Programs & Workshops
Museum To You
Did you know that The Children's Museum of Portsmouth goes on the road to visit communities in New Hampshire and Maine? The unique, award-winning Museum To You outreach program brings a mobile version of the museum to underserved communities several times a year and offers free admission to local residents during its four-to-six-week stay.
Like its parent organization, the temporary museum employs a variety of sensory experiences and learning styles to informally teach children about the world through age-appropriate exhibits, curricula, and programs. Museum To You visitors are able to explore the wonders of science, art, and world cultures through 15 hands-on exhibits and special family programs.
Since its debut in January 2003, Museum To You has served more than 23,000 children and parents. Museum To You is funded through generous grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Bank of America, and Ocean National Bank.
School and childcare groups are welcome with advance reservations. For more information on the program, please contact MTY Director Paula Rais at the museum at (603) 436-3853 or email prais@childrens-museum.org.
Preschool Programs
From September through May, the museum offers programs designed especially for preschoolers. Please note that if Portsmouth schools are delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather, our preschool programs are cancelled that day as well.
Junior Science Explorers*
Tuesdays, 9:15 AM
This program is on hiatus -- please check back after the museum relocates to Dover in 2008 for future dates
Instructed by Katie West
- Get curious in this fun and educational 45-minute science program that explores how and why things happen in the natural world. You and your child will conduct theme-related "experiments" that focus on nature, space, the senses and more. Junior Science Explorers is open to children ages 3 1/2-5. The cost is $50 for museum members and $60 for non-members. We provide smocks but recommend you wear clothing that can get messy.
Wee Ones' Wednesdays *
Wednesdays, 8:45 & 9:30 AM
This program is on hiatus -- please check back after the museum relocates to Dover in 2008 for future dates
Instructed by Xanthi Gray
- Two 45-minute drop-in classes are held designated Wednesdays. The first class begins at 8:45, followed by a second session at 9:30, with a limit of 12 children per session. Once the first class fills, any families waiting can sign up for the second class and play on the first floor until 9:30. This fun-filled program combines art, music, movement and conceptual learning. This is a drop-in class, so pre-registration is not required. The cost per adult/child pair is $5 for museum members and $8 for non-members. Additional children in a family are $4 each for members and $7 each for non-members. We provide smocks but recommend you wear clothing that can get messy. See our calendar for weekly themes.
* Non-members who wish to enjoy the museum after class will be asked to pay regular admission rates.
Preschool Spanish
Instructed by Brianna Greenleaf
Tuesdays, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
This program is on hiatus except for continuing students -- please check back after the museum relocates to Dover in 2008 for future dates
The Children’s Museum offers a weekly Spanish learning program for children ages 4 and 5. Classes will meet Tuesday mornings from 9:15 – 10 a.m. for six weeks. The program will use art, music, stories and movement to introduce children to the Spanish language, build vocabulary and develop a sense of the geography and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Class fee per 6-week session: $50 museum members/$60 non-members.
Programs for Scouts
Patch Programs
Scouts can learn and have fun at The Children's Museum of Portsmouth -- and earn a scout patch at the same time! Two-hour Patch Programs are open to troops comprised of 10 or more scouts. Choose from among the following:
Career Exploration
Explore career choices through role-playing, discussion and exploration of our exhibits.
Scouting Worlds of Interest: The World of Exhibits
Enjoy activities based on the five Scouting Worlds of Interest and open up a whole new world of learning through exploration of our exhibits.
Museum Madness
What does it take to run a museum? Find out in this hands-on program. Take on the role of a museum professional, participate in an activity, test your memory with a scavenger hunt and talk to some museum volunteers. More Opportunities
Sleepover by the Sea
Overnights at The Children's Museum of Portsmouth are the perfect indoor camping trip for scout troops, schools, and other recreational groups. Overnights are offered on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year. The minimum number for an overnight visit is 30 people from one or more groups. The cost is $25 per person and includes two art and science activities, a scavenger hunt, museum patch, an evening snack and a tasty Continental breakfast. Overnight guests arrive at 6:30 PM and depart at 9 AM the next morning. Shower facilities are not available.
Workshops
The museum also offers afterschool and evening workshops for children and families throughout the year. Check the calendar for dates.
Booking Information
To book a Patch Program or Overnight, call the museum at (603) 436-3853. Scouts who wear their pins and/or uniforms will receive a discounted admission of $5 when taking part in a patch program. Patches may be purchased at the front desk after completion of a program for $1.50 each.
To register for any of our other programs, excluding Wee Ones' Wednesdays, call the museum at (603) 436-3853. Registration dates are listed above. We require a MasterCard, Visa or Discover number to hold your spot. Early registration is encouraged, as programs tend to fill quickly.
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