Children's Museum of Sonoma County

It's #STORYTIME! Follow along with the Children's Museum of Sonoma County as we read Chugga Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis! Come along for the ride as a busy toy #locomotive makes its rounds through a bustling playroom. Featuring rhyming couplets and bright, bold illustrations, this story is sure to be a hit with young #train lovers!

What on #Earth are we constructing here? Well, it’s actually not on Earth at all! This is your behind-the-scenes look at the construction of our new Lunar Table that will be featured in our NEW Space Odyssey for Galactic Explorers exhibit! Swipe for an inside look at how our exhibit designer brought our new Lunar Table to #LIFE at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County! ... The #CMOSC team has been hard at work installing brand new interactive exhibits, attractions, and features at the Children's Museum of Sonoma County! We are looking forward to welcoming all of our visitors back to the Museum in the Spring of 2021! Keep your eyes peeled for more #SneakPeeks of exhibits coming to the #ChildrensMuseum later this year. And make sure you are signed up for our newsletter to receive emails about the latest updates on our reopening plans! https://www.cmosc.org/

Create Your Own Fizz Rockets and count down to blast off with this fun #Science activity you can do at home! SUPPLIES: - Film canisters - Safety goggles... - Launch tube (paper towels tube or fluorescent bulb safety sleeve) - Fuel options: Baking soda Vinegar -OR- Alka Seltzer antacid (generic is fine) - Water - Pipette DIRECTIONS: 1. Put on your safety glasses! 2. Use a pipette to fill the film canister with vinegar (use w/baking soda) or water (use w/Alka Seltzer) a quarter full. 3. Baking soda and vinegar directions: Make a thick paste with baking soda and drops of water. A little goes a long way. Place some paste on the inside lid of the film canister. Try not to get any on the rim of the canister or lid. This may cause the gas to leak and the rocket may not launch. 4. Alka Seltzer and water directions: Add a quarter tablet of antacid to the film canister and quickly snap on the lid. 5. Quickly place the rocket lid-side down and place the launch tube over the top. Stand back and count down while you are waiting for launch. Head to our #PLAYologyPlaybook blog for more info about this fun #ScienceExperiment https://www.cmosc.org/fizz-rockets/

The is the Children’s Museum Mission Control radioing into all our Galactic Explorers - Do you read us? We are excited to welcome you aboard to our new #SpaceOdyssey interactive exhibit! This immersive #Science experience puts your Galactic Explorers in the driver’s seat and is sure to transport visitors to another world entirely! From the physical design of our new exhibit to the additional #sensory lighting and sound features, our entire Space Odyssey area is guaranteed... to spark the imaginations and curiosity of children and adults! Do you want to be one of the first explorers to set course on a #Galactic adventure at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County? Make sure you are signed up for the #CMOSC eNewsletter on our website to be the first to know about our reopening plans for Spring 2021! https://www.cmosc.org/

What treasured memories have you made with your children at the Children's Museum of Sonoma County? For visitors and members, the Children's Museum provides the perfect place to make memories with your little ones. Watch as they learn to love #science, #technology, #engineering, #art, or #math through one of our many exhibits or programs. Partake in an activity to help them understand a problem or obstacle. Head to our website to watch a #storytime video together. #CMOSC will be here to help you make the memories that matter. Are you excited to return to the Museum in 2021?

It's #STORYTIME! Follow along with Mayson from the Children's Museum of Sonoma County as he reads "The Good Egg" by Jory John. https://youtu.be/vDhYQHG3Jc0 Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed. But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten.... As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect. So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change

Who misses mornings in Mary's Garden? With so many outdoor exhibits to explore, Mary's Garden is one of the most exciting places at the Museum for kids. Which exhibit does your child enjoy the most?... Butterfly Lifecycle Farm Stand & Raised Beds Farm Tractor Imagination Playground Mechanical Waterplay Area Megaflora Orinthopter Russian River Waterway Sonoma County Coastline Let us know in a comment below!

Meet Ben the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County’s amazing exhibit coordinator You can see Ben working on our new #SpaceOdyssey exhibit and putting some finishing touches on our #LunarLander! Swipe to see a digital mock-up of our new Lander!... Our new Space Odyssey for Galactic Explorers interactive exhibit will be ready to launch in late 2021 The entire #CMOSC team is counting down for take-off, and are beyond excited to welcome you back to explore all our new features and exhibits in the Spring of 2021! Do you have any little explorers at home who are excited to return to the Children's Museum? Comment below and tell us what exhibit you are most excited about!

