Mommy and Me Mondays - Charles M. Schulz Museum

On any regular day at the Charles M. Schulz Museum there really isn’t anything very interesting or exciting for preschool age children. But, visit during a Mommy and Me Monday and your preschooler won’t want to leave! From story time, to running around the museum, to arts and crafts, the curators have come up with a great way to introduce the museum to a younger crowd. And since most of the activities happen before the museum opens, there is no worry about loud children disturbing other patrons of the museum.

When you arrive you will go into an area where there are couches and a carpet and the curator will describe what everything that you will be doing that day. She will then read some stories that support the theme and talk with the children about the theme to get them interested. At that point, you will be divided into two groups, one to play games or may do a treasure hunt, and the other to go upstairs to the art room to work on the project for the day. When each group is finished, they switch and participate in the other activity. Then when everyone has finished, they lead you into the theater to watch a Peanuts movie.

The cost to participate is $5 which covers both you and your child. This is a great bargain considering you will have two hours of games, crafts, stories, and more in a place whose regular admission price is much higher. And just when you think they couldn’t possibly give you anything else for the price, they pull out a snack of juice and a granola bar for each child!

All in all, the Mommy and Me Monday’s at the museum are great. Although you may encounter a little chaos, some crying, loud children or messiness, your preschooler will probably love every minute of it.

Benefits to Preschoolers

Just being able to run around and have some fun even though it’s cold or rainy outside is probably the biggest benefit to preschoolers. But, they also get to learn about Charles Schulz, Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown and the who gang in a way that is fun and exciting. Not to mention the time they get to spend with mom and other children that attend.

Disadvantages to Preschoolers

If you have a timid preschooler who may not like large group activities this may not be something they would enjoy participating in. The children can get pretty rowdy when given the chance so just be aware before you go that you may have to take your preschooler aside and just walk around the museum on your own until things settle down. But, with the fee of only $5 it’s worth giving it a shot. Who knows? Maybe your child will surprise you!

Details

Charles M. Schulz Museum
Mommy and Me Mondays
10-Noon every Monday in January & February 2008
Cost:$5 for Child (adult is free)

2301 Hardies Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-284-1265