Kidzu is Turning 4! Celebrate with us Sunday March 7th, 1-5 pm.
3/4/2010
Join Kidzu for a celebration of its 4th anniversary, Sunday, March 7th, 1-5 pm. Festivities will include active party games, healthy snacks and birthday cake (at 4 pm, while supplies last). Free admission will be provided through the generous sponsorship of Durham Regional Hospital.
Art from the Heart Paintings Now on Display Online and at Kidzu and the Chapel Hill Museum
12/29/09
Art from the Heart is an auction fund-raiser in which local artists and celebrities create small works of art which are auctioned to benefit Kidzu Children's Museum and the Chapel Hill Museum. The final auction gala is Thursday, February 4, 2010, 6:30-8:30 PM at the Chapel Hill Museum. Visit Kidzu Children's Museum and the Chapel Hill Museum to see these works or click here to view them online and to learn how to place bids and buy tickets to the gala.
Durham Regional Hospital Donates $25,000 to Renew Support of Kidzu's Free Sundays Program 10/19/09 Kidzu's Free Sundays Program will continue for a second year, thanks to a generous donation from Durham Regional Hospital. The $25,000 award will allow Kidzu to offer free admission every Sunday from 1-5 pm through September, 2010. Kidzu's Free Sundays Program was introduced in September, 2008 with funding from Durham Regional Hospital. The program is designed to ensure that all members of the community have access to Kidzu's educational, hands-on exhibits and programs.
Kidzu Welcomes 100,000th Visitor
7/15/09 Kidzu celebrated a major milestone on 7/15/09, welcoming its 100,000th visitor since opening the museum in March, 2006. The family sharing this honor received a free museum membership to mark the occasion. Kidzu's attendance is up 30% from the same time last year and the museum's exhibit, "KidZoom: The Power of Creativity," continues to be highly popular with visitors, as do Kidzu's educational programs and outreach initiatives.
KidZoom Keeps on Zooming!
7/15/09 Four local artists have shared new works with Kidzu in honor of the first anniversary of Kidzu's original exhibit "KidZoom! The Power of Creativity."
--Illustrator Josh Taylor has lifted his signature frog off of the drawing pad and into three dimensions with "Henry T. Frog," who now welcomes Kidzu visitors in the museum's front window.
--Textile artist Elaine O'Neil has set the stage for summer with a vibrant fabric collage in Kidzu's new Lemonade Stand, where children can pretend to squeeze fresh lemonade and other thirst quenchers, while practicing math skills such as counting, measuring and sorting.
--Master carpenter Jeff Johnson is making KidZoom sing with its first musical interactive, the "Noodle Magic Xylophone." Colorful sound tubes mounted in a beautiful frame of salvaged wood invite Kidzu's young composers to play familiar tunes or create their own songs.
--Potter Debbie Englund has kept Kidzu's Potters' Wheel spinning all year long with fabric jugs, snowkids and her newest addition, lively potted flowers, all of which can be adorned with whimsical facial features. These fabric sculptures are inspired by the long-standing Carolinian "face-jug" tradition with a "Mr. Potato-Head" spin.
Come check out these great new works!
"Summer Safety" Ahh, summertime! It's full
of the wonders of
childhood...long days spent playing and
exploring, trips to the pool or the beach,
and the sheer joy of being outside and being
active. But sun exposure, water play, and
other summer pastimes also pose risks to
young children.
On Sunday, June 28th from 1:30-4:00 p.m.,
Patty Rhodes, Child Care Health/Safety
Consultant of the Orange
County Health Department will be on hand
to answer your
questions about heat exposure, sun exposure,
insect bites, water safety, safety during
lightning, and more.
Join us for this free Summer Safety event so
you and your family can focus on summer fun!
Supporting Your Child's Speech & Hearing Development
Sunday, May 24th, Kidzu's Early Learning Partners series will help caregivers learn about supporting their children's speech and hearing development. We invite you to enjoy a free, playful visit with your children to Kidzu, while learning how you can best support their communication skills.
We are very honored to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Crais, PhD, with the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, UNC School of Medicine. Dr. Crais will be at Kidzu from 1:30-4 pm on Sunday May 24th to answer parents' questions about their children's speech and hearing development. She will also offer brief communication screenings. Kidzu's Outreach Coordinator, Carol Osorio-Flores Hodgman, will be available to meet families and translate for Spanish speakers.
On Sunday, May 3rd, our "Ask-the-Expert" series invites Kidzu visitors to learn about “supporting your Childrens' Emotional and Social Development”. From 2:00-4:00 p.m., Jessica James a Childcare Consultant from KidSCope will at Kidzu to answer your questions.
Kidzu's Outreach Coordinator, Carol Osorio-Flores Hodgman, will be available to meet families and translate for Spanish speakers.
