If you’re looking for family fun with enriching learning opportunities, University of Alabama Museums offers activities throughout the summer at several locations.
May 29 – Junior Naturalist: Gardening
Grow your love of nature at the UA Arboretum during this Junior Naturalist program May 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The collaboration between the Alabama Museum of Natural History and UA Arboretum allows participants to explore the significance of plants and nature through gardening. This program is geared for grades 3-4. The cost is $8 per child and adult pair.
June 1 – Saturday in the Park: Pottery
Tammy Beane will be demonstrating Native American pottery firing techniques and teaching the craft of replicating Southeastern pottery traditions at Moundville Archaeological Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make your own piece of pottery to take home. Pottery materials will be available while supplies last. All are welcome to observe.
June 8 and June 22 – Make Your Own Historical Letter with Wax Seals
Join the Gorgas House Museum June 8 and June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon to get hands-on experience working with historic writing utensils and learn how to make your own wax seal. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. All materials will be provided at no cost.
June 15 – Saturday in the Park: Tools and Weapons
Bill Skinner will be demonstrating the use of several types of tool and weapon technologies from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These demonstrations will include the atlatl and the bow and arrow as well as ancient toolmaking traditions, such as flint knapping. Participants can take turns practicing with ancient tools. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian to participate. All are welcome to observe.
June 25 and July 17 – Fossil Excursions
Travel to the Black Belt of Alabama in search of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils from the Cretaceous Age. Participants should be prepared to get wet and muddy as they wade through shallow streams to collect shark teeth and other marine fossils from streambed gravel deposits. All participants ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Due to terrain and length of the trip, children 5 years old and younger are not recommended to attend. The price includes roundtrip transportation from the Alabama Museum of Natural History to the site.
July 27 – Sports Art Day
Join the Paul W. Bryant Museum for Sports Art Day July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum will have sport-themed art activities for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade including golf ball art, foam finger design, game day signs, pennant design and more.
Aug. 3 and Aug. 17 – Historic Food and Household Duties
The Gorgas House Museum will be hosting free activities such as making lemonade, churning butter and washing clothes for all ages on the front lawn.
All UA Museums activities are subject to change. Stay up to date on the UA Museums website.