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January 2006

January calendar   February calendar   March calendar  

Sunday, January 1

CLOSED
Happy New Year!



Monday, January 2

Open to the Public
10am-5pm



Tuesday, January 3

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Wednesday, January 4

Preschool Play: Kindercooks
10:30 am

Soups is international! Be an apprentice chef – join us as we create and taste soups from around the world.

Have a Ball! with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Imagination Station
11 am & 2 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Thursday, January 5

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9–10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out
10:30 am & 11:00 am

Movin and Groovin with Irene Jeffers

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Cool Science: Kitchen Chemistry
3:30 pm

Enter the Museum's chemistry "lab" to investigate acids and bases, create volcanic eruptions, and make slimy goo.


Friday, January 6

Happy Birthday Newton!
11:30 am

Have a Ball on Isaac Newton’s birthday! Experiment with physical science and prove Newton’s Laws of Motion, then celebrate with some festive Fig Newton cookies!

Free Friday Night
5-8pm

Improv with The Escapists
6pm

The Escapists are a group of performers, writers and comedians who have come together to make smart, rambunctious sketch comedy and improv. They use audience participation to help create their performances. Their gigs range from guerrilla theater on the streets of Portland to performing at ImprovBoston Theater. For their full history visit www.theescapists.net


Saturday, January 7

Cool Science: Kitchen Chemistry
11 am

Enter the Museum's chemistry "lab" to investigate acids and bases, create volcanic eruptions, and make slimy goo.

Puppet Playhouse (Additional cost)
Noon and 12:30 pm

Become a puppeteer! Join the fun backstage and put on a play. Program fee: $1 member child; $2 non-member child.


Sunday, January 8

Private Playtime for Families of Children with Autism
10 am – Noon

The Children's Museum of Maine invites all families of children with autism to a series of Private Playtimes this winter. On the second Sunday morning of January, February and March, the Children's Museum will be open and FREE to families who have children with autism. For information, call 828-1234 x 242.

Maine Humanities Cultural Story Hour
10:30 am

The Children's Museum of Maine invites all families of children with autism to a series of Private Playtimes this winter. On the second Sunday morning of January, February and March, the Children's Museum will be open and FREE to families who have children with autism. For information, call 828-1234 x 242.

Imagination Station
2:30-3:30 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Monday, January 9

Closed to the general public.
Members’ Monday
9-11 am


Stage Stories and Theater Games
10 am



Tuesday, January 10

Baby Bash
9-10 am

Explore the Museum with your infants, meet other new parents, and share the joys and challenges of parenting. Museum educators will offer insight into reading and playing with your babies. This program is FREE to members and non-members, and is open to all parents and their infants under 12 months. Children over 12 months will not be admitted. Refreshments will be served.

Stage Stories
11:30am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Have a Ball!
3:30 pm

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.


Wednesday, January 11

Preschool Play: Stage Stories
10:30 am

Caps for Sale. Caps for sale, caps for sale, 50 cents a cap! Make this fun tale come to life in the Dress Up Theater, with audience participation, movement, and a craft.

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Big Messy Art: Rubber Glove Painting
11 am & 2 pm

“Milk” paint through rubber gloves, just like you’re milking a cow. This will be an udderly fun activity!


Thursday, January 12

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9–10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Stone Soup Stage Stories
10:30 am

Read and perform this classic tale of villagers who make something out of nothing, then contribute to our own stone soup.

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!


Friday, January 13

Baby Yoga has been CANCELLED. Please call for information about a rescheduled session.
Baby Yoga: Fridays, January 13 – February 17 (Additional cost)
9-10 am

Enjoy a playful, creative yoga class with your baby! Practice vinyasa yoga, which flows with the breath from pose to pose, while your baby sleeps, plays, or participates with you. Instructor Laura Ginsberg-Peltz of Yoga to Grow On has been teaching yoga and creative movement to children, families, and adults for more than ten years.
This class is for children birth to pre-crawling. Cost is $68 for the six-week session.

