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CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX reopening in May with its first traveling exhibit: “Very Eric Carle”

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX has remained open on weekends and during special events for outdoor play only. But kids will once again run through its noodle forest and explore the gigantic three-story climber when the museum reopens its indoor play spaces on Saturday, May 29.

On that date, the museum will also unveil its first traveling exhibit: “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.” Carle’s children’s picture book career took off after he illustrated Bill Martin, Jr.’s book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” He then wrote and illustrated “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” which has been translated into 66 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies since it was published in 1969. Carle has illustrated more than 70 books — most of which he also wrote — and more than 152 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

“Very Eric Carle” is a play-and-learn exhibit featuring activities inspired by five of Eric Carle’s classic books: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Very Quiet Cricket,” “The Very Lonely Firefly,” “The Very Clumsy Click Beetle” and “The Very Busy Spider.” In the exhibit, visitors can:

• Become the “Very Hungry Caterpillar” and follow his path.

• Weave a web with the “Very Busy Spider.”

• Find one’s light with the “Very Lonely Firefly.”

• Make the “Very Clumsy Click Beetle” flip and jump.

• Compose a night symphony with the “Very Quiet Cricket.”

• Create artwork using many of Carle’s materials and techniques. • Enjoy a gallery of Carle’s prints and works in progress.

The exhibit will be on display May 29-Sept. 6. The museum’s Outdoor Adventure Play area is currently open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and all guests ages 3 and older must wear face coverings. Learn more about the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, located at 215 N. Seventh St., by calling 602-253-0501 or at childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

VIRTUAL GALA to benefit summer camp for KIDS with SPINA BIFIDA

CAMP PATRICK is hosting an April 22 virtual fundraiser to help support its all-volunteer, overnight summer camp for kids with spina bifida. The 6:30 p.m. Under the Stars Virtual Gala will feature campers, counselors and families sharing what Camp Patrick has meant to their lives.

Camp Patrick is planning a June 13-18 summer camp with COVID-19 safety protocols for ages 6-18 at Whispering Hope Ranch in Payson. The camp was established in 2018 as a place where kids with spina bifida could strengthen their independence, try new things and make lifelong friends, as well as creating a community for the campers’ families. Campers participate in arts and crafts, archery, horseback riding, sports, fishing and more in a handicapped accessible environment with experienced medical professionals onsite. To learn more about the camp, donating or volunteering, visit camppatrick.com or facebook.com/ camppatrickaz

D-BACKS KIDS CLUB offers new prizes and contact-free membership cards

THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS have re-launched the D-backs Kids Club, a free program that rewards kids 15 and younger with prizes for each regular season home game they attend at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks 2021 season home opener vs. the Cincinnati Reds begins at 6:40 p.m. Friday, April 9. New for 2021: • The MLB Ballpark App includes a digital Kids Club card allowing young fans a contact-free experience when they redeem prizes. • D-backs Kids Club members will be able to earn digital badges to decorate the card. These badges are unlocked by attending certain games, including a first game, Opening Weekend and more. • The D-backs Kids Club Headquarters will now be located on the main concourse at Section 125. The Sandlot in the upper concourse will remain closed for at least the start of the season.

This season’s prizes include: Nick Ahmed poster, Topps baseball card pack, sweatband set, rally towel, wrist watch, cereal bowl, baseball glove pin, kids clear bag, Phoenix Zoo ticket and a baseball.

Find official rules and information at dbacks.com/kidsclub. Sign up for free by downloading the MLB Ballpark App and selecting the Arizona Diamondbacks as your family’s favorite team. At Chase Field, the team is limiting capacity, with at least six feet separating “pods” of ticket holders that are attending games together. Safety protocols include additional cleaning, more sanitation stations and contactless, cash-free concessions. Masks will be required in all common areas — in lines outside or inside of Chase Field, while walking on the plaza or on a concourse and while in restrooms.