Kids Summer Program

Summer Kids Program at Chittenango Landing

Join us this summer for a fun-filled series of hands-on, educational programs designed for kids 6-13 years old! Each Thursday features a new theme packed with interactive activities, creativity, and exploration—perfect for curious minds and active learners.

📅 When: Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

💲 Cost:

• $30 per day (Non-Members)
• $20 per day (Members)

🎟 Registration Details:
Members should select the quantity of tickets needed and specify which session(s) they plan to attend when signing up.

Session Schedule

Thu, 6/25 – Canal Explorers
Activities: Build mini boats (foil, wood, or recycled materials), water experiments (float vs. sink races), canal history storytelling, outdoor “cargo relay” challenge
Become a canal engineer for the day as you design, build, and test your very own boats! Using simple materials, participants will compete to see whose boat can float the longest and carry the heaviest cargo—just like the boats that once traveled the Erie Canal. Get ready to experiment, get a little messy, and take on the ultimate floating challenge. Will your boat sink or sail to victory?

Thu, 7/2 – Nature Detectives
Activities: Scavenger hunt, bug & plant identification, make nature journals, build mini habitats
Grab your magnifying glass—it’s time to become a Nature Detective! Explore the museum grounds, search for hidden clues, and discover the tiny plants and creatures that call the Erie Canal home. Build your own habitat and take home your field journal as proof of your discoveries!

Thu, 7/9 – Creative Arts Lab
Activities: Painting, clay, or collage; group mural project; music & rhythm activity; “gallery walk” showcase
Get messy, get creative, and make your mark! From painting and sculpting to music and movement, this hands-on art lab lets you experiment with different creative styles. Work together on a giant mural and show off your creations in a final gallery walk!

Thu, 7/16 – Engineering Challenge
Activities: LEGO robotics challenges, bridge-building competition, problem-solving games, team design presentations
Think like an engineer! Build bridges, solve challenges, and put your problem-solving skills to the test. From LEGO robotics to hands-on design competitions, this event is all about creating, testing, and improving your ideas.

Thu, 7/23 – Blacksmith & Trades
Activities: Blacksmith demo (or video if needed), safe “metal” craft (foil embossing), tool exploration stations, build-your-own “trade badge”
Step into the world of 19th-century trades! Learn how blacksmiths shaped metal, explore real tools, and create your own embossed “metal” artwork. Earn your very own trade badge as you discover the skills that kept the Erie Canal running.

Thu, 7/30 – Water Science
Activities: Sink/float + density experiments, DIY water filters, splash-based relay games, create a “water cycle” craft
Get ready to splash into science! Experiment with floating and sinking, build your own water filter, and discover how water moves through our world. Expect hands-on experiments, outdoor fun, and plenty of chances to get a little wet!

Thu, 8/6 – Animal & Habitat
Activities: “What animal am I?” game, build habitats (LEGO or craft), food chain activity, movement-based animal games
Can you survive in the wild? Discover animals of the Erie Canal region, build habitats, and play interactive games to learn how creatures find food, shelter, and safety. Get ready to move, think, and explore!

Thu, 8/13 – Canal Boat Adventure
Activities: Role-play canal crew jobs, knot tying basics, map reading activity, treasure hunt
All aboard! Step into the role of a canal crew member and experience life on the Erie Canal. Learn essential skills like knot tying and navigation, then set off on a treasure hunt adventure across the museum grounds!

Thu, 8/20 – Sustainability Challenge
Activities: “Fix the habitat” card game, recycling relay, build eco-friendly designs, group problem-solving challenge
Can you save the environment? Take on exciting challenges that test your creativity and problem-solving skills as you design eco-friendly solutions. From recycling races to habitat fixes, you’ll become a sustainability hero!

Thu, 8/27 – History Comes Alive
Activities: Dress-up + role play, storytelling theater, create props, mini performance
Step back in time and bring history to life! Dress up, act out stories, and create your own mini performance inspired by life along the Erie Canal. This is your chance to become part of history—not just learn about it!