CMA Blog
Fun Family Engagement in Lafayette.
“It takes a village.” That’s one of the first lessons many parents learn upon starting their lifelong adventure in parenthood. It is also the basic idea of community engagement: working together to raise well-rounded, well-educated kids with the people most invested in their futures– parents, teachers, and the community.
With just a few weeks left in Summer, this time is the perfect opportunity to engage little learners together– parents, educators, and community. The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is a great place for families to engage children, to deepen positive relationships, and to further education. However, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana isn’t the only place in Lafayette for families to engage with educators and become involved in the community. Here are the CMA’s top picks for fun things in Lafayette to do together to further family engagement!
1. Zoosiana
Everyone knows and loves the zoo! Zoosiana is always a great place to learn about animals in an engaging, hands-on environment. With over 1,000 animals from 125+ different species, Zoosiana is sure to have an educator, exhibit, or activity to inspire a child’s love of animals. Explore together and see what activities and animal friends the zoo has waiting!
2. Acadian village
An Acadiana classic! Not only is the Acadian Village a unique education experience as an immersive, outdoor museum, it is also specific to the historical culture of Acadiana. The Acadian Village is a great opportunity for children to learn about Louisiana’s special and diverse history in an immersive environment and explore recreations and restorations of actual historical buildings!
3. Kid’s World
A 1,700 foot, two-story indoor playground, Kid’s World is obviously made for play. But don’t let the name fool you, the climbing obstacles, swings, ball pits and more aren’t just for kids! With a weight limit of 250 pounds, Kid’s World’s playground is made with parents in mind too, making it a perfect place to jump in and engage with the kids! Playing is learning too, after all!
4. Acadiana Park Nature Station
With 6 miles of hiking trails, a canoe/kayak launch, and campgrounds, the Acadiana Park Nature Station is the perfect place to get back to nature. Dedicated to a mission of personal responsibility and reconnecting people with the natural world, the Acadiana Park Nature Station also offers Weekend Nature Talks, educational Night Hikes, and Weekend Trail tours. During the Summer, they even have a Young Naturalist Club!
5. Clayfish Bisque Inc. A Pottery Painting Place
A locally-owned pottery studio, Crayfish Bisque offers kids the unique opportunity to paint their own personal ceramics. Creating their own work of art, with the patient help of instructors and parents, can help nurture a child’s confidence and individuality. Encourage little artists to express their creativity by decorating their own custom mug, plate, or sculpture!
6. Miko’s Playhouse
A great place to beat the heat, Miko’s Playhouse is an indoor playground and coffee shop. With an indoor “play town” designed for kids and a coffee shop for grown-ups, Miko’s Playhouse is a wonderful spot to meet other families in the community and build kid’s social skills. By playing in a miniature real-world setting, children can practice important life skills that will help them in their adult lives all while playing pretend.
7. The Learning Train
Devoted to helping kids learn and play, The Learning Train is an indoor playground and tutoring service. With open play and a variety of Mommy and Me classes designed to help small children develop both physical and mental skills such as coordination and social skills, kids can play, dance, and explore all while learning!
8. Neyland park
With an indoor, heated, olympic-sized swimming pool, Neyland Park is a great place to cool off. Learning to swim confidently and comfortably not only encourages a love of athletics, but is also a valuable life skill. Open all year, not just the Summer, Neyland Park also has tennis and basketball courts, lighted ball fields, batting cages, and a playground that also includes equipment for infants. Physical activity and sports are a perfect way to teach children coordination, teamwork, and social skills. Introducing children to sports is also a great way to build confidence. With picnic tables and grills, the whole family can spend the day and play!
9. Jump zone
With a 10,000 foot indoor enclosure, Jump Zone is all the fun of big, outdoor inflatables, indoors! Jump Zone has 9 fun inflatables, including ones for ages 5 and under. With opportunities to rock climb, shoot basketballs, and slide, Jump Zone has a variety of activities. Kids can play pretend in a bouncy castle or escape from an alligator’s mouth on a double slide. Having fun playing can encourage kids to think creatively and jumping can help with their balance and coordination. And, of course, every kid knows that jumping is just plain fun!
10. Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park
A unique living museum, Vermilionville is located right on the bayou. With recreation and restored 18th and 19th century buildings, Vermilionville also has artisans in period clothing, demonstrating daily the skills and crafts practiced by historic Acadians, Creoles, and Native Americans. By demonstrating historic practices, Vermilionville aims to connect visitors with the past and enliven history. The museum also has exhibits where visitors can learn even more about the rich history of Acadiana. Explore the gardens, Maison des Cultures, and bring the past to life!
Through collaborations the CMA reaches more kids.
The CMA’s mission includes reaching a broad audience of children ranging from socio-economic to special needs and everything in between. To achieve this, the Museum partners with over two dozen local nonprofit organizations that also serve Acadiana children. The RescYOU Group, which supports families grieving the loss of a child, is one such organization. When The RescYOU Group reached out to the CMA to participate in its inaugural 2022 RescYOU Fest, the Museum jumped right in by offering children’s activities and other assistance at the event held in Parc International on June 22nd. An annual event the CMA has collaborated on for many years is LHC Groups’ Festival Du Success that honors Acadiana residents with special needs. By providing activities at nonprofit fundraisers like these, the Museum helps organizations raise awareness and enhances their events making them more appealing to an even broader audience.
Reaching kids whose special needs make them special Museum guests
Families with children who have autism spectrum disorder and other developmental differences often find themselves isolated and unable to partake in public outings. The CMA’s “Mornings at the Museum” Program addresses this issue by making the Museum available to these families during private hours – usually 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. the second Sunday of each month. In collaboration with the Autism Society of Acadiana, the CMA developed this Program to welcome these families to a sensory friendly and judgment free experience. Thanks to a generous grant from the Stuller Family Foundation, this Program allows these guests to visit the CMA free of charge. For more information, click here.
Addressing social issues affecting Acadiana’s children Children enduring homelessness has been on the rise in Acadiana, and by collaborating with The Outreach Center, which helps rehome families, the Museum provides families with children guest passes and camp scholarships thanks to private donations. Additionally, the CMA collaborated with LPSS’s Homeless Education Department to provide a week of Camp STEAMOLOGY to some of the homeless children in the school system. Through no fault of their own, these kids are enduring trying times, and the CMA aims to give them freedom to just play and be a kid.
Taking the show on the road or performing at home
Sometimes the CMA and partnering organization determine the best site for reaching the kids it serves is their home site. Museum staff and volunteers have visited The Outreach Center and other nonprofits to give the children it serves a special event that engages them in fun and meaningful ways. Alternatively, the CMA will welcome groups of kids served by nonprofits, like Foster Friends and Hope for Opelousas to the CMA or provide organizations, such as Miles Perret Cancer Services and Healing House, guest passes for families to use at their convenience.
Why an Expansive Reach is So Important
The CMA wants every child in Acadiana to thrive. Increasingly, childhood development experts are demonstrating that good, old-fashioned “play” is the one of the most beneficial things a child can do. Play lets kids process experiences-both good and bad. Play helps kids learn and expand their horizons. Play facilitates bonding between children and caregivers.
If you are involved in a nonprofit organization that serves children in Acadiana, let’s brainstorm about the best way to bring some play into the lives of those kids.
STEAM into Summer at the CMA!
Summertime is a time for children to learn through play.
Many parents bemoan summertime as a period when their kids’ learning stagnates, but summertime is really the perfect time to give children different kinds of learning experiences. At the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, we offer children many kinds of ways to learn through a combination of exploratory, guided, pretend, and free play. And, in the summer, the Museum offers lots of hands-on programs to engage kids’ minds.
With rapid technological advancements underway, the CMA loads its programming with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities that expose kids to STEM concepts in a way that fosters their curiosity and interest in technical subjects.
“Camp STEAMOLOGY” – 6 weeks of immersive STEAM learning fun!