Many Eyes, Many Voices Storytime
10:30 am

Celebrate diversity through children’s literature and hands-on art projects in this special storytime. The Many Eyes, Many Voices curriculum was developed by Born to Read, a program of the Maine Humanities Council.

Maine Animal Friends with Sparks Ark
11 am

Join David Sparks, wildlife rehabilitator, and meet some special Maine animal friends.

Games Around the World: Varra
3 pm

Come play with us and learn about games played by children around the world! Hop around a giant square for Varra, the Albanian version of hopscotch.


Saturday, January 14

Fold a Book for Peace
2 pm

Join Lee Orme to build art, peace, and community, all at the same time! Create your own piece of art by folding the pages of used books, page by page, into a sculpture. This project aims to create unity, and takes place this weekend in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Stage Stories
3 pm

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Sunday, January 15

I Have a Dream Mural
1 pm

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by contributing to this I Have a Dream Mural. Add your own hopes and dreams, in vibrant colors and materials.

Big Messy Art: Rubber Glove Painting
2:30-3:30 pm

“Milk” paint through rubber gloves, just like you’re milking a cow. This will be an udderly fun activity!


Monday, January 16

OPEN to the Public
10 am – 5 pm


Discrimination Role Play
11 am – 2 pm

How does discrimination hurt? Find out by participating in this discrimination role-play and share your ideas about promoting fairness. Join us after the role-play to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work for peace.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
11:30 am & 2 pm

Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with stories, crafts, and community. Let Dr. King and the Museum’s Dream Children inspire your own dreams of peace.


Tuesday, January 17

Bake and Take: Pots of Gold Soup
11 am

Roll up your sleeves to create soup with cheesy surprises. Listen to a soup story while your cozy concoction bubbles away on the stove.

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Wednesday, January 18

Silly Science: Penguins & Polar Bears
10:30 am

Travel with us to the North & South Poles and explore the lives of these exciting creatures.

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Cultural Creations: Andean Llamas
11 am & 2 pm

Create your own woolly llama and learn how these pack animals help the people of the Andes.


Thursday, January 19

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Cuckoo Dancing
10:30 am

It’s national Cuckoo Dancing Week! Let’s dress up, play some music and dance the Cuckoo Dance!

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Cool Science: Dolphin Discoveries
3:30 pm

Join Science Coordinator, Suzanne Kahn, as she shares photos and stories of her “Wild Dolphin Societies” research expedition to Sarasota, Florida with Earthwatch Institute. Explore dolphin behavior and identification techniques with interactive games and discoveries.


Friday, January 20

Rockin’ Roller Coasters!
11:30 am

Celebrate the 220th anniversary of the roller coaster and experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more in our Have a Ball exhibit!

Bake and Take: Pots of Gold Soup
3 pm

Roll up your sleeves to create soup with cheesy surprises. Listen to a soup story while your cozy concoction bubbles away on the stove.


Saturday, January 21

Cool Science: Dolphin Discoveries
11 am

Join Science Coordinator, Suzanne Kahn, as she shares photos and stories of her “Wild Dolphin Societies” research expedition to Sarasota, Florida with Earthwatch Institute. Explore dolphin behavior and identification techniques with interactive games and discoveries.

Animal Welfare Society
1:30 pm

Meet some special friends from the Animal Welfare Society and learn about taking care of your pet.


Sunday, January 22

Cultural Cooking: Pizza
1 pm

Come hear the story Pizza for the Queen and make a pizza of your own!

Cultural Creations: Andean Llamas
2:30-3:30 pm

Create your own woolly llama and learn how these pack animals help the people of the Andes.


Monday, January 23

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members Monday


Tide Pool Touch Tank
10am



Tuesday, January 24

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Have a Ball!
3:30 pm

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.


Wednesday, January 25

Preschool Play: Chinese New Year
10:30 am

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Karen Morency. Karen will teach us traditional Chinese customs including ribbon dancing and New Year card making.

