London Children's Museum
21 Wharncliffe Rd. S. N6J 4G5 London, ON, Canada

"Resilience, or the capacity to cope with adversity and stress, remains an essential life skill that can help children face ongoing uncertainty, manage their emotions, and recover from setbacks. Luckily, as we’ve seen throughout our Building Resiliency series, resilience is a skill that can be nurtured and developed through practice and play!..." Read more from Part 5 of our Resiliency Building series ... https://www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca//building-resiliency- See more

The London Children’s Museum is temporarily closed to the public beginning Monday, December 14. The Province of Ontario has confirmed Middlesex-London will move from orange-restrict to red-control zone of public health measures. With this change, interactive exhibits must close. The London Children’s Museum remains open December 12 and 13 to registered attendees. We are continuously grateful for the ongoing support of our members, visitors, and friends. We look forward to we...lcoming you back when we are able to do so! Retail Store While the London Children’s Museum’s exhibits are closed for play, our retail store will be open with limited hours. Stay tuned for more information! Memberships We are happy to extend all London Children’s Museum memberships to account for the length of our temporary closure. This includes memberships purchased prior to and during our closure. Refunds If you have purchased admission for the month of December, you will receive a full refund in the next 7-10 business days. Digital Field Trips The London Children’s Museum will continue to provide Digital Field Trips during our temporary closure. If you have booked a Digital Field Trip for your class, you will receive it as scheduled. Support The London Children’s Museum is a registered charity committed to providing meaningful learning experiences to children and their grown-ups. Help support our mission during our temporary closure by: Making a donation and receiving your year-end tax receipt (londonchildrensmuseum.ca/donate) Purchasing a play kit for your family or a family in need (londonchildrensmuseum.ca/shop) Purchasing a membership or gift certificate (londonchildrensmuseum.ca/shop) Visiting our retail store online or in-person We look forward to staying connected this holiday season!

While the London Children's Museum remains closed for play, our retail store is open with limited hours. Pick up some last minute stocking stuffers and support local! We hope to see you soon! #ldnont #shoplocal

Your January newsletter has arrived! Included in this month's newsletter: Building Resiliency Part 5, Membership Update, and more! Read on https://mailchi.mp/londonchildrensmus/januarynewsletter2021

SWIPE TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCES! Work together with your family to find six differences between these two photos! (Photo: Family New Years Countdown 2019)... #ispy

Reminder: the London Children's Museum is temporarily closed to the public. Thanks to all our friends and visitors for learning, laughing, and playing with us over the past few months. We look forward to welcoming you back when we are able to do so. Learn more about our temporary closure at londonchildrensmuseum.ca/closed.

Getting ready to ship out our first batch of Digital Field Trips! Look out Sir Arthur Currie P.S. and Lambeth P.S. - these are coming your way! Digital Field Trips are offered remotely and include prerecorded videos, teacher-focused lesson plans, and individually prepackaged student activity kits. Digital Field Trips are designed by an Ontario Certified Teacher and available for K-6. Learn more at londonchildrensmuseum.ca/digitalfieldtrips. ***... Thank you Thames Valley District School Board and Johansen-Larsen Foundation for supporting Digital Field Trips at the London Children's Museum! *** #inquirybased #childled #environmentaleducation #tvdsb

Happy New Year's Eve! While we aren't celebrating our annual countdown together, we wanted to share a few words and photo highlights from the last few years. As 2020 comes to a close, we are reflecting on the learning, changes, and challenges of the past year. Through it all, we've been so deeply grateful for the support of our members, donors, volunteers, visitors, and friends. We are thankful for the time we spent learning together in person, and we're especially gratef...ul for those who stayed connected during our closures. We hope your family has been able to reconnect and reflect this holiday season. However or wherever you are celebrating, we wish you a new year full of laughter, adventure, learning, and of course, PLAY! #tbt #happynewyear

This week in the Littles Lab: MESSY FINGERS! Indulge your senses in new colours, textures, and experiences. Space is still available for Thursday and Friday's time slots. Register in advance www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca Reminder: exhibits and programs have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. To learn more about what to expect during your next visit, see londonchildrensmuseum.ca/admission. #playtogether #learntogether #playislearning #earlylearning

Our favourite visitor photo of the week from @nico.stephenson6 . Thanks for learning with us! Reposted from @nico.stephenson6 "Spending the days digging the dinosaurs @children_museum"

#fromthearchives Christmas at the London Children's Museum 1989 & 1990

Winter Scavenger Hunt It may be chilly but there's still so much to discover outdoors this winter! Take a nature walk with your family and keep an eye out for these wonderful winter sights. 1. Pine Tree... 2. Squirrel Drey 3. Mud 4. Animal Tracks 5. Cedar Tree 6. Pinecone 7. Winter Berries, like Juniper, Holly, or Snowberry 8. Canada Goose 9. Icicle If you take photos during your scavenger hunt, share them with us! We'd love to see what your family discovers!