This summer, the CMA is offering six weeks of summer day camp for children ages 6-11 during which campers will participate in interactive STEAM activities. Every day, Monday through Friday campers will get to learn about new STEAM concepts through fun and exciting experiences ranging from building with magnets and frog jump measurements to making a hovercraft and creating sandcastles. Unfortunately, “Camp STEAMOLOGY” has become so popular, its sessions are almost all full. We hope to see your camper next year so check back in March 2023! But, there is good news!
“Daily Discoveries” – Enjoy a new STEAM activity every day all summer long.
Beginning Tuesday, May 31st, “Daily Discoveries” offers children, ages PreK-10, 9 weeks of hands-on STEAM activities that enhance kids’ knowledge and engage their minds. Each day, Tuesday through Friday, a different, interactive activity, curated by professional educators, is produced by trained docents to spark kids’ interest in STEAM concepts. Activities on offer this summer include working with pulleys, making kinetic sand, creating rainbow water, and blow painting. Since its debut 6 summers ago, the CMA’s “Daily Discoveries” Program has become a favorite with kids and caregivers alike as it builds in children foundational STEAM skills, augments what kids learn in school, and exposes them to real-world concepts and skills they may use in future careers. Each activity is designed to take guests about twenty minutes and is produced by trained docents who can answer kids’ questions and elaborate on the purpose of and concept behind it. “Daily Discoveries” is https://stullerfoundation.org/included in each guests’ admission thanks to the William C. Schumacher Foundation for sponsoring the Summer 2022 Program.
Pro Tip: If you think your kid(s) will want to attend “Daily Discoveries” more than a couple of times, consider investing in a membership. For as little as $120, an annual membership gives one adult and one child unlimited access to the Museum for one year! (Click herehttps://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com/memberships/ for more information.)
Make a Day out of Fun and Learning!
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is conveniently located in walkable Downtown Lafayette! With free off-street parking and a playground in enclosed “Harmony Park” on-site, a visit to the Museum can fill a long summer day with activities that stimulate their minds, move their bodies, and create memories of time spent with caregivers during summer break. Once you have worked up an appetite at the CMA, check out one of the nearby restaurants for a yummy meal or cool off in the fountain at Parc San Souci.
We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
STEAM into Summer at the CMA!
Summertime is a time for children to learn through play.
Many parents bemoan summertime as a period when their kids’ learning stagnates, but summertime is really the perfect time to give children different kinds of learning experiences. At the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, we offer children many kinds of ways to learn through a combination of exploratory, guided, pretend, and free play. And, in the summer, the Museum offers lots of hands-on programs to engage kids’ minds.
With rapid technological advancements underway, the CMA loads its programming with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities that expose kids to STEM concepts in a way that fosters their curiosity and interest in technical subjects.
“Camp STEAMOLOGY” – 6 weeks of immersive STEAM learning fun!
This summer, the CMA is offering six weeks of summer day camp for children ages 6-11 during which campers will participate in interactive STEAM activities. Every day, Monday through Friday campers will get to learn about new STEAM concepts through fun and exciting experiences ranging from building with magnets and frog jump measurements to making a hovercraft and creating sandcastles. Unfortunately, “Camp STEAMOLOGY” has become so popular, its sessions are almost all full. We hope to see your camper next year so check back in March 2023! But, there is good news!
“Daily Discoveries” – Enjoy a new STEAM activity every day all summer long.
Beginning Tuesday, May 31st, “Daily Discoveries” offers children, ages PreK-10, 9 weeks of hands-on STEAM activities that enhance kids’ knowledge and engage their minds. Each day, Tuesday through Friday, a different, interactive activity, curated by professional educators, is produced by trained docents to spark kids’ interest in STEAM concepts. Activities on offer this summer include working with pulleys, making kinetic sand, creating rainbow water, and blow painting. Since its debut 6 summers ago, the CMA’s “Daily Discoveries” Program has become a favorite with kids and caregivers alike as it builds in children foundational STEAM skills, augments what kids learn in school, and exposes them to real-world concepts and skills they may use in future careers. Each activity is designed to take guests about twenty minutes and is produced by trained docents who can answer kids’ questions and elaborate on the purpose of and concept behind it. “Daily Discoveries” is https://stullerfoundation.org/included in each guests’ admission thanks to the William C. Schumacher Foundation for sponsoring the Summer 2022 Program.
Pro Tip: If you think your kid(s) will want to attend “Daily Discoveries” more than a couple of times, consider investing in a membership. For as little as $120, an annual membership gives one adult and one child unlimited access to the Museum for one year! (Click herehttps://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com/memberships/ for more information.)
Make a Day out of Fun and Learning!
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is conveniently located in walkable Downtown Lafayette! With free off-street parking and a playground in enclosed “Harmony Park” on-site, a visit to the Museum can fill a long summer day with activities that stimulate their minds, move their bodies, and create memories of time spent with caregivers during summer break. Once you have worked up an appetite at the CMA, check out one of the nearby restaurants for a yummy meal or cool off in the fountain at Parc San Souci.
We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
STEAM into Summer at the CMA!
Summertime is a time for children to learn through play.
Many parents bemoan summertime as a period when their kids’ learning stagnates, but summertime is really the perfect time to give children different kinds of learning experiences. At the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, we offer children many kinds of ways to learn through a combination of exploratory, guided, pretend, and free play. And, in the summer, the Museum offers lots of hands-on programs to engage kids’ minds.
With rapid technological advancements underway, the CMA loads its programming with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities that expose kids to STEM concepts in a way that fosters their curiosity and interest in technical subjects.
“Camp STEAMOLOGY” – 6 weeks of immersive STEAM learning fun!
This summer, the CMA is offering six weeks of summer day camp for children ages 6-11 during which campers will participate in interactive STEAM activities. Every day, Monday through Friday campers will get to learn about new STEAM concepts through fun and exciting experiences ranging from building with magnets and frog jump measurements to making a hovercraft and creating sandcastles. Unfortunately, “Camp STEAMOLOGY” has become so popular, its sessions are almost all full. We hope to see your camper next year so check back in March 2023! But, there is good news!
“Daily Discoveries” – Enjoy a new STEAM activity every day all summer long.
Beginning Tuesday, May 31st, “Daily Discoveries” offers children, ages PreK-10, 9 weeks of hands-on STEAM activities that enhance kids’ knowledge and engage their minds. Each day, Tuesday through Friday, a different, interactive activity, curated by professional educators, is produced by trained docents to spark kids’ interest in STEAM concepts. Activities on offer this summer include working with pulleys, making kinetic sand, creating rainbow water, and blow painting. Since its debut 6 summers ago, the CMA’s “Daily Discoveries” Program has become a favorite with kids and caregivers alike as it builds in children foundational STEAM skills, augments what kids learn in school, and exposes them to real-world concepts and skills they may use in future careers. Each activity is designed to take guests about twenty minutes and is produced by trained docents who can answer kids’ questions and elaborate on the purpose of and concept behind it. “Daily Discoveries” is https://stullerfoundation.org/included in each guests’ admission thanks to the William C. Schumacher Foundation for sponsoring the Summer 2022 Program.
Pro Tip: If you think your kid(s) will want to attend “Daily Discoveries” more than a couple of times, consider investing in a membership. For as little as $120, an annual membership gives one adult and one child unlimited access to the Museum for one year! (Click herehttps://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com/memberships/ for more information.)
Make a Day out of Fun and Learning!
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is conveniently located in walkable Downtown Lafayette! With free off-street parking and a playground in enclosed “Harmony Park” on-site, a visit to the Museum can fill a long summer day with activities that stimulate their minds, move their bodies, and create memories of time spent with caregivers during summer break. Once you have worked up an appetite at the CMA, check out one of the nearby restaurants for a yummy meal or cool off in the fountain at Parc San Souci.
We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
The holidays are about gratitude, but at the CMA gratitude is for every day our doors are open.
For 25 years the Children’s Museum of Acadiana opened its doors to offer Acadiana families the extraordinary power of Play. A dream of 3 local moms became a reality due to their shared vision and support of the community. Located in Downtown Lafayette, the Museum’s mission of “Learning by Doing” continues to give Lafayette’s kids a place to learn and grow. From the child who finds joy in learning on a field trip to another who shares a special visit with Grandma and Grandpa, every child deserves a children’s museum in their community where they can explore in a safe environment. Literacy, school readiness, social skills, self-esteem, respect for oneself and others… these are the things children glean from the CMA.
