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Ultimate Guide To The Bowers Kidseum in Santa Ana

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Over winter break, I took my kids and a few of their friends to the Bowers Kidseum in Santa Ana for an afternoon of fun and exploration.  It had been some time since I last visited the museum and I wanted to check out their recent remodel.

The first thing the kids were drawn to was the new Green Screen Time Machine.  Here they dressed up in all sorts of costumes and put on a show that they could immediately watch on the green screen in front of them.  I will let the pictures tell you the actual story!

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

After the kids had their movie premiere, they wandered over to the very cool glow-in-the dark cave similar to the Lascaux caves in France.  The cave is actually a former bank vault with the original steel door intact.  There is also artwork everywhere, especially on the walls and the ceiling.

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Every week Kidseum has two different art projects that guests can make in the cave.  Since it was over winter break, Field Trip Girl painted a reindeer and made a glow-in-the dark macaroni necklace as a present for her best friend.

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

As a group, we were especially enamored with the museum’s new smart tables.  With technology all around us, even the 3-year-old couldn’t resist playing with her mother.

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

It was interesting to learn that the tables allow 40 touches at one time and help children work together in a cooperative environment.  Boy, do I wish I had one of these at home!

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Out of all the children, Field Trip Boy spent the most time in the museum’s newly updated archaeology lab.  The artwork inside is fascinating.

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Every Second Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kidseum also offers Jr. Archaeology programs with alternating themes.  As an archaeologist for a day, children think, learn, explore and get their hands dirty.  They also record their findings and create an artifact to take home.  Advance reservations are required.

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

The original Kidseum items that stayed after the renovation include:

The Rainbow Bridge that welcomes you as soon as you enter.

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

The arts and crafts room where Field Trip Girl made a New Year’s Eve drum and popper.

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

The Story Room where live storytelling takes places at 11 – 11:30 am and 1:30 – 2:00 pm during museum hours.

Bowers Kidseum

Musical instruments of all kinds.

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Field Trips at the Bower's Kidseum

Last but not least, was the amazing face painting that the Kidseum’s artists did for my children.  Little guests of all ages can choose any design from beautiful butterflies to fire-breathing dragons to Egyptian cheetahs.  Face painting is included in the price of admission, but donations are welcome.

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Field Trips at the Bower's Museum

Kidseum Field Trip Information

K – Grade 2 school tours are offered Tuesday – Friday.  They are limited to a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 120.  The cost is $10 per child.  Plus receive one FREE chaperone per every 10 children and teachers are always FREE.  Additional chaperones are $6 per person.

Kidseum General Admission
  • Ages 2 and Up: $6
  • Under 2/Members: Free
  • FREE Adult admission with current Bowers Museum ticket stub.

The Kidseum is located at 1802 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706.

Happy Field Tripping!

Jilleen

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