From the beloved bobcat to the brilliant barn owl, New Jersey is the proud home of some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. Whether deep in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean or burrowed in the vast wilderness of the Pine Barrens, our home state boasts a remarkable ecosystem unlike any other on the globe. Chances are, your child has taken an interest in the amazing animals all around us. And if you’re a parent looking for a paws-itively awesome way to help your little ones learn about their state’s animal kingdom, the New Jersey State Museum has you covered with their latest installment of Small Explorers.

On Saturday, April 13th, the New Jersey State Museum will be hosting this month’s edition of Small Explorers, “The Animals of New Jersey”. This fun and free playgroup invites families from the Capital City and surrounding areas to come together, connect, and enjoy a morning of educational fun with their little ones. April’s Small Explorers session will kick off at 10am at the New Jersey State Museum campus, located at 205 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608. The Small Explorers play groups are completely free to attend, but space is limited and advanced registration is required. You can secure your spot now by completing the NJSM’s registration form, linked here: Register – NJSM.

At this month’s Small Explorers, your little learners will have the opportunity to learn all about the majestic creatures who call New Jersey their home. The day’s fun will start off with a reading of “Over in the Forest, a woodland baby animal counting book”, written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jill Dubin. Afterwards, visitors from the Mercer County Wildlife Center will be on-site to offer guests an up-close encounter with some of their educational animals. A curious community of creatures great and small, guests young and old alike will be wowed by the wondrous animals who live alongside us in the Garden State.

The Small Explorers program welcomes children ages 6 months through 5 years old, alongside their families, to come explore the New Jersey State Museum in a kid-friendly setting. Each month, the program covers a fascinating topic which introduces young guests to an expansive realm of educational fun. From scientific discoveries to historical happenings, this program offers the museum’s youngest guests the opportunity to get to know the wide world around them with hands-on, age appropriate activities. The Small Explorers initiative is of equal benefit to grown-up attendees, as this program empowers guardians to forge new friendships in the community and share resources, tips, and tricks with other likeminded parents. A fabulous offering for the whole family, you won’t want to miss the chance to be a part of the fun.

For more information on this and other upcoming opportunities at the New Jersey State Museum, please visit their website, linked here: NJSM – Home. If you have any questions or would like any assistance getting signed up for the next Small Explorers session, please contact Susan.Kozak-Buckley@sos.nj.gov for additional details. April’s Small Explorers is certain to be a morning of wild wonders great and small, so be sure to enroll for your slot today!

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