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Imagination Station
11 am & 2 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Thursday, January 26

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Chinese New Year
10:30 am

Celebrate Chinese New Year with traditional crafts, games, and food from China.

Have a Ball with King Middle School
11 am – Noon

Eighth graders from King Middle School will visit the Children’s Museum to guide visitors as they experiment with physics in Have a Ball!

Soup Stories
11 am & 3 pm

Get cozy with a book about soup! From Stone Soup to Chicken Soup with Rice, we’ll read our way to the bottom of the bowl.


Friday, January 27

Many Eyes, Many Voices Storytime
10:30 am

Celebrate diversity through children’s literature and hands-on art projects in this special storytime. The Many Eyes, Many Voices curriculum was developed by Born to Read, a program of the Maine Humanities Council.

Soup Stories
1 pm

Get cozy with a book about soup! From Stone Soup to Chicken Soup with Rice, we’ll read our way to the bottom of the bowl.

Games Around the World: Tirar Frijoles
3 pm

Come play with us and learn about games played by children around the world! Join us for Tirar Frijoles, a “throw the bean” game from Bolivia.


Saturday, January 28

Stage Stories
3 pm

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Sunday, January 29

Imagination Station
2:30-3:30 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Monday, January 30

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


Kids in the Kitchen
Kids in the Kitchen


Tuesday, January 31

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.



To Top

February 2006

January calendar   February calendar   March calendar  

Wednesday, February 1

Preschool Play: Snowy Day Picnic
10:30 am

Join us for a winter wonderland picnic. We will read from some of our winter favorites, make a snow treat and create a snow sculpture!

Big Messy Art: Newspaper Mush
11 am & 2 pm

Dig your hands into newspaper mush and sculpt it into different forms!


Thursday, February 2

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out
10:30 & 11 am

Movin and Groovin with Irene Jeffers

Setsubun
10:30 & 11 am

Early in February, Japanese families rid their homes of evil spirits with a bean throwing ritual. Make an Oni mask and dress like an evil spirit. Eat soybeans for good luck and throw them to drive the evil spirits away.

Cool Science: Shadow Fun
3:30 pm

Play with shadows in celebration of Groundhog Day! Experiment with light and darkness and make a shadow puppet to take home.


Friday, February 3

Setsubun
11 am

Early in February, Japanese families rid their homes of evil spirits with a bean throwing ritual. Make an Oni mask and dress like an evil spirit. Eat soybeans for good luck and throw them to drive the evil spirits away.

Have a Ball!
11:30 am

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.

Free Friday Night
5-8 pm


A Visit with Toot and Puddle
6 pm



Saturday, February 4

Cool Science: Shadow Fun
11 am

Play with shadows in celebration of Groundhog Day! Experiment with light and darkness and make a shadow puppet to take home.

Basket Making Workshop (Additional cost)
11 am – Noon

1-3:30 pm Basket Making Workshop Join basket maker Towanda Brown to weave a reed and raffia round bottom basket. Cost is $20 for members and $22 for non-members. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 229 or e-mail suzannek@kitetails.com


Sunday, February 5

Chinese New Year
1:30 – 3 pm

It’s the Year of the Dog! Celebrate with lanterns, dragons and dumplings! There will be crafts and a special dance performance by the students from the CAFAM Chinese School at 2 pm. After the performance, try a few dances at a special workshop. Don’t forget to wear your red clothing for luck.

Big Messy Art: Newspaper Mush
2:30-3:30 pm

Dig your hands into newspaper mush and sculpt it into different forms!


Monday, February 6

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


A Visit with Toot and Puddle
10 am


Tuesday, February 7

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

American Girls Club (Registration required)
4-5 pm

Meet Addy, a brave girl living during the Civil War in 1864. Join us for crafts, games and the story of Addy’s journey from slavery to freedom. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x242 or e-mail andrea@kitetails.com.


