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October - December 2016
NEWS FROM THE BIG
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U.S. Bank believes all people deserve the opportunity to dream, believe and achieve. They believe that one of the building blocks that made our country great is communities connected through culture, recreation and play. U.S. Bank invests time, resources and passion to build and support vibrant communities that allow every person to work toward their possible. Thanks U.S. Bank for supporting the power of play!
Board of Directors Layne Sup President
Kim Keller
President Elect
Andrew Willis
The crisp fall air took its time but it is finally here. This time of year is special for families, because it means the beginning of the season of traditions. Hay rack rides, leaf pile jumping, family gatherings, and cozy story times by the fire.
It’s no secret that Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. The Museum is now draped in wispy cobwebs and friendly ghosts and ghouls that make me smile every time I see them. Much of my family’s spare time during this part of year centers around finding everyone’s costume. I wish when my kids were younger we had something like the Museum’s BOO-tique where you can get a great costume for just $5. That’s a dream come true for a parent of four. After trick-or-treating, quickly enters the season of food and shopping. If you happen to reach your wit’s end in all of the hubbub this holiday, maybe stop and ask your kids why they think this time of the year is special to them. They might say presents, but more likely they could surprise you. I fondly remember when my kids were small, packing them in the van and slowly cruising down snowy streets to appreciate neighborhood Christmas lights.
Listening to the funny things they noticed and seeing the literal sparkle reflect in their eyes made everything else go away for a moment in time. Along with providing a good place to shake off the cold during this season, at the Museum we also like to provide the perfect place for holiday memories. We hope you will join us to kick off the season with Santa and friends at U-Stop’s Holiday Spectacular. Then, how about starting a new tradition with Candy House Funshop? If you’ve never tried it, this could be your new favorite tradition. Decorate a premade (no baking required) candy house with all the frosting and candy your kids could wish for and then – wait for it – leave all the mess here! Top the year off by ringing in 2017 at Make Believe Midnight and boom, you have three traditions that will make sure you don’t forget the best part of this crazy, magical season. Thanks for a wonderful 2016! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Tara Knuth Tara Knuth Executive Director
Secretary
John Connor
Treasurer
Kelly R. Hoffschneider Past President
Tracy Sanford
Justin Reineke
Britta Muhleisen
Katie Weichman Zulkoski
Barbara Baier
Lauren Pugliese
Mark Walker
Katie Haszard
Paige Duncan
John Badami
Kelli Hogeland
Elizabeth (Betsy) Gomez
Scott Clarke
Michele Good
Terry Genrich
Russell Ripa
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We’re proud to partner with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers to celebrate when kids perform acts of kindness or good deeds during their visit to the Museum.
Congrats to Alexander and Gavin, our latest Kids of the Month! Show your Museum member card or sticker when you visit Raising Cane’s at 14th and P Streets and 20% of your purchase goes back to the Museum!
New to the Museum
FINGERPRINTS At Lincoln Children’s Museum we know that every day holds opportunities for new memories with your grandchildren, and we want to help make sure those memories are fun and educational. That’s why we’ve created the Very Important Grandparent (V.I.G.) Club. This program is designed to help grandparents and their grandchildren create, discover and learn through the power of play. As a V.I.G., you gain instant access to a number of unique perks like early ticket sales, Twinkle’s Toy Store discounts, special recognition for you and your grandchildren, and more!
More Daily Activities In January of 2017, there will be more opportunities to enjoy special Museum programming. Due to the popularity of Brain Food, Super Saturday and STEAM Sunday activities that have taken place over the past year, there will soon be an increase of Museum staff-led activities on the exhibit floor. Kids will learn basic STEAM principles, interact with other children, and leave every Museum visit feeling like it was a brand new experience. Watch out for our new website before the end of 2016 with an improved event calendar with all the upcoming additions.
The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has the important job of protecting Nebraska’s air, land and water resources. Thanks to them, the Museum has just installed a water bottle filling station. Visitors with reusable water bottles will not only get a cool refreshing drink, but can also watch the counter to see how many bottles have been saved.
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costumes are available all month at the 15 BOO-tique costume swap in the lobby. 22 Donate a costume & get half off a “new” one. 29
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December 13 is 10 the last day to purchase a gift membership and have it delivered 17 by Christmas.
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On the 29th, join 12 the global day of giving, Giving Tuesday. This day harnesses 19 the collective power of individuals & 26 celebrates generosity worldwide. Every donation helps ensure every child can learn through play.
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10am - 12pm Saturdays are always super at the Children’s Museum! Join us each Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for special performances and hands-on activities provided by various community organizations.
Oct. 17th-18th Fall Fun Member Double Discount Days Stock up on facepaints for Halloween.
Oct. 27th, 5:30 - 7:30pm Family Game Night Come play some of Twinkle’s most popular educational games & puzzles! All games on sale one night only.
