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Bill’s Backyard Open

 
Bill’s Backyard is open to the general public, with two play sessions each day.
The Museum is following the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the State of California, and the CDC to ensure the safety and health of our employees and visitors.

The Museum will open in phases, starting with Bill’s Backyard in Phase I. There will be two play sessions every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with an one hour break between sessions for deep cleaning and sanitizing. The morning and afternoon sessions are two and a half hours each.

  • 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bill’s Backyard Open

 
Bill’s Backyard is open to the general public, with two play sessions each day.
The Museum is following the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the State of California, and the CDC to ensure the safety and health of our employees and visitors.

The Museum will open in phases, starting with Bill’s Backyard in Phase I. There will be two play sessions every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with an one hour break between sessions for deep cleaning and sanitizing. The morning and afternoon sessions are two and a half hours each.

  • 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bill’s Backyard Open

 

We’re Excited to Welcome You Back to Bill’s Backyard.

Reopening Schedule

Public opening: Friday, March 5 Bill’s Backyard opens to the general public with two play sessions with limited capacity.

There are two play sessions every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with an one hour break between sessions for deep cleaning and sanitizing. The morning and afternoon sessions are two and a half hours each.

  • 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Discovery Dance Party with Latizmo Hip Hop Productions

Discovery Dance Party! Presented with Latizmo Hip Hop Productions

Saturday, August 29
1 p.m. on Zoom

Join us for a special Discovery Zone Dance Party presented by Latizmo Hip Hop Productions! Kick off this lively dance party by learning some hip hop moves from choreographer and dance artist Jay Torres! We’ll then watch a performance group of young dancers who are differently-abled perform “Super Latizmo II,” a story of people with magical powers. Superheroes and villains fight for territory in this original Latizmo production. We encourage you to dance along and show us your moves!

Children and families of all abilities are welcome.

The dance party will last about 45 minutes and is free to attend. Space is limited, so register today!

Animals Inspire Us!

Animals Inspire Us!

Saturday, August 22
10:00 a.m. on Facebook and YouTube

Join us online for an hourlong animal fun bonanza with our friends at the Palo Alto Humane Society!

Animals Inspire Us! will feature a showcase of fun content around the themes of animal care and advocacy, as well as compassion towards animals. This virtual program will feature two uniquely produced magic shows by magician Patrick Livingstone, who is all about humor, kindness, and animals. We’ll also feature PAHS-produced content including Touchy Feely Talks (Absolute Best Way to Treat a Dog, Chickens are Wonderful Pets, Tildie & Her Rat Mansion), a Storytime reading (Trees Are Never Lonely), a film (A Dog’s Day), and art created by students in the PAWS for PAHS program!

Learn about PAHS at PaloAltoHumane.org

Ichiro Dinosaur Celebration

Amphitheater at Children’s Discovery Museum

*Free entrance to celebration. Museum entrance separate fee.

Don’t miss the Ichiro Dinosaur Celebration and Artist Reception!

  • Meet the Ichiro Dinosaur Artist Marianela Fuentes
  • Music by Latin Grammy winner Mister G
  • Hands-on activities

Big Screen Sundays

Max’s Chocolate Chicken and
My Garden

1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm

“Max’s Chocolate Chicken” by beloved author/illustrator Rosemary Wells and narrated by Louise Roberts asks the ultimate question: Will Max’s sister Ruby find the most eggs and win the chocolate chicken? But unflappable Max has his own ideas!

In “My Garden” you will meet a girl who dreams of creating a garden full of chocolate rabbits, flowers that change colors, seashells, and tomatoes the size of beach balls. Based on the book by Kevin Henkes, this film is narrated by Cassandra Morris.

Big Screen Sundays

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and other stories by Eric Carle

1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm

Five of Eric Carle’s beautiful, award-winning picture books are now lush animated films for the whole family to enjoy.

Big Screen Sundays

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and other stories by Eric Carle

1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm

Five of Eric Carle’s beautiful, award-winning picture books are now lush animated films for the whole family to enjoy.

Sunday Matinees: John, Paul, George, and Ben


1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

President’s Day is almost here! Learn a little about what our founding fathers might have been like as children in this fanciful film based on the multi-award-winning book by Lane Smith.

Sunday Matinees: Rainbow War

1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

In this beautiful short film, three imaginary kingdoms—Red, Blue, and Yellow—engage in a colorful battle for supremacy. In the process, the warring kingdoms accidentally create the first rainbow and discover friendship and peace.

Rainbow War was rated among the top five attractions at Expo’86 in Vancouver and is one of the only World’s Fair films to be nominated for an Academy Award®. You might recognize some of the actors, although they were much younger!

Family Night at the Museum with Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure

SPECIAL EXHIBIT SNEAK PEEK!
Family Night at the Museum with Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure

Friday, February 14
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and this year, we’re absolutely in love with our brand-new exhibition, Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure! Come enjoy some Valentine’s family bonding at an exclusive sneak preview of the exhibit before it opens to the public. Enjoy hands-on activities, a Potter storytime, make Potter-themed Valentines for your friends and family, and of course, meet Potter!

 

Story Time Schedule:

Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water
6:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Potter, Potter: The Healthy Otter
7:20 p.m.- 7:35 p.m.

Potter the Otter’s Market Adventure:
8:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

 

Free to members, and $5 for non-members. Space is limited, so sign up now!

The Brian Waite Band: Spelunkalicious!

The Brian Waite Band: Spelunkalicious!

Saturday, February 8
100 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
 
Join the band that has rocked its way into the hearts of both kids and parents as they explore funky caves and rockin’ planets in search of tasty tunes that will have the whole family dancing and feeling groovy!

The show runs approximately 50 minutes with 2 showings at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

 
This performance is included with Museum admission. Buy your tickets today!
Find out more about The Brian Waite Band: https://brianwaite.com/home
 

Little Red Riding Hood: A One-Act Touring Opera

Little Red Riding Hood: A One-Act Touring Opera

Presented by Opera San Jose
Saturday, January 25
100 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
 
Come and enjoy Opera San Jose‘s new production of the classic children’s story “Little Red Riding Hood.” Experience a tale like no other! This opera will feature costumed singers and a professional pianist. The show runs approximately 50-55 minutes with 2 showings at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 
Be sure to stop by before heading to grandma’s house!
 
This performance is included with Museum admission. Buy your tickets today!