The Staten Island Children’s is Back and Better Than Ever
The beloved Staten Island Children’s Museum announced its reopening on January 29 after a temporary closure, and they are celebrating with a month of programs filled with creativity, discovery, and cultural fun for the whole family.
Located on on the grounds of Sailors’ Snug Harbor on Staten Island, the museum opened in 1976 and has been bringing children’s activities and events to the Staten Island community ever since.
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Upgrades, Enhancements & New Experiences
During its closure, the museum carried out essential infrastructure upgrades to enhance visitor experiences and meet community needs, set for completion in April 2025. Key improvements include a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system for year-round comfort, resurfacing of the Sea of Boats playground, refurbished picnic tables, and enhancements to water management, flooring, and security systems.
Additionally, technology systems have been upgraded to enhance reservations, facilitate donations, and boost operational efficiency. New features will be introduced this Spring, including two additions to the Bugs & Other Arthropods exhibit, which will replace the live collection relocated to the Staten Island Zoo and an interactive fishing pier in the Sea of Boats playground. Visitors can also look forward to a new craft table for Tots on weekdays, while students will benefit from an expanded arts and cooking curriculum.
“We are thrilled to welcome families back to the Museum,” said Dina Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Staten Island Children’s Museum. “Our top priority has been responding to the community’s call for us to reopen while we continue to work behind the scenes.
Though most of the updates are not visible, they were essential for ensuring a safe and functional space in our 100-plus-year-old building. Rather than waiting for everything to look perfect, we’re excited to provide this resource to families now and to continue refining it over time. In celebration, we’re bringing back guest performers that are audience favorites, alongside new artists we’ve discovered.”
February Events: A Celebration of Culture, Music & Dance
The museum is rolling out an exciting and interactive lineup of events for February. All of the programs during February, except for camp, are free with museum admission.
Every day there is something to create in the Walk-in! Workshop. In February, Young artists will create a winter scene using cool colors of chalk-like greens, blues, and violets. Participants will fill their paper with outdoor shapes—trees, mountains, or swirls—choosing an abstract or realistic style. Black glue or permanent markers will then be used to add bold lines, creating a stained-glass effect. Wed – Fri: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm and Sat-Sun: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Throughout the month, the Museum will host a lineup of guest artists who will bring global music, dance, and traditions to life. From interactive storytelling sessions to vibrant musical performances, visitors will experience a world of culture in the heart of Staten Island.
Feel the sounds of the Islands with Caribbean Vibe!
Saturday, February 8, 4 pm – 4:45 pm
Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace
All Ages
Included with Museum Admission: $8
Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band’s performers provide fun festive music for all ages, sharing and elevating the joy of an instrument whose origin is rooted in the history of the Afro-Trinidadian struggle for freedom.
Join New York City Children’s Theater for FIVE/CINCO!
Sunday, February 9, 4 pm – 4:45 pm
Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace
Ages 2-5
Included with Museum Admission: $8
Piper the Puppet travels to New York City all the way from Planet Blank to learn about their five senses! Incorporating live music, puppetry, videos, and sensory objects, FIVE/CINCO takes children on a bilingual sensory journey with Piper, as they explore the five senses while celebrating the unique boroughs of New York City!
Showtime At The Museum: Moving Pictures and Music!
Sunday, February 16, 11 am – 4:45 pm
Ages 2-10
Free with admission: $8
Come with us as we take a tour of the “Mainstages Museum of Moving Pictures and Music.” Museum participants will discover interesting videos and music while bringing history to life through movement, music, improv, and critical thinking activities inspired by global cultures.
Hearing Some Good Vibrations? Sounds like Science, Saturday, February 15
Our Mad Science show explores how sound is made and how we hear it. Everyone will be shocked as we create a dinosaur roar with simple materials. Explore the science of speakers with us as we create a funky disco show! You’ll really “rock out” with this supersonic audio experience. 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm. Age Range: 3-9.