Our Science In Your World gallery has a new fishy friend - and we need your family's help to name them! Cast your family's vote for one of the following names. All names were selected by last week's young visitors. Leave your vote in the comments! 1) Rosie ... 2) Dave 3) Taco 4) Rainbow 5) Raspberry 6) Electra 7) Sunflower 8) Goldie 9) Ducky 10) BINGO 11) Captain Blubs 12) Frieda Votes will be collected across social media and in-person at the London Children's Museum. Our new friend's name will be announced next week! #childled #childcentred

We've updated our fall hours for the back-to-school season! Beginning September 14, the London Children's Museum is open: Wednesday - Friday: 9 am - 12 pm Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm... TD Free Family Fun Night: Thursday 6 pm - 8 pm With a reduced capacity, we recommend visitors and members register in advance. A few reminders about our enhanced COVID-19 protocols. We have implemented: A significantly reduced visitor capacity and timed admission. Capacity limits in each exhibit. Increased cleaning and disinfection. Modified exhibits and programs to ensure physical distancing and easy cleaning. If your family is visiting for the first time, read more about what to expect: www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/fall-hours OR register for your family's upcoming visit: www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca

Play is an essential part of every child's healthy development. Not only is it the best way for children to learn, but it also supports their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Thanks to all today's visitors for sharing your discoveries, curiosities, and love of PLAY with us! #missionmoments #playmatters #playisseriousbusiness #playtogether #learntogether

Children's voices are so important. This time of year, we are usually collecting our young visitors' ideas, hopes, and dreams on our New Year's Wishing Tree. This year, we want to provide children the same opportunity to share their thoughts. *Ask your children: what is your wish for 2021?* ... Leave your child's wish in the comments or send us a DM! We'll be sharing their answers on our virtual Wishing Tree. In a year full of disruption and change, listening to children has never been more important. By honouring every child's unique perspective, we can help children develop self-esteem, process emotions, and practice resiliency.

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble! #HALLOWEEK continues through Sunday! Friendly reminder: with a significantly reduced visitor capacity, visitors and members must register in advance. Most time slots are currently full. Space is still available for Sunday, November 1, 2pm-4pm.... If your family has registered for #HALLOWEEK but is unable to attend, let us know so we can invite another family. Happy Halloweek!

This year, as families face increased emotional and financial stress, play is needed more than ever. This holiday season, when you make a donation to the London Children's Museum, you will be giving a play kit to children with financial barriers. Each play kit includes open-ended materials and play prompts designed to inspire imagination and ignite curiosity!... If you've already made a gift, thank you! If not, we hope you will consider giving the gift of play today. Give londonchildrensmuseum.ca/playkitdonate *** P.S. The London Children's Museum is a registered charity! Receive your year-end tax receipt by making a gift today. *** If you'd like to preorder a play kit for your own play, visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca/shop.

It’s that spooky time of year, London! While Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s The Abandoned Village might be SOLD OUT, don't fret - there are lots of other fun ...Halloween activities happening at local heritage sites and museums! Join Museum London for an all-night silent film screening of Frankenstein (1931). Watch Frankenstein, and his famous stitched-together monster projected two storeys high on their large rear windows this Halloween from 7 pm on October 31 until 6 am on November 1. Learn more at http://museumlondon.ca/programs-events/event/6515/ This year, the London Children's Museum is planning a spookily fun HalloWEEK beginning today until Sunday! With slimy experiments, mad scientists, and pumpkin drops, your little one will be howling with excitement! Learn more and register at https://www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca//halloweek-childrens- Eldon House’s Crimes, Haunts & Curses walking tour sold out, but you can still drop in for Spooky Gourd Painting on the 31st from 1-4 pm. Learn more at https://eldonhouse.ca/events/ Download Engage App and add a little augmented reality to your Halloween! Experience three true spooky stories coming to life at the Old Courthouse or try out their Halloween-themed mini-game Catching Candies AR. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/engage_art/ And don’t forget to check each organization’s most current COVID-19 safety protocols before you go! Happy Halloween, London!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! A festive Maximus is here to wish you a play-filled snowy day!

