This month, SPARK is focused on sharing art by bringing in local artists and bringing out the artist in YOU. Enjoy programs dedicated to the arts all month long! Stop and see our gallery to learn more about some of our local artists. Engage in some dramatic play with our art studio-themed programming in the Imagination Station. From mosaics to collages, and messy manipulatives along the way, there will be much to spark your creativity this month. Check out everything you need to know this month in our May Newsletter ..read more

This April, we will be learning about animals of Minnesota. From falcons and reptiles to rabbits, cats and dogs, and more furry friends along the way, this April, SPARK is wild about animals! Make the most of your visit by reading our April newsletter now ..read more

Our March Newsletter links you to Summer Camp registration, and all of our Women's History and National Agriculture Month programs. There's a lot happening in March and you won't want to miss it. Read our March Newsletter now ..read more

Our February Newsletter links you to all of our I Love To Read Month and Black History Month programs. We have so much going on this February and you won't want to miss any of it. Read our February Newsletter now ..read more

Want to make the most out of your visit at SPARK? Check out our January Newsletter for programs and activities occurring as we kick off the new year! Click here to read more ..read more

December is a month full of celebrations that bring people together. At SPARK, we honor the rich cultural heritages in our community, and their traditions, and help children and families understand and explore the world around them while visiting SPARK.    Families that visit our museum have many different traditions based on their background. We embrace the beauty and diversity in these celebrations through our programming year-round, and many holidays fall in December. We are fortunate to have community partners who are making time to share their experiences with our visitors this ..read more

Preparing for Future Success at SPARK When children engage in exhibits and quality educational programs offered at SPARK, they are working toward developmental milestones recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as current state and national academic standards. Engagement at SPARK also promotes school readiness by focusing on early literacy, beginning math and science concepts, the development of planning and problem-solving skills, cooperation, self-esteem and self-discipline, and physical coordination. Play enhances brain structure and promotes exe ..read more

To our SPARK Supporters - thank you for making room in your heart for SPARK this year! I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester, Inc. Your commitment to our mission of enriching the lives of young learners by creating shared, interactive experiences that engage people of all ages in the joy of play, the power of learning, and a sense of community is truly invaluable. Thanks to your kindness and dedication, we have been able to create enriching experiences for children and families in our community. Your support enables us to develop ..read more

Quick! How many lit up buttons will you hit in 30 seconds? A game with the same thrill as whack a mole is helping your child grow and develop, but how? When you compare the Reaction Wall to Whack-a-Mole you will notice one very large difference, the Reaction Wall requires you to hit your targets on a vertical wall instead of a tabletop. This is a different motion that requires a lot of motor planning but also has an immediate reward. The instant satisfaction of hitting the lit-up button and watching it move is thrilling, as well as the following race to beat your previous score. Learning a ne ..read more

September 30 is Worldwide Day of Play! SPARK is proud to be a participating children's museum in this international day of play with Nickelodeon and ACM. We're encouraging you to get outside to learn and play today! Go on a hike, go to the park, or walk through your neighborhood! While outside, keep your eyes open and see what you can find and learn about today. Below is a BINGO card you can take with you and see what you encounter. There are prizes and membership discounts for some BINGOs, so take a look! Benefits of Play When your child is set free to explore their curiosities and find answe ..read more