The Museum aims high while keeping admission affordable for most families.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit that receives no government funding, except through occasional grants, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana strives to keep admission rates low to make it affordable to as many families as possible and simultaneously provide high-quality enrichment programming as well as access to those who are disadvantaged. For $7 per guest, that’s a hefty goal.
Your help will assure the Museum’s future for this and the next generation of families.
Since 1996, the Museum has relied on financial support from people like you to help provide opportunities for children to learn through play. Our programming promotes literacy, and school readiness, and helps us fulfill our mission of engaging the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them. Give now.
Why your financial contribution is important now:
Even before the pandemic, the CMA operated on tight margins. Its purpose is to reach as many children as possible, not maximize profits. Thanks to last year’s generous financial gift from the Heymann Family Foundation, the Museum continues operating during these uncertain times when children need safe places like a children’s museum now more than ever. Will you help the Children’s Museum of Acadiana continue offering high-quality experiences to children and their families by making a financial donation?
Your contribution will have an immediate impact.
You can make the difference in the caliber of activities the Museum offers. You can make the difference in the community events, like Festival Acadiens et Creole, where the Museum offers complimentary kid’s activities. You can make the difference in the partnerships the CMA can maintain with other local nonprofits that assist children in need. Through a recent donor’s generosity, the CMA was able to offer summer camp scholarships to two brothers whose family is enduring homelessness. Your financial donation will provide kids’ fun and educational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities in the “ReUSEum” Exhibit. It will enable Louisiana artisans to share their craft with kids in the “Louisiana Culture Corner.” It will allow children’s book authors to read their stories in the “Knowledge Nook” Exhibit. It will cover activity supplies in the CMA children’s tent at community events. You can positively impact hundreds, even thousands of children, with your contribution.
As a gift to generous donors like you, the Museum offers a present in return for your donation.
Giving Levels:
1996 Club ($5,000+): 3-hour Private Event
Stuffee’s Crew ($1,000-$4,999): 2 Celebrate and Play packages + party add-ons
Bubble Factory Brewer ($500-$999): Standard Celebrate and Play Package
Ambulance Driver ($250-$499): Standard Explorer Plus + up to 5 additional members
Explorer Plus ($200-$249): Annual Membership (1 adult and up to 3 guests)
Explorer ($150-$199): Annual Membership (1 adult and 1 guest)
Supporter ($80-$149): 2 Museum Guest Passes
Lagniappe ($1-$79): a curtsy, bow, and big thank you!
With only 66% of Museum expenses covered by admission fees, the CMA relies on the support of community members like you to fulfill the mission, “Learning by doing.” Every dollar you donate to the Children’s Museum of Acadiana will go directly towards exhibits, programs, outreach, and ensuring the Museum gives the next generation of Acadiana’s children priceless experiences. Help change the future of Acadiana’s children!
Give today!
P.S. With your tax-deductible contribution we promise to inspire learning through play, provide enhanced educational opportunities, and find ways to connect more children and families to first museum experiences!
Ways to Donate:
Online
Mail: Please mail your check, payable to Children’s Museum of Acadiana, to:
Children’s Museum of Acadiana
201 E. Congress Street
Lafayette, LA 70503
Attn: Development Department
Phone: 337-232-8500
For hours and advance tickets, visit cmalaf.org. Learn about the CMA’s collaboration with LPL’s Museum Pass by clicking here.
We owe a huge thank you to The Heyman Foundation!
This time last year things were looking bleak at the Museum. The pandemic, two separate and significant interior water damage incidents, and a hit and run in the parking lot contributed to a seemingly insurmountable financial setback. In the face of adversity, Museum administration never considered any option except moving forward to reopen the CMA.
Thanks to the generosity of generations of community philanthropists
In the early 1990s, it was the Heymann family who provided a building for the Museum. In the CMA’s early years, the Heymanns often forgave the annual mortgage payment which enabled the Museum to reallocate precious funds to exhibit and program expenses. Things have a way of coming full circle, and this story is a case in point. In 2020, The Heymann Foundation came through for the CMA again with a significant financial gift in what would have been the Museum’s last year paying on the building mortgage. It couldn’t have happened at a better time.
The gift’s impact reverberates across Lafayette
The Heymann Foundation’s generosity in Lafayette is renowned, and thanks to it, the CMA returned to offering guests weekday admission to the Museum’s exhibits and programs. Once again, the CMA is open Tuesday through Sunday and providing Lafayette’s families educationally enriching activities through its “Daily Discoveries,” and “STEAMkIDS Sunday” Programs, sponsored by The Stuller Family Foundation and Cox Communications, respectively.
You and your children can prevent the “Summer Slide” by visiting the CMA
CMA administrators are thrilled to be open six days a week again! A quiet and empty children’s museum is a sad place. But, the time was used to update exhibits and plan fun programming, so now is the time to check out all the cool things happening at the Museum. The CMA is profoundly grateful to the Foundation for its part in ensuring the Museum is open for the next generation of Museum appreciators.
For hours and advance tickets, visit cmalaf.org. Learn about the CMA’s collaboration with LPL’s Museum Pass by clicking here.
We owe a huge thank you to The Heyman Foundation!
This time last year things were looking bleak at the Museum. The pandemic, two separate and significant interior water damage incidents, and a hit and run in the parking lot contributed to a seemingly insurmountable financial setback. In the face of adversity, Museum administration never considered any option except moving forward to reopen the CMA.
Thanks to the generosity of generations of community philanthropists
In the early 1990s, it was the Heymann family who provided a building for the Museum. In the CMA’s early years, the Heymanns often forgave the annual mortgage payment which enabled the Museum to reallocate precious funds to exhibit and program expenses. Things have a way of coming full circle, and this story is a case in point. In 2020, The Heymann Foundation came through for the CMA again with a significant financial gift in what would have been the Museum’s last year paying on the building mortgage. It couldn’t have happened at a better time.
The gift’s impact reverberates across Lafayette
The Heymann Foundation’s generosity in Lafayette is renowned, and thanks to it, the CMA returned to offering guests weekday admission to the Museum’s exhibits and programs. Once again, the CMA is open Tuesday through Sunday and providing Lafayette’s families educationally enriching activities through its “Daily Discoveries,” and “STEAMkIDS Sunday” Programs, sponsored by The Stuller Family Foundation and Cox Communications, respectively.
You and your children can prevent the “Summer Slide” by visiting the CMA
CMA administrators are thrilled to be open six days a week again! A quiet and empty children’s museum is a sad place. But, the time was used to update exhibits and plan fun programming, so now is the time to check out all the cool things happening at the Museum. The CMA is profoundly grateful to the Foundation for its part in ensuring the Museum is open for the next generation of Museum appreciators.
For hours and advance tickets, visit cmalaf.org. Learn about the CMA’s collaboration with LPL’s Museum Pass by clicking here.
2021 SOLA Giving Day Participation Perks
Between now and May 6th, 2021, your donation to the CMA’s Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project through SOLA Giving Day comes with serious perks! Each donation over $80 is rewarded with perks like passes, memberships, birthday parties, and private parties.
If you have been thinking of buying a CMA membership, for just $19 extra you participate at the Explorer Level and receive a year-long membership. A membership lets you visit the Museum as many times as you want. It’s a win-win! Already have a CMA membership? By participating in SOLA Giving Day you are rewarded with another year. Do you have a big family and need to add members? At the Ambulance Driver Level you can actually save money by contributing to this year’s fundraiser. Compare the difference for yourself. The higher the donation, the more perks you receive. At the Bubble Factory Brewer Level you receive both a membership and a birthday party! Now, that is a hard deal to pass.
Giving Levels & Perks
Lagniappe ($1-$80) – a curtsy, bow, and big thank you!