Wednesday, February 8

Preschool Play: A Visit with Toot and Puddle
10:30 am

Come and meet the two cutest pigs in town! Join us for a postcard scavenger hunt and help Puddle find Toot at the Children’s Museum of Maine.

Cultural Creations: Sleighs
11 am & 2 pm

Build and decorate your own miniature sleigh. Learn how sleighs are used for travel in snowy places around the world.


Thursday, February 9

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Toot and Puddle
10:30am

Come and meet the two cutest pigs in town! Join us for a postcard scavenger hunt and help Puddle find Toot at the Children’s Museum of Maine.

Sing a Song of Snow!
11 am & 3 pm

Sing along to snowy songs and practice freeze dancing!


Friday, February 10

Many Eyes, Many Voices Storytime
10:30 am

Celebrate diversity through children’s literature and hands-on art projects in this special storytime. The Many Eyes, Many Voices curriculum was developed by Born to Read, a program of the Maine Humanities Council.

Maine Animal Friends with Sparks Ark
11 am

Join David Sparks, wildlife rehabilitator, and meet some special Maine animal friends.

Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies
2:30 pm

Celebrate the beginning of the 2006 Winter Olympics! Learn about winter sports, make your own Olympic torches and flags, and raise the CMM Olympic flag. Stick around to play Games Around the World at 3 pm, and earn your own gold medal!.

Games Around the World
3 pm

Come play with us and learn about games played by children around the world! Test your kicking skills and see how long you can keep a wad of rubber bands in the air in a game from Indonesia.


Saturday, February 11

A Visit with Toot and Puddle
11 am

Come and meet the two cutest pigs in town! Join us for a postcard scavenger hunt and help Puddle find Toot at the Children’s Museum of Maine.

Planet Earth 3-D Show
1 & 2 pm

Get up-close and personal with nature! See Roger Richmond’s amazing 3-D macro images of the earth’s smallest creatures.

Stage Stories
3 pm

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Sunday, February 12

Private Playtime for Families of Children with Autism
10 am – Noon

The Children's Museum of Maine invites all families of children with autism to a series of Private Playtimes this winter. On the second Sunday morning of January, February and March, the Children's Museum will be open and FREE to families who have children with autism. For information, call 828-1234 x 242.

American Girls Club (Registration required)
1:30 – 2:30 pm

Meet Addy, a brave girl living during the Civil War in 1864. Join us for crafts, games and the story of Addy’s journey from slavery to freedom. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x242 or e-mail andrea@kitetails.com.

Cultural Creations: Sleighs
2:30-3:30 pm

Build and decorate your own miniature sleigh. Learn how sleighs are used for travel in snowy places around the world.


Monday, February 13

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


Snowy Stories and Crafts
10 am



Tuesday, February 14

Baby Bash
9-10 am

Explore the Museum with your infants, meet other new parents, and share the joys and challenges of parenting. Museum educators will offer insight into reading and playing with your babies. This program is FREE to members and non-members, and is open to all parents and their infants under 12 months. Children over 12 months will not be admitted. Refreshments will be served.

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Have a Ball!
3:30 pm

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.


Wednesday, February 15

Silly Science: Winter Wonderland
10:30 am

Make snowy crafts, listen to a winter story, and taste some wintry treats!

Imagination Station
11 am & 2 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Thursday, February 16

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Valentine’s Day
11 am – 2 pm

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by creating a chocolate treat, symbolizing love and friendship.

Cool Science: Snowy Discoveries
3:30 pm

Let it snow! Join us to make your own batch of snow, a snow crystal, and a snowy shelter to take home.


Friday, February 17

Have a Ball!
11:30 am

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.

Bake and Take: Chocolate Fondue
3 pm

Dip fruit into melted chocolate for a tasty treat! Learn about where chocolate comes from and how it is made into a sweet.


