July 8 – August 29

This summer enjoy free activities on weekdays, all summer long. The complete listing of scheduled programs is available on the Events/Calendar page. Each weekday will have a different program as described below.

• Story time and a craft: Tuesdays from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, repeated on Saturdays from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Each week a different book and craft will be featured. Visitors can bring their young children to hear a story, then stay and make the related craft. Program begins July 8 and runs through August 26.
• Drop-in Activities: Wednesdays and Fridays between 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm, visit the Imagination Studio on the Museum’s lower level for a make-and-take craft. The crafts are suitable for most ages, offering families and individuals a fun opportunity to be creative. Program runs July 9 – August 29.
• Gallery cart activities: Thursdays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm, the Museum mobile cart will be in a featured gallery with fun, hands-on activities related to the exhibitions. Program runs July 10 – August 28.

August 16, 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Join us for an exclusive free showing of NASA’s brand-new original documentary “Planetary Defenders,” which dives into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense. Journey alongside a team of astronomers and scientists working tirelessly to track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts. This documentary captures the efforts of these unsung heroes, blending cutting-edge science with personal stories to reveal the human spirit behind this critical endeavor. Witness the drama, the challenges, and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense. After the movie there will be time for Q & A. Please note: Movie run time is 1 hour, 15 minutes. Suitable for General Audiences.

Reserve your seat.

August 30, 4:15 pm

Speaker: Dr. Charles Liu, AMNH & CUNY College of Staten Island
The Vera Rubin Observatory is the newest astrophysical facility to open - and already it is gathering more data each night than all the other telescopes on Earth put together. See the latest images obtained with this amazing telescope; hear about its revolutionary technology and capabilities; and learn how you can be part of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time - the observatory's first ten-year science mission - and make your own cosmic discoveries!"

Reserve your seat

September 20, 11:00 – 3:00 pm

The Bureau of Natural History will host “Ecosystems at Risk” conservation open house Sat., Sept. 20 from 11:00 - 3:00 pm. The event is being held in collaboration with the New Jersey DEP, highlighting the Museum's exhibition “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened & Endangered in NJ” and some of the conservation projects taking place in our state.

A variety of organizations will be on hand with hands-on activities, including NJ Forest Fire Service, the NJ Forest Service, DEP’s Division of Fish & Wildlife, NJ School of Conservation, Wildlife Society: NJ Chapter and the Wetlands Institute. The DEP will have their Conservation Trailer - an inclusive experience that includes interactive exhibits, educational videos, and informative displays. The exhibits introduce the NJ Fish and Wildlife and its bureaus, focusing on wildlife work and successes within the agency and taking a close look at the important partnerships that aid wildlife conservation in the state. NJ Forest Fire Service will bring a Brush truck and Smokey the Bear will meet and greet guests both young & old (weather permitting.)

Update June 2025: Our Small Explorers sessions have ended for the season. We look forward to launching a new season of learning in the fall. Look for updates to our schedule and registration process over the summer. If you have participated in the past or been added to our mailing list you will receive an email with the details for the new season. Families are welcome to help us plan for the new season by completing this survey.

The Small Explorers program is for families with children up to 5 years old. They meet in the Discovery Den monthly. This playgroup is an opportunity to explore the Museum with your child and connect with other families for support. If you are not on our mailing list but would like to learn more please contact Amy Stevens at amy.stevens@sos.nj.gov.