Family Programs

Winterthur offers a variety of fun programs for children of all ages. Come explore with us!

Tummy Time
First Friday of every month, March through October; 10:30 am–12:00 pm
This drop-in program for infants and their caregivers provides an opportunity for babies to explore new things and for grown-ups to meet new people. Pick up a basket filled with items that will introduce your baby to different textures, sounds, and patterns, then spread your blanket on the floor of the galleries and enjoy learning together. Afterwards, grab a quick lunch at the Visitor Center or take a relaxing walk in the garden. Members and Children under 2, free. Included with admission.

Squeaky Wheels (New Program!)
Third Thursday of every month, March through October; 10:30–11:30 am
Parents and their children in strollers are invited to join us for fun and informative walks through the garden and galleries. Spend time with your toddler and make friends with new families while you learn a little about the amazing collections that make Winterthur special. Members and children under 2, free. Included with admission.

WOW! Wee Ones at Winterthur
First Wednesday of each month, March–October, 10:30–11:15 am
Meet in Galleries Reception Area.
This early childhood series intended for children ages 3-5 incorporates active learning through music, movement, and the exploration of objects in a warm and welcoming setting. Themes relate to the museum and garden. Members and children under 2, free. Included with admission. 

2013 Schedule: 
March 6: Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
April 3: And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano
May 1: The Cloud by Hannah Cummings
June 5: Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill
July 3: tbd
August 7: The Magic Bed by John Burningham
September 4: Apples A to Z by Margaret McNamara
October 2: In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
 

Hands on History Cart
Saturdays, April 20, 2013–January 4, 2014, 1:00–3:00 pm
Test your geography skills through puzzles and games and explore other map-related themes when you stop by this interactive cart that accompanies the exhibition Common Destinations: Maps in the American Experience! Members free. Included with admission.
 

Historic Automobile Displays
Saturdays in May, 10:00 am–4:00 pm; weather permitting
See sleek and shiny cars of long ago. Each Saturday will feature a different thematic display of cars from the country-estate era.  Pick up an activity sheet from the Visitor Center to guide your exploration and bring your diecast matchbox cars to "drive" along our shaded lanes.  
 

Kids Grow: Children's Vegetable Garden Program (Members only)
Saturdays, June 8–August 3, 2013
Introduce your children, ages 6–11, to the wonder of growing their own plants in this 9-week course. Members only; free. Call 302.888.4779 by May 1 to register. Space is limited.


Enchanted Summer Day! 
Saturday, June 15, 2013; 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Put on your elf ears or fairy wings and come celebrate the beginning of summer with music, storytelling, crafts, and more in our award-winning children's garden, Enchanted Woods! Included in admission. Members and children under two, free.
 

Terrific Tuesdays
Every Tuesday in July and August; 10:00 am–3:00 pm (drop-in program)
Kids ages 3-10 are invited to try fun activities related to the wide world of Winterthur.  In July we will uncover the amazing world of art conservation with science-based, hands-on activities, and demonstrations by Winterthur conservators. Terrific Tuesdays in August will feature various activities in Enchanted Woods. Members free. Included with admission.
 

Truck & Tractor Day!
Saturday, October 5
10:00 am–4:00 pm
Bring the kids for a fun-filled day of trucks, tractors, ice cream, hayrides, and arts and crafts!

 

Pages of Time: Mother & Daughter Book & Craft Club
First Thursday of each month, November through May; 6:00–8:00 pm
Is your daughter in 4th–6th grade? Does she love to read, make crafts, and learn about people who lived long ago? Join us as we discuss historical fiction books, try tasty snacks, and make crafts related to the book for each month. $25 per Member adult/child pair; $35 per nonmember pair for complete 7-month series. The next session begins November 1, 2012. Registration required by October 26. Call 800.448.3883 to register.  Enrollment is limited.

November 1, 2012   A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple
December 6, 2012  The Witch of Blackbird Pond
January 3, 2013      Betsy Zane: The Rose of Fort Henry
February 7, 2013    Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark
March 7, 2013        The Smuggler's Treasure
April 4, 2013           The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed
May 2, 2013           Rachel's Journal

Yuletide Brunch with Appearances by Santa
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, and 22; 9:00–11:00 am
Enjoy a delicious brunch at the Visitor Center, during which you can visit with Santa and take your own pictures. Afterwards, head over to the museum to make a snack for Santa's reindeer and enjoy special performances by musical entertainer Silly Joe (Saturdays) or the popular children's comedian The Great Holtzie (Sundays).  Reservations required. $34.95 for adults, $17.50 for children ages 2–12.  Reservations can be made on opentable.com or by calling 302.888.4826.

Once Upon a Family Tour
Available March through October at 12:30 pm and additional times during summer months
Learn about the lifestyle of the du Pont family while exploring rooms in their house and (weather permitting) garden spaces where they played, worked, and entertained. Designed especially for families with children ages 4–11. 45 min.; 10 person limit. Included with admission, by request.


Be Tween! (New Tour!)
Second Sunday of every month, May through October at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Are you interested in beauty, technology, arts and crafts, or interior design?  If so, this is the tour for you!  Tweens, their friends, and the women in their lives are invited to join us for a 1-hour tour that explores and invites discussion about a different theme each month. 5 person limit. Included with admission, by request. To reserve in advance, please call 800.448.3883.
 

The Touch-it Room
Travel back in time to this delightful kid-oriented space where everything is touchable! Host an imaginary tea party, cook at the open hearth, or shop at the general store. Seasonal hours. Included with admission. 

 
Preschool Packs
Available daily
Pick up a Preschool Pack from the Galleries Reception Desk the next time you and your family visit the Galleries. Each of the four packs includes stories, puzzles, and games on a different theme. Discover and learn with hands-on activities that bring the museum’s objects to life! Included with admission.
 

Enchanted Woods Backpacks
Available daily
Filled with scavenger hunts, journals, magnifying glasses, and more, these backpacks offer great ways to explore Enchanted Woods. Borrow one from the Galleries Reception Desk before you head outside, or, during the summer months, pick up one from a volunteer stationed in Enchanted Woods. Included with admission.