This program is offered free of charge to Kidzu visitors as part of Kidzu's Early Learning Partners Program, funded in part, by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children with Smart Start funds. Admission is free all day Sunday through the generous sponsorship of DurhamRegionalHospital.
Kidzu Turns 3!
Kidzu Children’s Museum is three years old!The entire community is invited to join in the celebration Sunday, March 15th from 1-5 pm.
Festivities will include:
--1-5 pm: FREE admission through the generous sponsorship of DurhamRegionalHospital
--1 pm: Sing-along with singer-songwriter Dennis Schaecher, whose playful melodies will have everyone singing and dancing
--4 pm: Free birthday cake (while supplies last)
--All day: Special “March Madness” games and activities to get your kids up and moving!
Kidzu has continued to thrive over the past year, introducing its first original exhibit “KidZoom: The Power of Creativity!”, experiencing record attendance of more than 30,000 visitors, and receiving national and local recognition for its work.Since opening in March 2006, the museum has served more than 88,000 visitors. None of this would have been possible without the support of our community. We hope you'll join us for this celebration.
It's "Be Active" Kids Month This March at Kidzu! On Sunday, March 22, our "Ask-the-Expert" series invites Kidzu visitors from 1:30-4:30 p.m. to learn about Be Active Kids. Learn how to teach children that physical activity, healthy eating, and food safety can be fun. Representatives will be on hand from the Be Active Kids North Carolina to answer your questions. We will be conducting fun activities for parents and kids.
It's Healthy Vision for Kids Month This February at Kidzu! On Sunday, February 15th, our "Ask-the-Expert" series invites Kidzu visitors to learn about “Healthy Vision for Kids”. From 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dr. Matthew D. Vizithum will be on hand from Carrboro Family Vision to answer your questions.
It's Healthy Lifestyles for Kids Month This January at Kidzu! Get the New Year off to a healthy start with Healthy Lifestyles for Kids Month at Kidzu. On Sunday, January 11th from 1-5 pm, Kidzu will feature a FREE "Ask-the-Expert: Healthy Lifestyles for Kids" event.
Medical professionals from Duke Children's Hospital will be on hand to answer your questions about helping your children eat smart and stay active. Julia Wacker, Docs for Tots North Carolina Program Coordinator, and Michelle Bailey, MD, Director of Education, from Duke Children's Hospital will be available to answer your questions, share resources and offer referrals, if needed. Throughout the month, we will offer free educational resources for parents.
Art from the Heart Auctions Artwork by Local Artists and Celebrities to Benefit Kidzu and the Chapel Hill Museum
Local celebrated personalities, heroes and established artists have painted canvases to be auctioned in support of the exceptional educational experiences at Kidzu Children’s Museum and the Chapel HillMuseum. Participants include UNC coaches to Triangle chefs, from town officials to musicians, from notable artists to authors.
You’ll find original works by Roy Williams, Tommy Edwards, Alexander Julian, Cam Hill, Betsy Pringle, Butch Davis, Sylvia Hatchel, Eric Montross, Michael Brown, Dot Wilbur- Brooks, Emil Kang, Mama Dip, Dean Smith and many, many more.
Look for these creations in person on exhibit at the Chapel HillMuseum and the Kidzu Children’s Museum or view them online.
Bids can be made by calling the Chapel HillMuseum at 929-SHOP (929-7467). The Bidding Gala will be held Thursday, February 5th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the former Storehouse location at Chapel Hill's University Mall. Cost is $30 per person / $50 per couple. For more information about bidding, the gala or to view artwork images, visit the Chapel HillMuseum’s website.
Learning to read is one of the most important and exciting tasks for a child to master.In December, Kidzu celebrates the joy of reading with our "Raising a Reader" month.On Sunday, December 7th, our "Ask-the-Expert" series invites Kidzu visitors to learn about nurturing your child's reading and "pre-reading" skills. Representatives will be on hand from the Orange County Literacy Council and the Chapel Hill Public Library to answer your questions.This event also features a special bookmaking craft for children. Kidzu's Outreach Coordinator, Carol Osorio-Flores Hodgman, will be available to meet families and translate for Spanish speakers.
This program is offered free of charge to Kidzu visitors as part of Kidzu's Early Learning Partners Program, funded in part, by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children with Smart Start funds. Admission is free all day Sunday, December 7th through the generous sponsorship of DurhamRegionalHospital.
