Each week at Thanksgiving Point are tons of educational and fun activities for families of all ages and abilities! Our Family Programs include, Tales for Tots, Monday Night Activities, and Design Challenge, just to name a few. All activities are FREE for Thanksgiving Point Members, as they are included with venue admissions.
The programs are always adapting and changing throughout the year so check back often for updates. They are also led by our trained educational team to ensure each person at the activity has a great time learning and playing together as family and friends. Click each drop-down menu below to learn more about these one-of-a-kind educational opportunities at Thanksgiving Point and to see dates, locations, and times for each one. See you soon!
Join us for our hands-on storytelling adventures, Tales for Tots, held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 11 am. Each day a new story is read followed by a fun activity that goes along with that story.
Monday (June - October) –Ashton Gardens
Tuesday – Museum of Ancient Life
Wednesday – Farm Country
Thursday– Museum of Natural Curiosity
Upcoming Schedule:
July 25 | If the Dinosaurs Came Back by Bernard Most
In this delightful book, a small boy imagines a world where dinosaurs perform public services. What do you think would happen if the dinosaurs returned? Could they wash a car? Carry people around like the bus? What would you have a dinosaur do?
No Tales for Tots in August to accommodate Two Buck Tuesday crowds.
July 26 | My Very First Book of Motion by Eric Carle
In My Very First Book of Motion, children can match each animal with the way it moves. Which animal hops? Which one waddles? Join us today as we pretend to be animals by acting out how they move.
August 2 | Goodnight Sun, Hello Moon by Karen Viola and Chi Chung
Bunny doesn’t want to go to bed, as we read this book a little bit of the sun disappears as the moon begins to rise. Let’s explore bed time as the sun goes to sleep and the moon wakes up.
August 9 | The Sun is my Favorite Star by Frank Asch
There are many stars in the galaxy. But only the sun wakes us in the morning, helps us grow, plays hide-and-seek behind the clouds, and paints pretty pictures in the evening sky.
August 16 | Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
DO YOU HAVE what it takes to be an astronaut? Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Have your measurements taken for your very own space suit. This book is perfect for children who want to be astronauts when they grow up.
August 23 | This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So, it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened.
August 30 | Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino
Doug is a robot. His parents want him to be smart, so each morning they plug him in and start the information download. After a morning spent learning facts about the city, Doug suspects he could learn even more about the city by going outside and exploring it.
July 20 | How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague
Some kids spend their summer vacation at camp. Some kids spend it at Grandma's house. Wallace Bleff spent his out west...on a ride, a rope, and a roundup he'll never forget.
July 27 | Equal Schmequal by Virginia Kroll
What does it mean to be equal? Mouse and her friends want to play tug-of-war but they can't figure out how to make teams that are equal. Nothing works until Mouse starts thinking mathematically.
August 3 | Space Boy by Leo Landry
This world, decides Nicholas, is too noisy for him. Time to take a trip. He packs a snack, puts on his suit, and takes off to the utterly quiet craters and vast deserts of the distant moon. The allure of space travel and the longing for peace and quiet entice a young boy to take his space rocket to the moon for a picnic.
August 10 | Shadows and Reflections by Tana Hoban
Shadows and reflections are all around us -- under our feet, over our heads, directly in front of us. This book makes us look with our minds, hearts, and imaginations -- and our surroundings are forever changed.
August 17 | There is No Place Like Space by Tish Rabe
Beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched on a wild trip to visit the eight planets in our solar system, along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Dick, and Sally. It’s a reading adventure that’s out of this world!
August 24 | Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole
'This is the garden that Jack planted...' Building on a rhyme that will be familiar to many children. The final illustration presents a satisfied-looking boy surrounded by a lush, bird-filled flower garden.
August 31 | Planting a Rainbow by Louis Ehlart
This book helps children understand how to plant bulbs, seeds, and seedlings, and nurture their growth. It also consists of collage illustrations with pages of staggered width, presenting all the flowers of each color of the rainbow. What is your favorite flower?
