July 27, 4:15 PM

Speaker: Dr. Jacob Hamer, New Jersey State Museum
Join us in the Planetarium for this free talk! To anyone who lives along the coast, the tides are a familiar celestial cycle. Dr. Jacob Hamer discusses why tides happen and offers some examples of tides in the universe. The Earth and Moon are the most familiar example, but even more extreme tidal interactions happen elsewhere in our Solar System. And beyond our Solar System, tides may actually spell destruction for giant planets very close to their stars.
Reserve your seat

July 5 – August 30

Drop by the Museum and enjoy a free activity all summer-long! Use this link for a complete list of programs by date, or visit the Calendar page.

Tuesdays – 12:00 to 2:00 PM
Every Tuesday a Museum volunteer with an activity cart will be set up in one of our galleries. Explore art, history and science with interactive games, touchable objects and simple arts and crafts. All ages.

Wednesdays – 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Every Wednesday visit the Imagination Studio to make and take a craft. Stop by for a fun, free family activity or a stress relief moment for yourself! All ages.

Thursdays - 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Every Thursday morning we have story time in the Discovery Den for our smallest visitors. Join us for a story followed by a simple craft.

Fridays – 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Every Friday interact with a Museum Docent to learn more about our galleries. Tours are informal and you can catch up anytime. Great for a lunchtime break. Each week is different so you can make sure to enjoy them all!

Join Dr. Dana Ehret, Curator of Natural History, for the final fossil collecting trip of the season to Big Brook Preserve August 17, 2024.

Learn the techniques of fossil collecting about prehistoric marine life, including fossil sharks! Dr. Ehret will help you identify your discoveries. Big Brook Fossil Preserve is known by fossil collectors along the East Coast as a hotspot for fossils from the Age of Dinosaurs. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend, but all attendees must have a ticket, including parents/guardians and children.

Space is limited. Tickets are $15 per person. For additional information and to buy tickets use this link. Members receive 50% discount, email Melissa.Mantz@njsmfoundation.org to confirm membership status and get discount code.

Local families are welcome to register for the Small Explorers program, taking place in the Discovery Den on the second Saturday of the month, October through June. This playgroup is an opportunity for you to explore the Museum with your child and connect with other families for support. Families are encouraged to sign up for a full year of sessions to build knowledge, skills and relationships. The program is 45 minutes long and begins promptly. Sessions take place in-person at 9:45, 11:00 and 12:15 PM in the Discovery Den, The program is FREE, but space is limited; advance registration is required. Contact Susan.Kozak-Buckley@sos.nj.gov to learn more and register.

Small Explorers is supported by a grant from PNC Grow Up Great.

NOTE: Registration requests must be received by 10:00 am the Friday before the event in order to allow time for staff to confirm space availability.

Visit the Events/Calendar page for monthly program details and to register.