March - May Spring 2015
LincolnChildrensMuseum.org
(402) 477-4000
1420 P Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
What’s Inside... • Special Events, pg. 3 • Camps & Programs, pg. 4 • Activity Calendar, pg. 5 • Museum Overnights, pg. 6 • Taste of Spring, pg. 7
Board of Directors
Tracy Sanford President
Kelly R. Hoffschneider President Elect
Britta Muhleisen
Secretary
Layne Sup
Treasurer
Amie Martinez Past President
Terry Genrich
Barbara Baier
Paige Duncan
Justin Reineke
Trey Pittenger
Katie Weichman Zulkoski
Kim Tucker
Andrew Willis
Mark Walker
Holly Baete
Lauren Pugliese
Kelli Hogeland
Kimberly Keller
Katie Haszard
Friends President
GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available for purchase at the Welcome Desk. They are sold in $5 increments, beginning at $10. Gift cards may be redeemed for anything sold at the Museum, including educational programming. Get yours today!
2
Meet Tara Knuth WOW, WOW, WOW! This is what I have to say about Lincoln, the people and Lincoln Children’s Museum. I love my new job, a new city scene, and I am excited for the year ahead! For those of you whom I have not met, I am Tara Knuth the new Executive Director of Lincoln Children’s Museum.
As the E.D. in Kearney, I learned that kids don’t really ask us for much; all they really want is our time. They learn new things all day long, and they want to share what they know with us. They learn they can stack blocks first one or two high, then maybe six or seven before they fall over. They learn they want to be an astronaut—no wait, a Although I am originally from North Platte, pilot—or maybe a doctor … or vet. I would Kearney has been my home for the past 20 like to say that I spent my children’s younger years. I graduated from University of years playing with them free of distraction, Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Arts telling stories and soaking in every moment I in Elementary Education and Early could. The truth is, I was busy with a million Childhood. After graduating, I worked as a things that had to be done. However, when I social worker for several years where I loved was at the children’s museum with them and working with and seeing children and they asked, “Mom, will you play with me?” I families together. After meeting my husband could; and I did it without all the and getting married, I decided to step out of distractions. There was no laundry to fold or social work to focus on building my own dishes in the other room taunting me. It was family. just me, my kids and a world of imagination. Maybe I want to be an astronaut … or a Like most families, it was built out of love farmer would be fun. No, a ballerina has but not completely in the traditional sense. always been my dream! My husband and I were blessed to adopt three wonderful boys. A short nine months Four years later, I am blessed to continue later, our strong-willed princess arrived. In serving children and families in a children’s 2006 we officially went from a family of two museum with unmatched potential. I am to a family of six, and we have been working excited for all the new opportunities Lincoln to keep our heads above water ever since! I will offer my family and for all the new wouldn’t trade it for anything. opportunities that Lincoln Children’s Museum will offer the community and the As all parents know, time fills up quickly Midwest. with laundry, dishes, cooking and taking care of all the other everyday “stuff” that the Recently, I read an article titled, “To My days, weeks, months and years fly by. As Daughter at Half Time,” which was every great Pinterest post reminds us, the eye-opening because my own daughter just tasks of life can wait, but kids don’t. So in turned 9 a month ago. It occurred to me that 2010, when I accepted the executive director I’m half way done with raising her. She is position at Kearney Children’s Museum moving toward a time in her life when she (now officially known as Alia Arram won’t have as much time for me, but for Children’s Museum), it brought together today we are going to Lincoln Children’s everything I held important: children, Museum, and I will ask her, “Will you play families and learning. with me today?” I hope she’ll say yes, and I hope to see you during your playtime at the Museum! If you happen to see me, please say hello. I will be the ballerina on the stage.
Tara Knuth Tara Knuth Executive Director
Special Events
For a detailed listing of participating groups featured at these events, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or “Like” us on Facebook.
Saturday, March 14 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Heroes, real and imaginary, will visit Lincoln Children’s Museum on Super Hero Day. Meet all of your favorites, including: the Star Wars Stormtroopers from the Central Garrison of the 501st Legion, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, popular princesses and others. Real-life heroes from Lincoln Fire & Rescue and No Coast Derby Girls will also join us to inspire the hero within you! Receive $1 off admission if you dress in costume.
