October 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

NOVEMBER >

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

FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Friday, Oct. 1, 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, Oct. 4, 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!

Saturday, Oct. 9, 3-4:30 pm
Bike Decorating Workshop
Bring your bike in for a decoration session. Make it cool, make it pretty, make it super revved up – all in preparation for Trikes To Bikes on Sunday, October 10th.
• Fee: $3 member, $5 non-member, per person. Family maximum fee of $10 member, $15 non-member. Limited space available, call to register at (860) 691-1111

Sunday, Oct. 10, 9:00 am - finish!
Trikes to Bikes - 4th Annual Family Bike Ride
Once again, the Museum is teaming up with Niantic Bay Bicycles for a Family Bike Ride and fundraiser for the Museum. Little-riders can bring their decorated bikes to Niantic Bay Bicyles for a short parade to the Museum! Ready for a longer ride? Wind through beautiful coastal marshes on a flat, paved 7.5 mile ride. Challenge yourself with the 33 mile ride through the back roads of the Lymes and the twist and turns along Long Island Sound. Parade and rides are RAIN OR SHINE.
Niantic Bay Bicycles is at 8 Methodist Street, Niantic, CT.
Call to register at 860-691-1111
Downloadable Registration Form (PDF)
• Registration: 8 am
• Parade & Rides: 9 am
• New this year: Children's Farmers' Market!
Offering: Goat Cheese from Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm • Cush's Salsa • Fresh vegetables from Smith's Acres • Fresh baked bread • Local apples from the Moms' Club of East Lyme! What a treat!

Monday, Oct. 11, 2:30-3:30 pm
Columbus Day Boat Races
School's out today so why not join us in the outdoor play area (or classroom if it's rainy) for some boat races, in honor of this seafaring explorer?
• Fee: Free with admission.

Friday, Oct. 15, 5:30-6:30 pm
Autism Spectrum Special Event: HAUNTED GARDEN!
Sponsored by Pfizer and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Join us for a less hectic, first-hour opening night of the annual funny and frightful (but not too scary) Halloween celebration. Games, jokes and costumes make this a night not to be missed! Festivities will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Come in costume, if you like. This quiet hour is intended for families with members on the autism spectrum. Free event sponsored by Pfizer and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. To register call: 860-691-1111

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16, 6:30-8:30 pm
HAUNTED GARDEN and MONSTER SHINDIG!!
Join us for our annual funny and frightful (but not too scary) Halloween celebration. Games, jokes, costumes, and refreshments make this a night not to be missed. Festivities are held indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Come in costume, if you like.
• Fee: $5 per person. Family maximum fee of $25.

Sunday, Oct. 17, 6-7:30 pm
HAUNTED GARDEN
We know it's a school night (that's why we're opening the doors a bit early), but it's not too late to come down and join us for our annual funny and frightful (but not too scary) Halloween Haunted Garden. Games, jokes, and costumes make this a night not to be missed. Festivities are held outdoors only; inclement weather will result in cancellation.
• Fee: $5 per person. Maximum fee per family $25.

Friday, Oct. 22, 2:30-3:30 pm
Mask Making in the Classroom
Some schools are dismissing early today – what better way to spend the afternoon than creating something in our classroom. Use all kinds of recycled materials to make yourself an alter ego when you drop in with us.
• Free with admission.

Sunday, Oct. 24, begins at 1 pm
Around Town - Niantic Village Halloween Parade
Niantic, CT: Come one, come all, to one of the most highly entertaining events in town ~ the annual Niantic Halloween Parade. Sponsored by the East Lyme Business Organization, the parade will take place on Sunday, October 24, 2010 beginning at 1:00 p.m., when children are welcome to browse the downtown shops for "Tricks and Treats". Among the parade's signature features is the always popular Halloween Parade which will begin at 2:00 p.m. (starting at Hole-in-the-Wall) candy for the kids and costume prizes to be awarded.
For additional information, contact Terri Smith at 691-0528 or e-mail her at: jsmith5@snet.net.

