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PBS Kids Educational Games
Check out PBS Kids' incredible library of games that will have kids learning about math, engineering, social studies, rhyming and more–and having fun doing it! We can't get enough!
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
DIY Slushies with a STEAM Twist
We know it's been a bit rainy lately...but Alissa is manifesting gorgeous, sunny days by making DIY slushies. But wait! These aren't your typical slushies-we're using a little bit of science to bring them to the next level.
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
The Incredible Fish of Our Oceans
Summer is here, and there's nothing like cooling off with a swim at the beach! Our oceans are teeming with incredible wildlife that your child might be interested to learn about. National Geographic Kids has a great kid-friendly library of fun facts about deep sea creatures such as electric eels, bull sharks, clown fish (hello, Nemo!), harry frogfish, and more.
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
Many Homes in Kyoto, Japan
The Japanese House in Boston Children's Museum was originally built around 1890 near Nishijin, a famous silk district of Kyoto. It was transported as a gift to Boston in 1979 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their sister-city relationship. Many kids in Kyoto and other parts of Japan live in modern housing, but some still live in traditional homes like the Kyo no Machiya. You can meet a diverse group of new friends in Kyoto in this video, 'Many Homes in Kyoto, Japan.' After watching, think about the people you met and compare and contrast their homes, families, and traditions with your own.
Ages: 5-12Category: Cultures
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Take your conventional sidewalk chalk up a notch and make your own chalk PAINT! Chalk paint is a fun, entertaining way to keep kids engaged and entertained on a summer day. It's easy to make, and kids will have a blast helping out.
Ages: 3-8Category: Nature and Outdoor Activities
The Water Keeper's Library
While in the Art Lab, Arts Program Manager Faith Johnson leads programming like Pattern Play and Curious Comics. Outside the Museum, she is a practicing artist making a difference with her work. Explore Faith's impactful exhibition 'Water Keeper's Library,' an interactive project that connects people to the beauty and magic of water.
Ages: 8-12Category: Art Activities
Fun with Mud
Happy International Mud Day! As it turns out, mud has a lot more benefits than you might think. Sometimes it's GOOD to get messy, but if you'd rather stay tidy, watching someone else do it is good enough. Who could forget last year's celebratory Mud Day video from Science Program Manager Alissa? Check it out.
Ages: 3-8Category: Nature and Outdoor Activities
Make Your Own Homemade Bird Seed Cake
Calling all bird lovers! Learn how you can use just bird seed and gelatin to make your very own bird seed cake! You can use this to bring all kinds of different bird species to your backyard. Then, sit back and observe. With Alissa's help, you can learn how to spot and identify different bird species right in your own neighborhood.
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
The Wavin' Flag Project from DEAFinitely, Inc.
Who are you? What is your identity? What are you proud of? Our friends at DEAFinitely, Inc. explored these questions through the power of art during the Wavin' Flag project. Art materials were provided to remote and in-school Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and Deaf mentors supported kids as they created personal flags representing their identities, including their countries, cultures, languages, and interests. Check out this heartwarming video, and then ask yourself or your child the question - what is your identity?
Ages: 5-12Category: Cultures
Pride Month Storytime: 'When Aidan Became a Brother'
This Pride Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the diversity of families that make up our community and each person's freedom to be who they are. We are joined by educator Josia Gertz DeChiara who is going to share 'When Aidan Became a Brother' by Kyle Lukoff, a story about embracing one's identity and celebrating inclusivity. We hope you enjoy it!
Ages: 3-8Category: Storytimes and Literacy
Pride Month Resource: Answering Kids' Questions About Gender
It can be difficult to know how to respond to kids' questions about gender or gender-based teasing. This resource from Welcoming Schools offers great techniques to prepare you to embrace teachable moments with kids and foster a gender-inclusive environment.
Ages: AdultsCategory: Blog posts and Articles
Juneteenth Stories and History for Kids
June 19th was Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the ending of the enslavement of Black Americans in the US. It is also time to celebrate the many contributions Black Americans have made to this country. The staff of Boston Public Library compiled an excellent list of children's books exploring the history of Juneteenth through stories to help you celebrate and honor Juneteenth with the children in your life.
Ages: 5-12Category: Cultures
Boston Public Library's 'Dig Deeper' Summer Reading Program for Kids
This summer, Boston Public Library branches across Massachusetts will be offering reading programs for children, teens, and adults! 'Dig Deeper' into books and grow stronger in your reading with BPL's summer reading program for youth to seventeen-year-olds. Starting June 14th, get a bookmark from any open branch.
Ages: 5-12Category: Storytimes and Literacy
'We Are Pride'—Pride Month Book List from Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library compiled a list of books published in the last year for all ages concerning the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in celebration of Pride Month. Check out this fantastic list of books.
Ages: 5-12Category: Storytimes and Literacy
Personalized Summer of Play Journal
Summer 2021 will be one to remember. With a personalized Summer of Play journal, kids can record their favorite memories from this summer with prompts to help them explore how they've played, what they've created, and what new favorite memories they've made. The journal can become a special keepsake to look back on this special time for years to come!
