Gone are the days of boring winter school breaks filled with cabin fever. Parents and children will be able to enjoy a variety of activities next week, courtesy of our local museums and theaters.
Look heavenward
At the Schenectady Museum, children can look to the stars through a hands-on activity each day. The planetarium show with the new star projector will will let children enjoy the tour of The Story of Three Water Drops, a fascinating new photomicrograph exhibit.
`We are really excited about all of this year’s programs during February break week,` said Erin Breslin of the Schenectady Museum.
Breslin said to look for the Family Discovery Lab Telescopes Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 17. The lab gives guests a chance to build and learn how to currently use their own refractor telescope. The popular program costs $6 for the telescope kit, which is yours to keep.
Make the most of things
At the Troy Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, or CMOST, a week of discovery and adventure will keep young minds content. The museum will offer a variety of programs each day of the week, ranging from a chemistry adventure with balloons and rockets, to a pinhole camera workshop. The activities are geared for ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required for the `Ready Set Action` chemistry workshop as well as the camera program.
For younger kids, the museum will offer a `Clues That Tell You A Tale,` animal hibernation and migration program. The session is limited to 20 participants and is best for ages 4 and up.
Another program, `Making it work for you-simple machine,` focuses on investigating devices found around the house, school and on the playground. This session requires pre-registration required and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
`We have something for every age and expect a high amount of interest,` said Laurie Miedema, director of member and guest relations for CMOST.
On the last day of vacation, CMOST will hold a liquid nitrogen ice cream workshop that is sure to be popular. Children will be able to make their own ice cream after exploring the properties of liquid nitrogen and seeing firsthand what happens to molecules as they experience changes in temperature.
Sing and smile
New York State Museum’s illustrator for the cultural education center, Patricia Kernan, said the state museum would be bringing in special music and art programs.
On Sunday, Feb. 18, families can receive a free early 20th-century style complimentary photo to take home. The museum says the only requirement is a happy face.
`Music Jams` is held every Thursday, including over break, as an opportunity for all ages to listen to live music including that inspired by jigs, waltzes, hornpipes and marches.
Other state museum `School’s Out` programs will include a magnetic bookmark making workshop and a collage art chow. Kids can get a taste of spring with `Flowers and Fossils` programs with local artist Randi Bentley. Another favorite is the Iroquois beading exhibit, which will allow children to be interactive and hands-on while creating beaded objects.
To unleash a little energy, kids can check out the highly acclaimed `Time Tunnel Camp`. This recreational day camp is for children grades first through seventh and is a combination of entertainment and recreation. Sessions meet weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
`There is tons of stuff, ` said Albert Gnidica of the state museum.
There are many more programs during February break week, and your best bet is to contact the museums for registration information including dates times for programs. Many sessions are limited, although the museums will have all of their regular exhibits open.
How to reach them
The Schenectady Museum, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, 382-7890 or www.schenectadymuseum.org
State Museum, Empire State Plaza, Madison Avenue, Albany, 474-5877, www.nysm.nysed.gov
CMOST, 250 Jordan Road, Rensselaer Technology Park, Troy, 235-2120 or www.CMOST.org “