Supporter ($81-$140) – 2 Museum guest passes
Explorer ($139-$180) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and 1 child with standard perks
Explorer Plus ($181-$220) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and up to 3 guests with standard perks
Ambulance Driver ($221-$500) – All standard Explorer Plus benefits + up to five additional members
Bubble Factory Brewer ($501-$1,000) – All Ambulance Driver benefits plus one standard Celebrate and Play package
Stuffee’s Crew ($1,001-$2,500) – All Bubble Factory Brewer benefits plus two Celebrate and Play packages with party add-ons
1996 Club ($5,000+) – Complimentary three-hour private event at facility plus Stuffee’s Crew benefits
Why Your Participation Matters
Recent blog posts have detailed the Project and how our surroundings impact us, but there is another reason for you to consider. Young children need places like children’s museums where they can engage in fundamental, hands-on building-block activities that contribute to optimal brain and physical development. They need opportunities to observe and experience the world around them. CMA educators design its exhibits and programming to do just that. By making a donation, the CMA will reward you with perks and you will play an essential part in providing Acadiana’s children with their own children’s museum.
Please consider making a donation to sustain the Children’s Museum of Acadiana through its SOLA Giving Day initiative between now and May 6, 2021. Every individual and organization who contributes to the CMA’s “Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project will receive permanent recognition as every donation is a precious investment in our children’s future.
Want to make a reservation to visit the CMA? Go to https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com.
Between now and May 6th, 2021, your donation to the CMA’s Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project through SOLA Giving Day comes with serious perks! Each donation over $80 is rewarded with perks like passes, memberships, birthday parties, and private parties.
If you have been thinking of buying a CMA membership, for just $19 extra you participate at the Explorer Level and receive a year-long membership. A membership lets you visit the Museum as many times as you want. It’s a win-win! Already have a CMA membership? By participating in SOLA Giving Day you are rewarded with another year. Do you have a big family and need to add members? At the Ambulance Driver Level you can actually save money by contributing to this year’s fundraiser. Compare the difference for yourself. The higher the donation, the more perks you receive. At the Bubble Factory Brewer Level you receive both a membership and a birthday party! Now, that is a hard deal to pass.
Giving Levels & Perks
Lagniappe ($1-$80) – a curtsy, bow, and big thank you!
Supporter ($81-$140) – 2 Museum guest passes
Explorer ($139-$180) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and 1 child with standard perks
Explorer Plus ($181-$220) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and up to 3 guests with standard perks
Ambulance Driver ($221-$500) – All standard Explorer Plus benefits + up to five additional members
Bubble Factory Brewer ($501-$1,000) – All Ambulance Driver benefits plus one standard Celebrate and Play package
Stuffee’s Crew ($1,001-$2,500) – All Bubble Factory Brewer benefits plus two Celebrate and Play packages with party add-ons
1996 Club ($5,000+) – Complimentary three-hour private event at facility plus Stuffee’s Crew benefits
Why Your Participation Matters
Recent blog posts have detailed the Project and how our surroundings impact us, but there is another reason for you to consider. Young children need places like children’s museums where they can engage in fundamental, hands-on building-block activities that contribute to optimal brain and physical development. They need opportunities to observe and experience the world around them. CMA educators design its exhibits and programming to do just that. By making a donation, the CMA will reward you with perks and you will play an essential part in providing Acadiana’s children with their own children’s museum.
Please consider making a donation to sustain the Children’s Museum of Acadiana through its SOLA Giving Day initiative between now and May 6, 2021. Every individual and organization who contributes to the CMA’s “Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project will receive permanent recognition as every donation is a precious investment in our children’s future.
Want to make a reservation to visit the CMA? Go to https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com.
Between now and May 6th, 2021, your donation to the CMA’s Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project through SOLA Giving Day comes with serious perks! Each donation over $80 is rewarded with perks like passes, memberships, birthday parties, and private parties.
If you have been thinking of buying a CMA membership, for just $19 extra you participate at the Explorer Level and receive a year-long membership. A membership lets you visit the Museum as many times as you want. It’s a win-win! Already have a CMA membership? By participating in SOLA Giving Day you are rewarded with another year. Do you have a big family and need to add members? At the Ambulance Driver Level you can actually save money by contributing to this year’s fundraiser. Compare the difference for yourself. The higher the donation, the more perks you receive. At the Bubble Factory Brewer Level you receive both a membership and a birthday party! Now, that is a hard deal to pass.
Giving Levels & Perks
Lagniappe ($1-$80) – a curtsy, bow, and big thank you!
Supporter ($81-$140) – 2 Museum guest passes
Explorer ($139-$180) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and 1 child with standard perks
Explorer Plus ($181-$220) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and up to 3 guests with standard perks
Ambulance Driver ($221-$500) – All standard Explorer Plus benefits + up to five additional members
Bubble Factory Brewer ($501-$1,000) – All Ambulance Driver benefits plus one standard Celebrate and Play package
Stuffee’s Crew ($1,001-$2,500) – All Bubble Factory Brewer benefits plus two Celebrate and Play packages with party add-ons
1996 Club ($5,000+) – Complimentary three-hour private event at facility plus Stuffee’s Crew benefits
Why Your Participation Matters
Recent blog posts have detailed the Project and how our surroundings impact us, but there is another reason for you to consider. Young children need places like children’s museums where they can engage in fundamental, hands-on building-block activities that contribute to optimal brain and physical development. They need opportunities to observe and experience the world around them. CMA educators design its exhibits and programming to do just that. By making a donation, the CMA will reward you with perks and you will play an essential part in providing Acadiana’s children with their own children’s museum.
Please consider making a donation to sustain the Children’s Museum of Acadiana through its SOLA Giving Day initiative between now and May 6, 2021. Every individual and organization who contributes to the CMA’s “Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project will receive permanent recognition as every donation is a precious investment in our children’s future.
Want to make a reservation to visit the CMA? Go to https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com.
Between now and May 6th, 2021, your donation to the CMA’s Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project through SOLA Giving Day comes with serious perks! Each donation over $80 is rewarded with perks like passes, memberships, birthday parties, and private parties.
If you have been thinking of buying a CMA membership, for just $19 extra you participate at the Explorer Level and receive a year-long membership. A membership lets you visit the Museum as many times as you want. It’s a win-win! Already have a CMA membership? By participating in SOLA Giving Day you are rewarded with another year. Do you have a big family and need to add members? At the Ambulance Driver Level you can actually save money by contributing to this year’s fundraiser. Compare the difference for yourself. The higher the donation, the more perks you receive. At the Bubble Factory Brewer Level you receive both a membership and a birthday party! Now, that is a hard deal to pass.
Giving Levels & Perks
Lagniappe ($1-$80) – a curtsy, bow, and big thank you!
Supporter ($81-$140) – 2 Museum guest passes
Explorer ($139-$180) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and 1 child with standard perks
Explorer Plus ($181-$220) – 1-year membership for 1 adult and up to 3 guests with standard perks
Ambulance Driver ($221-$500) – All standard Explorer Plus benefits + up to five additional members
Bubble Factory Brewer ($501-$1,000) – All Ambulance Driver benefits plus one standard Celebrate and Play package
Stuffee’s Crew ($1,001-$2,500) – All Bubble Factory Brewer benefits plus two Celebrate and Play packages with party add-ons
1996 Club ($5,000+) – Complimentary three-hour private event at facility plus Stuffee’s Crew benefits
Why Your Participation Matters
Recent blog posts have detailed the Project and how our surroundings impact us, but there is another reason for you to consider. Young children need places like children’s museums where they can engage in fundamental, hands-on building-block activities that contribute to optimal brain and physical development. They need opportunities to observe and experience the world around them. CMA educators design its exhibits and programming to do just that. By making a donation, the CMA will reward you with perks and you will play an essential part in providing Acadiana’s children with their own children’s museum.
Please consider making a donation to sustain the Children’s Museum of Acadiana through its SOLA Giving Day initiative between now and May 6, 2021. Every individual and organization who contributes to the CMA’s “Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project will receive permanent recognition as every donation is a precious investment in our children’s future.
