2022 PLAY report
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being part of our Lincoln Children’s Museum family and for helping us continue to be a staple in our community, inspiring a love of learning in children.
This past year, we ramped up our efforts to expand our reach in the community. Almost 90,000 guests benefited from our exhibits, programs and outreach that included after-school programs in 12 Lincoln Public schools along with a new Little Learners program for children two to four years old. That wouldn’t have been possible without your support.
This year, we are excited for new updates and changes that will continue to invite children and their families to create, discover and learn through play. We are so grateful for the support you’ve provided and look forward to having you along for the ride this year and many more to come.
Tara Knuth
Executive Director
board of directors
Thank you to our dedicated board members, who each contribute their time and talents to help ensure the Lincoln Children’s Museum meets the needs of our ever-growing community.
let’s cheer for a great year!
Individuals came through our doors
items were purchased from the Museum Toy Store
members of the Have A Heart Program received income-qualified, free, or reduced-cost memberships
children participated in camps
children were involved in after school programs
learning through PLAY
Our programs and events make us shout “hooray” every day!
Little Learners
We recognize the importance of providing educational opportunities designed specifically for children ages two to four years old. Little Learners is a weekly education program that is rooted in play.
These educator-led sessions are an opportunity to strengthen each little one’s fine and gross motor skills as well as expose them to new experiences with children similar in age.
“What a great program this has been for our girl. She has loved every moment, grown so much, and been so proud and excited to come home and show me her projects/tell me what she learned. I thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for her – I appreciate you welcoming her with open arms.”
-Becka W.
Kindergarten Ready
Offered at the end of summer, our Kindergarten Ready program was created to help children sharpen their hard-earned preschool skills as they complete a specially-designed learning path, incorporating the Museum’s exhibits.
Participants completed various “assignments” created with Nebraska State Education Standards and Early Learning Guidelines. With the help from our friends at Rooted in Relationships – Lancaster County, this program was free with paid admission to the Museum.
Day and Summer Camps
Our day and summer camp program has once again been a highlight for the Museum. Focusing on STEAM inspired concepts, we serve kindergarten through fourth grade. Campers spend the day getting their hands messy with creative activities, discovering new fun and friends along the way.
Thanks to generous sponsors, scholarships were available to make our camps an option to those that otherwise might not be able to attend.
Game Day Play Dates
This program gave parents and caregivers the opportunity for a staff-led play date at the Museum while parents and caregivers were at Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Huskers.
With the Museum located in downtown Lincoln, the convenience and atmosphere go hand-in-hand. The Museum’s Director of Operations and Engagement Mandy Haase-Thomas said, “this program is a great opportunity for kids to grow up within the Husker fan base, which is such an exciting part about living in Lincoln.”
Fans can look forward to Game Day Play Dates again for the 2023 Husker football season.
Make Believe Midnight
Children and their families rang in the new year during Make Believe Midnight, our daytime New Year’s Eve celebration.
Guests enjoyed playing in the exhibits along with added entertainment featuring a dance party, bubble wrap stomp, and a unique countdown featuring a bubble drop and pop that encompassed both the upper and lower levels of the Museum.
It was all topped off with party favors, a fun photo booth experience, and make-and-take activities for kiddos to enjoy.
LCM + LPS = a formula for fun
The Lincoln Children’s Museum and Lincoln Public Schools work together to provide fun and learning for all.
Community Learning Centers
Our education team leads learning opportunities throughout the community with hands-on, minds-on interactive activities designed to expand brains and ignite the sense of wonder. Outreach and education activities have been a big hit for Lincoln Public Schools’ after-school programs, serving kindergarten through fifth grade.
Kindergarten Field Trips
Each year, we get the opportunity to see every Lincoln Public Schools’ kindergartner when they enjoy a field trip to the Lincoln Children’s Museum. Together with their teachers and chaperones, kindergartners get to make lasting memories when they create, discover, learn, and play throughout the exhibits.
Family Literacy Nights
The Lincoln Children’s Museum is always delighted to host families from the Family Literacy program for a special night of play several times throughout the school year.
Together, families participate in hands-on activities, play in exhibits, and interactive displays for a fun, meaningful experience.
“For many families new to the U.S., such an experience doesn’t just help them learn about family-friendly places to go in Lincoln, but also about the importance of play for healthy child development and family functioning.”
– Monica Asher, Family Engagement Coordinator
for Lincoln Public Schools
the power of community
Serving up play for families of those who serve.
Through a unique partnership with the Nebraska National Guard, we worked together to provide fun and learning opportunities to military families. Space in our educational programming was made available for military families to be involved in on an ‘as-needs’ basis. We also worked together to provide 60 Candy House Take-Home Kits for families to enjoy during the holiday season.
For over 30 years, we’ve committed to being a place where every family and child feels like they belong. Thank you to all who help make Lincoln a caring, sharing, welcoming community!
adventures through reading
The Gift of Storytime
Past storytime volunteer, Reva Moser, recently passed away and directed a memorial gift to the Lincoln Children’s Museum. Together with her family, we chose to honor Reva’s memory by using the funds to purchase books to give as a “surprise and delight” to children when they visit the Museum as well as using the dollars to help subsidize the expense of supplies in our Tinker Theater.
Reva’s gift will be a lasting reminder of her kindness and generosity and inspire a love of reading and creativity for years to come.
Reading Around Town
Lincoln Public Libraries hosted ‘Around Town Storytime’ at the Museum, featuring stories, movement, music, and more.
These storytimes are a great way to show that learning through reading, singing, and dancing can happen anywhere!
We will host ‘Around Town Storytime’ again with Lincoln City Libraries on
April 14th from 11:00 – 11:30 am.
working together to open doors
Partnership with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind
Together with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind, we coordinated work-experience opportunities for blind and low-vision high school and college students.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Jeff Scheer was grateful for this partnership; “The Lincoln Children’s Museum has been an ideal partner as a place for blind adolescents to gain confidence in a workplace setting. The most recent participant, who is now an LCM employee, has demonstrated tremendous growth over the past year in both independence and confidence and couldn’t be more proud.”
Through this partnership, individuals assisted with custodial and educational program work. A special thanks to Lincoln Children’s Museum Facilities Manager, Brian Harpham, who helped make this partnership a success.
Opportunities for all with Nebraska VR
Nebraska VR’s mission is to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment while helping businesses recruit, train, and retain employees with disabilities.
The partnership was of great benefit for both organizations. The employee matched to the Museum was a rising high school senior with an interest in education and working with children.
the power of PLAY
see what’s new in 2023!
