WINTER WONDERS FOR CHILDREN AT MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES

WRITTEN BY ALICIA HARVEY, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

As winter blankets Montana with its serene beauty, Museum of the Rockies (MOR) transforms into a vibrant hub of educational and entertaining activities for children of all ages. Whether your little ones are budding explorers or enthusiastic homeschoolers, MOR has something special planned to make this season unforgettable.

Please make sure to experience the wonders of the special exhibit Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids: Mythic Creatures on display through January 5, 2025.

Explore Yellowstone in the Martin Children’s Discovery Center invites children under 8-years old to dive into the fascinating world of Yellowstone National Park. Included with museum membership or admission, young junior rangers can marvel at geysers, climb a fire tower, fish from the fishing bridge, build a log cabin and play in the miniature Roosevelt Inn.

MOR’s periodic Homeschool Mondays welcomes homeschool families with free admission to MOR’s extensive exhibits. Dedicated to making the museum accessible, Homeschool Mondays offer a self-guided, thematic scavenger hunt that allows students to engage deeply with the exhibits. Registration is required for nonmembers, and while students and one chaperone gain free entry, additional adults will need to purchase a general admission ticket.

December 6-7 and 13-14, dive into the museum’s holiday festivities with Homestead Holiday. Begin the evening with a delightful seasonal planetarium show, and craft your own Victorian-inspired holiday card craft. Take a step back in time at the Tinsley House, enjoy classic Christmas carols and warm up with a seasonal treat. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit museumoftherockies.org/holiday.

From February 7 to September 7, 2025, MOR will proudly present the special exhibit SUE the T. rex Experience! Families are encouraged to dress up during one of the family days as their favorite dinosaurs and embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the mysteries of this fearsome fossil.

For families with younger children, MOR offers a range of Early Learning Programs designed to nurture curiosity and development. Starting in January, these classes will require fees and online registration due to their popularity.

• Sensational Babies (0-18 months): Tailored for newborns up to 18 months, this program focuses on sensory awareness through interactive readings, singing and movement. It’s an excellent way for parents to bond with their babies while introducing them to the wonders of the museum.

• Little Learners (1-3 years): This program provides an interactive experience with shared readings, singing, movement activities and sensory exploration – perfect for toddlers and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome to join, making it a delightful outing for the whole family.

• Preschool Pioneers (3-5 years): Designed for children ages 3-5, this program features weekly topics related to MOR’s exhibits, offering fun activities like reading, singing, movement and hands-on experiences. Caregivers and siblings are encouraged to participate, fostering a love for learning from an early age.

Online registration for MOR’s Summer Camps will open for current Museum of the Rockies members in early January 2025. Nonmember registration will open in mid-January 2025.

Museum of the Rockies is dedicated to providing enriching and accessible experiences for every child. With a diverse array of programs and the exciting SUE the T. rex Experience, winter at MOR promises adventure, discovery and lasting memories for families across Montana. For more information and to register for programs, visit https://museumoftherockies.org/education.

Alicia Harvey is the Director of Marketing at Museum of the Rockies.