Family fun before school resumes

Finger puppets, kitchen lessons and an imaginary visit to Japan will help keep kids occupied

The presents have all been opened and New Year’s “Auld Lang Syne” has been sung. Now the kids are getting restless, but there’s one more weekend l eft before school resumes. Here are some ideas for family fun from the Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THE JAPAN EXHIBIT

The museum’s current traveling exhibit, “Hello From Japan,” closes Sunday, Jan. 6. This highly interactive exhibit teaches children about life in present-day Japan.

CDM visitors will discover two distinct areas of Tokyo that exist side by side: one serene and exquisite; the other, too cute for words. Together, they show how old and new traditions co- exist in Japan today.

In Kawaii Central, children may serve their own bento boxes, create a mascot, sing karaoke tunes in Japanese and English, and help construct t he streets of Tokyo. In the Shinto Shrine Park, children find a bamboo forest, make a wish on the wishing tree and get their very own fortune.

FREE SENSORY NIGHT

Tonight, Jan. 3, from 5:30-8 p.m. children with sensory sensitivity and their families are invited to play in the museum with a low-sensory environment that otherwise might not be possible during regular operating hours.

During this time, overhead announcements, food smell sand other sensory inputs will be limited as much as possible.

Reservations are required because space will be limited to 100 people. Save your spot at cdmfun.org/sensory.

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Open Art Studio activities are offered 1-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p. m. Saturday and Sunday. Activities include:

› Batik Patterns: Guests will create a pattern to take home using wax, fabric and metal stamps.

› Finger Puppets: Guests will create a finger puppet using felt materials, hand- sewing and/or tacky glue.

› Dioramas: Guests may create a tiny model of the real world using only paper, scissors and tape.

› Kitchen Lesson: Soba noodles lesson at 2 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4-6. ›

Science Show: Electrified Sunday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m.

The Creative Discovery Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today through Sunday. Admission is $ 14.95 ages 2 and older, $ 9.95 military with ID, free for local police and firefighters with ID.

For more information: www.cdmfun.org.