Small Explorers Learning Together February Program

Small Explorers Learning Together program is for families with children ages 1-5. Hundreds of families have experienced the magic of exploring the Museum in these classes and now you can too! Each class meets in our Discovery Den play space and begins with an interactive story time. Families move together to playfully explore a gallery and end in our classroom space with thematic activity stations including a craft to take home. Classes are designed to maximize caregiver-child interaction and connect with a community of families to share in exploration. Each class is 45 minutes long; the program is offered October to June.

New Jersey State Museum Foundation members receive 10% off registration, contact Melissa.Mantz@sos.nj.gov for discount code.

Class is offered twice each month, choose the 2nd Saturday or following Thursday morning, both 9:30am.

Classes are limited to 20 children and their caregivers to foster a calm and supportive learning environment. This program is open to any local family with children ages 1-5. Each month's program will be listed separately on Humanitix.

February Program: Colors and Feelings, Saturday, Feb. 14 or Thursday, Feb. 19

Children will learn how to use sight to find colors in works of art. They will be introduced to how color is connected to emotions and how they can use colors to express themselves in new ways. Children will practice identifying colors and strengthen fine motor skills through activities that use the senses, specifically sight and touch.  We will read "I Don’t Draw, I Color!"

Gallery Visit: American Perspectives: The Fine Art Collection

Fees and policies

• Age range: Children ages 12 months to 5 years. Children over 5 are not allowed. Siblings younger than 12 months can attend for free.

• Cost: Classes are $20.00 per child. Each additional sibling receives a 20% discount. Caregivers attend free.

• Refunds: Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the class please contact us to apply your purchase to another class within the 2025/2026 schedule. Tickets expire June 18, 2026.

• Fee includes all activities and craft to take home.

About our Instructor for 2025/2026

Jessica Tackes joined the NJ State Museum in spring 2025 as an Education Associate. She earned her B.A. in Drawing and Art History at Illinois State University and her M.A. in Art History at American University in Washington, D.C. Having worked in education for several museums and fine arts organizations since 2019, she is excited to bring her experience and love for teaching to the Small Explorers program. She is passionate about making education accessible for everyone and hopes to inspire the next generation of young learners through her work. When she is not teaching, she is spending quality time with her husband and 2 year old daughter whose boundless energy and curiosity motivates her every day.