Saturday, February 18

Cool Science: Snowy Discoveries
11 am

Let it snow! Join us to make your own batch of snow, a snow crystal, and a snowy shelter to take home.

Animal Welfare Society
1:30 pm

Meet some special friends from the Animal Welfare Society and learn about taking care of your pet.


Sunday, February 19

Cultural Cooking: Japanese
1 pm

Join us for the story Yoko and hear about the different foods Yoko brought with her to school. Then try some Japanese food yourself!

Imagination Station
2:30-3:30 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Monday, February 20

OPEN to the Public
10 am – 5 pm


Cool Science: Take It Apart
11 am

Get a close look at the insides of a variety of appliances. Enter the Museum's "workshop" and become a take-it-apart expert

Dance Party
2-3:30 pm

Discover the delight of dancing to live music! Join musician and dancer Hope Hoffman for creative movement and simple traditional dances, all with live fiddle and guitar music.


Tuesday, February 21

Family Workshop: Decorate A Russian Nesting Doll (Registration required/additional cost)
9 am – Noon

Join Marina Forbes, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, to paint a matryoshka doll, or wooden nesting doll. Workshop is designed for parents and children ages 7 and up. Cost for parent and child together is $18 for members and $22 for non-members, which covers instruction and paints. Participants must also purchase a pre-designed nesting doll of their choice at the workshop. Prices are $10 for a one-piece doll, $16-$30 for a three-piece doll, and $35-45 for a 5-piece doll. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x242 or e-mail andrea@kitetails.com.

Bake and Take: Chocolate Fondue
11 am

Dip fruit into melted chocolate for a tasty treat! Learn about where chocolate comes from and how it is made into a sweet.

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Drums of the World
2 pm

Percussionist Shamou performs on various percussion and melodic instruments from around the globe. He will help the audience identify instruments and their world origins. Interact with these instruments and learn the global language of music: RHYTHM. Shamou's drumming career began at an early age in his native Iran where he also studied and performed with the Iranian National Ballet as a dancer. He completed his music studies at London’s Royal College of Music and at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He teaches and performs throughout the country.

Olympics Update
3:30 pm

Learn Olympics history and keep track of this year’s big winners. Make your own Olympic flags and medals too!


Wednesday, February 22

Family Workshop: Cardboard Boxes (Registration required/additional cost)
9 am – Noon

Think outside the box! Turn a boring old box into an igloo, a spaceship, or any structure you can imagine. Workshop is designed for parents and children ages 7 and up. Cost for parent and child together is $18 for members and $22 for non-members. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x242 or e-mail andrea@kitetails.com.

Big Messy Art: Melted Packing Peanuts
11 am & 2 pm

Melt packing peanuts with water to make goopy, foamy works of art!

Cool Science: Dolphin Discoveries
11:30 am & 2:30 pm

Join Science Coordinator, Suzanne Kahn, as she shares photos and stories of her “Wild Dolphin Societies” research expedition to Sarasota, Florida with Earthwatch Institute. Explore dolphin behavior and identification techniques with interactive games and discoveries.

Snow Carnival
3 pm

Have a blizzard of fun at our Snow Carnival! Learn fascinating snow science, make snow snacks and crafts, and snuggle up for a snowy story.


Thursday, February 23

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Tasty Tales Workshop (Registration required/additional cost)
9-11 am

Read, cook, and eat your way through delicious stories from around the world! Workshop is designed for ages 4 and 5. Cost is $13 for members and $15 for non-members. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 242 or e-mail andrea@kitetails.com.

Transportation Creation!
11:30 am & 2:30 pm

What kind of car, plane, or ship would you build? Create a version of a vehicle only you could imagine! Get inspired by Maine author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen, who will read and sign his book If I Built a Car at 1:30 pm.

If I Built a Car: Reading and Book Signing with Chris Van Dusen
1:30 pm

Meet Maine author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen when he reads and signs his new book, If I Built a Car. Find out what kind of car Jack would build (Hint: It would be totally new!) and let your imagination run wild as you build a crazy contraption of your own. Chris Van Dusen grew up in Portland and lives in Camden with his wife and sons, who also love to draw.