Follow along as Kelly teach us about outdoor Plein Air Drawing! Plein Air Drawing means you get to adventure outside and create a piece of art from what you see around you. Dress warm if you're going outside or find your favorite window with a view, and try Plein Air Drawing at home. All you need is some paper, your favorite art tools, and a beautiful tree, hillside, or ocean view that you want to draw. This art activity is great for children of all ages, and a fun outdoor activity for the whole family! This month's Art Adventures projects takes Kelly all the way to Alaska, but you can participate at home in Sonoma County.

As our team works behind the scenes to reopen, now is a wonderful time to showcase some of the exciting enhancements made at the Children’s Museum. Our favorite Storybook Caterpillar has shed it’s skin and turned into. the same caterpillar! With years of love and wear, the caterpillar needed some much needed TLC. Thanks to artistic stylings of Emily Marshall, the Storybook Caterpillar has been completely re-sewn, re-stuffed, and will be re-painted. ... It is almost ready for storytime again!

It's #Storytime Join Aymie of the Children's Museum of Sonoma County, as she reads "Grace for President" by Kelly DiPucchio from her tiny home on wheels! "Where are the girls?" When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate in the school's mock election. But soon, she realizes that she has entered a tough race. Her popular opponent claims... to be the "best man for the job"--and seems to have captured all the male votes--while Grace concentrates on being the best person. In this timely story, author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.

Happy February from the Children's Museum of Sonoma County! We are celebrating a few different things this month, and one of them is our Members! #MemberLoveMonth Are you or have you ever been a member of the #ChildrensMuseum? In the past, members have enjoyed perks like Member Mornings at the Museum Unlimited Visits to the Museum... Discounts on Birthday Parties Access to Special Programming and more! We are looking forward to welcoming all of our visitors back to the Museum. Will you be joining us as a Member when we reopen this Spring? https://www.cmosc.org/visit/membership/

Need an awesome activity for your little ones this weekend? Follow along as Kelly shows us how to create a Plant Book You can find different plants to draw and make your own Plant Book at home too! This art activity is great for children of all ages, and a fun outdoor activity for the whole family. This month's Art Adventures project takes Kelly to the Boreal Forest of Lake Clark Nation Park in Alaska, but you can participate at home in Sonoma County!

Have you ever noticed how borax crystals look like snowflakes? We think this at-home science experiment makes a great holiday activity for you and your kids! Using the instructions on our PLAYology Playbook blog, bend pipe cleaners into different holiday shapes and watch crystals grow overnight! Add some string, and these make the perfect ornaments for your holiday tree... https://www.cmosc.org/borax-crystals/

It's #STORYTIME! Read along with Aymie as she reads "The Bad Seed" by Jory John. This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He’s been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to behappy?... With Jory John’s charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for readers young and old, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

Thank you to the Association of Children's Museums for sharing this post Inside a children’s museum, a young child’s world opens up to imaginative, brain-developing experiences and interactions with a diversity of people," writes Gina Moreland, founder and director, Habitot Children's Museum. "Each of these museums represents irreplaceable decades of investment, institutional knowledge and community partnerships that would be a tragedy to lose. Please help ensure your local children’s museum doesn’t disappear forever. Leaders at Children's Museum of Sonoma County, Children's Creativity Museum, MY Museum - Monterey County Youth Museum, and Sacramento Children's Museum also co-signed this piece in the San Francisco Chronicle about the vital importance of children’s museums.