Visiting the London Children's Museum this week? Don't forget your costume! We're celebrating HALLOWEEK all week long! Friendly reminder: we are operating at a significantly reduced visitor capacity. Visitors and members must register in advance. Space is still available for the following time slots:... Wed, Oct 28, 6pm-8pm Thurs, Oct 29, 9am-12pm Fri, Oct 30, 9am-12pm Fri, Oct 30, 6pm-8pm Sun, Nov 1, 10am-12pm Sun, Nov 1, 2pm-4pm If your family has registered but you will be unable to attend, please let us know so we may invite another family! Exhibit and programs have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. To learn more about our COVID-19 protocols and what to expect during, visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/visit/hours-and-admission To register for your time slot, visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca

HALLOWEEK begins Wednesday, October 28! Stomp, crawl, dance, or fly your way over to the London Children's Museum and celebrate the season. We're inviting our spook-tacular visitors to come dressed in their favourite costumes ALL WEEK LONG. HALLOWEEK includes: Extra evening time slots Slimy Science in the morning time slots... Mad Scientist and a Pumpkin Drop in the evening time slots A treat bag for each child visitor Open-ended museum exploration #HALLOWEEK activities are included in the cost of general admission. Due to a limited capacity, all visitors and members must REGISTER IN ADVANCE. COVID-19 protocols include: Significantly reduced visitor capacity and timed admission Enhanced cleaning protocols, including removing, sanitizing, and restocking exhibit materials between time slots Hand sanitizer stations available throughout the museum ...and more To learn more about what to expect and register, visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca #spookyseason #spooktacular #familyfun #playtogether #learntogether

The Littles Lab is open Wednesday - Friday, 9am-12pm. This week, we're experimenting with Mud Pie Kitchen! Early learners can practice motor skills, early math and measuring, and literacy. Don't forget to dress for a mess! Programs and exhibits have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. All programs are included in the cost of general admission. Register www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca... #earlylearning #earlyyears101 #messisbest #playmatters

Sometimes play and learning look big, loud, and silly. Other times they appear quiet and subtle. No matter what play-based learning looks like, it's always serious business! Here are a few snapshots of some seriously thoughtful learning that took place this week. Thanks to all our visitors for sharing moments like this with us! #playmatters #playhappenshere

Today is a special day. It’s National Philanthropy Day! This day is set aside to recognize the impact philanthropy has had on our communities. It is a day to celebrate the change charitable giving has made and the changes that are yet to come! Today, we would like to take a moment to recognize the contributions our donors, supporters, and friends have made to the London Children's Museum. We are so grateful for their support of our mission. With their help, we have been able... to provide over 40 years (and counting!) of play-based learning to children and families. Their generosity has helped inspire children with creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Thank you, supporters! #npd #npd2020

We've updated our fall hours for the back-to-school season! Beginning September 14, the London Children's Museum is open: Wednesday - Friday: 9 am - 12 pm Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm... TD Free Family Fun Night: Thursday 6 pm - 8 pm With a reduced capacity, we recommend visitors and members register in advance. A few reminders about our enhanced COVID-19 protocols. We have implemented: A significantly reduced visitor capacity and timed admission. Capacity limits in each exhibit. Increased cleaning and disinfection. Modified exhibits and programs to ensure physical distancing and easy cleaning. If your family is visiting for the first time, read more about what to expect: www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/fall-hours OR register for your family's upcoming visit: www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca

This week in the Littles Lab: Vroom, Zoom, Splat! Engage in a new painting experience by creating artwork by using vehicles to paint! Dip the wheels in paint and drive the vehicles across the paper. Try changing the speed or direction of the vehicles and observe how it alters the paint patterns. This activity offers early years children the opportunity to practice motor skills, explore cause and effect, express their creativity, and engage in sensory play. The Littles Lab... takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 am - 12 pm. Learn more londonchildrensmuseum.ca/littleslab #earlylearning #playtogether #learntogether

There's so much more to leaves than meets the eye! Thanks to last week's visitors who stopped by to explore the science of leaves using microscopes, magnifying glasses, and chromatography! Thank you 3M for helping the London Children's Museum bring everyday science to children and their families. #steam #stem #sciencerules #scienceiseverywhere #playbasedlearning #familylearning #playtogether #learntogether

