Thanksgiving Point offers over one hundred shows and programs perfect for children and families every week. These engaging programs not only provide entertainment but also foster curiosity, compassion, and confidence in STEM. Here are six fantastic activities from different venues at Thanksgiving Point, how they benefit your kids, and ideas on how to continue the fun at home.
Critter Encounters
At the Butterfly Biosphere, Critter Encounters allows kids to meet and learn about various insects and arthropods up close. This hands-on experience encourages curiosity and compassion about insects and their habitats, providing a unique opportunity to understand biodiversity and ecosystems in a fun and interactive way.
To continue the fun at home, you can create a mini bug habitat using a clear container, soil, and plants. Encourage your children to observe and care for small insects like ladybugs or ants, helping them to further appreciate the natural world around them.
Discover the Butterfly Biosphere
Curiosity Corner
Curiosity Corner at the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers interactive science and art projects that spark imagination. This program fosters creativity and critical thinking by providing opportunities for hands-on experimentation and exploration. Children can dive into various projects, from simple scientific experiments to complex art creations, making learning a dynamic and engaging process.
To keep the curiosity alive at home, set up a creative corner with art supplies, science kits, and building materials. This dedicated space can inspire continuous exploration and imaginative play, allowing your children to experiment and create whenever they want.
Animals Up Close
Animals Up Close at Farm Country provides kids with the chance to interact with farm animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits. This close interaction teaches compassion for animals while providing valuable knowledge about farm life. Kids learn about the daily routines and needs of these animals, fostering a deeper connection to nature and agriculture.
At home, consider giving your children opportunities to help care for your pets or your neighbor’s pets. Discuss the roles of different animals in your daily life and how they may act in the wild. Help your children become confident caretakers and understand the importance of animals.
Lab Live
Lab Live at the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life features live demonstrations where kids can watch paleontologists at work, ask questions about dinosaurs, and learn more about the paleontologists’ findings. This program provides an inside look at the world of paleontology and the work scientists do to uncover ancient history. It encourages scientific inquiry and a love for learning about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
To bring this excitement home, create a DIY fossil dig using a sandbox and buried plastic dinosaur bones. Equip your kids with small brushes to excavate the fossils, allowing them to experience the thrill of discovery and deepen their understanding of paleontology.
Plant Lab
The Plant Lab at Thanksgiving Point allows kids to help plant, seed, grow, and harvest crops from high-tech farm units. This program is perfect for teaching kids about plant life cycles and sustainable farming practices. Younger children can participate in fun hands-on activities during the program, fostering a connection to nature and an understanding of where our food comes from.
At home, start a small garden or grow plants in pots. Teach your kids about watering, sunlight, and plant nutrition. This ongoing project can instill a sense of responsibility and compassion for the environment.
Thanksgiving Point offers a variety of opportunities for kids to explore, learn, and have fun. Each of these activities is designed to provide educational value while keeping children engaged and entertained. By participating in these programs, kids can develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world, science, and history. Try these activities on your next visit to Thanksgiving Point and continue the educational journey at home with your children!