Children’s Museum of Atlanta announces programming for August!

Sail into the final weeks of summertime with Children’s Museum of Atlanta! Families are invited to explore emotions in the crowd-favorite “XOXO: An Exhibit About Love and Forgiveness” feature exhibit, create sensory-inspired crafts in the art studio, participate in Olympic-themed activities, in honor of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, and much more during the Museum’s cool August programming. Whether it’s through music, art, dance or storytelling, children have plenty of opportunities to learn through the power of play! 

Feature Exhibit: “XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness”
Available June 11 through September 4
**Special Summer Olympic programming will replace XOXO programming August 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21
Feelings are front and center at Children’s Museum of Atlanta newest feature exhibit. XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness is an educational traveling installation created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh with support from The Fetzer Institute. This introspective exhibit will explore the power of emotions and foster conversations that bring love and forgiveness to the forefront of families' minds. The 2,000 square foot exhibit features a brightly-colored, inviting space with 14 engaging experiences – all designed to help children understand, appreciate and express their emotions. Interactive activities include a sound recorder that analyzes tone of voice, a video station that interprets facial expressions, a soft sculpture that responds to hugs with comforting sounds and many more.

Themed daily programming during “XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness”

Mini-Musical: A Better Me, A Better You
Weekdays and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Written by Jerry G. White; Musical Arrangements by Abe White
In this 20-minute musical, children will meet a helpful puppet named XO who teaches his friends, Jules the Toy Expert and EJ, about the importance of giving and volunteering. Children will learn how simple actions have lasting effects on others and how a little kindness can change the world in a big way.

Story Time
Weekdays and Saturdays at 12 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.        

• “What Are You Feeling Dragon?” by Sujatha Lalgudi
  This picture book encourages children to talk about their own emotions, moods and feelings. It is about a magical dragon whose color changes to reflect his mood. If he is happy, he turns green. If he’s feeling shy, he looks pink. He turns purple when he’s angry and yellow when he’s sad
• “The Grouchy Ladybug” by Eric Carle
  “The Grouchy Ladybug” is the story of a bad-tempered bug who refuses to say “please” or “thank you” and does not share with others. She thinks she’s bigger and better than anyone else! During this storytime reading, children can follow this ladybug on her journey to learn the benefits of friendship and good manners.

Music and Movement
Weekdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

• Emotions in Motion
  Children can join the Imaginators on a musical journey of emotions!
• Happy Dance
  Visitors will learn how to express different emotions through movement!

Art Studio: Sensory-inspired Crafts
Weekdays 10:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

• Emotional Rollercoaster
  Children will use a variety of paper strips to make a 3D model of a rollercoaster park. By doing this, kids will learn that emotions are similar to an actual coaster since life can be "curvy" and take you "up and down." 
• Mood Sand Bracelet
  Kids will use colorful sand to decorate mood bracelets, which will serve as a reminder of all the different ways children can feel and why.
• Sensory Care Bottle
  Children will make a care bottle by picking different sensory objects. These objects will remind visitors of those people, pets and things they love. The objects are placed in the bottle to remind children of their loved ones. 

Build It Lab
Weekdays 10:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. -4 p.m. 

• Totally Tubular Train
  A fun activity for parents and children, guests will work together to build their own train, all while learning the meaning of cooperation!

Spectacular Science Show
Weekdays at 3 p.m. and weekends at 4 p.m.
Every afternoon, Professor Labcoat shares a fascinating science demonstration with the whole museum! Guests can join Professor Labcoat to see what kind of fun he and his assistants have cooked up! Questions are encouraged at the end of the show. This program features a variety of hands-on, science demonstrations – from magnetism to chemical reactions to astronomy. All demonstrations are informative, fascinating and incredibly fun (perfect for kids ages 4 and up).

Step Up to Science Bar
Weekdays 10:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Kids can marvel at the inner workings of the human body, the wonder of light and the technology of robots in this new permanent mezzanine-level exhibit! The Step Up to the Science Bar allows guests to come up and ‘order’ a hands-on demonstration or experiment.