Thursday, Oct. 28, 10:45-11:15 am
Toddler Halloween Parade
Wear your costume as we parade out onto Main Street and off to visit our neighbors right next door at Crescent Point at Niantic Senior Community. Meet in the classroom at 10:45 to make a treat bag and then we'll be off in parade fashion.
• Event is free of charge, but space is limited. Please call 860-691-1111.

PROGRAMS

MUSEUM BABIES (5-week Series)

• Best for ages 12 - 18 months
• Friday, 9:30. (45 minutes)
• 5-week series: Sept. 24 - Oct. 22.
• Fee (due at registration): $45 member, $75 non-member (includes admission
• 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
• Best for ages 18-36 months
• 45 minute classes
• 5-week series
• Fee (due at registration): $45 member, $75 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.
• Sept. 22 - Oct. 20
• 45 minute classes
• Best for ages 24 - 36 months
• Fee (due at registration): $45 member, $75 non-member (includes admission
• 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)
• Sept. 23 - Oct. 21
• 45 minute classes
• Fee (due at registration): $45 member, $75 non-member (includes admission
• 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
• Sept. 25- Oct. 23
• 45 minute classes
• Fee (due at registration): $45 member, $75 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! Single session, 45-minute programs are for 3-5 year olds who are ready to attend alone. $9 member, $15 nonmember, includes museum admission for child. Call to register: (860) 691-1111.
• 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, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Ocean Murals
Is a Hammerhead shark bigger than a Great White???
Come and learn as we talk about sea-life on a really big scale!!
• 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, Oct. 5, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: How Can You Top a Tree?
Make a tree collage to show how our leafy friends change throughout the year.
• 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, Oct. 8, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Leaf Jumpers
Fall is here!! What shall we do with all of those tumbling, colorful leaves??
• 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, Oct. 12, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Sun Bread
We'll listen to a story about a baker who made the sun, then become sun bakers ourselves!
• 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, Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: What Does a Scarecrow Do?
We will learn what a scarecrow is really used for, what it's made of, and work together to make one ourselves!
• 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, Oct. 19, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: An Apple A Day
Time to pick some of fall's favorite fruit!! Apples, apples, everywhere and so much to learn!
• 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, Oct. 22, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Things That Go!!!
Cars, trucks, trains. Bicycles, boats, planes . . . and anything else that you can think of. How do they all get going?
• 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, Oct. 26, 10:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: What a Tiny Town!
Let's turn the classroom into our own tiny town and see who every part works together.
• 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, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: It's Pumpkin Time!!
Learn about just where pumpkins come from and get creative with some pumpkin art.
• 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 for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Archeological Hunt!
Become a detective and search for clues on an archeological scavenger hunt around the Museum.
• 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, Oct. 13, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: The Leaves Are Leaving
Why do leaves change color? Can making leaf imprints help us find out?
• 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, Oct. 20, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Write Like An Egyptian
Travel back in time and explore pyramids and mummies. Plus, try your hand at writing your name as the ancient Egyptians would have!
• 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, Oct. 27, 1:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: North, South, East, West . . . Which Direction Do You Like Best?
Today we'll test our sense of direction and map-making skills.
• 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 (5-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
• 5-week series*: Sept. 21 - Oct. 19
• Best for ages 5 - 8 years old
• Fee (due at registration): $45 member, $75 non-member (includes admission for child)
• Call to register: 860-691-1111
* Parent and child meeting on September 14 at 1:30 to determine content. No fee to attend meeting

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, Oct. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
World's Biggest Fort!
No limit to materials, just time, space, and energy! Let's create an architectural masterpiece!!

The Museum is OPEN:
• NEW Fall Hours!
Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 - 4:30.
Friday, 9:30 - 6:00. Friday, Oct. 1, open until 8:00!
Saturday, 9:30-5.
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, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.