#Museum30: Origin. It's hard to think about the word origin without thinking about fossils. What do they represent? What do they reveal? What do they tell us about the origins of plants, animals, and other living organisms? Fossils are also often the origin of many children's intense interests. We all know a child who can recite endless facts about fossils, dinosaurs, or minerals. These intense interests are an actually an important part of childhood development! Indulging th...ese curiosities helps children develop language skills, increase their attention span, and take charge of their own learning! For so many children, fossils open the door to big questions, interesting ideas, and new ways of thinking. *** Pictured from the London Children's Museum collection: 1-2: Fossilized fish. Approx. 40 million years old. 3-4: Pyritized brachiopod. Approx. 350 million years old. 5-6: Fossilized plant. Approx. 300 million years old. 7-8: Three fossilized fish in shale. Approx. 40 million years old. *** #museum30 #childhooddevelopment #intenseinterests #museumstories

"Resiliency is a crucial life skill that helps children manage their emotions, take on new challenges, and quickly bounce back from setbacks. Through times of stress and uncertainty, resiliency is essential. Caregivers can help foster resiliency in children through experiences that reduce stress and anxiety and promote play! This week’s resiliency building activity is a Sound Hunt!"... Read more from this week's resiliency building activity www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/building-resiliency-part-4 #resiliency #playmatters #playisseriousbusiness

We're so thankful for our kind and thoughtful visitors! Reposted from @burfootcindy "When it came time to go around and say what we were thankful for, and write it down to go up on our Thankful Tree my 3 year old proudly proclaimed that she was thankful for the @children_museum. We all grateful for all the staff there does and that we are able to go back for visits now."

Thanks to the Westminster College Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, we were able to provide 440 children in our community with educational play kits! These kits included open-ended materials, prompts, and caregivers tips designed to ignite curiosity and inspire PLAY. Thanks Westminster College Foundation and #TDFEF for bringing hands-on learning to families at home!... Thank you also to our team members who packed every one of these 440 kits with care! #charitywork #manyhands #community #playislearning #playmatters #playisseriousbusiness #thankyou #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

Looking for fall fun? Try this unbe-leaf-able experiment in chromatography! Step 1: Gather colourful leaves from your neighbourhood or local park. The brighter, the better! Step 2: Use your hands and spoons to tear, smash, and stir up the leaves in jars.... Step 3: Cover the leaves in isopropyl alcohol. Step 4: Place strips of coffee filters in your mixture and wait at least a few hours. (Pssst: we left our coffee filters in the mixture overnight to get the results you see here.) Step 5: This is the most important step! Talk about your results as a family. What observations can you make? Why do you think this happened? Take some time to hypothesize, test your ideas, and research your results together! Let us know what you discover! If you want to experiment and explore leaves further, join us at the Children's Museum this weekend! We'll be exploring leaves under microscopes, creating leaf rubbings, and doing chromatography demonstrations. Register at www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca. *** Thank you 3M for helping the London Children's Museum bring everyday science to children and their families.

#Museum30: Work Space. Museums aren't only rich learning environments; they are great working environments too! Here is a snapshot of some of the unique jobs and work spaces at the London Children's Museum.... 1. Maddy, Collections Assistant, inspects artifacts in our Collections Closet. This work space is home to over 7,000 artifacts that represent childhood and the interests of children. 2. Kate, Director of Visitor Experiences, in her office. This work space was originally a dentist office when our building was home to Riverview Public School. During construction decades ago, dental tools were found in the office walls. 3. Andrew, Facility Manager, in the workshop. The entire first floor of the London Children's Museum was once the basement of Riverview Public School. In the building's original layout, this work space shared a floor with the school's Resource Centre, Industrial Arts, and Boiler Room. 4. Hannah, Public Programs Facilitator, tidies after today's morning visitors. Hannah is lucky to call the entire museum her work space, as she helps facilitate programs and interact with our young visitors all over the building! #dreamteam #museumwork #jobswithacause #workinheritage #ldnont

We'd like to share a big THANK YOU to these summer/fall Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs team members. Though this summer didn't look anything like what they signed up for, these wonderful people showed a great deal of flexibility, positivity, and patience throughout. While we were closed, they worked hard creating digital content, painting exhibits, and touching up the building. Since we reopened, they've been working even harder cleaning, sanitizing, disinfectin...g, and then cleaning some more! We are so grateful for their commitment to bringing play-based learning to children and families in any situation! Thank you Marcy, Gillian, Felcidy, Inaara, Jade, Natalie, Taylor and Emilie!! #dreamteam #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #charitywork #jobswithacause

Orange Shirt Day is September 30, 2020. This day is a time to honour children who survived Canada's residential schools and remember those who did not. This is a movement to recognize the experience of residential school survivors and collectively affirm that every child matters. You can show your support by purchasing an orange shirt from Atlohsa Family Healing Services. See link below!... #everychildmatters

