Small Explorers Learning Together - Under the Ancient Sea

Small Explorers Learning Together is the Museum’s program for families with children ages 1-5. Hundreds of families have experienced the magic of exploring the Museum in these sessions and now you can too! Classes are offered once a month on the 2nd Saturday at 9:30 am and are limited to 20 children per class.

Classes meets in our Discovery Den play space and begin 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 make-and-take craft. Classes are 45 minutes long and meet September to December and February to July.

Each month's program is listed separately on Humanitix.

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

Under the Ancient Sea, Saturday, Sep. 12, 9:30 am

The Under the Ancient Sea class will introduce children and caregivers to reptiles and sea creatures that lived millions of years ago. We will read “The Crocodile Who Didn’t Like Water” by Gemma Marino. After story time, we will look at the fossils of Mosasaurus and Deinosuchus. Children can match pictures of each creature on the gallery walk. To finish our exploration of the sea, there will be sensory, observation-based, and play-based activities available in the museum’s STEAM center.

• 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 $15.00 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 2026/2027 schedule. Tickets expire June 12, 2027.

• Fee includes all activities and craft to take home.

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.