRST FRIENDS or TOGETHER TIME
Toddler playgroups are informal opportunities for toddlers to be a part of a group. Emphasis on process and exposure to new and different materials, plus stories and a craft.
• Best for ages 18-36 months
• 45 minute classes
• 6-week series
• Fee (due at registration): $54 member, $90 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

FIRST FRIENDS: Toddler attend alone
This class is best for children ages 24 to 36 months,
• Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m OR 10:45 a.m.
• 6-week series: Nov. 3 - Dec. 15 (no class on Nov. 24)
• 45 minute classes
• Best for ages 24 - 36 months
• Fee (due at registration): $54 member, $90 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Wednesday, Dec. 22, 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to FIRST FRIENDS
Are you interested in knowing more about our popular FIRST FRIENDS classes?
Try this special "Introduction" class!
• Best for ages 24 - 36 months
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

TOGETHER TIME : Toddler with caregiver
A class for young children and their caregiver. Stories, snack and activity offer children the chance to meet new faces, with the
• Thursdays, 9:30 a.m - for Younger Toddler (18-24 months)
• Thursdays, 10:45 a.m. - for Older Toddler (24-36 months)
• 6-week series: Nov. 4 - Dec. 16 (no class on Nov. 25)
• 45 minute classes
• Fee (due at registration): $54 member, $90 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Thursday, Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to TOGETHER TIME
Are you interested in knowing more about our popular TOGETHER TIME classes?
Try this special "Introduction" class!
• Best for ages 24 - 36 months
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

TOGETHER TIME : Toddler with caregiver
A class for young children and their caregiver. Stories, snack and activity offer children the chance to meet new faces, with the comfort of a caregiver.
• Saturdays, 9 a.m - Best for Toddler ages 18-36 months
• 6-week series: Nov. 6 - Dec. 18 (no class on Nov. 27)
• 45 minute classes
• Fee (due at registration): $54 member, $90 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

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PRESCHOOLERS (Single sessions)
The best books, the best activities and the best times!
• Programs for 3-5 year olds
• Single sessions. Tuesdays & Fridays mornings (45 minutes)
• Cost per class: $9 members, $15 non-member (includes admission for child).
• To register for the following classes, please call: 860-691-1111

Friday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Mini Meteorologists
Is it going to rain tomorrow? Maybe an early snow? Become a weather forecaster and try to figure it out for yourself!
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Eyes are for Spying
"I spy with my little eye . . . . " Need we say more?
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Friday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: The Spider's Web
These homes can be sticky and kind of yucky, but we'll take a closer look to see how they are made up of beautiful patterns.
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Who lives here?
Some places are cold, others hot. Some places are rainy, some always see the sun. Investigate different environments and the creatures that you might find there.
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Friday, Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: We're Goin' Fishing!
We'll pack up our bait, paddle our boats out and see what we can catch! Bring your imagination, these vessels are land-locked.
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Tuesday, Dec. 21, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Water World
Let's make a splash as we follow the water cycle.
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Friday, Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Bouncing Jello
It's all about the wiggly, jiggly stuff. From an experiment that bounces jello, even before it's cooked to to simple preparation and play, we'll do it all with jello!!
• 45 minute class
• Ages 3 - 5
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

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PRESCHOOL SCIENCE
Microscopes to binoculars, critters to rocks, launching rockets to volcanoes. Children are exposed to the many facets of the scientific world.
• Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m
• Single sessions
• 45 minute classes
• Best for ages 4 - 6
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Just Breathe
We breathe 14,400 times a day, but what's really happening each time we take a breath?
• 45 minute class
• Best for ages 4 - 6
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: The Key to Music
Explore the basics for music and maybe even learn to play a note or two on your own!
• 45 minute class
• Best for ages 4 - 6
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Defying Gravity
Today we study gravity and then try to defy it as we try some cool experiments.
• 45 minute class
• Best for ages 4 - 6
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Lava and the Lava Lamp
Do these two things really have anything in common?
• 45 minute class
• Best for ages 4 - 6
• Fee (due at registration): $9 member, $15 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

HOMESCHOOLERS: SCIENCE FOR ‘SCHOOLERS (6-week Series)
Join us each week for fun-filled programs with science, stories and art! Drop off available.
• Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
• 45 minute classes
• 6-week series: Nov. 2 - Dec. 14 (no class Nov. 23)
• Best for ages 5 - 8 years old
• Fee (due at registration): $54 member, $90 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

TWEENS
Get your "Tween Night" card and receive a punch each month. After 5 punches, get a free night! Snacks included! Tweens attend alone, but parents must escort them in and out. Please call to register 860-691-1111.
• Tweens are ages 10, 11, 12 years old.
• Fee (due at registration): $15 for each tween.
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Friday, Dec. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
Our Hollywood Premiere! or "Pizza and a Movie!"
All of our hard work has paid off!! Let's make some delicious food and watch the "World Premiere" of our soon-to-be-famous movie! Parents and siblings are invited to return at 8:15 to join in the viewing.

The Museum is OPEN:
• Fall Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 - 4:30.
Friday, 9:30 - 6:00. Note exceptions: Early closings: Dec. 24, at 2:00. Dec. 31, at 5:00.
Saturday, 9:30-5. Note exception: December 25, CLOSED.
Sundays Noon-5.

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