Nov. 25th-28th Guest Thankfulness Double Discount Days
Sundays
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
2 - 4pm Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities thanks to the help of our community partners! FREE with admission to the Museum!
Tuesdays
play & connect
9:30 - 11am Join us for free coffee, cookies and adult interaction. Social time for parents and caregivers of children age five and younger. Refreshments while supplies last provided by The Coffee House.
Dec. 6th-11th Twinkle’s Giant Winter Sale Get all of your holiday shopping done here with double discounts & tons of clearance merchandise.
StikBot Studio Sold Here! Bring your imagination to life with stikbot! Through the free stop motion app, Stikbot can be whoever you want; A secret agent, dragon-slaying knight, or a superhero princess!
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Programs for Little Ones
Register at LincolnChildren’sMuseum.org
FINGERPRINTS Fantastic Fall
Wednesdays: Oct. 26th - Nov. 17th, 10 - 11am Thursdays: Oct. 26th - Nov. 17th, 10 - 11am Thursdays: Oct. 26th - Nov. 17th, 6 - 7pm Ages 18 – 36 months & Parent or Caregiver Members: $36 Non-Members: $44
Experience meaningful play with your toddler in a time and space made just for the two of you. A great way to meet other families and introduce little ones to socializing.
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Fridays, Oct. 28th - Nov. 18th, 10 - 11am Ages 36 - 48 months & Parent or Caregiver Members: $36 Non-Members: $44
This transitional program is designed to help children become more independent through gradually decreasing parental involvement.
Play Days Great for developing independence and for getting your child school ready.
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Howdy Partner Oct. 10th & 13th
Hocus Pocus Oct. 24th
Ocean Commotion Nov. 7th
Ages 3 - 5* (Check-in 9 - 9:30am, Check-out 11:30am - 12pm) Members: $25 Non-Members: $30 *campers must be toileting independently
ELEMENTARY Ages 6 - 10 Members: $45 Non-Members: $60 Under the Stars - Oct. 14th Welcome to the camp life! Where the s’mores are always hot and the stories are always chilling. This day will be filled with camping fun as the wonders of the outdoors are brought inside! From building camp fires to star gazing, this camp will be “in tents”.
Survivor - Nov. 28th Time to outwit, outplay, and outlast your opponents! Learn how to work as a team, piece together clues, and survive in a race to the finish line. Think like a survivor as you make your very own compass, create binoculars, and even test your skills in various scavenger hunts. Do you accept the challenge?
Ghosts Ghouls and Monsters Oct. 17th & 18th Get in the spooky spirit and celebrate the season with bobbing for apples, climbing through spider webs, and munching on brains! These two days will be full of ghostly fun.
Jingles & Jammies - Dec. 23rd At this holiday themed camp, spirits will be joyful as we drink hot cocoa, create gifts, and end the day with a fun holiday movie! Don’t forget your pajamas!
Ages 6 - 10 These fun day camps feature exciting themes to keep winter break full of play. Designed to work around busy vacation schedules, campers can attend any or all days without missing out. Save money and increase fun by registering for 4 or more.
All Hands on Deck Mon, Dec. 26th
Topsy Turvy Tues, Dec. 27th
The Warm Cookie Wed, Dec. 28th
Leadership Academy Thurs, Dec. 29th
Celebrate! Fri, Dec. 30th
More info & registration online at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org
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Fall Events Saturday, Oct. 1st - Monday, Oct. 31st
BOO-TIQUE
BUY: Get your kids' Halloween costumes for just $5 each! SWAP: Bring in a clean, gently-worn child's costume and receive a "new" costume for half price! Museum admission not required to this fun pop-up-shop in the Museum lobby. Have costumes to donate to the fundraiser, but don't need costumes? Feel free to drop them at the Museum welcome desk anytime.
Oct. 20th & 21st, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Lincoln's most "EEK"-o-friendly fundraiser.
Member Child: $3
Start by trick-or-treating on the hidden third floor of the Museum, then play your way around all three museum levels while checking out some interesting creepy-crawlers and fun activities. Tickets are required for all guests and are limited so register early at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org. Trick-or-treat bags come with every child ticket.
Member Adult: Free (Ticket Required)
Saturday, Oct. 8th
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To celebrate being apart of this beautiful Lincoln community, the first 500 people admitted to the Museum will receive a free Downtown Lincoln t-shirt or a newborn onesie!
Non-Member Child: $8 Non-Member Adult: $5
Monday, Nov. 14th Shining Star is a free and exclusive event, supported by May Flanagan Foundation, developed to serve families with children whose health has been compromised by a medical condition, specialized surgical procedures or medical treatments. This special event is closed to the general public to allow families who otherwise may not be able to visit the Museum an opportunity to enjoy a special night together away from the home or hospital.
