Sept. '26 Homeschool Day - STEAM

The New Jersey State Museum is excited to host our 3rd annual Homeschool Day on Friday, Sep. 11, and this year we’re combining our two homeschool days into one! Science and art come together for a day filled with exciting activities, gallery exploration, and Planetarium shows.

Workshop stations will be running from 10 AM – 3 PM in Riverview Court, focusing on paleontology, nature, history, archaeology, and art. Our AR Sandbox will also be out for hands-on exploration! In our American Perspectives: A Fine Art Gallery, guided 30-minute tours will be occurring throughout the day. Gallery carts will also be available all day in our Written in the Rocks gallery. Plus, see one of our two new Planetarium shows – "Little Eve" (pre-k through 3rd grade) and "Encounters in the Milky Way" (4th grade and up)!

Registration is $15 per person (including adults and siblings) and includes one Planetarium show, access to all workshop stations and Fine Art gallery tours. Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, including during the Planetarium show. All sales are final, there are no refunds.

Fossil Identification – Learn about fossils and the science of paleontology through observation. Use a Fossil Identification Guide to apply observations and determine what each fossil is, just like real paleontologists! Then, visit our Written in the Rocks gallery to explore the history of life through time here in New Jersey.

Plant Life Cycle – Learn about the life cycle of plants and make a plant life cycle craft to take home!

Make Your Own Seal – Learn about the importance of symbols and create a seal! Then, visit The Power to Change exhibit and our Pretty Big Things gallery to see the New Jersey seal and learn how seals were used through time.

Art Making – Encourage creativity through art making, drawing inspiration from our Fine Art gallery – American Perspectives! Plus, explore art pieces in our other exhibits throughout the museum.

Revolutionary Choices – Learn about history through primary source documents! Gather information from multiple sources to create a New Jersey history story. Then, take a look at the original documents on display in The Power to Change exhibit as part of Rev250! Plus, walk next door to the NJ State Archives gallery to visit their new exhibit.

Lenape Crafts – Learn how to make baskets and beaded necklaces inspired by items made by the Lenape when trading with Europeans. Then, visit our Much Moved People gallery to learn more about historical and modern Lenape culture.

Planetarium Show Options:

11 AM – Little Eve (Pre-k through 3rd grade)

1 PM – Encounters in the Milky Way (4th grade and up)

Note - You will need to show your Humanitix confirmation email at the Planetarium to be admitted to your show, and we ask that your entire group be together before entering. Guests who leave the planetarium show may not re-enter, so make sure to use the bathrooms before your show!

Fine Art Gallery Tours:

Enjoy our Fine Art gallery with a guided tour! Tours last about 30 minutes and take place every half hour starting at 10:30 AM.

Note – Each tour can comfortably accommodate up to 30 people. If one tour is at capacity, we may ask that you wait for the next scheduled tour.

Other Details:

The Museum does not provide snacks or lunch, but you are welcome to bring your own to enjoy during breaks. All food must be stored in bins in the Museum lobby and eaten in Riverview Court or outside on the picnic tables and front lawn. You are welcome to stay at the Museum for as long as your group wants to. Gallery worksheets and highlights maps are available to encourage additional exploration and learning. If you plan to use the worksheets, please bring a writing surface and a pencil.

There are no refunds, however you can transfer your tickets if you cannot attend. Please email Dr. Devra Hock-Reid at devra.hock-reid@sos.nj.gov to make this request. If you need to purchase additional tickets, please make a separate registration.