Niantic Children’s Museum is bringing the animal kingdom to life for preschoolers this fall with their exciting “Discovering Animals” program in Niantic, CT. This educational adventure invites young explorers ages 3-5 to dive into the fascinating world of animals through hands-on activities and unforgettable live encounters. The highlight for many children will undoubtedly be meeting special guests like Mr. Rogers, the Russian tortoise, who serves as the museum’s scaly ambassador. This thoughtfully designed program offers a perfect balance of structured learning and playful discovery, catering specifically to the natural curiosity of preschool-aged children.
Structured as a four-week series, “Discovering Animals” creates a learning journey that builds knowledge week after week. Each two-hour session introduces children to different animal habitats and species – from the depths of ocean environments to familiar household pets and fascinating reptiles. The program has been designed to engage young minds while fostering independence, as it’s for children who are ready to participate without parent attendance. This creates a supportive environment where preschoolers can develop social skills while expanding their understanding of the animal world around them.
- Mr. Rogers, the Russian tortoise, is a star attraction during the live animal encounters at Niantic Children’s Museum. Source: nianticchildrensmuseum.org
Parents looking to enroll their budding zoologists should mark their calendars for this fall’s session. The “Discovering Animals” program runs on consecutive Tuesdays from September 30th through October 21st, with each session taking place from 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning. This schedule provides a consistent routine that helps young children thrive while learning. The museum offers different pricing options to accommodate families: museum members can register their children for $88 for the complete four-week series, while non-members can participate for $136 – a price that includes museum admission for the duration of the program.
Preparing for this animal adventure is straightforward for parents. Children should come ready with a snack for the mid-session break, as the program includes designated snack and bathroom break times to keep energy levels high throughout the engaging activities. Space for this popular program is limited, making pre-registration essential for securing a spot. The museum also notes an important detail for families considering membership: to qualify for member pricing, you must have an active museum membership at the time of booking, and only children included in your membership can register at the discounted member rate. This pricing structure helps families make informed decisions about the value of membership versus non-member participation.
Header Image Source: nianticchildrensmuseum.org