Learning happens when children and caregivers engage in play together! The presence of a supportive adult helps children feel safe and secure in their environment, allowing them to explore at their own pace and learn in their own way. A caring adult can also elevate their child's learning by providing access to new ideas, possibilities, materials, and environments normally just outside their child's reach. The best learning happens when families play together! Photos from t...oday's Littles Lab. Pumpkin painting continues this Thursday and Friday, 9 am - 12 pm. To register, visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca. #familylearning #playmatters #playhappenshere #playtogether #learntogether

"Shekoli" [say-go-lee]. An Oneida greeting, meaning "Hello". Thanks to the mystery visitor who left this educational lesson for others to enjoy! Want to learn more about the Oneida language? Visit www.oneidalanguage.ca. #literacy #languagelearning #oneidalanguage #ukwehuwe

We're so thrilled to see the Nature Explorer play kits in action! Thanks again to our supporters, Westminster College Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, for bringing hands-on learning to families at home!

Here's a great question to inspire intergenerational family conversation - which words first appeared the year you were born? Intergenerational conversations help strengthen family connections and encourage a sense of belonging. When participating in intergenerational conversations, children (and adults!) practice perspective-taking and empathy. This activity is also a great way to develop literacy skills and learn about history! Happy conversing! ... #playtogether #learntogether #familylearning #earlyliteracy #literacyskills

Building Resiliency Part 3. This week's activity: Small Square Nature Journalling! "Small Square Nature Journalling helps children become deeply immersed in the smallest details of the natural environment. This allows children to develop a stronger sense of belonging and connection to their world, their neighborhood, and the environment. This activity helps hone children’s focus and reduces stress by enabling them to be mindful and present, letting go of external anxieti...es in the process." Read more londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/building-resiliency-part-3 #mindfulmoments #slowdown #playmatters

Thanks to a talented friend from the Cross Cultural Learner Centre for creating this beautiful painting in The Lookout! We'll definitely be leaving this one up for future visitors to enjoy! #playtogether #learntogether

Happy World Teacher's Day to educators at the London Children's Museum, in our community, and around the world!

Beginning Wednesday, October 28, we're celebrating HALLOWEEK at the London Children's Museum! We're inviting all our spook-tacular visitors to explore the museum dressed in their favourite costume ALL WEEK LONG. Halloweek includes: Extra evening time slots! Slimy Science in the morning time slots... Mad Scientist and a Pumpkin Drop in the evening time slots A special treat bag for each child visitor Open-ended museum exploration and family fun All Halloweek activities are included in the cost of general admission. With a significantly reduced visitor capacity, we recommend all visitors and members register in advance. To register for your time slot, visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca Programs and exhibits have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. To learn more about our COVID-19 protocols, visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/visit/hours-and-admission #spookyseason #familyfun

Visitor photo of the week captured by @nico.stephenson6! Repost: "Discovering dinosaurs at the @children_museum with daddy. This place has so much to see and do that I need to go back." Thanks for visiting!

"September is almost always a time of change for children and families, but this September is unlike any other. Many families are trying to establish new routines, balance increasingly demanding schedules, and prepare for the unknown. This can lead to uncertainty, stress, and anxiety for our young children. Resilience, or the capacity to cope with stress and adversity, is a complex and critical skill. This year it is more crucial than ever... Honouring your childs voice, th...oughts, and opinions is essential in building their resiliency." Read more about Building Resiliency from our blog! londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/building-resiliency This article and post feature photos from four different children, ages 4-12. We are honoured to share their perspectives on life, their family, nature, and more! Stay tuned! This is just part one in our resiliency series. For the next few weeks, we'll be checking in and sharing more information about fostering resiliency.

Swipe for a microscopic sneak peek at the fruits of our Learning Garden! Can you guess what these plants are? Leave your best guess in the comments or visit us this weekend and discover for yourself! Saturday and Sunday, we're exploring what's been growing in our Indoor and Outdoor #LearningGarden! Use magnifying glasses, microscopes, and tweezers to learn about how plants grow and how to care for them! ***... Exhibits and programs have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. All programs are drop-in and included with general admission. Register: www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca *** Thank you TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for supporting environmental education at the London Children's Museum! #tdfef #outdooreducation #environmentaleducation #playbasedlearning

Fall is in full swing and we are working hard to ensure your family has every opportunity to celebrate the season. While we won't be hosting our annual BOOseum or Early Years Halloween Party, we are excited to bring you physically distanced and modified fall fun! Upcoming programs include: Boneyard Mad Scientist... Pumpkin Drop Littles Lab: Slimy Science ...and more! Find out more in our October newsletter! mailchi.mp/londonchildrensmuseum.ca/october2020

