Children's Museum of the Highlands

Programs and Special Events

The Children's Museum offers a wonderful way to fight summer boredom, have hands on fun and maybe even ... learn! Discovery Camp is a fantastic way to pass the summer days with a variety of arts and crafts, and games, all centered around one weekly theme. The daily visit to the Children's Museum to play with all of the wonderful exhibits is just an added bonus! Each camp is taught by a Highlands County teacher and is open to children that have finished kindergarten up through children that have finished fifth grade. The camp runs from 9 am to 5 pm each day for a full week. Early drop off and late pick up will be available for an extra fee. This is our 10th year of camp, each year the weeks sell out fast! As a reminder, access to the camp classroom will be from the alley behind the museum. PLEASE UNDERSTAND - because of the large response, in order for your child's name to be placed in a class we will have to have your money in our hand for each week, no phone reservations will be allowed.

NEW! - This year we are excited to offer something extra with camp. Sue Beson, a certified Tai chi teacher will be visiting weekly and giving a half hour group instruction for the camp students. Tai chi teaches self control through a series of exercises and movements that are fun for children and adults.

Please note!

• Camp is from 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Campers should bring a bag lunch that does not need refrigeration or heating
• Campers may not be left off more than 15 minutes before the start of camp or picked up later than 15 minutes after the end of camp unless registered for camp care.
• Cost for each week is $80 per child, cash or local check, no credit cards.
• Non members of the museum pay a $10 registration fee
• Camp care is an extra $20 per week per family, arranged ahead of time.
• Payment must accompany registration to hold spot in class.
• A 50% refund will be given if requested more than one week prior to camp.
• No refunds will be given if requested less than a week before camp begins
• No registrations will be taken over the phone.
• Children that have finished kindergarten through children that have finished 5th grade are eligible for camp.

This program is funded in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and The Florida Arts Council.

KIDS NIGHT OUT

Kids Night Out is a members only event open to children ages 3 - 11.  It is a program designed to let kids have a special time in the museum without their parents. They have the opportunity to play as much as they want with the different exhibits, interact with other children in the various areas and learn as they play. We also try to provide one "extra" activity each month such as crafts, games, or new types of exhibits. The children that participate must be potty trained.

The program runs ONE Friday night per month from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Reservations are required, the cost is $10 per child, siblings are $6.00 per child. During the evening of play, we do serve a late snack, but not a full meal. Children should have dinner before they come. All children are expected to use party manners and obey the museum staff. When dropping off your child, you will be asked to fill out a form acknowledging the rules and filling in a number where you or a designated adult can be reached in case of emergency.

We ask that you not come back to pick up the children before 9:15. Arriving early causes other children to wonder where their parents are and they sometimes become anxious about being picked up.