Saturday, April 11 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
From an instrument “petting zoo” to performances by area students, Music at the Museum offers kids of any age a chance to discover their musical talents! Children can try instruments from all the families–brass, strings, woodwinds or percussion–as well as make their own ukulele or maraca in a special art activity. We’re certain you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Monday, April 13 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Shining Star is special, free event custom-designed for families with children who need a safer and cleaner play environment due to unique medical backgrounds. This special evening is closed to the general public and offers families with similar stories to join together and explore the imaginative world of the Lincoln Children’s Museum while building memories beyond the confines of the hospital.
Game Night!
Adults Only Friday, April 17 7-10 p.m.
Adult Takeover: Game Night returns for round two at Lincoln Children’s Museum! This adults-only night out is not your typical fundraising event. Forget the stuffy attire; come dressed to play! Your inner child will burst with joy as you challenge your friends to games like Jumbo Jenga, Mega Twister, Footvolley, Battleship, Bucket Pong and plenty more!
Saturday, April 25 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
At Science Saturday, children can experience what it’s like to be a scientist by trying fascinating experiments and attempting fun engineering feats. All this factual fun is bound to kick your brain into the next gear!
3
Register today for
SUMMER CAMPS! Preschool Play Day Camps (Ages 3-5)
Members: $25, Non-Members: $30 Check-in: 9:30-10 a.m.; Check-out: 4:30-5 p.m. All campers must be toileting independently. Campers should bring a sack lunch; no nuts, please!
Notes from Miss Flowers
We have BIG things planned this summer at Lincoln Children’s Museum’s Think Factory. Our campers will learn how to use a microscope, make homemade pasta, throw paint-filled balloons, play a life sized game of CLUE, make movies and attempt to break world records. Phew! A thinker’s job is never done! Get out your thinking cap and get ready for some hands-on learning and brain-engaging fun!
POP!
Simple Science
Goes the Bubble
March 30
April 20
A
R
PE SU R M PLE
Spring Break Camp! March 9-13 Members: $170, Non-Members: $195
THINK THINK
es ob r
M
It i Food
July 20-24
REC LD
s
r
June 22-26 & June 29-July 1
D OR
4
July 27-31
o u s Mic
July 20-24
B
Whodunit
Mystery Camp
?
anteed BEST DEAL on summer camps when you register by March 15!
Scientis
June 15-19
WOR
July 13-17
April Fool's Day fun will still be going strong at Lincoln Children’s Museum. We will create art that looks good enough to eat, make sneaky food that looks like other food, and tell super silly jokes. Get ready to LOL!
&
June 8-12
July 6-10
el
r
June 1-5
Members: $50, Non-Members: $65
t
Ma
v
f u n y o u w i l l h av e
April 24
*Save $20 per camp! Get the guar×
Elementary Camps (Ages 6-10) ad
camp
Hurry! The best deal ends soon.
FACTORY
Messy Masterpieces
May 21
Check-in 8-8:30 a.m.; Check-out 4:30-5 p.m. Campers should bring a sack lunch; no nuts, please!
S
S
May 11
Elementary Camps (Ages 6-10)
Each day of camp has a different theme: art, science, cooking, fantasy and fun. Learn new skills and explore all that the Lincoln Children’s Museum has to offer!
15 r 20 e m um
April 30
e a ker
Aug. 3-7
For more information on camps, prices or to register, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or call (402) 477-4000.
2
3
4
5
6
7
13
14
March
1
SED CLO 9 PE SU R
PE SU R
12
PE SU R
A
16
17
23
24
SED CLO
SED CLO
30
M PLE
20% off
A
M PLE
R
A
R
M PLE
R
A
S
M PLE
SED CLO
11
S
29
10 S
22
S
15
A
S
LPS Spring Break!
PE SU R
PE SU R
R
OPEN
R
8
M PLE
18
19
20
21
25
26
27
28
31
SED CLO
2
3
4
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
April
12
1
6
SED CLO
25
Member Double Discount Days! Take 20% off your Museum Store purchase on the 25th of each month throughout 2015.
Simple Science
5 Closed Happy Easter!
20% off
Game Night!
19
SED CLO
20
22
23
24
20% off
25
camp 27
26
21
28
29
30
SED CLO
MOTHER’S DAY!
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
SED CLO SED CLO
2
May
3
1
POP!
Moms get free admission.