"Science is all around us! Whether we realize it or not, children are naturally engaging in the scientific method all-day, every day! Through play, children make observations, ask questions, do research, experiment, and ultimately, draw conclusions...Scientists do the same thing!" How many scientific "experiments" does your child engage in every day? Click to read more about the science-based learning opportunities our Education Specialist and her daughter encountered over th...e course of a single day! londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/play-and-scientific-method #scienceiseverywhere #steam #stem #playbasedlearning #playmatters Thank you 3M for helping the London Children's Museum bring everyday science to children and their families.

There are so many spook-tacular things to do around London! Thanks London Heritage Council for sharing!

Meet Vanessa, Exhibits & Collections Coordinator here at the London Children's Museum. Wednesday, September 16, she'll be answering all your questions for #AskaCurator day! Do you want to know more about what's in our collection, what a curator does, or about the NEW Children's Museum at 100 Kellogg? Send us your questions!... Maybe you want to know: - What does a curator's day look like? - What is the strangest artifact in the collection? - What is your favourite artifact in the collection? - How many exhibits are going to be in the NEW Children's Museum? - What have you been working on during the pandemic? - Why are children's museums important? - Do you have any advice for someone interested in museum work? If you have a question for Vanessa, leave it in the comments or send us a DM! #museumwork #museumsmatter #museumstories #askacuratorday

Building Resiliency Part 2. This week's activity: Adopt a Tree! "Resiliency, or the capacity to cope with stress and adversity, is a complex and critical skill. This school year, it’s more crucial than ever. ... By providing children with experiences that promote play, reduce stress, and encourage connection to the natural world, caregivers can help children foster resiliency." "Spending time together in nature helps children (and adults!) feel more relaxed. Nature is a playground that gives children the freedom to explore at their own pace, with few rules and no prescribed outcomes. Typically, children are more active outdoors, engaging in full-body movement. Family nature adventures also deepen relationships between children and their caregivers. All of these factors have a positive impact on children’s mental health." Read more from our Building Resiliency series: londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/building-resiliency-part-2 #playmatters

"We are overwhelmed with gratitude and this level of support affirms the fact that now more than ever, people want to make a difference and raise awareness to end the systematic racism that has existed for so many years." Thank you Atlohsa Family Healing Services for sharing these beautiful, hopeful words and for all the work you do in the community! #everychildmatters #OrangeShirtDay

On today's menu: MUD PIES! London Children's Museum mud pies are equal parts dirt, water, imagination and creativity! Thanks to all this week's Littles Lab visitors for cooking up messy fun with us! Next week's Littles Lab theme is Pumpkin Painting! #evidenceofplay #playmatters #earlylearning

Calling all early years visitors! Our Littles Lab program returns this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am - 12 pm. Join us for this week's theme: Fun With Circles. Experiment with a spirograph, explore pattern-making, and practice your fine and motor skills. About the Littles Lab:... Nurture your early learners scientific brain in the Littles Lab. Test, observe, and examine a new material each week in this hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program designed for early learners. This weekly, drop-in program is designed to encourage exploration and promote experimentation. Please note: all programs and exhibits have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. To view a complete list of our COVID-19 protocols, visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca/news/fall-hours Learn more about this program: londonchildrensmuseum.ca/calendar/events/littles-lab

Tomorrow, September 30, is Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we honour the resilience of residential school survivors and the memory of those who did not return home. This day, and every day, we affirm that every child matters. Learn more about the movement from Phyllis Webstad herself by watching the video below. #everychildmatters

Happy first week of school to all our young friends and visitors! While your school year may look a little different, we know it will be full of deep learning and joyful discovery! #staycurious #dreambig #havefun

*NOW HIRING!* Are you a detail-oriented, enthusiastic professional looking to start a career in the museum sector? Become a Collections Assistant at the London Children's Museum! The London Children's Museum is home to over 7,000 artifacts. Our new team member will assist in the ongoing maintenance of our collection as well as work with the Exhibits & Collections Coordinator to prepare artifacts for our eventual move. Our new team member will exemplify our values: Stay Curiou...s, Be Awesome, Be Helpful, Dream Big, Include Everyone, and Have Fun! View job posting and learn how to apply londonchildrensmuseum.ca/jobs This position is funded through the Young Canada Works Program.

