Family Programs

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

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. $5 per nonmember child with 1 free adult.

2012 Schedule: 
March 7: In a People House by Dr. Seuss
April 4: A is for Artist, a Getty Museum Alphabet Book
April 11: Repeated program from April 4 for those Wee Ones on Spring Break! 
May 2: Birds by Kevin Henkes
June 6: My Garden by Kevin Henkes
July 4: No Wee Ones this month! 
August 1: Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
September 5: Snake Supper by Alan Durant and Ant Parker
October 3: The Dot by Peter Reynolds
 

Hands on History Cart
Saturdays, April 28, 2012–January 6, 2013, 1:00–3:00 pm
Stop by the Hands on History Cart outside the exhibition Uncorked! to learn more about glass, punch, and the different types of cups and glasses used by people in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. 
 

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 2–July 28, 2012
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 16, 2012; 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 general admission; members free.
 

Terrific Tuesdays
Every Tuesday in July and August, 10:00 am–3:00 pm
This summer Terrific Tuesdays will uncover the amazing world of art conversation. Come try science-based, hands-on activities, learn about the work of conservators, and discover the threats the Agents of Deterioration pose to our prized possessions. Members free. $5 per nonmember child with 1 free adult.

Truck and Tractor Day! 
Date and times TBD
Join us this fall for a day filled with lots of large equipment sure to delight the wheel-oriented little ones in your household. Enjoy fresh, local ice cream from Woodside Farms while exploring these big machines. Included in general admission; members free.
 

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 (such as A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple and Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West With Lewis and Clark), 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.  Enrollment is limited.
 

Breakfast With Santa
December 8 and 15, seatings at 9:00 and 9:30
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with Santa at the Visitor Center, then make your way to the museum to create your own holiday decorations and enjoy performances of classic and original holiday music by children's entertainer Silly Joe, who is back this year by popular demand! Reservations required. Call 800.448.3883. $28 /adult; $21/Member adult; $18/child (ages 2-12).


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.
 

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.