Winter 2015
LincolnChildrensMuseum.org
(402) 477-4000
1420 P Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
6 Booking your birthday party at Lincoln Children's Museum is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1 ) Pick your day. 2) Pick your package. Choose from Basic, Deluxe or Ultimate 3) Reserve your party. For more information about party themes or to book your party, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or call (402) 477-4000.
What’s on the cover? A toddler climbs through Kit’s Book Nook, part of our new toddler area Grow Zone, while a little friend watches. Grow Zone and Cuckoo Construction opened at our 25th Birthday Bash on November 8, 2015.
Board of Directors Kelly R. Hoffschneider President
Layne Sup President Elect
Britta Muhleisen
Secretary
Kim Keller
Treasurer
Tracy Sanford Past President Terry Genrich
Barbara Baier
Paige Duncan
Justin Reineke
John Connor
Katie Weichman Zulkoski
Kim Tucker
Andrew Willis
Mark Walker
Holly Baete
Lauren Pugliese
Kelli Hogeland
Amie Martinez
Katie Haszard
2
Michele Good
Friends President
As part of creating 25 Years of Play, the current exhibit in the Discovery Gallery, we looked back through every edition of our newsletter. It’s always nice to remember where you came from when looking towards the future. We realized, in all of the excitement of telling you what’s coming up, we had at times forgotten to tell you how awesome things have been. So, I would like to share with you what’s been happening and a few insider notes on what is soon to come.
Then came November, in one word: REWARDING! So much planning went into our 25th Birthday Bash and new exhibits. When the ribbons were cut on the 8th, and the excitement of little people could be heard throughout the whole building, it was all worth it. The joy from all of the children, as they explore Lincoln’s two newest play areas, has been contagious.
As we look at the month of December, our much-loved holiday events are upon us and It has been a thrilling few months here at the some really great camps as well. Registration Museum. In September, we hosted our for all of them is live on the website. Check biggest Adult Takeover yet, with the them out as we would hate to have you miss majority of those in attendance being college out. students. It was a great opportunity to showcase how much fun we have here to the As we plan for next year, we are always demographic that makes up such a large looking for ways to make the Museum more portion of our volunteers and part-time staff. fun for our members and guests. We have September also meant the changing of the some ideas for 2016 that we think you will guard, as Kelly Hoffschneider took over as be excited about. We are taking three of our board president and we thanked Tracy fun events and giving you a taste of them Sanford for all her hard work and great every weekend with SUPER SATURDAYS! leadership. In the ninth month, Lincoln also These fun days will include activities from got the first glimpse of our new exhibits, as our former Passport to Play, Music at the we unloaded them from the trucks. Museum, and ZooZeum Day events. We aren’t letting Saturday have all the fun, as we October was exciting with our most will also be introducing STEAM Sundays! successful BOO-tique fundraiser yet, with These days we will invite groups in to host over 70 people participating by donating or activities that will let little minds explore purchasing costumes. Due to last year’s science, technology, engineering, art, and popularity, we expanded Tenneco’s Happy mathematics in the most fun ways possible. HallowGreen trick-or-treat event an extra It’s going to be a big year! night and are happy to announce that we sold out both nights. We also moved the Thanks to all of our guests for making my trick-or-treating to the “mysterious” third first year at the Museum an exciting and floor of the Museum, which made the event rewarding experience. much more spacious and enjoyable for guests.
Tara Knuth Tara Knuth Executive Director
Imagine how much fun your next holiday party, family reunion, retreat, reception or corporate party could be! The Museum offers a one-of-a-kind entertaining space for both business and after-hours events. To get started, call Jason at (402) 477-4000, ext. 120, or email JHelgren@LincolnChildrensMuseum.org
Our biggest exhibit yet lets kids climb up and help build a three-story working cuckoo clock.
Time is always of the essence when constructing. Try to fill the walls with bricks before the boss goes cuckoo and knocks them all back down!
In this construction zone, the foreman is a little cuckoo and is fine with you sliding down the “material chute.” Fill your bucket and wheel barrow and head to the conveyor belt. It’s the fastest way to get the bricks up to the brick layers in the tower. Teamwork is the only way to finish on time! Are you dying to know if you weigh as much as a dump truck tire? You can find that out along with how many nails and hard hats you measure up to at this weigh station.
The new and improved toddler area perfect for anyone ages 0-3.
Watch for the amazement in their eyes, as babies spin a pin wheel for the first time and make butterflies take flight.
In one side and out the other! Small tots will learn to guess where the ball sorter will take their ball next.
With a gentle touch fireflies light up and sing with delight. Press the button of your favorite song to watch them play in harmony. If toddlers brave the noodle forest they will be rewarded with an exciting ride down the slide. Be careful though, they may never want to stop!
3
Keepsake Poster. Opened 11/8/15.
