DOVER— The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is closed for its annual maintenance weeks from Monday, September 5 - Thursday, September 15. The museum reopens on Friday, September 16 and the rest of the month will be part of the Toddlerfest celebration, during which the museum hosts special programs and activities for its youngest visitors.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire Members of any level are invited to visit the NH Farm Museum in Milton, NH for free Sunday, September 18 through Sunday, October 16, 2022. This reciprocity is just one of many perks of being a CMNH member. The NH Farm Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. This free admission perk for our members does NOT apply to the NH Farm Museum’s annual Pie Festival on Saturday, September 17, which is an annual fundraiser. In addition, any CMNH Members who decide to purchase a NH Farm Museum membership during their visit will be given a 10% discount. Learn more about the NH Farm Museum online here at https://nhfarmmuseum.org/
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is the perfect place to schedule an affordable field trip this Fall. “We encourage schools to book their field trips early in the school year as we do tend to fill up in the spring,” shared Xanthi Gray, CMNH Education Director. “We also have special reduced and even free field trip options for Title 1 Schools,” added Gray. Educators can choose between a Self-Guided Visit or a Group Visit that includes a STEAM Workshop. Dates through June are now available for online reservations.
Fall Museum Hours: Tuesdays, 9am-Noon, Wednesdays through Saturdays 9am-Noon or 1-4pm; Sundays, 9am-Noon. Before visiting, the Museum is still asking guests to reserve and pre-pay online to help stick to their capacity limit, which is currently at 50% of its actual capacity, or 250 individuals. Special thanks to museum lead sponsor, Kennebunk Savings Bank. Learn more at www.childrens-museum.org.
FEATURED SEPTEMBER PROGRAM
Toddlerfest
September 16 - October 2, 2022
Now that the big kids are back in school, it’s time to celebrate our youngest visitors! During Toddlerfest, visitors to CMNH can enjoy crafts in our art studio that will stretch those budding fine and gross motor skills. Children and their caregivers will bond over special projects and activities that embrace early literacy development. Every year we assemble a dynamic line-up of special guests that will share their expertise - explore music and art therapy, dance, literacy, science, child development, and more! See the website for details about special events, including a kick-off concert by musician Steve Blunt on Saturday, September 17th at 10:30am. Toddlerfest programs are free with museum admission and as always free for museum members. Online registration and pre-payment required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Bubble Dance Party
Friday, September 16 at 2:30pm
Thursday, September 22 at 2:30pm
Friday, September 30 at 2:30pm
The Children’s Museum of NH is back open after being closed for a week of annual maintenance, and now we are celebrating Toddlerfest! Help us celebrate with a Bubble Dance Party on the outdoor Play Patio (sign up for the afternoon play session from 1-4pm)! Toddlerfest programs are free with museum admission and as always are free for museum members. Reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in the Bubble Dance Parties. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Science Friday
Friday, September 16 at 10:30am and 2:30pm: Ice Cube Fizzy Drips
Friday, September 30 at 10:30am and 2:30pm: Shaving Cream Rain Clouds
Science Friday is new each week and included with regular Museum admission. Science Friday drop-in programs engage children in experiments and activities that focus on fun, and act as a jumping-off point for learning about science concepts. Sponsored by the State of NH on behalf of the UNIQUE College Investing Plan. Reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in Science Fridays. Visit https://childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/programs/s-t-e-a-m to learn more.
Steve Blunt Musical Performance
Saturday, September 17 at 10:30am
Help the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire kick-off their Toddlerfest celebrations with a special musical performance by musician Steve Blunt. Steve is an award-winning children’s musician with over 25 years of experience in the arts and education. His performance promises to be a rompin’, stompin’ good time, full of sing-alongs guaranteed to elicit giggles, wiggles and happy smiles. Be sure to arrive by 10:30am to catch the fun, which ends around 11:15am. Steve’s performance, along with all other Toddlerfest programs, are free with museum admission, and completely free for Members. Reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in this performance. The performing arts series at CMNH is sponsored by The Fuller Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Abbie F. Moseley Charitable Trust, and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Learning Garden: Clay Nature Play
Saturday, September 17 at 2:30pm
The Museums Learning Gardens provide “edible education” for kids about healthy food choices and the environment. The Learning Garden is sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in the Learning Garden activities. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Toddlerfest Fun: Messy Mayhem
Sunday, September 18, 10-11am
Thursday, September 29, 2-3pm
Visit the museum and join in some “Messy Mayhem” outside on the Play Patio! We’ll be having fun with shaving cream on our paint wall! Wear appropriate clothing. Messy Mayhem is included with museum admission, and as always, free for Museum Members. Reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in the Messy Mayhem fun. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Toddler Tinker Time
Tuesday, September 20 & 27 at 10:30-11:30am
Tinker Time gives children a chance to try out different open-ended activities such as building, using art materials, sorting tasks, and trying sensory activities. This self-guided activity has different stations set up for children to explore with their grown-ups. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in the Toddler Tinker Time activities. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more.
