Family Programs
Free Family Nights
Target FREE Family Nights at The Magic House
Some of the best things in life are free! The Magic House holds Target Free Family Nights every third Friday of the month from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. These special nights enable a family (no more than two adults and four of their own children) to enjoy more than 100 hands-on exhibits in the museum at no charge through the generosity of Target. Reservations are not required.
September 17, 2010
October 15, 2010
November 19, 2010
December 17, 2010
January 21, 2011
February 18, 2011
March 18, 2011
April 15, 2011
May 20, 2011
Visiting Artist Series
The arts come alive every month at The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
The Visiting Artist Series is a yearlong celebration of the arts at The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum. One weekend every month, museum visitors have the opportunity to learn from a variety of professional artists as they demonstrate their techniques. Children are invited to work alongside the artists and explore similar materials as they join in the fun of the creative process. Visiting Artist Workshops and performances are free with museum admission.
Workshops run throughout the day and no registration is required. Live performances are presented at scheduled times.
The Visiting Artist Series is made possible with the support of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and TALX.
Balloon Creations
Saturday, September 11 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, September 12 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
This art form is full of hot air! Join Thad James, a.k.a. Sammy J, as he blows and bends balloons into incredible sculptures. Blending balloons, air and an offbeat sense of humor, Sammy J turns balloon twisting into performance art.
Pumpkin Carving
Saturday, October 2 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, October 3 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
You’ll go out of your gourd with pumpkin carver Craig Sanders. Watch as Craig carves an intricate design into an enormous orange squash, then decorate a miniature pumpkin of your own design.
Nature Weaving
Saturday, November 6 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, November 7 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
Discover the ins and outs of weaving with St. Louis fiber artist Rena Wood. Using twigs, yarn, twine and other earthy materials, explore the beauty of nature’s bounty and create your own weaving.
The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 5 12:00 & 2:00 PerformancesThe Imaginary Theatre Company presents this holiday classic. Marie is lonely after her family moves to a new town, but when her godfather arrives with a Christmas gift—a Nutcracker—she discovers that it’s no ordinary toy. The Nutcracker leads her on an adventure full of evil mice, dancing fairies and distant lands, showing her that holiday magic can last all year long.
Chinese Calligraphy
Saturday, January 8 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, January 9 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
Hop to it and celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rabbit with artist Jimmy Liu. Join Jimmy Liu as he demonstrates the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy using traditional brushstroke techniques.
Drums and Music of Africa
Saturday, February 5 12:00 & 2:00 PerformancesSunday, February 6 12:00 & 2:00 Performances
Journey to Africa with storyteller Bobby Norfolk and drummer Kenya Ajanaku in this observance of Black History Month at The Magic House. Bobby and Kenya blend traditional songs, folktales, instruments, dress and dance into a lively celebration of African life, complete with audience participation.
Clay Play
Saturday, March 5 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, March 6 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
Get behind the wheel as ceramicists from Krueger Pottery demonstrate the art of working with clay. Kids will coil, pinch and throw their own earthenware creations.
Book Arts
Saturday, April 2 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, April 3 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
Paging all bookworms! April brings the celebration of International Children’s Book Day. Book artist Melanie Daniels will check in to the Expericenter and guide visitors in creating their own volumes, complete with pop-up pages.
Origami
Saturday, May 7 10:00 – 5:00 WorkshopSunday, May 8 11:30 – 5:00 Workshop
Join Sugi Taylor for a paper folding frenzy! In honor of Japanese Children’s Day celebrated on May 5, Sugi will demonstrate how to make origami Samurai warrior helmets, kimonos, cranes and other pieces of intricately folded paper art.
Magical Storytime
Parents and their young children are invited to Magical Storytime, an interactive literacy experience! Magical Storytime takes place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:30 am during the school year in Classroom #1 on the Lower Level. A different children’s book is featured each month.
Safety Stop Sundays
Safety first! Make an appointment to stop by The Magic House any Sunday, for St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Safety Stop, a one-stop shop for car seat, helmet and home safety education. Please call (314) 454-KIDS to schedule a time for this free service. Visit www.stlouischildrens.org for more information.