Winter Events Friday, Dec. 2nd 5-8pm
The ultimate start to the holiday season, U-Stop’s Holiday Spectacular is where families gather to have indoor snowball fights, visit Santa in his workshop, watch wonderful dance and song performances, make crafts, and get quality time with Twinkle and some of his character friends. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 4th and are required for all attendees. This event sold out last year so don’t wait to get your tickets.
Members: Free (Ticket Required) Non-Members: $5 Santa Pictures: $5
Dec. 3rd-22nd
Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays
Walking into Candy House Funshop is like a dream where a perfect 15” house, candy, frosting and holiday magic is at your kids’ fingertips and yet you leave with no mess to clean up. Reservations for decorating sessions begin November 4th or support this fundraiser in the comfort of your own home by purchasing take-home kit.
Members: $25 per house Non-Members: $30 per house Take Home Kits: $25
Saturday, Dec. 31st 6-8:30pm
Lincoln’s best family New Year’s Eve bash where we welcome in 2017 before bedtime! Lose yourself in the celebration with party favors, bubble wrap stomps, and a dance party. Join Father Time, Baby New Year, and Lincoln’s favorite Cuckoo Bird, Kazoo, for a one-of-a-kind Make Believe Midnight countdown, ball drop, and balloon shower at 8:00pm. To avoid overcrowding, tickets are limited so get them early.
Members: $10 Non-Members: $13
Make Believe
MIDNIGHT
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We would like to thank all the Grandparents who came to our special Grandparents Day event. They enjoyed close parking, brunch, special activities, and making memories with some of their favorite little ones. They also got a sneak peek at our new V.I.G. (Very Important Grandparent) program. In the future, special events like these will be exclusive to V.I.G.s. These memberships come with benefits never offered before and ensure Grandparents can make the most of the precious time spent with the grandkids. Learn more about this new program on page 3.
The kingdom of Lincoln Children’s Museum and Cuckoo Castle is safe for another day thanks to all the smart and strong princesses that attended our Princess Power event. They engineered catapults, designed super hero capes and threw “power bombs” to stop the evil villain, Dr. Dragon!
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Open late Thursdays!
You survived Monday, Tuesday and even the dreaded Wednesday. That is reason enough to take the kids out on Thursday night to climb, explore and play out some of that energy. Come right after school or shake off the after-dinner slump until 7:30pm on Thursdays.
Museum Rentals For as little as $10 per person* you can have the entire Museum to yourself! Museum rentals are ideal for company parties, large family gatherings, or any celebration where you want the kids to be entertained. Have access to party rooms where you can cater in your favorite meal or let us set out tables for your party right on the Museum exhibit floor. Book the party that everyone won’t be able to stop talking about!
Contact Lindsay at LDickinson@LincolnChildrensMuseum.org. *$300 minimum for private rental
U-Stop’s Holiday Spectacular on December 2nd is the grand opening of Santa’s Workshop. This small-scale replica of the North Pole headquarters includes a full-size sleigh, fireplace, toy making bench, plush versions of famous reindeer, snow balls for impromptu battles, and a special desk for making gift lists that go straight to the big man himself. Visit the wonderland any time before Christmas to experience the magic.
Santa’s Workshop
Give the gift of play and memories! ARD GIFT C
There isn’t a more easy or thoughtful gift than a gift membership to Lincoln Children’s Museum. Gift cards are available in any increment of $5 and are a great option for your favorite Museum member. Let them take the play home the next time they visit by picking out imagination-evoking toys from Twinkle’s Toy Store. Maybe they will use it to send the kids to a fun day camp or bring the entire family to one of our popular events. However they use their membership or gift card, fun is guaranteed.
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Lincoln Children’s Museum
FINGERPRINTS
1420 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508
What’s Inside • NEW Very Important Grandparent (V.I.G.) Program • Twinkle’s Toy Store Sales • Fall Camps & Programs • Upcoming Events -BOO-tique Costume Swap -Downtown Lincoln Day -Happy HallowGreen -Shining Star -U-Stop’s Holiday Spectacular -Candy House Funshop -Make Believe Midnight
MUSEUM HOURS Thank you to our
Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed* 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Corporate Sponsors
*The Museum is open when Lincoln Public Schools is not in session
Learn through play with pumpkins! These orange wonders are everywhere this time of year in the form of jack-o-lanterns, candies and even lattes! Did you ever think about what learning opportunities they offer? Here are some fun ideas but maybe you have even more! • Make a pumpkin volcano with baking soda and vinegar • Save the seeds for a lesson in yummy farm-to-table eats • Classic carving is a great fine motor skill activity • Hypothesize the effects different liquids have on pumpkin candy • Documenting jack-o-lantern decay is super creepy science • Use toothpicks and gummy pumpkins to engineer great structures • Mini pumpkins in the tub are great for exploring density and buoyancy