Eat A Georgia Rainbow
Sundays at 12 p.m.
Join the Imaginators for this seasonal program featuring fruits and vegetables that can be harvested in Georgia throughout the year. Visitors will also be able to participate in a cool cooking activity!

Special Programming during August:

Sensory Friendly Saturday
Saturday, August 6 at 9 a.m.
On the first Saturday of every month, the Museum will open at 9 a.m. (one hour before the general public admission) for families with children on the autism spectrum. This special program is dedicated to providing these families with a subdued environment during their visit, allowing private access for children to learn and play at their own pace. Many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, including turning off all background music and piano stairs sounds and limiting the amount of guests, to create a more comforting environment. Quiet spots are also set up throughout the Museum. Admission for Sensory Friendly Saturdays is $5 for non-members and free for members. Interested families can to reserve their spot at 404.527.3693.

Target Free Second Tuesday
Tuesday, August 9 (Upcoming 2016 Target Free Second Tuesday Dates are September 13; October 11; November 8; December 13)
Target Free Second Tuesday is a special opportunity for the community to bring their children to experience the Museum for FREE, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free admission is made possible through the generous support of Target on the second Tuesday of each month for visitors who may not have the opportunity to experience the museum or want to experience the museum free of charge. Target Free Second Tuesday tickets may not be purchased in advance. Entrance to the Museum is based on a first come, first serve basis during Target Free Second Tuesday.

Lantern Building Workshop
Saturday, August 27 at 1 and 2 p.m. (each workshop is limited to 10 participants and is 45 minutes long)
Join the Museum’s art educator for a Lantern Building Workshop! Each child will create their own wooden base lantern utilizing colorful tissue paper, which will wrap around the structure like a mosaic and then painted. Each lantern will feature one LED light and battery that enables it to shine, making it perfect for a lantern parade or to hang in a special room! The cost is $3 per person for supplies and materials and is NOT included in the price of admission. Due to limited space, reservations are required to participate. Please call 404.537.3693.

Special Summer Olympics Programming
Saturday and Sunday, August 6-7; 13-14; 20-21
**This programming will replace regular XOXO programming on these dates and times
In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Summer Olympic Games in Centennial Olympic Park, Children’s Museum of Atlanta will host Olympic-themed programming all summer long!

• Parade of Nations: Saturday at 12 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.
  In honor of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, families are encouraged to come dressed as athletes, wear traditional cultural clothing and participate in the celebratory parade.
• Sports Storytime: Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
  Children can gather around for a special sports reading of “Dino-basketball” and hear about dinosaurs playing the popular summer Olympic sport basketball.
• Sports Music and Movement: Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  Families are invited to join the Museum for min-basketball, toss and catch, soccer kicks, mini golf and even an obstacle course!
• Art Studio Open: 11a.m. -4 p.m.
  Guests will discuss the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, share one of their favorite sports and create a special medal to represent it. They’ll also create Olympic torches as a reminder of the Games.
• Build It Lab Open: 11 a.m. -4 p.m.
  Guests can build mini-parallel bars with a gymnast to twirl on them!

For more information or to support Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org
or call 404.659.KIDS [5437]

About Children’s Museum of Atlanta:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the only educational venue of its kind in Atlanta, presenting educational programs and exhibits designed for young children ages 0-8. The Museum’s mission is to spark imagination and inspire discovery and learning for all children through the power of play. With six permanent learning zones consisting of bright, creative and hands-on exhibits, the Museum supports inventive play-based exploration and experiential learning focused on the whole child. Core competencies for literacy, math and science are promoted throughout all exhibits and programming in alignment with the state and national Core Performance Standards. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta also offers parties, memberships, field trips, summer camp and private events. For more information or to support Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437]. 

Museum Admission: General Admission is $14.95 (plus tax) for anyone 1-100 years old. Babies and members are admitted for free. All daily programs are included in price of admission unless otherwise noted (LANTERN WORKSHOP). Group rates and military discounts are available. For more information regarding ticket and membership options, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org/plan-your-visit/faqs/. 

Museum Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. -4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Please check the Museum website to confirm hours of operation. Beginning August 10, the Museum will be closed on Wednesdays.