Special Events Friday, December 4
SPECTACULAR
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
This annual event has become a classic way for families to kick-off the holidays and celebrate the magic of the season. Paint beautiful ornaments provided by Paint Yourself Silly, check out a polar express train model, be serenaded by carolers, visit Santa in his workshop, watch live festive dance and music performances, have an indoor snow ball fight and "ice skate" in the Fun Slides® rink. Our Mascot Twinkle will be there with our friends Elsa and Anna and maybe even some surprise guests. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., so don’t be late! Free for members and half price admission for non-members. Tickets are required for guaranteed entry and are available at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.
Thursdays: Dec. 10 & 17 • 10 a.m., 5 & 6 p.m. Saturdays: Dec. 5, 12 & 19 • 10 & 11 a.m., 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Sundays: Dec. 6, 13 & 20 • 1, 2 & 3 p.m. A great activity for the entire family or anyone who likes to get creative. We supply the 15” house frame, frosting & a variety of candies and decorations, you bring the fun. All the proceeds of this fundraiser help the museum continue to provide a place for children to create, discover and learn through the power of play! $25 for members, $30 for non-members, and $25 take-home kits. Spots fill up so reserve yours now at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.
New
Y e a r’ s Eve C e l e
b ra
ti
on
Fa
ly mi
Make Believe
MIDNIGHT 2016
Thursday, December 31
Sponsors:
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Lincoln’s BEST family friendly New Year’s party! Make Believe Midnight is a festive event that allows families to reflect on the past year and anticipate the arrival of the fun ahead! Celebrate the arrival of 2016, and still make it home before bedtime. There will be party favors, a bubble wrap stomp, dance party, and the night ends with a special cuckoo countdown to Make Believe Midnight (8pm) where the ball and thousands of balloons drop. $10 for members and $13 for non-members. This event usually sells out so get your tickets now at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.
play & connect 6
Tuesdays
9:30 - 11 a.m.
(No Play & Connect December 29th!)
Enjoy a slightly quieter time at the museum while older children are in school. Play & Connect gives adults an opportunity to socialize while children forge new friendships. This gathering is designed for all parents and caregivers with children ages 5 and younger. This program is free with admission and includes free coffee and treats provided by The Coffee House while supplies last.
lf-day New ha tarting times s 2016!
Preschool Play Days (Ages 3-5)
Campers must be toileting independently. Members: $25, Non-Members: $30 Register now at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org!
R is for ROBOT
Jan. 11 or 14
Dec. 14
Jan. 25 or 28
Half Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Full Day 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Half Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Summer camp registration starts January 11th!
Elementary Camps (Ages 6-10)
Check-in 8-8:30 a.m.; Check-out 4:30-5 p.m. Register now at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org!
full
TS & G I F O D I ES O G
Go Go
ahead Nov. 30
Members: $50 Non-Members: $65
Dec. 23
Members: $50 Non-Members: $65
Dec. 28-30
Members: $75 Non-Members: $90
Jan. 4
Members: $45 Non-Members: $60
Jan. 18
S
Members: $45 Non-Members: $60
Little
Ages: 18-36 months & Parents or Caregivers Members: $36 & Non-Members: $44
This 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, and opportunities for parent and child to learn and grow together. Each class includes large group time, play-based learning stations, art activities and educational toys. Registration covers one toddler (ages 18-36 months) and their parent, grandparent, or caregiver. Jan. 13 - Feb. 4: Winter Wonderland Wednesdays: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Thursdays: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
E Iplorers
Ages: 36-48 months Members: $36 & Non-Members: $44
This transitional program is designed to help three year olds become more independent by gradually decreasing parental involvement in class. We explore art, storytelling and lots of movement through child-driven play and group activities. Registration covers 1 child (ages 36-48 months) and their parent, grandparent, or caregiver. Jan. 15 - Feb. 5: Winter Wonderland Fridays: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Girl Scout Workshops Are Here! Lincoln Children’s Museum and Girl Scouts of Nebraska are teaming up to provide monthly badge workshops this fall for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes. Workshops occur on the weekends, are 2.5 hours long and include themed activities, a snack and a badge. Register online at www.girlscoutsnebraska.org.
7
MUSEUM HOURS Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed.
Lincoln Children’s Museum 1420 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508
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.
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 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. when LPS is not in session
HOLIDAY HOURS CLOSED: Thanksgiving Christmas Day New Year’s Day EARLY CLOSE: Dec. 4: 4:00 p.m. Dec. 24: 2:00 p.m. Dec. 31: 5:00 p.m.
Thanks to the sponsors of our new exhibits:
Rogers Foundation
WattsElectric Lincoln Children's Museum Endowment Fund Family and Friends in memory of Emma Kerkman
Gift Gift Cards
Dillon Foundation
Family of R. Daniel Gill
! e r o l a G s
rships, Good for membe and , ys programs, to r the fo t ec more! Perf family. r fo ybu ohard-t
Membership
le to put You may not be ab ving a gi t a bow on it, bu ality qu of ar family a ye the of e on is play time ft gi s! most thoughtful
Toys and Games e! m the Museum ho
Take Museum Gifts from the y other an m along with ockings st f uf st toys to sts. and fill wish li