Let’s Go to Italy!
3:30 pm

Visit the host country of the 2006 Winter Olympics! Learn about the city of Torino, make traditional crafts, and enjoy a tasty Italian treat.


Friday, February 24

Animal Puppet Making Workshop (Registration required/additional cost)
9-11 am

Make your own animal puppets and enter the puppet theatre for a morning of dramatic play! Workshop is designed for ages 4 and 5. Cost is $13 for members and $15 for non-members. For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 242 or e-mail andrea@kitetails.com..

Many Eyes, Many Voices Storytime
10:30 am

Celebrate diversity through children’s literature and hands-on art projects in this special storytime. The Many Eyes, Many Voices curriculum was developed by Born to Read, a program of the Maine Humanities Council.

Maine Animal Friends with David Sparks
11 & 11:30 am

Join David Sparks, Maine wildlife rehabilitator, and his animal friends!

Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies
2:30 pm

Celebrate the end of the 2006 Winter Olympics! Learn about the big winners, make Olympic souvenirs, and lower the CMM Olympic flag. Stick around to play Games Around the World at 3 pm and earn your own gold medal!

Games Around the World
3 pm

Come play with us and learn about games played by children around the world! Join us to play two different games from Israel using apricot seeds as playing pieces.


Saturday, February 25

CGC’s Pet & People Walk Poster Contest
2-4pm

Join the Center for Grieving Children and draw something special for their annual People and Pet Walk poster contest! If your creation is chosen, it could end up on posters and t-shirts promoting the benefit event.

Stage Stories
3 pm

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Sunday, February 26

Big Messy Art: Melted Packing Peanuts
2:30-3:30 pm

Melt packing peanuts with water to make goopy, foamy works of art!


Monday, February 27

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


Music, Movement, and More
10 am



Tuesday, February 28

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Venetian Carnevale
2 pm

Celebrate the Carnevale of Venice with us. Come in costume and create a carnevale mask!

Have a Ball!
3:30 pm

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.





To Top

March 2006

January calendar   February calendar   March calendar  

Wednesday, March 1

Preschool Play: Kindercooks
10:30 am


Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
11:30 am

Kick off Read Across America month with a silly celebration of Dr. Seuss! Read a story and make Seussical snacks and crafts.


Thursday, March 2

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out
10:30 & 11:00am

Moovin and Groovin with Irene Jeffers

Cool Science: Turtles
3:30 pm

Celebrate "World Turtle Month" with turtle games and crafts. Explore the differences between sea turtles and land turtles, play turtle twister, and make your own turtle for turtle racing.


Friday, March 3

Have a Ball!
11:30 am

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.

Free Friday Night
5-8 pm


A Visit with Lilly
6 pm

“I’m Lilly, I’m the queen!” Meet Queen Lilly at the Children’s Museum of Maine, sample some luscious cheese bites, and make your own fabulous Purple Plastic Purse!


Saturday, March 4

Cool Science: Turtles
11 am

Celebrate "World Turtle Month" with turtle games and crafts. Explore the differences between sea turtles and land turtles, play turtle twister, and make your own turtle for turtle racing.

Puppet Playhouse (Additional cost)
Noon & 12:30 pm

Become a puppeteer! Join the fun backstage and put on a play. Program fee: $1 member child; $2 non-member child.


Sunday, March 5

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
11 am

Kick off Read Across America month with a silly celebration of Dr. Seuss! Read a story and make Seussical snacks and crafts.

Cultural Creations: Kiwi Birds
2:30-3:30 pm

Create your own cuddly Kiwi, the national bird of New Zealand.


Monday, March 6

Closed to the general public
9-11 am - Members Monday


A Visit with Lilly
10 am



Tuesday, March 7

Chickadee Storytime
10:30 am

Read this year’s nominees for the Chickadee Award, a statewide picture book award, and vote for your favorite book!

