Backpack Explorers for Children
THURSDAYS, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Come on an adventure! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers learn together through science, art and stories with fun, hands-on activities. Explore the Museum’s nature trails and exhibitions with one of our incredible Museum educators. New themes weekly!
$15 per child. Members receive 10% discount. Non-members pay Museum admission for accompanying adult. $5 materials fee for siblings younger than 3 who participate in crafts.
Registration opens soon! Check back here for updates.
Winter Classes 2025-26
December 4
DOWN IN THE DIRT
We’ll explore the new exhibit, Soil Alive!, to learn all about the unique dirt under our feet, then we’ll get our hands dirty with a soil-inspired craft.
December 11
NATURE’S PAINT BRUSH
Nature is full of inspiration for young artists! We’ll explore outside to observe all the incredible colors and textures of nature, then create incredible artwork using natural materials.
December 18
DESTINATION: HIBERNATION
Some animals survive the winter by settling down for a long sleep! Learn how animals like bears and even toads and turtles prepare for and stay cozy throughout the coldest months of the year.
Date TBD
MICRO-EXPLORERS
What can you see when you look a little closer? Use magnifying glasses and microscopes to look at everyday objects and items from nature to learn more about the world around us.
January 15
WINTER IMPRESSIONS
Winter in Central Oregon is a beautiful season, bringing all sorts of unique sights, sounds and smells. We’ll go on a multi-sensory exploration of the winter landscape then bring our inspiration inside for a winter craft.
January 22
INCH WORM INVESTIGATION
We’ll enjoy a read-aloud of Inch by Inch by Leo Leoni, then create our own inchworms to go on a measuring adventure around the Museum!
January 29
BURROWING BEASTS
All sorts of creatures make their homes under our feet! We’ll learn how animals create or find cozy burrows to live in and visit some of the burrow-dwelling animals that live at the Museum.
February 5
WARP! WEFT! WEAVE!
Learn about the wonderful art of weaving through tactile exploration and hands-on activities.
February 12
PATTERN PROS
Patterns are everywhere around us! We’ll practice identifying patterns on objects and even animals around the Museum, then use what we have learned to create our own pattern art pieces.
February 19
NATURE LAB
What happens when you put a pinecone in water? Do some rocks float? We’ll get hands-on to learn about nature through observation and experimentation!
February 26
SNOWOLOGY
It wouldn’t be winter in Oregon without snow! We’ll observe different snowflake shapes and structures, engage in some snowy experiments, and make a snowy craft.
REFUND POLICY: Per High Desert Museum policy, no refunds can be issued. For more information or for questions, contact mcampbell@highdesertmuseum.org.
