September 11–15
Crumpled Paper Ant Tunnels
Ants are so strong that they can lift nearly fifty times their own weight! They build and live in underground tunnels and structures. Build an ant’s underground nest using craft paper.
Tiny Plants in Tiny Pots
Saturday, September 13
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
As part of our new program called Sprout Scouts, funded by the Robert H. Janssen Foundation and the Community Foundation SLO County, we’ll be rolling out plant-related activities over the next twelve months.
In September, decorate a little terracotta pot with paint. Plant a tiny plant. Take it home with care instructions and nurture it.
When you next visit: check out the progress being made on the back planters, whose redesign is also part of the grant.
Meet & Color With Bryson Bost
Author of the Dancing Planets Coloring Book Series
Sunday, September 14
2:00 PM
You may have spotted the Dancing Planets coloring books in the SLOCM Shop – well, here’s your chance to meet the author! Bryson is an accomplished artist and educator who enjoys the meditative, free-flowing nature that drawing brings. His detailed abstractions can be found in galleries throughout the West, and he leads classes in multiple school districts.
We’ll be coloring together in his wonderful books!
September 18–22
Clay Ant Hill
Ant colonies create chambers and tunnels underground by digging with their mandible (jaw). The ants carry the extra sand and soil out of the tunnel, leaving a pile of dirt at the opening. Make an ant mound with air-drying clay and place tiny worker ants going in and out of their home.
Play with us for free, then head over to Farmers’ Market on Higuera Street for dinner and entertainment!
September 25–29
Ant Picnic
Ants love attending yummy picnics. Weave a red and white picnic blanket. Add thumbprint ants searching for leftover crumbs.
Every Fall since 2008, supporters and friends of the Children’s Museum have gathered to celebrate the previous year and raise funds for the exhibits and programs to come.
This year, we’re expecting 150 guests join us for a Wicked/Wizard of Oz costume party on October 10th. Think lively games, a silent disco, dinner prepared by Café Roma, karaoke, a live auction filled with experiences, and unexpected twists throughout the evening.
Purchase your tickets here (we usually sell out!), plan your outfit, and wear comfy shoes. We’re going to have a WICKED time!
September 4–8
Ant Life Cycle
Create ant eggs, larvae and pupae from craft materials and glue them onto an informative life cycle chart.
Visit the Museum for free!
Use marking pens to decorate wooden craft sticks with colorful patterns of dots and lines. The completed sticks will then be combined to make a piece of art made through teamwork!
Paint little egg flat cup flowers to be strung together to form a lively mobile to be hung in the Museum
There will be a new photo op in the Museum this summer created by all of our guests! But first, we need paper feathers decorated. The feathers will be attached to a set of wings to form a dreamy background for an ethereal photo.
Messy Splat Painting
May 22–26
Whack a sponge dipped in paint with a wooden spoon. Watch the paint splash over the paper, creating interesting patterns.
Visit the Museum for free!
Paint on Shiny Foil
May 15–19
Blue and white swirls painted on foil make a dreamy image. Is it a rainy day? The ocean?
Flowerpot Pour Painting
Saturday, May 10
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Pour layers of vibrant acrylic paint over the bottom of a terracotta flowerpot. Take it home to dry then plant the provided California flower seeds with soil from your yard.
Drip Painting
May 8–12
Paint of different colors squirted along the top edge of a stretched canvas square leads to an interesting art piece.
Crumpled Paper Art
May 1–5
Repeatedly crumpled paper, painted with watercolors, creates a magical effect.
Meet Guide Dog Puppies
Saturday, April 26
11:00 AM Meet & Greet
Guide Dogs for the Blind is the largest guide dog school in North America, and provides its services free to students all over the United States and Canada.
Join Guide Dogs for the Blind - San Luis Obispo Puppy Raisers to meet puppies in training of all ages. Have you ever wondered how a dog knows when to cross a street safely? Or get its partner to work? Come find out!
Paper Chain Dachshund
April 24–28
A paper-chain slinky dog is fun and easy to make!
Visit the Museum for free!
Chalk Art Cat
April 17–21
Quick white chalk strokes on black paper, together with a cat face, make a “fluffy” piece of art.
Pet Rock with a Cozy Home
Saturday, April 12
11:30–1:30 PM
Make a rock friend using paint. Create its cozy home by decorating the outside of a handled box and adding a mossy nest inside.
Sensory Nights are offered quarterly, for free, to kiddos on the autism spectrum and their families. These events combine the ability to structure museum exhibits to be "spectrum friendly" while providing a fun, easy environment for families to bond together and meet others.
Pet Chameleon
April 10–14
A chameleon is a lizard that can change the color of its skin. They catch their food by quickly flicking out their suction cup-like tongues. Make a quick-tongued chameleon with paper and a party blower.
My Goldfish Bowl
April 3–7
Pebbles, glue, rhinestones and your hand – dipped in orange paint – come together to create a fishbowl!
Bugs in the Grass
March 27–31
Using paint, create a field of tall green grass. Attach wiggly bug eyes peeking out from their hiding places.
Visit the Museum for free!
Little Armadillo
March 20–24
A roly-poly (or pill bug) is also called a “little armadillo” because they both have protective armor. Make a roly-poly using seven paper triangles hooked together with a brad fastener. Add eye stickers and glue on little legs.
Ladybug Apple Printing
March 13–17
Use red paint and an apple-half stamp to print your ladybug’s body. Use black paint and a brush or your thumbprint to add a head and spots. Don’t forget to glue on its wiggly eyes!
Decorate a Bug Hotel for your Yard
Saturday, March 8
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Much like humans, insects need a place to stop and rest as they travel and go about their business. An little hotel gives them a cozy and safe place to rest, especially when it’s cold.
Decorate your own bug hotel, and learn about how to support our insect friends.
Bumblebee Headband
March 6–10
Using vibrant yellow paper, make a wearable bee headband using glue, antennae and eyes.
Butterfly Symmetry Paintings
February 27–March 3
Squirt and daub colorful paint onto one side of a black butterfly template. Fold it in half, press, and then open to reveal that, just like with real butterflies, the sides match!
Visit the Museum for free!
Watercolor Heart
February 20–24
Dots of colorful paint sprayed with water create a pretty blended design.
Heart Doily Envelope
February 13–17
Fold a heart-shaped doily into an envelope (think origami!) and seal it with a heart-shaped sticker.
Squishy Sensory Heart
Saturday, February 8
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Place sequins, glitter, hearts and other little Valentine-themed bits, together with clear liquid, into a plastic bag. You’ve just made a sensory toy!