Follow along with Alicia from the Children's Museum of Sonoma County as she reads "Nadie Como Tú" by Linda Kranz. There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place! Adri's mama and papa share with their eager son some of the wisdom they have gained through the years. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world. This exquisitely illustrated book explodes with color and honest insights. Kranz's uni...quely painted rockfish, set against vibrant blue seas, make an unforgettable and truly special impression. Only One You will inspire parents and children of all ages as they swim through life. No hay nadie como tu en este inmenso mundo. Haz de el un lugar mejor! Los padres de Adri quieren compartir con su joven hijo la experiencia que han adquirido a traves de los anos. Sus palabras, sencillas pero impactantes, pretenden orientarlo y proporcionarle la seguridad que necesita para descubrir el mundo. Los originales pececitos de roca pintados por Kranz, y su clara percepcion, serviran de guia a padres e hijos de todas las edades para navegar por la vida. https://youtu.be/lm3CVpLn-Eo

Are you joining us today for Storytime? Today Aymie reads "The Night Gardener" by Terry Fan & Eric Fan, from her tiny home on wheels! One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, Williamand his townare changed forever.

Are you ready for the upcoming Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) celebration? Chinese New Year 2021 will fall on Friday, February 12th, 2021, and celebrations will continue from Chinese New Year's Eve for 16 days in total. We have the perfect way to learn more about and celebrate this winter holiday for your little one....by making Chinese New Year’s Sweet Rice Balls (Tang Yuan)! These sweet rice balls symbolize family togetherness, making this a great dessert to enjoy with your family.

Our DIY Science Explorer Kits are the perfect way to bring the fun of the Children’s Museum to your site. One of the seven kits available is Rigamajig Jr.! Using nuts, bolts, planks, pulleys, wheels, and ropes, your students will work to construct 3-dimensional structures and contraptions. Rigamajig’s hands-on building kits empower students to use play as a way to learn about simple machines, mathematics and other STEM related topics. The Kits are easy to transport, ready-to-go engineering and science experiences for grades K 4. Head to our website to learn more and reserve your kit! https://www.cmosc.org/edu/diy-science-explorer-kit-rentals/

Did you know that you can rent CMOSC in a Box? Our DIY Science Explorer Kits are the perfect way to bring the fun of the Children’s Museum to your site. There are 7 kits to choose from, including Brackitz! With Brackitz planks and connecting hubs, it’s easy to connect pieces anywhere, at any angle. No barriers. No limitations. The inventions and simples machines kids make are durable and portable. And the learning lasts a lifetime. The Kits are easy to transport, ready-to-go engineering and science experiences for grades K 4. Head to our website to learn more and reserve your kit! https://www.cmosc.org/edu/diy-science-explorer-kit-rentals/

Dear Community, with your support we exceeded our Giving Tuesday goal by 60%! Thank you for believing in the Children's Museum and allowing us to be a place of wonder and discovery for all children. Proceeds from #GivingTuesday go toward supporting our mission to inspire curiosity and creativity through joyful, transformative experiences. Fundraisers at the Children’s Museum allow us to offer Museum Access Programs and continue to be a valuable resource for the entire community

Thank you for allowing us to be a warm place to visit on a rainy day. Thank you for allowing us to provide the freedom to get messy with mud and paint. Thank you for allowing us to watch many puppet shows. And thank you for allowing us to be. With only a few hours left of #GivingTuesday, the Children's Museum would like to express gratitude to you for supporting a safe space for children. Since 2014, the Children's Museum has proudly supported the work of parents, caregivers..., and educators in raising happy, healthy, and strong children. Your gift for #Giving Tuesday will reinforce our mission and cement the Children's Museum as a local gem for families for years to come. Donate today 79536.blackbaudhosting.com/79536/Giving-Tuesday

Time is running out to get your ballots in! Are you dropping off your ballot or voting in person this year? Head over to the Playology Playbook blog on cmosc.org, where we have some great tips and tricks to get your little ones interested in the voting process early on

Stack, roll, and learn about energy, velocity, speed, and momentum with our Balls and Ramps kit! Our DIY Science Explorer Kits are the perfect way to bring the fun of the Children’s Museum to your site. Using rubber ramps, sand bags, tunnels, and stackers, your students can create hills and slopes to explore physics with this open-ended, enriching activity. Students will incorporate physical, social emotional, and problem solving skills as they collaborate to make the perfect ball run. The Kits are easy to transport, ready-to-go engineering and science experiences for grades K 4. Head to our website to learn more and reserve your kit! https://www.cmosc.org/edu/diy-science-explorer-kit-rentals/

#FlashbackFriday to #FUNtazmagoria at the Children's Museum! Do you subscribe to our e-newsletter? We just sent out an issue with Halloween activities to try this weekend to create your own SPOOKtacular At-Home FUNtazmagoria this year! mailchi.mp/cmosc.org/4137385-4154637