July 24 | No Class
Enjoy the Holiday!
July 31 | Waiting for Wings by Louis Ehlert
Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant beauty. But where do butterflies come from? How are they born? What do they eat--and how
August 7 | Cloudette by Tom Litchenheld
If you're a little cloud like Cloudette, people call you cute nicknames, and you can always find a good spot to watch the fireworks. But what about when you want to do something big, like help a giant garden grow, or make a brook babble?
August 14 | What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You? By Steve Jenkins
What would you do if something wanted to eat you? Walk on water? Stick out your tongue? Play dead? Animals in the wild use all kinds of methods to protect themselves from their enemies.
August 21 |
No Tales for Tots Today! Join us in the Gardens for our Solar Eclipse Event!
August 28 | Woosh Went the Wind by Sally DerbyA little boy tells his teacher about the tricks of a mischievous wind that made him late for school. But his teacher just won’t believe him. Is he telling the truth or just inventing some outrageous excuses? Listen to the little boy as he tells about his windy "walk" to school and find out.
Bring your tots and enjoy a fun morning of exploring music and movement at the Museum of Natural Curiosity and Farm Country. Led by our education staff, Melody Makers is the perfect opportunity for little kids to dance and move in a fun and friendly environment. Included with regular venue admission.
Tuesdays at 11 am: Museum of Natural Curiosity
Thursdays at 11 am: Farm Country
Upcoming:
July 25 | Water Fun!
Come explore the wonders of the underwater world as we turn ourselves into a multitude of fun exotic sea creatures! Be a Slippery Fish with Us! Glug! Glug! Water bottle shakers is the take home today.
No Melody Makers in the Museum of Natural Curiosity for the Month of August to accommodate Two Buck Tuesday crowds.
July 20 | Move to the Beat
It’s time to move to the beat and shake it up. Move, clap, and make a beat to various rhythm patterns as we use shakers, maracas and drum sticks to enhance the music. The take home instrument today is a maraca.
July 27 | On the Farm
Old MacDonald had a farm and we love all the animals on his farm. Come explore with us as we learn songs about the many animals you can find on a farm including BINGO the farmer’s dog. Make a rhythm instrument today with a cup.
August 3 | Wiggle and Giggle
It’s time for silly songs today. Try to make a funny face, silly sounds or try a few fun phrases as we sing, dance, and play to silly songs. Wiggle and giggle and join us for fun and games through songs. Make an instrument with cups.
August 10 | Around Town
Learn the actions to Wheels on the Bus and many other songs as we learn about transportation - trains, cars, rockets and more. Make a castanet to take home.
August 17 | Sounds with Air
What instruments make sounds by using air? What does a flute sound like? How about a trumpet or horn? Come today and find out how to make sounds by blowing air into them. Make an instrument to take home.
August 24 | Count It Out
Count it out! Learn songs about numbers today like One, Two Buckle My Shoe and songs like Ten Little Fingers. Learning numbers can be a lot of fun. We will make a unique wrist shaker today.
August 31 | Music and Play
Come sing and play with us today as we learn to make shapes with ribbon wands, make a beat with our drum stations and dance to a variety of music. The make and take today is a plate shaker.
It’s not every day you could meet an alligator or greet a skunk. Animals are all around us, some live in your backyard, some live far away, but all are important to our world. Come get up close and personal with some of the most interesting animals you will meet as we explore some of the curious critters that make our world wonderful.
Second Saturday of each month at 11 am: Museum of Natural Curiosity
Fourth Saturday of each month at 11 am: Farm Country
Upcoming:
August 12 |Details coming soon!
August 26 | Animal Noises
We all can recognize the sounds of cows, ducks, and horses, but what sound does a peacock make? How about a llama? Can you recognize the more unusual noises that we hear at the farm? Come discover more with us at Curious Critters!