Want to make a reservation to visit the CMA? Go to https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com.
2021 SOLA Giving Day: The Cold Hard Facts
In this post, the CMA shares details about the good, the “could be better,” and the future.
In our last blog post, we shared why the CMA’s “Circle of Learning” Building Exterior Project will benefit the guests who visit. This time, we want to share why your support of the project is so essential.
Where Does the CMA Get Its Money?
A lot of people assume that the CMA is funded by local and/or state government. This is false. The only funds the Museum ever receives from government agencies comes in the form of periodically awarded grants. While this funding is greatly appreciated and helps the Museum produce the awesome programs guests expect from the CMA, it comes nowhere close to keeping the Museum open. The majority of the CMA’s revenue is generated by guest admissions, birthday parties, memberships, and gift shop purchases. Grants and sponsorships from corporations and foundations as well as individual contributions round out Museum revenue.
How Does the Museum Keep Admission at $7 Per Guest?
As a nonprofit with the mission of “Learning by Doing,” the CMA prioritizes giving as many families as possible access to the Museum’s exhibits and programs so that children of all socioeconomic backgrounds can enjoy and benefit from its offerings. With the median household income in our area hovering at $50,000 and poverty rate at 20%, the CMA keeps guest admissions at an artificially low rate of $7.00 per guest which is the cost of a movie ticket. Also, the CMA collaborates with the Lafayette Public Library to give library users access to passes for complimentary admission so that everyone who wants access to the Museum has it. The difference is covered by some grants, sponsorships, and individual contributions. The CMA does everything it can to keep expenses down so that admission remains affordable to as many people as possible.
What About the Pandemic?
The CMA is still feeling the effects of the shutdown and pandemic. Prior to it, the Museum was doing well financially. Unfortunately, the shutdown began just as the Museum was about to enter its busiest time of the year when it generates the most revenue. Spring is field trip season at the CMA, and if you are not already aware, both last year and this year there are no school field trips. Summer is when the Museum the busiest season, but we did not reopen until September 2020. We were so grateful to reopen but with it came limitations – only 25% of guests can be in the Museum at any one time. Museum revenue is under 50% of what it was pre-pandemic. Were it not for the generosity of the Heyman Family Foundation for forgiving our final mortgage payment as well as some other fortuitously timed grant awards, the CMA would be in a most precarious position.
What Does the Future Hold?
The CMA has made it this far, so we are determined that Acadiana will have its own children’s museum for future generations to enjoy. To see this through, the CMA needs to maintain the building as an investment in those future generations. In order to achieve this goal, however, we need the community’s support – we need YOUR support. For your family, friends, and neighbors who seek high-quality educational enrichment activities for their children, and maybe yours, please consider making a contribution to the Children’s Museum of Acadiana’s SOLA Giving Day initiative between now and May 6, 2021. This year we’ve added perquisites to make your donation benefit you too! Here’s to the next 25 years!
Want to make a reservation to visit the CMA? Go to https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com.
2021 SOLA Giving Day Project
In this post, the CMA shares a project we hope you consider worthy of your support.
SOLA Giving Day is May 6, 2021. Like many Acadiana nonprofits, the CMA participates in this event for two reasons. First and foremost, to alert the community of a pressing need, and second, to ask for your financial support in achieving it.
If you have visited the CMA recently and taken a critical look at the building’s exterior you may have noticed it isn’t as fresh and inviting as it used to be. In fact, the paint is chipping and dingy. It simply needs of a fresh coat of paint. For a building the size of the CMA, a paint job’s price tag is not cheap. In fact, it’s over $100,000. Given the pandemic and local economic downturn there is simply no way the Museum can absorb this necessary expense through regular Museum admissions. We also know we cannot ask any one person or company for this amount, but if people who care about the Museum each contribute a little bit we can accomplish this goal.
Buildings Exterior’s Matter
Your first question may be why is it so important to paint the building since the kids are so happy once inside? The answer is simply this: buildings’ exteriors matter. A well-kept exterior sends a message to guests and passersby that we care about our appearance, and by extension we care about them. A deteriorating building – on the other hand – subliminally implies we don’t care, and by extension what happens on the inside isn’t high-quality. A maintained exterior shows we care as much about the inside as outside. An appealing exterior is more than eye-pleasing, it sets the tone and mood of guests’ experiences.
Let’s Give Our Kids a Welcoming Museum Experience
Kids are more attuned to the world around them than we adults often give them credit for. Think back to your childhood. Do you have a memory of a beautiful building you would enter? What about a memory of a dilapidated building you would pass by? How would it make you feel? The neglect of a building represents the values of its caretakers and makes guests’ experiences less pleasant.
Children’s early experiences set the tone for their futures. The places we bring our kids have an impact on them that stays with them their entire lives. We should all strive to offer our children experiences in surroundings that maximize their growth, development, and behavior. As part of the CMA’s mission, Learning by Doing, the Museum strives to provide guests an environment that develops children optimally – and that must start with an inviting exterior that greets them as they drive or walk up to the building.
Between now and Thursday, May 6, 2021, please consider making a financial contribution to the CMA through SOLA Giving Day.
Want to make a reservation to visit the CMA? Go to https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com.
Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020
In this post, the CMA describes the changes made to the Museum’s annual Halloween event to keep everyone safe and distant while still having fun.
Halloween will be a little different this year at the CMA, but Museum staff has been working tirelessly to plan a safe, socially distant, and fun Halloween celebration for families with young kids. Let us share with you what to look forward at the CMA’s Halloween festivities.
A family-friendly Halloween event full of with social distancing built in
First and foremost, there will not be just one CMA Halloween event – there will be ten! This may be the best news of 2020! Guests may choose to attend one 2 ½ hour session for some Halloween fun at the CMA’s Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020. Each event session will be limited to 80 guests to keep families and groups socially distant from one another. Dates and times to choose from include:
Sunday, October 25th – 1:00pm-3:30pm or 3:45pm-6:15pm
Friday, October 30th – 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:15pm-2:45pm, 3:00pm-5:30pm, or 6:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, October 31st – 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:15pm-2:45pm, 3:00pm-5:30pm, or 6:00pm-8:30pm
Enjoy fun kids’ activities in a safe environment
Secondly, Halloween activities that minimize contact and interaction between guests have been selected and extra Museum staff will be keeping everything sanitized. The fun activities to look forward to include posing with Stuffee in his Pumpkin Palace, dressing like a scarecrow, Ring O Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern’s Face, Ghost Alley Games, Bootiful Arts & Crafts, and a Gross Out Science Station with Snot Slime and Vomiting Volcanoes. Also, dress up for the Festive Selfie Station and post your fun action photos to social media with the hashtag #spookharvest2020. Finally, instead of trick or treating, as kids leave Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020 they will be given Just Treats No Tricks Grab Bags.
By limiting the number of guests at any one session and modifying kids’ activities, the CMA will provide children, ages 10 and under, with a memorable Halloween celebration that meets the needs of the year that is 2020. Admission will be $8.00 per person (Members $4.00 per person) and children 12 months and under free.
Since reopening the CMA has been encouraging contactless admissions with advance, online ticket sales at https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com. With only 80 tickets available per session, tickets will sell out quickly. To get your first choice of date and time, buy your tickets sooner than later. And if you are feeling extra spooky this year come more than once!
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020
In this post, the CMA describes the changes made to the Museum’s annual Halloween event to keep everyone safe and distant while still having fun.
Halloween will be a little different this year at the CMA, but Museum staff has been working tirelessly to plan a safe, socially distant, and fun Halloween celebration for families with young kids. Let us share with you what to look forward at the CMA’s Halloween festivities.
