Hello there, dear reader! Are you looking for a fun and educational experience for your little ones? Look no further than the Children’s Museum of NH. Located in Dover, New Hampshire, this museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities that encourage kids to learn, explore, and play. Whether it’s the chance to operate a mini-crane, experiment with bubbles, or build a castle, there’s something for every child to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this museum a must-visit destination for families.
Exploring the Children’s Museum of NH
An Overview of the Museum
The Children’s Museum of NH is a perfect place for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. Located in Dover, NH, the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and programs for children of all ages. The museum’s exhibits are designed to engage children’s curiosity and provide them with opportunities to learn about science, math, arts, culture, and more.
The museum features many hands-on exhibits that encourage kids to explore, discover, and play. Kids can climb into the driver’s seat of a real fire engine, milk a cow, create art and music, and even run a diner. The museum also has outdoor exhibits, including an outdoor play area and gardens.
The History of the Museum
The Children’s Museum of NH was first opened in 1983 as the “Children’s Museum of Portsmouth” in the historic Armory building in downtown Portsmouth. The museum was founded by a group of parents who were looking for a fun and educational place to take their children.
In 2006, the museum’s board of trustees decided that the museum had outgrown its location in Portsmouth and began looking for a larger space. After considering several locations, they found the perfect location in Dover, NH, and the museum moved to its current location in 2008.
The Mission of the Museum
The Children’s Museum of NH is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing children and families with meaningful, joyful learning experiences. The museum’s mission is to “ignite children’s creative potential through meaningful, joyful learning experiences.” The museum achieves this goal by providing a safe, fun, and interactive environment where children can explore and learn through play.
The museum’s exhibits and programs are designed to promote curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children. The museum believes that children learn best through hands-on experiences, and the museum’s exhibits provide children with opportunities to explore, experiment, and discover new things.
The Children’s Museum of NH is committed to serving the local community by offering outreach programs and educational opportunities for children and families. The museum also partners with local schools, libraries, and community organizations to bring the museum’s exhibits and programs out into the community.
Exhibits and Programs at the Museum
When it comes to hands-on learning experiences for children in New Hampshire, the Children’s Museum of NH is a must-see destination for the whole family. The museum is filled with a wide range of exhibits and programs that spark curiosity and creativity in children of all ages. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to see and do at the museum.
Permanent Exhibits
The Children’s Museum of NH boasts several permanent exhibits that offer endless learning opportunities for kids. One of the most popular exhibits is the “Dino Detective” exhibit. It takes visitors back in time to explore the world of dinosaurs, their habitats, and their interactions with other species. Kids can also become a paleontologist for a day and uncover fossils using special tools.
Another permanent exhibit that kids love is the “Music Matrix” exhibit, which lets visitors experiment with music and sound. Kids can create their own beats, play virtual instruments, and learn about different styles of music from around the world.
Other permanent exhibits include the “Yellow Submarine,” where kids can explore life under the sea, and the “Build It!” exhibit, where kids can use their engineering skills to design and construct their own structures.
Rotating Exhibits
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum features rotating exhibits that change on a regular basis, offering new experiences for repeat visitors. One such exhibit is “Bubble Blast.” It invites kids to explore the fascinating science of bubbles and experiment with different materials to create their own bubble wands and solutions.
Another popular exhibit is “STEAM Park,” which encourages kids to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). They can build and design structures, tinker with circuits, and experiment with different materials to create their own projects.
Programs and Events
The Children’s Museum of NH also offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year. These include workshops, camps, and storytimes. The museum’s daily storytimes include interactive read-alouds and songs that bring books to life for kids.
During the summer months, the museum hosts camps that provide a fun and educational experience for kids. The camps vary in theme and include topics such as art, science, and cooking.
Overall, the Children’s Museum of NH is an excellent destination for families with children of all ages. Its exhibits and programs offer a unique way for kids to learn and explore the world around them. It’s a place where kids can play, create, and discover, all while having fun.
Visiting the Children’s Museum of NH
If you’re planning a visit to the Children’s Museum of NH, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience. From hours and admission to accessibility and amenities, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Hours and Admission
The Children’s Museum of NH is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday. Hours of operation vary depending on the day, so it’s important to check the museum’s website before you go. On Tuesdays through Saturdays, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm. On Sundays, it’s open from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Admission prices are based on age and membership status. For 1-year-olds and older, admission is $10 per person. Discounted rates are available for seniors, active military members, and educators. Members of the museum receive free admission throughout the year.
Accessibility and Amenities
The Children’s Museum of NH is committed to making the exhibits accessible to everyone. The facility is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator to move people between floors. There is even a nursing room, should caregivers require a quiet place to tend to their children.
For parents with young children, strollers are available for rent at the front desk. During your visit, be sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase a souvenir of your time at the museum.
Tips for Visiting
To make the most of your time at the Children’s Museum of NH, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early: For the best experience, it’s best to arrive early before the museum gets too busy.
- Wear comfortable clothing: With so many activities to enjoy, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are a must.