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Wednesday, March 8

Preschool Play: A Visit with Lilly
10:30 am

“I’m Lilly, I’m the queen!” Meet Queen Lilly at the Children’s Museum of Maine, sample some luscious cheese bites, and make your own fabulous Purple Plastic Purse!

Imagination Station
11 am & 2 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Thursday, March 9

CMM Playgroup (Additional cost)
9-10 am

For infants and toddlers up to 18 months. Sign up for the 10-week series ($45 members/ $50 non-members) or drop in ($6 per session). For information and registration, call 828-1234 x 227.

Little Kids’ Morning Out: A Visit with Lilly
10:30 am

“I’m Lilly, I’m the queen!” Meet Queen Lilly at the Children’s Museum of Maine, sample some luscious cheese bites, and make your own fabulous Purple Plastic Purse!


Friday, March 10

Many Eyes, Many Voices Storytime
10:30 am

Celebrate diversity through children’s literature and hands-on art projects in this special storytime. The Many Eyes, Many Voices curriculum was developed by Born to Read, a program of the Maine Humanities Council.

Maine Animal Friends with Sparks Ark
11 am

Join David Sparks, wildlife rehabilitator, and meet some special Maine animal friends.

Games Around the World
3 pm

Come play with us and learn about games played by children around the world! Wear a blindfold to play Fukuwarai, a Japanese game similar to pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey!


Saturday, March 11

A Visit with Lilly
11 am

“I’m Lilly, I’m the queen!” Meet Queen Lilly at the Children’s Museum of Maine, sample some luscious cheese bites, and make your own fabulous Purple Plastic Purse!

Planet Earth 3-D Show
1 & 2 pm

Get up-close and personal with nature! See Roger Richmond’s amazing 3-D macro images of the earth’s smallest creatures.

Stage Stories
3 pm

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Sunday, March 12

Private Playtime for Families of Children with Autism
10 am – Noon

The Children's Museum of Maine invites all families of children with autism to a series of Private Playtimes this winter. On the second Sunday morning of January, February and March, the Children's Museum will be open and FREE to families who have children with autism. For information, call 828-1234 x 242.

Imagination Station
2:30-3:30 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Monday, March 13

Closed to the general public
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


Tide Pool Touch Tank
10 am


Tuesday, March 14

Chickadee Storytime
10:30 am

Read this year’s nominees for the Chickadee Award, a statewide picture book award, and vote for your favorite book!.

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Have a Ball!
3:30 pm

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.


Wednesday, March 15

Silly Science: Spring Celebration
10:30 am

Welcome spring back to Maine with bright crafts, garden activities, and cheerful fun.

Big Messy Art: Rubber Ducky Painting
11 am & 2 pm

Swim a rubber ducky through puddles of paint to create colorful, swirling duck ponds.

Purim
3:30 pm

Purim is a day for Jewish people to celebrate their thriving culture. We’ll make traditional noisemakers called a graggers to use during the story from the Book of Esther, and enjoy special cookies called hamantashen.


Thursday, March 16

Little Kids’ Morning Out: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
10:30 am

Celebrate the Irish/American culture with us as we learn traditional Irish dancing, taste traditional foods and create a shamrock or two.

Cool Science: Welcoming Spring!
3:30 pmm

Spring is almost here! Celebrate the arrival of this season with a close look at flowers. Explore the anatomy of flowers and plant your own flower seeds to take home.


Friday, March 17

Have a Ball!
11:30 am

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.

Bake and Take: Bread and Butter Pudding
3 pm

Join us to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional Irish dessert.


Saturday, March 18

Cool Science: Welcoming Spring!
11 am

Spring is almost here! Celebrate the arrival of this season with a close look at flowers. Explore the anatomy of flowers and plant your own flower seeds to take home.

