The museum's preschool drop-in program for children 2 to 6 has been enjoying steady success.
It began in the spring, running every Wednesday morning, offering young children a chance to learn about topics such as helicopters, bats, spiders and how seeds travel. This summer the drop-ins were expanded to Saturday and Sunday.
The programs have been developed by AAM Programs Coordinator Ellie McKown and Matthiew Zorzetta-Vermeire, our Canada Works summer student. Each one includes games, crafts and stories geared to younger minds. Almost 130 children have attended the program.
"We had a lot of kids in this age group coming through our doors and there was not a whole lot geared for them in the museum," says McKown.
"We've had a couple of families that have come back. So to me that shows success because we are getting that repeat."
Mack Murray's four-and-a half-year-old son son, also named Mack, took part in a recent weekend program on fireflies and was "happy as a lark" to participate.
"When you are that age you can't go around reading the descriptions on the planes. So having someone who can actively make you participate is always great for kids that age."
As a result of the positive feedback, the program will continue throughout the year. However, it will be moved to Sunday afternoons, starting September 10 from 1 pm to 2 pm, to make it more accessible for families.
