A Day in the Life of a CMTM Member
Caregiver in CMTM’s From the Mountains to the Sea exhibit holds a child in their arms and points at an animal in the Touch Tank. CMTM staff share information about the tank and water systems while other visitors look on.
Wondering what it’s like to visit CMTM as a member? Read Liz’s adventure to find out more about a perfect Monday morning at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.
It was around 8:55 on a Monday morning in Portland when Liz and her mom, Aylin, arrived, ready for their special weekly adventure together at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM). Her mom parked the car, paid for a ticket at the parking kiosk, and placed the receipt on the dashboard for the attendant. Liz could hardly wait. Mondays at CMTM are her favorite.
As soon as the doors opened at 9, Liz rushed inside. The friendly staff at the welcome desk checked their membership card, stamped Liz’s hand with a blue robot, and handed her a colorful map. Right beside Maddy’s Theatre was a giant chalkboard with today’s activities. Together, they studied it and began planning their perfect adventure.
They left their coats in the coatroom, washed their hands in the first-floor restroom, and headed upstairs. They took the elevator, though the stairs were tempting too, and went up to the third floor. Liz splashed at Go With the Flow, peeked at turtles, sea stars, and fish in From the Mountains to the Sea, danced with shapes in Illuminate, and sent balls flying in Air Play.
Next came the second floor. Liz climbed into the big red fire truck, rang the bell on the train in Our Neighborhood, and imagined she was saving the day. When it was finally time for MakerSpace to open at 10, she and her mom worked side by side on the project of the day: designing an underwater map.
Between exhibits, Liz noticed how nice it was to have water fountains and restrooms on every floor. Snack and drink breaks were quick, leaving more time for fun. They ended their morning with a granola bar and goldfish crackers at the first-floor snack tables, already chatting about what they would do on their next Monday adventure.
It was a perfect day, full of exploring, creating, and imagining together. Liz left with a big smile, already dreaming about what she and her mom would discover next week.