Animal Welfare Society
1:30 pm

Meet some special friends from the Animal Welfare Society and learn about taking care of your pet.


Sunday, March 19

Cultural Cooking: Rice
1 pm

Listen to selections from the book Everybody Cooks Rice and taste the different ways that many families prepare rice.

Big Messy Art: Rubber Ducky Painting
2:30-3:30 pm

Swim a rubber ducky through puddles of paint to create colorful, swirling duck ponds.


Monday, March 20

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


Springtime Stories and Crafts
10 am



Tuesday, March 21

Chickadee Storytime
10:30 am

Read this year’s nominees for the Chickadee Award, a statewide picture book award, and vote for your favorite book!

Bake and Take: Bread and Butter Pudding
11 am

Join us to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional Irish dessert.

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Cool Science: Seal Day
3 pm

Take a closer look at the lives of these endearing marine mammals. Investigate their amazing adaptations to life in the oceans and learn what to do if you find a stranded seal on the beach.


Wednesday, March 22

Preschool Play: Step into Storiess
10:30 am

Combining rhythm and song with stories, Lorna Stengel ignites enthusiastic learning and good listening through her stories. She will take you around the world and back. Stengel has been a storyteller for more than 17 years. This program is supported by Cole Haan.

Cultural Creations: Kalahari Ostrich Eggs
11 am & 2 pm

Decorate eggs in ancient patterns from Africa’s Kalahari Desert.


Thursday, March 23

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Toddler Art Explorers
10:30 am

Join in on the fun as we paint using moveable parts to the tempo of Mexican music.


Friday, March 24

Many Eyes, Many Voices Storytime
10:30 am

Celebrate diversity through children’s literature and hands-on art projects in this special storytime. The Many Eyes, Many Voices curriculum was developed by Born to Read, a program of the Maine Humanities Council.

Games Around the World
3 pm

Come play with us and learn about games played by children around the world! Plan a strategy for Muhle, a German game similar to Tic-Tac-Toe.


Saturday, March 25

Persian New Year Celebration
2-4 pm

Persian New Year, or No Rooz, has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years. No Rooz, which means new day, signifies the start of the new year on the first day of spring. This holiday is the biggest celebration of the year for Iranian families. Learn about the setting of the special table display Haft Seen, color eggs for the holiday, taste foods and more.

Stage Stories
3 pm

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.


Sunday, March 26

Maine Maple Sunday
1 pm

Celebrate Maple Sunday at the Museum! Learn about how sap from maple trees is boiled down to become syrup. Listen to a maple sugaring story and make your own maple treat!

Cultural Creations: Kalahari Ostrich Eggs
2:30-3:30 pm

Decorate eggs in ancient patterns from Africa’s Kalahari Desert.


Monday, March 27

Closed to the general public.
9-11 am - Members’ Monday


Behind the Scenes
10 am



Tuesday, March 28

Chickadee Storytime
10:30 am

Read this year’s nominees for the Chickadee Award, a statewide picture book award, and vote for your favorite book!

Stage Stories
11:30 am

Get creative in our Dress Up Theater and use props, costumes, lighting, sound effects, and storyboards to inspire your dramatic play.

Have a Ball!
3:30 pm

Experiment with energy, movement, speed, and more.


Wednesday, March 29

Preschool Play: Big Messy Art
10:30 am

Big messy art for preschoolers. Join us for a hands-on art experience that is too messy to do at home!

Imagination Station
11 am & 2 pm

Get creative in our Imagination Station! Use recycled pieces and random craft bits to create whatever comes to mind! We supply the materials, you supply the imagination!


Thursday, March 30

Little Kids’ Morning Out: Movement, Music and More
10:30 am

Calling all tumblers, acrobats and more. It’s time to show us your skills as we explore movement by using our bodies, mats and more!


Friday, March 31

Book Character Parade
10:30 am

Wrap up Read Across America month with a festive parade. Come dressed as your favorite book character and join us as we read our way through the Children’s Museum!