Getting ready for some PREHISTORIC PLAY in this week's #LittlesLab. This Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning, we'll be engaging with our early years visitors as they experiment with fossil impressions, explore their senses, and develop new language skills. The Littles Lab runs every Wednesday-Friday, 9am-12pm. This drop-in program is designed to help nurture your early learner's scientific brain through open-ended experimentation. After all, you're never too young t...o explore #STEAM! Exhibits and programs have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. Learn more and register www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca #earlylearning #earlylearning101 #stem #handsonlearning #childhooddevelopment

It's been a rainy few days. That means it's the perfect time to go on a snail hunt! Tips for snail hunting: Go for a walk around your house or neighbourhood. Snails can usually be found in dark, cool, damp environments with lots of vegetation. Gardens and tall grassy areas make for great snail hiding spots. ... While on your nature walk, encourage your child to document their experience. Remember to be kind to the creatures you find. Instead of collecting or moving snails, try taking photos or creating sketches. Spend some time observing snail appearances and behaviours. Record your child's questions and research them together later! Fun snail facts: #DYK: Most land snails are herbivores. They eat both live and decaying plants. They will even eat soil or sand when seeking calcium for growing their shell. Their shells grow as they get older. The oldest part of the shell is at the centre of the spiral. As a snail matures, the number of whorls or spirals which it's she'll has increases, as do the rings that grow inside the shell. Much like tree rings, the rings inside a snails shell can be used to approximate the age of the snail. *** Thanks to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for supporting environmental education at the London Children's Museum. #tdfef #outdooreducation

Drip, drop, dab and splatter. This weekend we're exploring the Science of Art! Experiment with gravity painting, pendulum painting, and light and shadow. Time slots are available Saturday and Sunday, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. Exhibits and programs have been modified to facilitate physical distancing and easy cleaning. For more details and to register www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca... #theainsteam #playmatters #playtogether #learntogether #steam

There's so much to learn and discover in this city!

"September has always been a time of change, and this September is unlike any other. Families are trying to establish new routines, balance demanding schedules, and prepare for unknown experiences. Whatever your September looks like, know that the most important thing you can do is also the easiest - slow down and experience the joy of play!" Read more from your September 2020 newsletter https://mailchi.mp/londonchildrensmuseum.ca/september2020

Happy Long Weekend! This weekend, we're experimenting with GEARS! Learn about the different parts of a gear, discover how wheels and axles work together, and create your own gear systems, all through open-ended exploration. We're open Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm. With a reduced visitor capacity, we recommend all visitors and members register in advance www.londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca

Special offer from the Royal Ontario Museum for friends of the London Children's Museum! Save 15% on admission to Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic. Visit https://www.rom.on.ca and enter promo code "LCM".... About Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic: September 1, 2020 - January 17, 2021 at the ROM Experience the timeless and universal appeal of one of the most adored fictional characters of all time Winnie-the-Pooh in this immersive and playful exhibition. Discover and rediscover the magical world of this much-loved bear and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.

We're looking forward to another week with our awesome and thoughtful visitors! Admission is currently available for September 2-13. Reminder: with a reduced visitor capacity, we recommend both visitors and members register in advance. londonchildrensmuseum.eventbrite.ca. ... #learntogether #playtogether

This week, we're experimenting with CLAY! Get creative as you sculpt, squish, and smoosh this material into almost anything you can imagine! We've adjusted our programs to allow for physical distancing and easy cleaning. Each clay creation station is set up for one social circle and each circle receives their own materials. When you're done creating, this air-dry clay can be taken home to harden and even paint!... *** Reminder: admission is limited! We recommend visitors and members register in advance. Visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca/open to learn more and register. #playtogether #learntogether #getcreative #theainsteam

Happy International Dog Day from our four-legged friends in My Arctic Discovery! Do you know how to say "dog" in Inuktitut? Swipe to learn! #internationaldogday

TD Free Family Fun Night is back August 27, 6pm-8pm! This evening of free admission is an opportunity for all families to learn, laugh, and play together at the London Children's Museum! To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for visitors and staff, we have implemented enhanced safety protocols in line with COVID-19 public health guidelines. This includes a significantly reduced visitor capacity and timed admission. With a reduced capacity, we recommend visitors regi...ster in advance. Learn more and register! *** TD Free Family Fun Night is generously supported by our friends at TD.