Kidzu's Thanksgiving Schedule
What better way to spend time with your family and out-of-town guests than to take a visit to Kidzu over the Thanksgiving weekend? Kidzu will be open Tuesday 11/25, Wednesday 11/26, Friday 11/28, Saturday 11/29 and Sunday 11/30 (admission is free on Sunday). We will be closed on Thursday, 11/27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Small Miracles, Big Laughs Fundraiser
The Foundation for a Sustainable Community is collaborating with The Carolina Inn to host a night of entertainment to benefit Kidzu Children's Museum and nine other local nonprofits. This event will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, 6-9 pm at the Carolina Inn. Small Miracles will feature a comedy show from DSI Comedy Theatre and live music with mandolin virtuoso Tony Williamson, as well as fine food and wines provided by the Carolina Inn. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For reservations, call 919-918-2711.
November "Early Learning Partners" Program Helps Parents Find and Afford Quality Childcare
Kidzu Children's Museum is pleased to announce that our November "Early Learning Partners" Program will provide free information and guidance on finding and affording quality childcare in our community. The Early Learning Partners Program is funded, in part, by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children with Smart Start Funds. During our new Free Sundays sponsored by Durham Regional Hospital, parents will receive free information about finding and affording quality child care. A representative of Child Care Services Assocation will be onsite on Sunday, November 9th to answer questions about finding and affording child care in our community. Child Care Services Association is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring affordable, accessible, high quality child care for all families.
Kidzu Receives Sustainable Nonprofit of the Year Award
Kidzu Children's Museum was honored to receive the Sustainable Nonprofit of the Year Award from the Foundation for a Sustainable Community. The award is made for "demonstrated commitment through action to improving the quality of our environment, investing in our diverse community, and growing a successful business with a positive impact on our economy." Kidzu's nomination was based, in part, on its educational initiatives including a new exhibit celebrating our community ("KidZoom: The Power of Creativity") and its outreach to families in need, as well as the museum's economic impact in drawing families and children to Chapel Hill's downtown and its efforts in the area of environmental sustainability.
Kidzu has unveiled a pint-sized voting booth to allow the youngest members of our community to learn about the democratic process. Kidzu's "Kids Count Campaign" will invite our young visitors to cast their ballots and help shape our exhibit, "KidZoom: The Power of Creativity." From now through November 4th, the Kidzu polls are open.
Children visiting the museum will be asked to weigh in on the next ball color to be added to Kidzu's Gravitron. The Gravitron is an inventive machine that allows kids to launch balls with a giant Archimedes screw and race them along tracks of their own design. Children can select among four color choices for the new balls: Purple, green, yellow and orange. The ball color receiving the most votes will be added to the Gravitron.
This will be the first of several votes that Kidzu will hold as part of our "Kids Count Campaign," which will allow children's voices to shape our interactive exhibit. Kidzu offers a special thanks to Chapel Hill artisan Jeff Johnson, who created Kidzu's voting booth from locally salvaged wood.
Be sure to stop by Kidzu to let your children cast a ballot and pick up an "I voted at Kidzu" sticker. It's a great way to have fun and help your children learn about the voting process. We can't wait to see you at Kidzu, where kids count.
October is Dental Health Month at Kidzu!
Free Dental Screenings Sunday, October 12th, 1-4:30 pm With Halloween just around the corner, it's the perfect time to think about dental health! Young children and their families are invited to visit Kidzu Children's Museum on Sunday, October 12th to learn how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Kidzu's Dental Health Day is the first in a series of monthly programs featuring free child development and child health resources for families. A public health hygienist will be at Kidzu between 1:00-4:30 pm on Sunday, October 12th to provide free dental screenings for children, free toothbrushes, and information about how to keep teeth healthy and strong during infancy and childhood. Throughout the month of October, Kidzu will also be distributing free dental health information for families.
Admission will be free of charge all day on Sunday, October 12th as part of Kidzu's new Free Sundays Program. This event is supported, in part, by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children with Smart Start funds and offered in partnership with the Orange County Health Department, Dental Health Services Division and the NC Division of Public Health, NC Oral Health Section. Admission costs are generously underwritten by Durham Regional Hospital.
Sponsored by Durham Regional Hospital and New Caregiver Resource Program funded by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children
Beginning on Sunday, September 21st, Kidzu will be open for FREE every Sunday for the next year. Durham Regional Hospital is generously underwriting admission fees on Sundays.
And, beginning in October, free Sundays will get even better with free child development and child health resources for families at Kidzu. With generous funding from the Orange County Partnership for Young Children, Kidzu will offer free dental health screenings, guidance on raising healthy children, information on finding and affording quality childcare and much more. Program partners will include Durham Regional Hospital, the Orange County Health Department Dental Health Services Division, Child Care Services Association, the Chapel Hill Public Library, and many more.
This grant will also allow Kidzu to offer free field trips to local children from low-income backgrounds. And, it provides funding to hire an Outreach Coordinator to ensure that children in need throughout Orange County have access to Kidzu's playful learning experiences.
Thanks to our generous sponsors and partners, Kidzu will have even more to offer you, your family and our entire community.