A family-friendly Halloween event full of with social distancing built in
First and foremost, there will not be just one CMA Halloween event – there will be ten! This may be the best news of 2020! Guests may choose to attend one 2 ½ hour session for some Halloween fun at the CMA’s Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020. Each event session will be limited to 80 guests to keep families and groups socially distant from one another. Dates and times to choose from include:
Sunday, October 25th – 1:00pm-3:30pm or 3:45pm-6:15pm
Friday, October 30th – 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:15pm-2:45pm, 3:00pm-5:30pm, or 6:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, October 31st – 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:15pm-2:45pm, 3:00pm-5:30pm, or 6:00pm-8:30pm
Enjoy fun kids’ activities in a safe environment
Secondly, Halloween activities that minimize contact and interaction between guests have been selected and extra Museum staff will be keeping everything sanitized. The fun activities to look forward to include posing with Stuffee in his Pumpkin Palace, dressing like a scarecrow, Ring O Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern’s Face, Ghost Alley Games, Bootiful Arts & Crafts, and a Gross Out Science Station with Snot Slime and Vomiting Volcanoes. Also, dress up for the Festive Selfie Station and post your fun action photos to social media with the hashtag #spookharvest2020. Finally, instead of trick or treating, as kids leave Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020 they will be given Just Treats No Tricks Grab Bags.
By limiting the number of guests at any one session and modifying kids’ activities, the CMA will provide children, ages 10 and under, with a memorable Halloween celebration that meets the needs of the year that is 2020. Admission will be $8.00 per person (Members $4.00 per person) and children 12 months and under free.
Since reopening the CMA has been encouraging contactless admissions with advance, online ticket sales at https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com. With only 80 tickets available per session, tickets will sell out quickly. To get your first choice of date and time, buy your tickets sooner than later. And if you are feeling extra spooky this year come more than once!
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020
In this post, the CMA describes the changes made to the Museum’s annual Halloween event to keep everyone safe and distant while still having fun.
Halloween will be a little different this year at the CMA, but Museum staff has been working tirelessly to plan a safe, socially distant, and fun Halloween celebration for families with young kids. Let us share with you what to look forward at the CMA’s Halloween festivities.
A family-friendly Halloween event full of with social distancing built in
First and foremost, there will not be just one CMA Halloween event – there will be ten! This may be the best news of 2020! Guests may choose to attend one 2 ½ hour session for some Halloween fun at the CMA’s Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020. Each event session will be limited to 80 guests to keep families and groups socially distant from one another. Dates and times to choose from include:
Sunday, October 25th – 1:00pm-3:30pm or 3:45pm-6:15pm
Friday, October 30th – 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:15pm-2:45pm, 3:00pm-5:30pm, or 6:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, October 31st – 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:15pm-2:45pm, 3:00pm-5:30pm, or 6:00pm-8:30pm
Enjoy fun kids’ activities in a safe environment
Secondly, Halloween activities that minimize contact and interaction between guests have been selected and extra Museum staff will be keeping everything sanitized. The fun activities to look forward to include posing with Stuffee in his Pumpkin Palace, dressing like a scarecrow, Ring O Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern’s Face, Ghost Alley Games, Bootiful Arts & Crafts, and a Gross Out Science Station with Snot Slime and Vomiting Volcanoes. Also, dress up for the Festive Selfie Station and post your fun action photos to social media with the hashtag #spookharvest2020. Finally, instead of trick or treating, as kids leave Spooktacular Harvest Fest 2020 they will be given Just Treats No Tricks Grab Bags.
By limiting the number of guests at any one session and modifying kids’ activities, the CMA will provide children, ages 10 and under, with a memorable Halloween celebration that meets the needs of the year that is 2020. Admission will be $8.00 per person (Members $4.00 per person) and children 12 months and under free.
Since reopening the CMA has been encouraging contactless admissions with advance, online ticket sales at https://www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com. With only 80 tickets available per session, tickets will sell out quickly. To get your first choice of date and time, buy your tickets sooner than later. And if you are feeling extra spooky this year come more than once!
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Give to the CMA on South Louisiana Giving Day
In this post, the CMA shares how you can participate in improving Harmony Park.
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) is in the midst of transforming the outdoor courtyard – Harmony Park – into a unique, family-friendly recreational venue, and we ask for your financial support. With your help, Harmony Park will become an attraction that will hit all the right notes. Imagine outdoor botanical themed musical instruments surrounding the play structure, bright solar lights, a commercial-grade shade structure ADA accessible picnic tables and benches, and an outdoor stereo speaker system playing vibrant tunes. The musical instruments will allow children to be the conductor of their own orchestra, solo drummer in a rock band, or pianist in Carnegie Hall. In Harmony Park children will release their creativity in the fresh outdoor air.
To raise money for these improvements, the CMA is participating in South Louisiana Giving Day this Thursday, May 7, 2020, because we realize when we come out at the other end of the pandemic response people will seek communal experiences. If you have the resources to participate in the development of Harmony Park, the CMA will make enhancements as funding allows.
Let us share a few reasons your involvement matters.
Outdoor spaces with family-friendly recreation are even more important than ever. The public spaces being made available to people first as states reopen are our outdoor spaces. Children learn through play so let’s take it outside! By enhancing Harmony Park, it will become an attraction that provides families an inclusive, comfortable, safe place for enriching recreation. In addition to being fun, engaging in music expression offers a plethora of benefits, and by installing musical instruments around the play structure will offer guests outlets to improve both their mental and physical health.
Your charitable donation will be deductible even if you don’t itemize. Shortly after the pandemic spread to the United States, Congress approved that taxpayers, who do not itemize their returns, can make up to $300 in charitable deductions and deduct them from their 2020 tax returns. This means your cash gift to the CMA will cost you nothing, andthe CMA will be sure to acknowledge your gift to include in your 2020 tax paperwork.
Your contribution will help the CMA earn its matching donation. An anonymous donor will contribute funds if the CMA secures enough donations by midnight, Thursday, May 7th! Your contribution will help the CMA succeed at winning this challenge.
There is no cost to enter, play, and relax in Harmony Park. Harmony Park is open to the public at no charge during Museum hours and special events hosted either on-site or in Parc International. It is a perfect playground venue in Downtown Lafayette, LA, as it is enclosed by fences and gates on all sides.
You will be in good company and your joy in giving can only be matched by the joy in all who visit. Your donation will enable you to be part of this venture of stimulating the mind with musical expression, and the ripple effect of your generosity will continue in Harmony Park, and the CMA, for decades to come. Join the many people and companies who have already made a donation including: Kiwanis of Acadiana, State Farm Charitable Foundation, Entergy Charitable Foundation, Walmart Foundation (Ambassador), William Martin “Mart” Hudson III Memorial Fund, and many individuals to whom the CMA is grateful.
If you can give, visit the CMA’s profile on South Louisiana Giving Day between now and midnight, Thursday, May 7th.
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Give to the CMA on South Louisiana Giving Day
In this post, the CMA shares how you can participate in improving Harmony Park.
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) is in the midst of transforming the outdoor courtyard – Harmony Park – into a unique, family-friendly recreational venue, and we ask for your financial support. With your help, Harmony Park will become an attraction that will hit all the right notes. Imagine outdoor botanical themed musical instruments surrounding the play structure, bright solar lights, a commercial-grade shade structure ADA accessible picnic tables and benches, and an outdoor stereo speaker system playing vibrant tunes. The musical instruments will allow children to be the conductor of their own orchestra, solo drummer in a rock band, or pianist in Carnegie Hall. In Harmony Park children will release their creativity in the fresh outdoor air.
To raise money for these improvements, the CMA is participating in South Louisiana Giving Day this Thursday, May 7, 2020, because we realize when we come out at the other end of the pandemic response people will seek communal experiences. If you have the resources to participate in the development of Harmony Park, the CMA will make enhancements as funding allows.
Let us share a few reasons your involvement matters.
Outdoor spaces with family-friendly recreation are even more important than ever. The public spaces being made available to people first as states reopen are our outdoor spaces. Children learn through play so let’s take it outside! By enhancing Harmony Park, it will become an attraction that provides families an inclusive, comfortable, safe place for enriching recreation. In addition to being fun, engaging in music expression offers a plethora of benefits, and by installing musical instruments around the play structure will offer guests outlets to improve both their mental and physical health.
