Themed visits at the National Museum of Play® give students an opportunity to experience the museum in new ways. Activities begin at 9:45 a.m. and end at 2 p.m., but classes may arrive and depart anytime during that period. Reservations are required. Space is limited so register early!
Students must be divided into groups of no more than five and each group must be accompanied throughout the day by an adult chaperon. Ask about availability for large groups on alternative days.
Cost: $7 per student
Theme Day Options
ELA Theme Day
Grades 3 through 8
November 8 and 9, 2012
Students talk, laugh, listen, write, and play with ELA skills while exploring museum exhibits for inspiration. Mini-lessons are facilitated by museum educators throughout the exhibits and focus on the following 6+1 Traits of Writing: sentence fluency, ideas, word choice, and voice. Students receive personalized ELA skills handbooks to take back to school.
Winter Wonder Theme Day
Pre-K through Grade 2
One Day Only! December 11, 2012
Celebrate the season with winter-themed fiction and non-fiction literature. Students engage in activities related to classic winter tales such as Jan Brett’s captivating adaptation of the traditional Ukrainian tale, The Mitten. Other activities focus on reading comprehension, writing skills, and observation. Celebrate the wonders of the season with games, crafts, and music in this day of wintery fun.
NEW! STEAM in Action Theme Day
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math
Grades 1 through 3
January 28, 29, and 30, 2013
Grades 4 through 8:
January 31 and February 1, 2013
Using specially designed learning stations throughout the museum, students deepen their understanding of important science, technology, and math concepts through the arts. Students engage in creative problem solving, flexible thinking, and risk-taking experiences designed for a range of skill levels. Students build bridges, test hypotheses, crunch numbers, design mathematical creations, and more.
Fairy-Tale Fantasy Theme Day
Pre-K through Grade 2
February 28 and March 1 and 5, 2013
Literature comes alive and students get the royal treatment as they make fairy-tale costumes and crafts for the Royal Ball! Students meet the Queen of Play, dance in the banquet hall with lords and ladies from the Queen’s court, play knights and dragons, and practice bow and arrow skills in Sherwood Forest. Students leave the museum happily ever after.
Spring in Motion Theme Day
Pre-K through Grade 3
May 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2013
Worms wiggle, bees buzz, and crickets creep! Students learn about the wonders of spring through science, art, and movement activities. Enjoy a live collections “petting zoo” and create creepy, crawly crafts.
NEW! Let's Move! Theme Day
Pre-K through Grade 2
June 7, 10, and 11, 2013
Grades 3 through 5
June 12 and 13, 2013
Students get a workout as they visit a variety of heart-healthy stations in the museum and learn how to develop healthy habits for the summer ahead! Students challenge friends in a miniature golf tournament, stretch their understanding of anatomy with yoga for kids, strengthen their cooperation skills with playground games, develop an understanding of nutrition by planning a healthy menu, and more.