Thanks to all our members who stopped by for our opening week! Admission is available for August 26-30 for both members and non-members. Learn more about our enhanced safety protocols, including reduced visitor capacity and timed admission. With a reduced capacity, we recommend visitors and members register in advance.... #learntogether #playtogether

Great view of the neighbourhood c. 1908, shortly before our building was constructed. London Children's Museum visitors: do you see anything familiar?! ...... From Vintage London, Ontario: "We are transported back in time as we ride north on Wharncliffe Rd near Beaconsfield heading toward the GTR subway and Stanley Street. Young children can be seen walking along the sidewalk perhaps heading off to buy some candy at Henry Coates General Store at the corner of Stanley and Wharncliffe Road. London Street Railway tracks can be seen on Wharncliffe Road - c 1908. Source - Western University Archives, Westland Photo Albums #8, image 8. Courtesy of Mike Rice" #partofourhistory #ldnont #fromthearchives

It's Member Only Week! Members: we've extended your membership to account for the length of our temporary closure. Pick up your new membership card on your next visit! Visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca/open for details about our new hours, enhanced COVID protocols, and booking your next visit.... #welcomeback #memberlove #memberbenefits

Did you know that many of our local museums and heritage sites are now open to visitors? Plan your visit to a #LdnMuse! Check online before you go for museum-sp...ecific safety guidelines and rules! And dont forget to bring your masks! Fanshawe Pioneer Village | Museum of Ontario Archaeology | Museum London | London Children's Museum | The Secrets of Radar Museum | First Hussars Museum | Jet Aircraft Museum | Eldon House

There's a new neighbour setting up shop in Sifton Street Where You Live. Can you guess who's moving in?! #exhibitinstallation #inprogress #underconstruction #childrensmuseum

Wondering what to expect during your next visit to the London Children's Museum? Friendly physical distancing reminders for our young visitors. Masks and smile badges worn by staff.... Frequent cleaning and sanitizing, including completely restocking exhibit play pieces between morning and afternoon visitors. Capacity limits posted at each exhibit entry. Hand sanitization stations installed throughout the museum. Modified exhibits and programs that ensure easy cleaning and encourage distancing. Visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca/open for more details. If your family has questions about your next visit, send us a message or give us a call!

Getting ready to welcome back our dino-mite friends and visitors! Planning a trip to the London Children's Museum? Visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca/open for our new hours, updated protocols, and FAQs.

Welcome back! Weve missed our members and visitors. Our building certainly hasnt been the same without your play and laughter. Beginning August 19, the London Children's Museum is open: Wednesday to Sunday Morning: 10 am 12 pm... Afternoon: 2 pm 4 pm With a reduced capacity, we recommend visitors and members register in advance. August 19-23: Members Only August 26-30: Members and Non-members As a reminder, all memberships will be automatically extended to account for the length of our temporary closure. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for visitors and staff, we have implemented enhanced safety protocols in line with COVID-19 public health guidelines. This includes: A significantly reduced visitor capacity and timed admission. Capacity limits in each exhibit. Increased cleaning and disinfection. Modified exhibits and programs to ensure physical distancing and easy cleaning. Click the link to learn more about our updated protocols and plan your next visit. We look forward to welcoming your family back at a time that's right for you!

The Perseid meteor shower peaks August 11-12! Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and head outside to search for these shooting meteors as a family! Your best chance of catching the show is Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Learn more about the Perseid meteor shower with some tips from the Canadian Space Agency... #playmatters #qualitytime #playtogether #learntogether

Looking for sensory activity for your early years child? Try Hannah's favourite recipe for moon dough! For a rich sensory experience, combine moon dough with other household items such as utensils, small toys or figurines, or loose parts like rocks, gems, and sticks. Share your moon dough sensory bin with us! ... #childrensmuseumsathome #sensoryplay #earlylearning #earlyyears101

Today's early year's play prompt: Nature Cafe! Take a walk outside with your early learner. Spend some time gathering interesting natural materials such as leaves, pinecones, and wildflowers. When you return home, set up your nature cafe using kitchen supplies, like pans, plates, cups, and spoons. This unconventional combination of natural materials and familiar kitchen objects is sure to fuel some creative play! ... This set-up may inspire your child to engage in dramatic play. They may take on the role of chef or customer. This is an opportunity for your child to explore the various roles they see in their community. By taking on another character or job, children see how their actions affect others and begin to develop empathy. Through dramatic play, they start to look at the world through a different lens and relate to the thoughts and feelings of others. Alternatively, your child may not be interested in dramatic play. They may choose to pour, sort, and dump materials between containers. This sensory experience helps children develop essential fine and gross motor skills, as well as early math and literacy skills. Allow your child to take the lead in their play experience and see what it takes them! #childrensmuseumsathome #earlylearning #dramaticplay #sensoryplay #earlyyears101