Your charitable donation will be deductible even if you don’t itemize. Shortly after the pandemic spread to the United States, Congress approved that taxpayers, who do not itemize their returns, can make up to $300 in charitable deductions and deduct them from their 2020 tax returns. This means your cash gift to the CMA will cost you nothing, andthe CMA will be sure to acknowledge your gift to include in your 2020 tax paperwork.
Your contribution will help the CMA earn its matching donation. An anonymous donor will contribute funds if the CMA secures enough donations by midnight, Thursday, May 7th! Your contribution will help the CMA succeed at winning this challenge.
There is no cost to enter, play, and relax in Harmony Park. Harmony Park is open to the public at no charge during Museum hours and special events hosted either on-site or in Parc International. It is a perfect playground venue in Downtown Lafayette, LA, as it is enclosed by fences and gates on all sides.
You will be in good company and your joy in giving can only be matched by the joy in all who visit. Your donation will enable you to be part of this venture of stimulating the mind with musical expression, and the ripple effect of your generosity will continue in Harmony Park, and the CMA, for decades to come. Join the many people and companies who have already made a donation including: Kiwanis of Acadiana, State Farm Charitable Foundation, Entergy Charitable Foundation, Walmart Foundation (Ambassador), William Martin “Mart” Hudson III Memorial Fund, and many individuals to whom the CMA is grateful.
If you can give, visit the CMA’s profile on South Louisiana Giving Day between now and midnight, Thursday, May 7th.
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Give to the CMA on South Louisiana Giving Day
In this post, the CMA shares how you can participate in improving Harmony Park.
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) is in the midst of transforming the outdoor courtyard – Harmony Park – into a unique, family-friendly recreational venue, and we ask for your financial support. With your help, Harmony Park will become an attraction that will hit all the right notes. Imagine outdoor botanical themed musical instruments surrounding the play structure, bright solar lights, a commercial-grade shade structure ADA accessible picnic tables and benches, and an outdoor stereo speaker system playing vibrant tunes. The musical instruments will allow children to be the conductor of their own orchestra, solo drummer in a rock band, or pianist in Carnegie Hall. In Harmony Park children will release their creativity in the fresh outdoor air.
To raise money for these improvements, the CMA is participating in South Louisiana Giving Day this Thursday, May 7, 2020, because we realize when we come out at the other end of the pandemic response people will seek communal experiences. If you have the resources to participate in the development of Harmony Park, the CMA will make enhancements as funding allows.
Let us share a few reasons your involvement matters.
Outdoor spaces with family-friendly recreation are even more important than ever. The public spaces being made available to people first as states reopen are our outdoor spaces. Children learn through play so let’s take it outside! By enhancing Harmony Park, it will become an attraction that provides families an inclusive, comfortable, safe place for enriching recreation. In addition to being fun, engaging in music expression offers a plethora of benefits, and by installing musical instruments around the play structure will offer guests outlets to improve both their mental and physical health.
Your charitable donation will be deductible even if you don’t itemize. Shortly after the pandemic spread to the United States, Congress approved that taxpayers, who do not itemize their returns, can make up to $300 in charitable deductions and deduct them from their 2020 tax returns. This means your cash gift to the CMA will cost you nothing, andthe CMA will be sure to acknowledge your gift to include in your 2020 tax paperwork.
Your contribution will help the CMA earn its matching donation. An anonymous donor will contribute funds if the CMA secures enough donations by midnight, Thursday, May 7th! Your contribution will help the CMA succeed at winning this challenge.
There is no cost to enter, play, and relax in Harmony Park. Harmony Park is open to the public at no charge during Museum hours and special events hosted either on-site or in Parc International. It is a perfect playground venue in Downtown Lafayette, LA, as it is enclosed by fences and gates on all sides.
You will be in good company and your joy in giving can only be matched by the joy in all who visit. Your donation will enable you to be part of this venture of stimulating the mind with musical expression, and the ripple effect of your generosity will continue in Harmony Park, and the CMA, for decades to come. Join the many people and companies who have already made a donation including: Kiwanis of Acadiana, State Farm Charitable Foundation, Entergy Charitable Foundation, Walmart Foundation (Ambassador), William Martin “Mart” Hudson III Memorial Fund, and many individuals to whom the CMA is grateful.
If you can give, visit the CMA’s profile on South Louisiana Giving Day between now and midnight, Thursday, May 7th.
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Virtual Learning @ Home
This month the CMA shares how to access STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities for families with young children to do at home.
Daily Discoveries: Virtual Learning @ Home
With the closure of the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, the Museum’s educational programming has moved online with “Daily Discoveries: Virtual Learning @ Home.” Visit to access coloring sheets, the CMA’s Social Story, and videos that share a plethora of fun STEAM activities families with young children can do with materials found around the house. Join Lore Linton, Director of Guest Services, and her son, Drew, in interactive activities ranging from making Super Squishy Spring Time Slime and Crayon Resist Art to discovering chemical reactions with a homemade Mini Volcano Experiment.
Join us for a Virtual Story Time
Follow the CMA’s Instagram feed and watch “Virtual Story Time” with Taja’ White, Miss Louisiana Collegiate America 2020, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020. Taja’ will be reading Kathryn Otoshi’s “One” and sharing we can all accept each other’s differences.
YouTube Channel and Facebook Feed
For even more activities subscribe to the CMA’s YouTube Channel as Lore and Dean demonstrate making Catapult Launchers, 4 Layer Density Towers, and more! On the CMA’s Facebook page guests can stay up to date about upcoming programs and events.
The CMA hopes everybody stays healthy, and our staff looks forward to seeing you at the Museum soon! We miss you!
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Virtual Learning @ Home
This month the CMA shares how to access STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities for families with young children to do at home.
Daily Discoveries: Virtual Learning @ Home
With the closure of the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, the Museum’s educational programming has moved online with “Daily Discoveries: Virtual Learning @ Home.” Visit to access coloring sheets, the CMA’s Social Story, and videos that share a plethora of fun STEAM activities families with young children can do with materials found around the house. Join Lore Linton, Director of Guest Services, and her son, Drew, in interactive activities ranging from making Super Squishy Spring Time Slime and Crayon Resist Art to discovering chemical reactions with a homemade Mini Volcano Experiment.
Join us for a Virtual Story Time
Follow the CMA’s Instagram feed and watch “Virtual Story Time” with Taja’ White, Miss Louisiana Collegiate America 2020, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020. Taja’ will be reading Kathryn Otoshi’s “One” and sharing we can all accept each other’s differences.
YouTube Channel and Facebook Feed
For even more activities subscribe to the CMA’s YouTube Channel as Lore and Dean demonstrate making Catapult Launchers, 4 Layer Density Towers, and more! On the CMA’s Facebook page guests can stay up to date about upcoming programs and events.
The CMA hopes everybody stays healthy, and our staff looks forward to seeing you at the Museum soon! We miss you!
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Virtual Learning @ Home
This month the CMA shares how to access STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities for families with young children to do at home.
Daily Discoveries: Virtual Learning @ Home
With the closure of the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, the Museum’s educational programming has moved online with “Daily Discoveries: Virtual Learning @ Home.” Visit to access coloring sheets, the CMA’s Social Story, and videos that share a plethora of fun STEAM activities families with young children can do with materials found around the house. Join Lore Linton, Director of Guest Services, and her son, Drew, in interactive activities ranging from making Super Squishy Spring Time Slime and Crayon Resist Art to discovering chemical reactions with a homemade Mini Volcano Experiment.
Join us for a Virtual Story Time
Follow the CMA’s Instagram feed and watch “Virtual Story Time” with Taja’ White, Miss Louisiana Collegiate America 2020, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020. Taja’ will be reading Kathryn Otoshi’s “One” and sharing we can all accept each other’s differences.
YouTube Channel and Facebook Feed
For even more activities subscribe to the CMA’s YouTube Channel as Lore and Dean demonstrate making Catapult Launchers, 4 Layer Density Towers, and more! On the CMA’s Facebook page guests can stay up to date about upcoming programs and events.
The CMA hopes everybody stays healthy, and our staff looks forward to seeing you at the Museum soon! We miss you!
Have an idea for our next blog post?