- Bring a water bottle and snacks: You’ll want to stay hydrated and nourished while you explore the various exhibits, so bringing your own water bottle and snacks is a good idea.
Overall, the Children’s Museum of NH is a fantastic destination for families with young children. With plenty of engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and learning opportunities, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular attraction in the area. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, be sure to add it to your list of “must-see” destinations.
Supporting the Children’s Museum of NH
The Children’s Museum of NH is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of the community to continue providing educational and entertaining exhibits and programs for children. Here are some ways you can help support this unique and valuable resource for families.
Donating to the Museum
If you’d like to make a financial contribution to the Children’s Museum of NH, you can do so easily and securely online or by mail. As a non-profit organization, your donation is tax-deductible. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, helps the museum continue to offer hands-on exhibits, educational programming, and special events that inspire creativity, curiosity, and learning in children of all ages.
Your donation can support a specific exhibit or program, or you can make a general donation that will go towards the museum’s operating costs. You can also choose to make a monthly donation, which helps the museum with ongoing expenses.
At the Children’s Museum of NH, there are several ways to donate. You can make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation. You can also donate in honor of someone special or in memory of a loved one. Whatever the reason for your donation, you can be assured that it will make a difference in the lives of children in the region.
Become a Member
One of the best ways to support the Children’s Museum of NH while receiving exclusive benefits for yourself and your family is by becoming a member. Memberships are available for individuals and families, and they come with a range of perks.
Membership benefits include free admission to the museum for a year, discounts on special events, birthday parties, and programs, early access to new exhibits, and invitations to members-only special events. Members also receive discounts on purchases in the museum’s gift shop and online store.
By becoming a member, you not only gain access to all the museum has to offer, but you also support the organization’s mission to inspire creativity and learning in children. Your membership fees help the museum continue to offer high-quality exhibits and programs to the community.
Volunteer Opportunities
For those interested in a more hands-on approach to supporting the Children’s Museum of NH, there are many volunteer opportunities available. Volunteers can help with everything from setting up exhibits to greeting visitors at the front desk.
Volunteering at the Children’s Museum of NH is a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people, and make a positive impact in the lives of children. Volunteers can choose from a variety of opportunities, including assisting with events, administrative tasks, and exhibit maintenance.
Volunteers at the Children’s Museum of NH receive many benefits, including free admission to the museum for themselves and their families, discounts in the gift shop, and invitations to special events. Volunteering is also a great way to gain experience in the museum field or build your resume.
In conclusion, the Children’s Museum of NH relies on the support of the community to continue offering high-quality exhibits and programs to children in the region. Whether you choose to make a donation, become a member, or volunteer your time, you can help ensure that this valuable resource continues to thrive for years to come.
The Children’s Museum of NH: A Fun and Educational Destination for Kids
If you’re looking for a place where your kids can have a blast while learning new things, the Children’s Museum of NH is the perfect destination. Located in Dover, New Hampshire, the museum features over 20 exhibits that cater to children of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens.
Interactive Exhibits That Spark Kids’ Curiosity
One of the highlights of the Children’s Museum of NH is its interactive exhibits. From the Dino Detective exhibit that lets kids dig for dinosaur bones and fossils, to the Build It exhibit that allows kids to construct their own creations using real tools, the museum offers a hands-on experience that encourages kids to explore and ask questions.
The exhibits are designed to be both fun and educational, and they cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to history and culture. For example, the STEAM Innovation Lab is a state-of-the-art learning space that teaches kids about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities and experiments.
Special Programs and Events
In addition to its exhibits, the Children’s Museum of NH also offers a range of special programs and events that are designed to enhance your child’s museum experience. These programs include story time, art workshops, science experiments, and more. The museum also hosts birthday parties and field trips for schools and other groups.
The museum’s events calendar is packed with fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. For example, the “Little Kids, Big World” program is specifically designed for children ages 2-5 and includes story time, playtime, and crafts. The “Science After Dark” program allows adults to explore the museum’s exhibits and enjoy food and drinks in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
The Benefits of Visiting the Children’s Museum of NH
A visit to the Children’s Museum of NH provides children with a fun, interactive learning experience. Kids can explore new ideas and develop their curiosity while having a great time. The museum’s exhibits and programs are designed to foster creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills, all of which are important for future success.
In addition, the museum is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of the community to continue its important work. By visiting the museum, you are not only benefiting your own family, but you are also helping to support a valuable resource for the community that will benefit future generations.
Plan Your Visit to the Children’s Museum of NH
Whether you’re a local resident or planning a vacation to New Hampshire, a visit to the Children’s Museum of NH is a must-do activity for families with kids. The museum is open seven days a week, and admission is affordable.
The museum also offers a variety of membership options that provide unlimited access to the exhibits and programs, as well as discounts on birthday parties, camps, and other events. A membership is a great way to support the museum and ensure that you and your kids have access to this amazing resource all year long.
So, why wait? Plan your visit to the Children’s Museum of NH today and get ready for a fun and educational adventure that your kids will never forget!