Have you ever wondered about winged warblers? Have you been curious about carnivorous condors? Come explore at our Birdosity program. Discover the life of birds, brush up on your identification skills and learn about a variety of bird related topics. Whether you are an eggs-pert or have a new found love of birds, Birdosity is a program the whole family will enjoy.
First Saturday of each month at 10:30 am: Museum of Natural Curiosity
Third Saturday of each month at 11 am: Museum of Ancient Life
Upcoming
August 5 | I Want a Pet Bird!!
Have you ever wished to have a beautiful pet parrot? Do you dream of it saying your name and making animal sounds? Parents have your children ever asked you for a bird as a pet? Join us as we learn from Avian Experts Jim and Kathy Fowers on what it's like to own a parrot- and what responsibilities come with it!
August 19 | The History of Birds
Ever wondered why people say dinosaurs and birds have so much in common? Want to see it for yourself? Come get up close and personal with these amazing raptors in real life as we discover an amazing connection!
Featuring new activities each week, Monday Nights at Thanksgiving Point focus on a single theme with various activities designed to entertain and educate the whole family.
4:30 - 7:30 pm. Location varies by season. See below.
January, February, March: Museum of Ancient Life
April, May, September, October: Farm Country
June, July, August: Ashton Gardens
November, December: Museum of Natural Curiosity
July 24 | Holiday
July 31 | Featuring the Staircase Garden
Come enjoy the staircase garden as you learn about water-wise plants. Discover and explore how these plants survive Utah’s dry climate.
August 7 | The Science Behind a Solar Eclipse
Get ready to explore the science behind a solar eclipse. The sun is at the center of our solar system, and plays a role in regular patterns observed on earth including eclipses, phases of the moon, light, shadows and seasons. Join us today as we learn and explore.
August 14 | Rockets, Airplanes and the Wind
3,2,1, Blast off…. Come launch air pressure rockets high into the sky. Make and launch your own as we explore the science of flight.
August 21 | Splish Splash: Leap into Science
Blend water fun and science with this Monday night activity. Try the penny drop challenge, test our mystery liquids, and observe pond water with microscopes. Then, try your hand at water color exploration and art!
August 28 | Garden Favorites
Come enjoy some of the favorite activities from past Monday Nights in the Garden. Explore the pond, join in a nature scavenger hunt, observe birds and join our exciting night of discovery.
Looking for a fantastic Friday night activity? On the first and third Friday of every month from 5:30-7:30 pm, get your game on with a variety of classic and new board games during our Family Game Night. Family Game Night is a family-focused evening for kids and parents of all ages.
First & Third Friday of each month at 5:30 pm: Museum of Natural Curiosity and Ashton Gardens.
Upcoming
July 21 | Lawn Games | Ashton Gardens
Come play some traditional lawn games and a few giant versions of your favorite games.
August 4 | Puzzles and Patterns | Museum of Natural Curiosity
Can you put all the pieces together? Join us for some puzzling and patterning games at the Museum of Natural Curiosity.
August 18 | Classic Outdoor Games | Ashton Gardens
Game night is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Come play in the Ashton Gardens as we hula hoop, jump rope, and play some other classic outdoor games.
Come have fun while innovating! Design Challenge is a Museum program that gets everyone engaging in the engineering design process. Make a team with your family and join us! Up to eight teams may compete at each challenge. It is free to compete and all supplies will be provided but if you wish to take your project home there will be a small fee to cover the cost of supplies. Come ready to design, build, test and prototype a solution to a given problem. The top three winners for each challenge will receive a trophy and every team will receive a participation certificate.
Third Saturday of each month from 2-4 pm: Museum of Natural Curiosity
Upcoming
We all know trampolines are fun to jump on. They let us bounce so high that we feel like we are flying. But how do trampolines work? What makes one trampoline more bouncy than another one? How do trampolines use both kinetic and potential energy to help you bounce? Come and discover the science of trampolines while you design your own mini trampoline out of various materials, rubber bands and other materials. Your goal is to build a tiny trampoline that will bounce a golf ball higher than anyone else. You will be provided with all the supplies that you need.
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