Vanderbilt Kids’ Story Time: Chinese New Year

Popular, Multi-Generational Sunday Program Set for February, March, April

One of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s perennially popular programs is a multi-generational Sunday evening event, “Our Night Out: Story Time under the Stars.” The program, held in the Vanderbilt Planetarium, often draws parents, children and their grandparents.

The next “Our Night Out” events are scheduled for Sundays, February 20, March 20 and April 17 at 6:00 p.m. Children’s favorite bedtime storybooks come to life in the planetarium theater. In this one-hour program, stories are read as huge pictures are projected on the dome under star-filled skies. All are welcome to wear their most comfy pajamas, and to bring their favorite stuffed animal, blanket and pillow.

The February 20 program will celebrate the Chinese New Year—this is the Year of the Rabbit—and feature stories and books, myths and music. Each child will receive a special fortune for the New Year. The March 20 event will be “Fractured Fairy Tales.” The April 17 event will include Cajun and Mardi Gras stories.

While enjoying classic tales, children learn about the objects they might see in the nighttime sky. Admission is $6.00 per person. Reservations are strongly suggested, as this program frequently sells out. Please call 631-854-5579.

Winter programs for children also include fun, creative workshops planned for Valentine’s Day and for the winter school break, February 19-27. During the break, the museum will be open every day from 11 to 5, with planetarium shows from 11 to 4. The planetarium also offers shows on Friday at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. and on Saturday hourly from 11 to 4 and 7 to 10.

VALENTINE’S DAY WORKSHOP

On February 14, Valentine’s Day, the Vanderbilt Education Department will offer a Sailor’s Valentine workshop for children ages 3 and 4, accompanied by an adult. The session will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fee: $20 per child.

Children will join a museum educator in the Hall of Fishes to explore the Vanderbilt Museum’s seashell collection and create a Valentine for someone special. Registration is required. Call 631-854-5539 for information and to register.

WINTER SCHOOL-BREAK WORKSHOPS

These drop-off workshops include tours of related museum collections and a creative project. Children are asked to bring a bag lunch. Registration is required for all workshops. To register or to get more information, please call (631) 854-5539.

February 21

Scarab Mummy Pendant: For children in grades 3 through 5, this program is offered on Monday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee: $35 per child.

February 22 and 24

Penguins and Polar Bears: Children will explore the museum’s wildlife collections, learn about polar animals and their habitats, and create a piece of polar art to take home. This program is for children in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, accompanied by one adult. It is offered Tuesday, February 22 or Thursday, February 24, with a choice of two time slots: 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fee: $20 per child.

February 23

Zebra Mask: Offered on Wednesday, February 23, this program is for kids in grades 1 through 3, and takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee: $35 per child.

February 25

Watercolor Collage: This program is designed for grades 1 through 5. It will be offered on Friday, February 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee: $35 per child.