Ages: AllCategory: Open-Ended Play
Make an Everyday Material Sculpture Inspired by Woomin Kim
What do you think you see? What do you really see? In a new art instructable, learn how to make a sculpture out of everyday materials around the house!
Ages: 5-12Category: Art Activities
The Role of Play in Any Setting
Play in early childhood is so important for healthy development. Although we love when families come to play here at the Museum, play doesn't require a special destination to have a powerful effect! Explore the role of play in any setting with this resource from Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child.
Ages: AdultsCategory: Blog posts and Articles
Fizzy Lemonade
Who agrees: There's nothing quite like an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer's day. With just a little bit of science, you can kick your plain old lemonade up a notch and make it FIZZY! Join Alissa back in her kitchen to learn how.
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
Storytime: The History of Pride Month
Happy Pride Month! As we celebrate, it is important to acknowledge the origins of Pride and recognize the hard work and struggles of those who have fought for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Join Ms. Loredo for a read-aloud of "Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution". This true story tells of the historic presence of New York's Stonewall Inn during the 1969 Stonewall Riots-the origin story of today's Pride Month celebrations.
Ages: 5-12Category: Cultures
Summer of Play: At Home!
This summer, we're bringing all the fun of the Museum to your backyard with playful ideas you can do right at home. Enjoy our giant library of summer activities and keep coming back for new ideas each week.
Ages: AllCategory: All
Make a Pinch Pot Inspired by Courtney Leonard
Meet Courtney Leonard, our new spotlighted artist and the inspiration for a fun and easy at-home project: sculpting pinch pots! Courtney, who is Shinnecock, creates installations with clay/ceramic sculptures, video, and paint. Her work explores the human connection to water and the need for balance between people and the natural world. Learn more about Courtney, and get instructions to create a miniature pot-AKA pinch pot-inspired by her work.
Ages: 5-12Category: Art Activities
Birdwatching in Collections
Have you ever been birdwatching? There are so many birds to see during spring! Our collection contains countless birds in many different forms, from taxidermy to embroidery. Join Rachel as she takes you through some of these beautiful birds. Next time you're outside, see if you can spot any of these bird species!
Ages: 5-12Category: Nature and Outdoor Activities
Dinomania from National Geographic Kids
Dinosaur lovers, you don't want to miss this! National Geographic Kids has compiled a kid-friendly database of dozens of dinosaur species with fascinating facts, the latest scientific discoveries, and interactive games.
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
WhatDoes Love Mean to YOU? Create a Pride Heart
Happy Pride Month to all! Originated to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, Pride Month is a time to celebrate the experiences of LGBTQ people. Please join us in celebrating the diversity of families in our community and each person's freedom to be who they are. We invite you to make a "Love Is" Heart and decorate it with whatever love means to YOU. Create a picture or write some words to show what you think love is. Share it and tag us to be a part of our virtual Pride collage!
Ages: 3-12Category: Cultures
Making Doctor's Visits Easier for Kids
Children can be active participants in their healthcare by knowing why they need to see the doctor and how to take good care of themselves. Check out a new blog post with expert tips from our Health and Wellness Educator on how make doctor's visits easier for your child.
Ages: AdultsCategory: Blog posts and Articles
PART 3: Sing with Boston Children's Chorus: "Menina"
It's finally time to put all of "Menina" together and start singing in Portuguese! Ms. Cooper from Boston Children's Chorus will help you practice the words through her game "Sound It Out!" before we celebrate by singing together one last time.
Ages: 5-12Category: Music and Dance
New Podcast Series: Innovation in Education
This summer, we're thrilled to introduce a new Big & Little podcast series called 'Innovation in Education.' This 3-part series will dive into three different schools that are innovating the traditional schooling model we are all familiar, with non-traditional curriculums, strategies, and values.
Ages: AdultsCategory: Blog posts and Articles
Ghost Glove Activity from National Geographic Kids
Examine, test, and observe scientific research right at home. In this experiment, make a ghost out of a glove and a few other household items to freak out your friends! You'll learn a little science along the way.
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
PART 2: Sing with Boston Children's Chorus: Learning "Menina"
Ms. Cooper and the singers of Boston Children's Chorus Training Choirs return for "Menina" lesson 2! In lesson one, we danced to the rhythm of Menina, a Brazilian circle dance or ciranda. We learn the catchy melody that brings everyone to the circle! Before we start, we'll need to crack the solfege code to discover Menina's melody-Ms. Cooper will help! Afterwards, we'll pair song and dance together in celebration of what we've learned so far.
Ages: 5-12Category: Music and Dance
Money Matters Virtual Classroom Experience
What are the businesses in your community? How do we and our neighbors make and spend money? Introducing Money Matters, a virtual experience designed for the classroom where students will get the chance to explore these financial literacy concepts through role-play, creating their own small businesses, and making shopping choices. The program includes virtual visits from one of our educators to help guide Money Matters financial literacy activities. Learn more about Money Matters, and request a virtual visit for your students. Parents, if you're interested, let your child's teacher know about this opportunity!
Ages: 5-12Category: STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math)