Toddlerfest Special Guest: Dr. Jill Trumbell from UNH
Tuesday, September 20 at 10am
Get all your toddler-related questions answered at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire with Dr. Jill Trumbell from UNH. Dr. Jill will share on “Big Feelings, Little Bodies: Navigating Toddlers Understanding and Expression of Emotions.” Make an online reservation to play at the museum, and be sure to stop in to see Dr. Jill in the Muse Studio to ask questions or chat while little ones play an emotions matching game. This program is included with museum admission, and as always, free for Museum Members. Reservations and pre-payment are required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Wacky Art Wednesdays
Wednesday, September 21, 10:30am or 2:30pm: Finger Painting
Wednesday, September 28, 10:30am or 2:30pm: Simple Sun Catchers
Join us at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire at either 10:30am or 2:30pm every Wednesday the museum is open to do a wacky and wonderful art project. The projects are included with museum admission and free for members. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in Wacky Art Wednesdays. Visit https://childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/programs/art-making to learn more.
Toddlerfest Fun: Tiny Dance Class with Musical Arts Dover
Wednesday, September 21, 2-2:30pm
Welcome back Savannah Lee, professional dancer and instructor at Musical Arts of Dover, as she leads a Tiny Dance Class during this year’s Toddlerfest! All ages and experience levels welcome for this inclusive and fun mini dance class. If interested please reserve tickets for the afternoon (1-4pm) play session. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in this Tiny Dance Class. Included with museum admission, and as always, free for Museum Members. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Toddlerfest Fun: Baby Storytime
Thursdays, September 22 & 29, 9:30am
Little ones (ages 6 months-2 years) and their caregivers are welcome to join Baby Storytime! This weekly program, led by Museum early childhood specialist Meredith Brustlin, MLIS, introduces songs, rhymes, movement, and books to babies and their caregivers and introduces important pre-literacy skills along the way! This drop-in program is a great way to socialize with other babies and caregivers. Free with museum admission and as always, free for Museum Members. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in Baby Storytime. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
“Groove and Grow” Music Class with The Sonatina Center
Thursday, September 22 at 10am
Come celebrate Toddlerfest at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire with special guest, Marissa Scott. Marissa is a board-certified music therapist from the Sonatina Center in Dover and she will be leading this fun and silly music enrichment program, perfect for crawlers to age 4, along with their caregivers. This drop-in program is free with museum admission and as always, free for Museum Members. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in this music class. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets or to learn more.
Books Alive: If You Give A Pig A Pancake
September 23 and 24, 10am or 2pm
Member-Only Meet and Greet: Saturday, September 24, 8-9am
Author Laura Numeroff posed the question “What happens if you give…” and proceeded to create a whole series of picture books finishing that question with all sorts of different characters and situations. The star of one of her books, a pancake loving pig, will be visiting the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire to greet young fans and help promote the love of reading! Books Alive seeks to make reading a regular family experience. Museum educators will be reading these books while a friendly costumed Pig tries to pay attention. The Pig will be available for hugs, high-fives and photos at 10am during the morning play sessions (9am-noon) and at 2pm during the afternoon play sessions (1-4pm). There will also be a variety of What If-inspired literacy, math and creative activities for all guests. Free with Museum admission. Books Alive is sponsored by Eastern Bank Community Foundation, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Newburyport Bank, and Cambridge Trust. Online reservations and pre-payment are required. FOR CMNH MEMBERS ONLY: If you have a CMNH Membership (any level), you can visit the Pig before the public on Saturday, September 24 from 8-9am. There will be one book reading during this member event at 8:30am. Reservations required for Member only event, but as always, free. Members, if you’d like to stay and play in the public morning play session from 9am-noon, please also register for that online as well. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for more info.
Toddlerfest Fun: Spanish Storytime
Sunday, September 25 at 10:30am
Join Miss Emily for a special Spanish language storytime! Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in this storytime. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for more info.
Toddlerfest Fun: Usborne Book Fair & Storytime
Friday, September 30, 9am-Noon
Join Usborne representative Samantha Kelly for a special Usborne Book storytime at 10am today. Shop Samantha’s online shop and a portion of the proceeds will go to the museum. Online reservations and pre-payment are required for each play session, but nothing additional needs to be reserved to participate in this storytime. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for tickets to learn more.
Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: Sandy’s Year of Toys - An Art Journal
On view through October 16, 2022
Sandy Steen Bartholomew has a lot of toys. Like, a LOT of toys! The New Hampshire artist and illustrator decided to create a challenge for herself to draw one of her toys every day for a year. Twelve drawings and two toys were chosen for every month of her “Year of Toys” to be displayed in the Gallery 6 art exhibition, and feature toys like Hasbro’s “Weebles” from 1973, a 13-inch-tall Michelangelo Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figure from 1989, and a 3 ¼ inch tall Polly Pocket dressed as Wonder Woman from 2010. A full-color magazine that Sandy has created to celebrate her “Year of Toys” will be available for sale in the Museum Gift Shop. Gallery 6 is open anytime the museum is open and is sponsored by The Fuller Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Abbie F. Moseley Charitable Trust, and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Visit https://childrens-museum.org/visit/info to learn more.
Wee Ones Wednesdays
Wednesdays, September 21 & 28
Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19 & 26
9:15-10am
Join Miss Xanthi for this interactive weekly program for children ages 2-4. Designed as a PRE pre-school program for children and a parent or caregiver, we will enjoy art, music, movement and conceptual learning together! This program is limited to 10 children, and caregivers or adults are welcome to sign up multiple children within their family. There will be no snacks eaten during Wee Ones. Pre-reservation/payment is required and does not include museum admission. Reservations to stay and play in museum exhibits must be made separately. Prices: Child $11 ($8 for Members), Additional Children (if participating in crafts & is a sibling) $8 ($5 for Members). Discount Cards are available for CMNH Members: 5 Class Discount Card for $35 or a 10 Class Discount Card for $65. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for more info and to reserve your spot.
COMING SOON
Junior Science: Fall Science and Art
Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18, & 25, 1:15-2pm
Junior Science is back! We are excited to invite junior scientists (ages 3.5 - 5) to our first session, Fall Science and Art, which will combine science, art, and the changing seasons. Junior Science classes open with a story, followed by a fun experiment, and a related art project to take home. Classes will be held in the classroom, and families with siblings may opt to play on the second floor during the class time. Please note that the museum is closed to the public on Tuesday afternoons. Cost: Members $40/child; Non-Members $48/child. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more.
Exploring Our Way: Free Sensory Friendly Playtime
Wednesday, October 5, 1-4pm
For some children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders, a visit to museums like the Children’s Museum of NH is challenging or over-stimulating. Exploring Our Way are FREE low-sensory events designed for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders, and allows them to explore the Museum along with their families without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical open day. While the museum is open (with regular admission) to the public during Exploring Our Way, we limit the number of families who can attend, turn down sounds and lights, provide a quiet zone with sensory activities away from the exhibit floor and have noise canceling headphones to borrow. A medical diagnosis is not required. Online pre-registration is required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more.
Exhibit Explorers
Wednesday, October 19, 2-3pm
Kids ages 5+, along with their grown-up, are invited to be an exhibit explorer at The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire! Each month the museum offers a workshop that will highlight a different exhibit at the museum with a 40-minute guided lesson followed by in-depth exhibit exploration with a museum educator. After the guided activities, participants can stay and play for the last hour of the play session. This self-guided play time will be great for participating families to get to know one another, or to enjoy exploring the museum on their own. October’s theme is River Builders, and participants will explore the Cochecho Nature exhibit. Hypothesize and learn about creatures that build and make their homes along rivers in New Hampshire, try a building challenge, and explore some nature artifacts! Cost for Members is $10/adult and child pair, and $15/adult and child pair for Non-members. Families may sign up additional children for $8/child (Members) or $13/child (Non-members). Online pre-registration and payment is required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org for registration and more info.
Evening Exploring Our Way: Free Sensory Friendly Playtime
Friday, November 18 from 3-6pm
This free low-sensory playtime at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is designed for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders, and allows them to explore the Museum along with their families without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical open day. While the museum is open (with regular admission) until 4pm on this day, beginning at 3pm we turn down sounds and lights, provide a quiet zone with sensory activities away from the exhibit floor and have noise canceling headphones to borrow. A medical diagnosis is not required. Online pre-registration is required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more.
About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to middle school. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art, natural history, and S.T.E.A.M.. Open year-round, the Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies, and educators. A central part of the museum’s mission is ensuring accessibility, and the “Reach All Initiative” works towards this goal by welcoming over 28% of yearly visitors for free or reduced admission. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up