Showtime at the Museum: Moving Pictures and Music, Sunday, February 16
Take a tour of the “Mainstages Museum of Moving Pictures and Music.” Participants will discover interesting videos and music while bringing history to life through movement, music, improv, and critical thinking activities inspired by global cultures. Over the next five months, this exciting series of events will guide children as they build and strengthen a new fundamental theater skill each month. 11:00 am – 11:45 am Age Range 2-4, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Age Range: 5-10.
Walk in! Workshop: Love Sculpture
Monday, February 17 – Friday, February 21, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
All Ages
Free with admission: $8
Children will create their own paper sculptures inspired by the iconic Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture. Using cardboard, glue, tape, and markers, they will express sentimental feelings by arranging letters and symbols such as “love,” “hug,” “kiss,” and more in any way they choose. This creative activity encourages self-expression and artistic exploration, allowing each child to bring their personal emotions to life through art.
BubbleMania: Science, Art & Comedy! with Casey Carle
Monday, February 17, 12 pm – 4 pm
All Ages
Free with admission: $8
Spectacular science and hilarious humor combine in this fun show by Casey Carle, a comic bubble-ologist. This high-energy stage show combines his eye-popping skills with engaging, surprising & fun science…from mesmerizing fog-filled bubble sculpture and gobs of funky foam to cube-shaped bubbles and bubbles that trap a human inside. See how science can turn the ordinary soap bubble into something extraordinary
Illuminart Productions presents Sami the Squirrel, the Superstar of the Forest!
Tuesday, February 18, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
1st-4th graders
Free with admission: $8
Sami the Squirrel is celebrating their birthday with their woodland friends and has just received five shiny acorns from Grandma Squirrel. Now the question is: “What should Sami do with them all?” Join Sami on their acorn adventure as they learn about saving, spending, sharing, investing, and the importance of the bank for a well-balanced financial stew.
Dance Party with Walter Rutledge!
Wednesday, February 19, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
All Ages
Free with admission: $8
The Dance Party with Walter is designed for everyone to participate. The party is a great opportunity to bond with your children or grandchildren in an atmosphere of creativity and free expression. The experience includes music, dance, and sing-a-longs ranging from “Baby Shark” to Sinatra.
Discover the Rhythm of the World: S’Cool Sounds Percussion Workshop
Friday, February 20, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Ages 3-9
Free with admission: $8
This workshop will focus on a variety of percussion instruments and their geographic origin. Attendees will learn to play different rhythms and interact using key musical elements. This workshop will engage learners at a variety of levels and musical ability while providing a unique, educational, fun experience.
Science at Its Coolest: Explore the Unique Wonders of Dry Ice
Saturday, February 21, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Ages 3-9
Free with admission: $8
Crazy Science Show for Kids presents the show Dry Ice Discovery! Are you ready to see some magic? No tricks! Just science! Awesome scientific demonstrations to introduce you to dry ice – a solid that does not melt into a liquid but instead changes directly into a gas!
Bilingual Birdies Brings Music and Dance to the Museum: Experience the Latin Adventure
Sunday, February 22, 4 pm – 4:45 pm
Ages 3-9
Free with admission: $8
NYC’s best Latin musicians, puppeteers, and early educators create an intergenerational experience for little ones and the adults who love them. Get ready to celebrate diversity while you jump, clap, spin, and laugh in this super fun bilingual performance!
Discover the Magic of Roaming Magician Magical Matt at the Museum!
Monday, February 23, 1 pm – 4 pm
All Ages
Free with admission: $8
Prepare to be amazed! Enjoy a close-up strolling magician who ill captivate you with mind-blowing sleight of hand, dazzling card tricks, fascinating mentalism, and jaw-dropping coin magic. Don’t miss the enchantment!
About SICM
Starting Wednesday, January 29, The Staten Island Children’s Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and many school holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are available at: sichildrensmuseum.org/tickets. All programs are included with admission unless stated. Schedules are subject to change. Please check the website for the latest updates (sichildrensmuseum.org). The Staten Island Children’s Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace.
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