#Massachusetts - Learn, tinker and play at the #SpringfieldMuseums this summer
Ashley Potter
Fri, July 11, 2025 at 7:25 AM EDT
SPRINGFIELD — "Families can turn up the heat on summer fun while staying cool in air-conditioned halls at the Springfield Museums.
"Now open seven days a week through Aug. 15, the museums are offering a slate of activities including hands-on exhibitions, live entertainment on the Quadrangle Green, and music inspired by cultures from around the globe.
"Most summer activities are included with Museum admission, and that cost is waived for Springfield residents with proof of residence.
" 'I am hoping that visitors and their families leave the museums this summer thinking ‘I’ve learned something new,' said Abby Garner, Family Engagement Coordinator for the Springfield Museums, in an interview with The Republican.
" 'Whether that is from the #planetarium, one of our #musical performances, the additional activities we are offering, or from one of our visiting exhibits.'
"Some of the Museums’ summer activities are returning favorites, like the return of Giant Bubbles with Mr. Vinny, a show on the Quadrangle each Friday afternoon that encourages children to watch, chase and pop bubbles. The Toe Jam #Puppet Band, a children’s entertainment troupe that combines #music, #puppetry and #storytelling, also returns.
"Other activities, like hands-on experiences in the Cat’s Corner, Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center and #SparkLab, were curated by the Museum’s education staff for this year’s summer programming.
"In the Cat’s Corner, located inside of The Amazing World of #DrSeuss Museum, guests can read some of Ted Geisel’s stories and take part in facilitated art activities. In the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center, located inside of the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, guests can participate in activities that range from arts and crafts to dress-up and puppet play. In the Spark!Lab, located inside of the Springfield Science Museum, make projects inspired by inventions and innovations in American history, or invent something totally new.
" 'Activities can change from week to week in our drop-in spaces, so there are new experiences often for visitors looking to visit more than once this summer,' Garner said.
A focus on music
"The summer schedule also offered the opportunity for more live music at the Museums.
" 'We’ve had musical performances on and off throughout the years, and they’re always really special events, especially when the weather’s nice and we can have them out on our #QuadrangleGreen and kids can dance and #sing and #play,' said Larissa Murray, Director of Education for the Springfield Museums. 'But we wanted to make it more of a featured event, something that you could plan for as opposed to it just happening now and again.'
"Wednesdays are a strong turn-out day for the Museums, Murray explained, making it the perfect opportunity to test out a new music program.
"As a result, the Springfield Museums are offering a 'Music on Wednesdays' program this summer, with a different group or performer scheduled each week. The live music begins on July 9 with the Community Music School of Springfield performing #BombaYPlena music from #PuertoRico and #WestAfrican-inspired drumming and dance."
Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/learn-tinker-play-springfield-museums-112542385.html
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