Goes the Bubble
17
SED CLO
24
20% off
31
OPEN
Mondays for summer
5
From the most memorable birthday slumber party to an unforgettable night of planned activities and crafts, overnights are tailored to meet your group’s goals—and exceed your expectations! Overnight stays can be arranged for special interest groups, like Brownies or Scouts, church group outings, extended family gatherings, school activities or special occasions. All overnights are designed for the 5-12 age group but the fun that comes from an exclusive overnight at the Museum is easily enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Pricing: $540 for up to 12 children (minimum). Cost for each additional child is $45. Museum members receive a 10% discount. A 1:5 adult to child ratio is required for overnights. Adult admission is free. Program Times: Overnights are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. the next morning. Check-in is from 6:30-7 p.m. and check-out is from 8-8:30 a.m. Overnights can be scheduled on Friday or Saturday evenings. Themes: Choose from five fun themes: 1) Build It, Break It! 2) Paint ‘n Play 3) Kids Kitchen Adventure 4) Experimentation Station 5) Museum Mysteries.
Ages 1-3 & Parents/Adult Caregivers Morning & Evening Sessions Members: $32 & Non Members: $40
This new program is designed for toddlers to do what they do best—learn and explore through play! Each 4-week session features a different theme, specific hands-on activities that encourage play and discovery, for parent and child to learn and grow together. Sessions include large group time, play-based learning stations, art activities and educational toys. Registration includes one toddler (ages 12-36 months) and their parent, grandparent or caregiver. April 1-April 23: All About Art Wednesdays: April 1-22, 10-11 a.m. Thursdays: April 2-23, 10-11 a.m. or 6-7 p.m.
Limited space! Register early to guarantee your spot. To register, call Regina at (402) 477-4000 x117, or email rflowers@LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.
6
Booking: Overnights must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance. All overnight reservations require a $100 plus tax, non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The deposit plus tax will be applied to total at the time of final payment. To book your overnight adventure at Lincoln Children’s Museum, contact Education Director Regina Flowers at (402) 477-4000 ext. 117.
plays well with others Meet our Guest Service Manager Joe Smith! He is a graduate of Southeast Community College and enjoys learning. The return of spring and warmer, sunnier weather calls for celebration and getting out of the office. What better way to celebrate and to shake off the cooped up feelings of winter than having a private rental at Lincoln Children’s Museum? Offering three levels with interactive exhibits and space to easily accommodate 50 or 500+ people, Lincoln Children’s Museum is a unique setting for both large and small events. Plus, it’s the perfect place to release some of that new-found energy brought on by spring!
In his spare time he writes and produces a weekly trivia show, likes to cook and reads obsessively. Joe said, “The best part about working at the Museum is seeing all of the kids having such a great time and helping them learn how the exhibits work—especially the Lunar Lander; that one is really fun!”
Contact Jason at (402) 477-4000 x120, or email jhelgren@LincolnChildrensMuseum.org for more details today! First National Bank
Saturday, May 2, 2015 6-9 p.m. Lincoln Country Club The Friends of Lincoln Children's Museum are very excited to invite you to Taste of Spring, a dinner and auction to benefit Lincoln Children's Museum. Join us for this exclusive benefit, The Big Birthday Celebration! The event will be held Saturday, May 2 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Country Club. The adult-only evening will include silent and live auctions, cocktail hour and sit-down dinner. If you believe in the mission of the Museum and support the power of play, don't miss out on this event. Tickets to the dinner and auction event are $125 each, or you can purchase an entire table of 10 for $1,200. Tickets go on sale March 14 and will be available at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or by calling 402-477-4000. All proceeds from Taste of Spring support the Museum's exhibits, events and educational programs.
June 4, 11, 18 & 25 5-7 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite family concert series in Lincoln has some exciting changes planned for the Museum’s 25th anniversary year! Join us on Thursday evenings in June from 5-7 p.m., to get your groove on with some great musical acts. Stay tuned for the concert line up and more information about our performers and special 25th anniversary finale!
7
Lincoln Children’s Museum 1420 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
®
TM
MUSEUM HOURS Sun. Mon.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed*
Tues. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wed. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thur. 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. *Open when LPS is not in session
Summer hours begin May 25!
25th SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY
R STO
20% off
E
Double Discount Days! Save 20% on the 25th of Each Month!
In honor of the Museum’s 25th Anniversary, we have a special offer for Museum Members! Visit the Museum Store the 25th of every month from now through December 2015 and enjoy double discounts. That means you take 20% off any merchandise you purchase! Offer ONLY valid on the 25th of the month.
Shop the Museum Store!
Be Amazing! toys offer educational, creative and fun science kits that teach real science to children of all ages. We have a collection of fun science kits that will make your kids say “Wow! How does that work?”
Feel-good shopping
Each time you shop the Museum Store, you support a local business and help make the events, programs and exhibits you love at Lincoln Children's Museum possible! Thank you.
Insta