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WEB EXCLUSIVE
With school out of session and kids at home, moms are left searching for new avenues to sustain their children’s energy. Of course, there is the hot, summer day spent at the pool or an afternoon at the movies. But without the structure of the classroom, learning can be tough to encourage during the sunshine-filled summer months.
The Clay Center in Charleston is the perfect place for mother-approved, fun-filled activities that not only keep kids occupied, but also teach them the facts about art, history, and science. Equipped with the Juliet Museum of Art, Avampato Discovery Museum, and the ElectricSky Theater, a planetarium doubling as a venue for educational films, families won’t be bored. LeAnn Dickens, public relations specialist for The Clay Center, says, “Through our exhibits, programs, and activities, we provide families opportunities to spend time learning and playing together, making memories while discovering the wonders of the arts and sciences.”
This summer, why not spend family time in an environment which promotes learning? Try discovering the planet Jupiter in the planetarium, or play a game against an animatronic skeleton in the Avampato Discovery Museum. LeAnn says, “We not only want to educate and entertain, but we strive to create an experience that children will remember.”
Here’s a list of fun activities this summer at The Clay Center:
Avampato Discovery Museum
Two floors of fun-filled science exhibits geared just to kids is a must-see at The Clay Center. While you’re here be sure to check out the Health Royale gallery and its award-winning, animatronic game show featuring a colorful cast of characters ready to teach kids the secrets to health science. Open year-round during normal hours.
Planetarium Show
Jupiter: The Planetary Giant
Showing through September 2. Check www.theclaycenter.org for show times.
Giant Screen Films
Roar: Lions of the Kalahari through July 6
Bears premieres July 7
Summer Discovery Camps
Throughout the summer, The Clay Center offers a variety of themed summer day camps. Kindergarteners can meet up with vets and biologists while at the Critter Career camp, while teens can improve on acting skills at the performance prep workshop. From exploring nature to understanding the arts, Summer Discovery Camps offer something exciting for every child.
Family Festival
July 2 to 6 marks The Clay Center’s week-long family festival. The center will have daily workshops for families to learn and play together. Spend a day getting the facts about Egyptian mummies, playing in the kitchen, or painting with ice cubes all while spending time with the entire family. Must register by June 25.
Family Fun Days
Several days throughout the summer, The Clay Center offers family fun days packed with themed activities promoting the arts and sciences. For a small fee, families can have fun venturing through the Avampato Discovery Museum and other exhibits all while enjoying a day packed full of extra activities. Learn the science of water by playing with bubble technology or explore the galaxy in an astronaut training lab.
For a complete schedule of events, or more information about current exhibits, visit www.theclaycenter.org or call 304.561.3570.