The holidays are almost over, but there is still time to give the gift of PLAY We're looking forward to a year ahead of making more meaningful memories at the Children's Museum, but we can't do it without you -- your smiles, your laughter, and your support. If you are looking to give the gift that lasts a lifetime, a contribution to our Annual Giving Campaign is a sure way to keep wonder alive and well in our community. We can't wait to see you in the New Year! ... PLAY it forward https://www.cmosc.org/give/annual-giving-campaign/

Today we have a #spookynotscary storytime for you! Follow along with Aymie as she reads "Creepy Carrots" by Aaron Reynolds. Do you have any fun, spooky books you've been saving for Halloween?

Is it getting spooky around your house? We don't know about you, but we're counting down the days until Halloween! If you're looking for some fun activities to do to celebrate, try making Frankentoys out of your old stuffed toys! Children (and adults!) take apart old toys and join the pieces together to create new, innovative, creative ones. There is no right or wrong way to do this, and it’s a great way for children to let imaginations run wild. [Note: The Children's Museum is not responsible for Frankentoys who come to life and storm nearby provincial towns.]

Have you made your way over to the Museum of Sonoma County's annual Día de los Muertos exhibition? The exhibit runs October 22 - November 8 in the Sculpture Garden! Even if you can't make it to the exhibit, you can still do some of the fun activities provided on the Museum website, like making a Paper Candle which is meant to guide returning spirits home http://museumsc.org/Activity-Paper-Candle.pdf

With Halloween just around the corner, this year might be the perfect year to DIY your own #superhero costumes! Luckily, our #PlayologyPlaybook blog has instructions to make your own superhero masks, capes, and crowns! What will your superhero name be? What are your special powers?

It's Storytime! Today, Theresa is reading "Rosie Revere Engineer" by Andrea Beaty, from Aymie's tiny house on wheels. Are you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Never miss a Thursday morning storytime -- you'll receive alerts as our weekly videos are premiered!

Come join us today in front of the Museum October 17th from 10 to noon. We need your input! Help us design the new outdoor space here at the Children’s Museum!

Design the new outdoor space at the Children's Museum. Join Museum CEO, Collette Michaud, and Experience Manager, Theresa Giacomino, today from 10am until Noon in front of the Museum. You bring the ideas and we'll bring the art supplies, which you can take home afterwards. Get a free pumpkin while supplies last. See you soon!

Explore color mixing, water absorption, and even chemical reactions this weekend in this #athomeactivity! DRIP DROP CLOTH COLOR EXPERIMENT Supplies... Pipettes or bottle droppers Small bowls, cups, or even recycled yogurt cups A plastic tray or sheet pan Paper towels (we recommend the thicker, more absorbent ones such as the ones made from bamboo; but any paper towel will work) Food coloring or liquid watercolors Baking soda White vinegar Small scoops or spoons Directions 1 Lay one sheet (or a half sheet) of the paper towel on a tray or baking sheet for each child. 2 Pour the baking soda into a small container and include a scoop or spoon. 3 In other small containers, mix 1 -2 drops of the food coloring (3 -4 drops of liquid watercolors) with vinegar (a little goes a long way!). 4 Show children how to scoop out a small amount (about a teaspoonful) of baking soda and put it on the towel. 5 Using the pipette (or other option), suck up the colored vinegar and squirt it onto the baking soda. 6 Watch the fizzy chemical reaction and beautiful colors form and spread!

Join us as we read "The Book with No Pictures" by B. J. Novak, for this week's Storytime! Cleverly irreverent and irresistibly silly, The Book with No Pictures is one that kids will beg to hear again and again. (And parents will be happy to oblige.)

The Children's Museum is excited to be partnering with the Museum of Sonoma County for the upcoming Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Exhibit, running from October 22nd to November 8! As part of the partnership, some great #activities have been created so you can learn more about the holiday while getting creative. MAKE A MONARCH BUTTERFLY Every autumn, monarch butterflies migrate south back to Mexico for the winter protection of the oyamel fir trees. Mexicans welcome th...e returning butterflies, which are believed to be carrying the spirits of the deceased home. Get the instructions here https://museumsc.org/2020-dia-de-los-muertos/