July is jam-packed with a lineup of interactive and educational activities at Children’s Museum of Atlanta! Guests can join the farm to build tools to help farmers make their jobs more efficient. A Fourth of July summer party welcomes families to celebrate America with a dance party. Also, kiddos will head to the CMA Stage for an enriching story time in a joint effort across Atlanta to encourage early childhood literacy. To top it all off, the Museum will provide a Tanabata performance to educate young ones on traditional Japanese folktale tradition.
Summer on the Farm
Through Monday, July 31
The Museum invites kiddos to Summer on the Farm, an interactive set of activities to experience farm life without leaving the city! In Jane’s Innovation Station, guests can build tools to help farmers keep their farms running. Other activities include papercraft barns and hand tracing to make hens in the Art Studio, and the Science Bar will feature erupting fountains to teach participants about chemical reactions.
CMA On Stage
Storytime: “Sheep in a Jeep” by Nancy Shaw + Sheep Catapults! Session A: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon / Session B: 2 p.m., 3p.m. and 4 p.m.
Jane’s Innovation Station
Farmers work hard to keep farms running, and kiddos will get a chance to build tools that help those farmers get their chores on the farm done easier and faster. Session A: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. / Session B: 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Science Bar
Children can cool off at the Science Bar as they create their own erupting fountains and learn about chemical reactions to celebrate the warm summer days with a bit of science thrown in the mix! Session A: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. / Session B: 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Art Studio
Little artists will assemble their own barn with the Museum’s special step-by-step papercraft model! Younger guests can trace their hand to make a personalized hen. Session A: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. / Session B: 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Building Blocks Early Learning Program
Best for ages 1 to 5, these special programs are facilitated by professionals trained in play-based learning. The Building Blocks Early Learning Program promotes preschool and kindergarten readiness with programs that align with the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards for preschoolers. July activities focus on name association of animals and electricity education. Session A: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. / Session B: 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Tanabata Performance
Friday, July 7
Kamishibai is a traditional Japanese folktale tradition where stories are presented through small, colorful cards which resemble storyboards. Kids can enjoy this unique story time and learn about Tanabata or “star festival” with Tanabata Wishmaking.
CMA On Stage
Kamishibai Storytelling + Tanabata Wishmaking
Activities include watching traditional Japanese folktale performances and participating in communal arts and crafts with Tanabata Wishmaking. This involves writing a wish on a piece of paper and wrapping it around branch.
Session A: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon / Session B: 2 p.m., 3p.m. and 4 p.m.
Art Studio
Guests can join members of the Japan America Society of Georgia as they lead lessons and hands-on Japanese art activities like origami, mask making and calligraphy. There will be a Kimono try-on booth outside of the Art Studio where little ones can take photos wearing a traditional kimono.
Session A: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. / Session B: 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Mayor’s Summer Reading Club
Sunday, July 16 and 30
Today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders! Kids are invited to the CMA Stage for an enriching story time. This is a joint effort by organizations across Atlanta to encourage and support early childhood literacy.
CMA On Stage
Storytime: “Little Blue Truck Leads the Way” by Alice Schertle
Session A: 11 a.m. / Session B: 3 p.m.
CMA On Stage
Storytime: “The Curious Cardinal” by Mark Valdez
Session A: 11 a.m. / Session B: 3 p.m.