Preventing the Spread of Germs
This month the CMA shares details with readers about how the Museum keeps its exhibits and components clean as well as tips for preventing the spread of germs.
Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.
Clean up clean up everybody do your share.
Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.
Remember Barney’s Clean Up song? Even though the program shows kids picking up toys, it is just as applicable to keeping public spaces, like the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, germ-free. Nobody wants to come home from a fun day out to find themselves or children sick, and the CMA has protocols in place to keep the Museum as clean as possible and prevent the spread of germs.
CMA Cleaning Protocols
Before the CMA opens each day and after it closes each evening, Museum staff cleans Museum Exhibits thoroughly including the toys with a bleach and water solution. Restrooms are deep cleaned, floors are mopped, and carpets are vacuumed. During Museum hours, staff constantly monitors Exhibit and toy usage. If a big field trip or crowd comes through, staff wipes down surfaces and toys to sanitize them for the next round of visitors. After the pretend food in the Restaurant is handled, it is cleaned. If a toddler puts a toy in their mouth, it gets removed to be sanitized and replaced with another toy. Staff check the restrooms every half hour to ensure they are clean and tidy. Every week, each Exhibit is deep cleaned which includes disinfecting toys either by wiping them down or running them through the washing machine. Every three to four days, the liquid used in The Bubble Factory Exhibit is replaced. Also, keeping the temperature low helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. (That’s why hospitals are always so cold.) With the frequent cleaning of surfaces and toys and cool environment, the CMA does everything it can to eliminate the spread of germs.
What Guests Can Do to Avoid Germs
Guests are encouraged to wash their hands frequently. Staff are required to wash their hands regularly. Hand soap and hand sanitizer are available in the restrooms. A hand sanitizer station is in the Museum lobby. The CDC recommends people avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs. Guests are encouraged to report to a staff member if the restrooms, exhibits, or objects need attention.
Germs Are Part of the Human Condition
Minimizing germs is important to staying healthy, but the truth is germs are everywhere – even in the cleanest homes and public spaces. Aside from isolating yourself from the outside world, there isn’t much you can do to prevent contact with cold or flu germs. In fact, there is an extreme example of a family isolated from the outside world for forty years suffering deadly consequences once they were re-exposed to germs. That said, you can and should take precautions to avoid germs from spreading throughout your family as does the CMA. As Robert W. Dolan, M.D., an ear, nose, and throat specialist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, states some germs “are normal and live on or inside our bodies. If we got rid of all these germs they might be replaced with worse germs.
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Special Access for Kids with Special Needs
This month the CMA shares details with readers about, “Mornings at the Museum,” a program dedicated to serving special needs children and their families who want to visit the Museum during “off” hours.
Why Special Needs Kids Need Special Program
Do you know or have a child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or a sensory processing disorder? If not, you have probably come across a family with a special needs child at the grocery store or another public venue. At the time you may have thought to yourself, “Wow, that kid is out of control.” And, you were right for the wrong reasons. The child was out of control because they were overwhelmed, felt like they had no control, and didn’t have the means to communicate their emotions with their caregivers. Welcome to the world of kids with special needs.
How the CMA Helps Families with ASD and Sensory Processing Disorders
Kids with special needs are, well, special. They aren’t any more or less smart than other kids. They’re just wired differently. Kids with ASD or sensory processing disorders “feel” the world differently than other kids, and they don’t experience it identically to one another either. For caregivers, parenting these kids can be frustrating and challenging. The typical kid can visit a place like the Children’s Museum of Acadiana and have a good time. Sure, on an occasional visit they may have a melt-down. That’s normal. The special kids we’re talking about enter crisis-mode regularly, and getting them out of it seems impossible. Families with special needs children become so fearful of unknown triggers, they are afraid to leave the house. Literally.
To help these families, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana offers free private hours once a month so that they can enjoy the museum in relative isolation. The Museum limits each “Mornings at the Museum” event to fifteen children and their families – siblings are welcome as well – so that they feel like they have space and freedom to enjoy the Museum. Lights and sounds are turned down. Adaptive equipment such as headphones and weighted vests are available for use. The staff on hand is trained to interact and engage with these special guests and help them make the most of their visit. In addition to taking advantage of the CMA’s many hands-on exhibits, activities are offered that are specially designed with these kids in mind. Many of the exhibits are intentionally designed to include sensory equipment that these kids especially enjoy.
Removing Barriers to Inclusion – Why We Host Private Hours
Families with special needs kids feel hesitant about going out in public. The CMA believes that doesn’t mean they should be deprived of meaningful experiences. The CMA strives for inclusion of and accessibility for all children, and through “Mornings at the Museum” offers a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment to kids who need some extra T.L.C. All children benefit from the Museum’s offerings, and it is important for special needs children to enjoy experiences that enrich their lives. So, thanks to financial support from The Daily Advertiser’s parent company Gannett’s Foundation and the Billeaud Companies, the CMA offers private hours to families with these special kids for free. That’s right. There is no charge for special kids and caregivers to visit. We just ask for an r.s.v.p.
How to Sign Your Special Kid Up
If you have a special needs child, we hope you call us to rsvp for an upcoming “Mornings in the Museum.” Access the CMA’s “Social Story” online. We know some kids are at their best later in the day, so sometimes we host evening hours instead. Register online or call the Museum at 337-232-8500, and a spot will be reserved with your special kid’s name on it. If you still have concerns, share them. CMA staff will do everything they can to make your child’s experience a great one.
Upcoming “Mornings at the Museum” dates and times are:
February 2nd, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
March 1st, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 pm
April 12th, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
May 3rd, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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The Benefits of CMA Membership
Welcome to the CMA’s inaugural blog post. This month the CMA launches an updated and simplified membership program for guests who want to support the Museum and visit often.
Why you should join
Membership makes visiting the CMA more carefree. What does that mean? Well, children’s museums are for children, and there are times children (and their adults) have had enough. Imagine you and your child have been at the Museum for 15 minutes and they launch into a full-blown, inconsolable tantrum. Without a membership you think about the money just spent on admission. With a membership you think about returning on another day. Imagine another scenario: your little one spends an hour in the Super 1 Grocery Store, then an hour in the Bubble Factory, and is ready to leave. Again, without a membership you think you haven’t been in most of the exhibits. With it, you think about returning another day. Membership takes the stress out of the equation. With membership, anytime the CMA offers special programs like the “Only One You” Literacy Workshops for Kids Ages 4-7 or art demonstrations by Louisiana Crafts Guild artisans you can come and participate at no extra charge.
Why the CMA is a great investment
Membership to the CMA exposes your child or children to a variety of educationally enriching activities in a safe environment and presents them in a way that is fun. From real world scenarios like preparing and serving meals in Cafe’ des Enfants or tending animals in Happy Paws Hospital to participating in ever-changing art activities in the ReUSEum the CMA always has something to engage young guests. When kids are out of school around holidays and throughout the summer, the CMA kicks into high gear offering “Daily Discoveries” workshops during which children can participate in a new and different STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activity every day. No child who visits the CMA regularly will experience the dreaded summer slide!
The perks add value
CMA membership offers perquisites beyond unlimited admission during normal operating hours.
- Discounted admission to special events. You save money on tickets to the CMA’s Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s events.
- Invitations to member-exclusive events. Four times a year the CMA hosts Member’s Nights with special activities at no additional charge.
- Discounts on parties, camps, and gift shop purchases. Having a birthday party at the CMA is a rite of passage, our camps immerse campers in exciting themes like pirates, and have you checked out the gift shop recently? There’s good stuff in there.
- Discount on admission to other participating children’s museums. Over 200 children’s museums
- – all with unique offerings – participate in membership reciprocity!
In closing
More and more research reveals kids need the type of hands-on exploratory play on offer at children’s museums for healthy child development. Young children thrive in environments they can explore. And, children need unstructured play to hone developmental skills like fine and gross motor skills as well as immerse themselves in creative play. The CMA is a place where children can build foundations for future success, and it is simply a wonderful place for them to go with adults they love to make memories. To purchase a CMA membership, click here.
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