Celebration Saturdays
Explore More turned 20 this year! Each month, leading up to our BIG BIRTHDAY BASH on October 14, we’ve had a blast celebrating with special events/activities designed to engage the whole family. From guest presenters to engaging themes and hands-on activity stations, there is always be something extra to celebrate!
If you attended 5 or more of our Celebration Saturday events, please be sure to bring your passport card to the Museum. We have a special birthday gift for you!
A Review of our 2023 Celebrations
Celebration Saturday #1
January 14 - Animal Friends
We welcomed the Virginia Wildlife Center and met some of their animal friends Sheldon, Marigold, and Oscar. It was a great way to kick-off our first Celebration Saturday.
Families received their first passport stamp…a turtle! Kids who collect 5 stamps will get a birthday treat during the Museum’s October birthday month!
Celebration Saturday #2
February 11 | Have a Heart
Our 2nd Celebration Saturday was all about the heart! We made Valentine’s Day cards and used the button maker to create wearable art. Our friends from Sentara Dietetics brought delicious healthy snacks. We explored the anatomy of the heart and even had the chance to see cow and sheep hearts.
Celebration Saturday #3
March 10 | Make it Move
We made and marble mazes and enjoyed Kid’s Story Yoga with Cathleen Meyerhoeffer, RYT 200. Our friends from from Sentara RMH Wellness challenged us to fitness fun on the 3rd floor. The obstacle course and sliders sure got us moving!
Celebration Saturday #4
April 8 | Making Masterpieces
We explored a variety of famous artists (Calder, Mondrian, Seurat) and learned more about the techniques that make their work truly unique. We also invited guests to visit an art show on the 3rd floor, featuring works made by students in the Museum’s Artist Apprenticeship program.
Celebration Saturday #5
May 13 | A Morning of Music
We had wonderful morning filled with all things music. Special guest Mike Deaton helped us find our rhythm using drums, body percussion, and boom whackers. Harrisonburg High School students provided a musical petting zoo, so we could explore instruments of all shapes and sizes!
Celebration Saturday #6
June 10 | The Great Outdoors
We had a great time ushering in the summer season by connecting with nature! We enjoyed campfire story time, created our own gardens in a glove, explored a hands-on discovery table with our friends from JMU Arboretum, and even found out how to “leave no trace” with U.S. Forest Service.
Celebration Saturday #7
July 8 | SUPER STEM
We enjoyed a morning of STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! Dr. Chris Hughes presented a special Science Show and we experimented with Newtons Cradle, the VanDeGraaf Generator, a bicycle wheel gyroscope, and more.
Celebration Saturday #8
August 12 | It’s Electric!
We had an electric morning of fun and FREE admission, courtesy of our friends at Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC). The new HEC exhibit officially opened for play, and we explored big bucket trucks and activities outside on Newman Avenue.
Celebration Saturday Finale
October 14 | BIG Birthday Bash
We celebrated BIG on the date that we officially opened as a permanent Museum, back in 2003! From balloon animals, face painting and guest entertainers to a silent disco, hands-on activity stations, and refreshments, 1000 guests had a blast.