Ongoing Programs

Programs are free with Museum admission unless specified. Call 828-1234, ext 229 for program topics and information.

Early Childhood Programs

Preschool Play
Wednesdays, 10:30am
We know that little people have big imaginations! Join us for seasonal crafts, interactive stories and creative snacks, all designed with 3-5 year-olds in mind.
Little Kids' Morning Out
Thursdays, 10am-12pm (September through June)
Here's a special morning just for toddlers and preschoolers. Art studio, music and movement, sing-a-longs and more delight and teach children ages 1-5.
Meeting the Portland Fire Fighters.
Meeting the Portland Fire Fighters.
Fire Safety Fridays
1st and 3rd Fridays at 10:30 am
It's our favorite Friday of the month!
Come and meet the firefighters from Portland Fire Departments! You'll learn some tips about fire safety and see what firefighters look like dressed up in their uniforms in case of a fire. Do you have an escape plan and a meeting place in case there is a fire in your house? Meet the Portland firefighters and learn how easy it is to create a plan together!


Science Programs

Cool Science
First & third Thursdays at 3:30pm
First & third Saturdays at 11:30am
Investigate owl pellets, explore dinosaur fossils, create a batch of slime, help with kitchen chemistry, and more! It's a hands-on experience that you don't want to miss.
Star Shows
Explore the stars and master the constellations. Hear Native American, Chinese and Greek tales as you learn the facts and stories that surround the night sky. Daily. Please call for specific times.
Meeting local sea life.
Tidepool Touch Tank
Touch a sea star. Feel the spines of a sea urchin. Meet the Museum's saltwater aquarium residents up-close and learn about their amazing adaptations to life in the intertidal zone. Daily. Please call for specific times.
An amazing view of Portland through our Camera Obscura.
Camera Obscura
Visit one of the best-kept secrets in Portland. Our Camera Obscura is one of only three of its kind in the United States. Explore light and optics and be wowed by "magical" technology behind it. Daily (weather permitting). Call for specific times.
Animal Friends with Sparks' Ark
Owls, snakes, mice, skunks, opposums, and more! Meet David Sparks, wildlife rehabilitator, and learn about our Maine animal friends.Please call for specific times.
Sparks' Ark Special Show
Come see an extended show with David Sparks and his amazing array of animals! Tickets are $2 each for members and $11 each for non-members (includes the cost of one admission to CMTM). Reservations are encouraged.
Please call for specific times.
Animal Fun
Every third Thursday of the month at 11:30 am
Join the staff of the Animal Refuge League and learn about your favorite animal pets!
Sponsored by the Animal Refuge League
Pets & More!
Every third Saturday each month from 10-11am
Meet some of your favorite pets and learn what it takes to have an animal in your life. Learn about pets and pet care for the furry and feathered members of your family!
Sponsored by the Animal Welfare Society.

Multicultural Programs

Cultural Creations
Tuesdays 11 and 2:30 pm
Sundays at 2:30 pm
Explore art from around the world! Make an African tribal necklace, a South American paper bag poncho, or learn Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging!
Cultural Cuisine
First Tuesday of the month at 11am
First Friday of the month at 3pm
First Saturday of the month at 1:30pm
Everyone eats food, just differently! Come explore the wide world of cooking as we sample and prepare different snacks, meals, and drinks from countries around the world. You don't even need a passport!
Fun with Food
First Tuesday of the month at 11am
First Friday of the month at 3pm
First Saturday of the month at 1:30pm*
Food isn't just what we buy at the store - it grows from the ground and can taste great on our plate! Learn about different ingredients, where they come from, and sample some home cooked tasty treats. You can even take a recipe and try it at home!
We Are Maine
Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
Celebrate the ties children in Maine have with countries around the world! Each month, our We Are Maine program highlights a country featured in our We Are Maine exhibit. Come join us as we explore the many festivals and traditions held throughout the world, watch a video and meet children just like you, and share your own story in our "What's Your Story?" booth. Specific activities vary and may include craft-making, story-telling, recipe sharing and/or dance/movement!

Art Programs

The Imagination Station is stocked with art supplies.
Big Messy Art
Wednesdays 11am & 2pm
Sundays 2:30-3:30pm
Big Messy Art allows you to get your hands dirty and create art you won't let your kids do at home. Big Messy Art: Just like it sounds! Drip, splatter and spray we do everything from paint to clay...
Imagination Station
Please call for times.
Create cool works of art from recycled material during Imagination Station.

Theater Programs

Acting out the Three Little Pigs.
Stage Stories
Daily. Please call for times.
Have you ever wanted to be an actor in a play? Here's your chance to be a star, wear a costume, turn on some lights, or just watch a show! We offer lively interactive performances of The Three Little Pigs, and other favorite stories. Coming soon: Goldilocks & the Three Bears.

History Programs

American Girl Club
Event times vary. Please call for specific times.
Join in the fun as we meet one of the many American Girl(c) characters and learn about everyday life for her and her family during the time in which she lived. From Addy to Kirsten and Felicity to Josefina, join us as we discover unique times in American history, engage in activities and craft-making and explore the worlds of these wonderful characters!

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