The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science will offer free programs for children and families this August. Admission to the museum and programs are free.

“Nature & Science Discovery PreK”

Thursdays, 10am

Nurture your little one’s love of science! Investigate comets and asteroids through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts Thursdays in August. No registration required. Recommended for ages 2-5 with an adult caregiver.

“Saturday Science – Solar Ovens”
Saturday, August 5, 10am-noon
Build a simple solar oven and heat up a sweet treat. No registration required. Recommended for ages 6 and up, adult caregiver participation is required.

“Live Animal Feedings”

Saturdays, August 5 and 12, 11am

What we eat is important to our health and for the animals in the Nature Center it’s no different. Learn about the enrichment activities we use during mealtimes and more while you watch the animals display their natural instincts. Turtles are publicly fed on the first Saturday of the month. Snakes are publicly fed on the second Saturday of the month. Animal feedings take place in the gallery at the Museum of Nature & Science. No registration required, all ages.

“Bug Fest!”

Saturday, August 19, 10am-1pm

There are over 10 quintillion insects on Earth at any given time and every one of them serves a purpose! During “Bug Fest!” you will have the chance to meet live insects, closely observe pinned insect collections, learn how you can help pollinators, and learn about insects as a food alternative!

“Fossils!”
Saturday, August 19, 9am-noon

Explore the 3.5-billion-year odyssey of life with a geologist and real fossil specimens. Learn about ancient worms which lived millions of years ago.

“STEAMpunk – Game Design”

Saturday, August 12, 11am

Discover the stories behind science heroes who break barriers and explore the application of their research through hands-on experiments and activities. Learn about game designer Lizzie Magie inventor of “The Landlord’s Game,” pre-cursor to “Monopoly!” Inspired by her development of this world-famous game, we’ll create our own board games. No registration required. Recommended for ages 6 and over.

“Teen Science Café:”
Tuesday, August 22, 5:30pm – 7pm

Students ages 11-17 are invited to have dinner with NMSU geology associate professor Brian Hampton, learn about geology and participate in a hands-on activity. Dinner and activity supplies are included. No registration required.

Animal Encounters – Chuckwalla”

Saturday, August 26, 11am

Join us as we introduce you to a different resident of the Chihuahuan Desert each month. Learn about the tracks they leave, the sounds they make, and ways to help with their conservation. This is your opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals we share our desert with. No registration required. 

The Museum of Nature & Science is located at 411 N. Main Street and is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1. Visit the website at: https://www.lascruces.gov/museums or follow the Las Cruces Museums on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LCMuseums.

For information contact Angela Micevska, Education Curator, at 575-522-3120 or by email at [email protected].