Winter Break is now underway, and kids all across the Garden State are rejoicing. For the parents out there, however, many are left scratching their heads wondering how to keep these next weeks occupied. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be difficult to determine how to maximize this special time together. With a bit of planning, however, this winter break can be one for the books for parent and child alike.

From December 26th through December 29th, you and your family are invited to the New Jersey State Museum for a fun afternoon of hands-on activities. This fun and free series of events will captivate your little one as they learn more about the winter, hibernating critters, and other phenomena of this bright and blustery season. Activities planned for the week include:

  • 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Imagination Studio: Create a hibernating woodchuck craft and learn about animals that hibernate for winter. After the craft, hunt for hibernating animals in the “Written in the Rocks” gallery.
  • 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM in the Discovery Den: Enjoy a special story time at the museum! Kiddos will have the chance to hear “Snowflake Bentley” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Afterwards, they’ll learn about Wilson Bentley’s study of these unique six-sided snow crystal, and will end the afternoon with the opportunity to make a snowflake of their very own.

In addition to these alluring activities, while at the museum, there’s plenty in store for you and your child to explore. The NJSM’s Discovery Den offers children ages 0-8 and their parents an engaging play space to explore the natural world. In the den, you’ll find a number of books, pretend play, art supplies, and more to help engaging your little one in imaginative play. There are also a number of exhibits on display, so whether your child is interested in art, history, science, or a whole host of other topics, there’s certain to be something for parent and child alike to enjoy.

In addition to the upcoming winter break activities, the New Jersey State Museum offers a jam-packed schedule of programming for visitors of all ages. From engaging little minds in the Small Explorers program to astronomy talks for visitors young and old, there is a whole galaxy to discover at your local museum. For more information on this and other upcoming events at the NJSM, please take a look at their website, linked here: NJSM – Home.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the winter break fun, please contact the NJSM team at info.njsm@sos.nj.gov or (609) 292-6464 for additional assistance. Don’t let another winter break pass you by, be sure to mark your calendars today!

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