UA Museum Offers Variety of Programs for Younger Children

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — West Alabama’s children are invited to explore natural history and science in a hands-on learning environment through a variety of programs offered at the Alabama Museum of Natural History on The University of Alabama’s campus.

“Through these programs we explore Alabama’s ancient past, discover the incredible biodiversity in the state and learn about the processes and cycles that make our world work,” said Allie Sorlie, the museum’s education outreach coordinator.

Growing Up Wild Preschool Morning is the first Friday of every month. At this event, caregivers and their preschooler explore a variety of activities in the museum. Scavenger hunts, crafts, puzzles and books are found throughout the museum for a morning of hands-on discovery and fun. The participants learn about everything from fossils to plants and pollinators. The program is offered from 10 to noon Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. The cost is $2 per participant and caregiver. 

Museum Monday is an afterschool program for kindergarten through second-graders and is held the first Monday of every month. With topics such as “What is a Paleontologist” and “What Sounds Do I Hear at Night,” this program gives participants a chance to explore natural history and science through museum collections and expertise. The program runs from 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. The cost is $8 per participant.

Explorer Wednesday is an after-school program for third- through fifth-graders and is held the first Wednesday of every month. This natural-history based program gives students the chance to discover just what makes Alabama, and our world, the beautiful. Students will learn about nature’s hibernators and interesting flora and fauna found throughout the state. The program runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. The cost is $8 per participant.

Parents can register their children for all three months or pick and choose which one they would like to attend. The fee covers all programming and supplies, as well as a snack.

To register, parents may phone the museum at 205/348-7550 or email museum.programs@ua.edu.