The museum will continue to offer its summer workshops through the week of Aug. 3, however, and it will offer online events such as storytime readings. Workshops will be available each week from Monday to Friday for a limited number of children to attend in person to keep the occupancy to 10 or fewer individuals, Executive Director Angela Colton said.
"We feel that it's very important to do everything we can to support families at home during this time," Colton said. "As much as we wish we could play together at the museum, we at least want to provide parents and caregivers some extra resources to play together at home."
The facility will honor some birthday parties that had been scheduled within the current occupancy limits, but it will remain closed until local officials deem that reopening will be safe, she said. The museum staff will also continue to plan for fall activities and programming with the hope that it will be able to open by that time, she said.
In the meantime, a 10th anniversary party planned at the facility will go online as well as some other activities. The virtual party will mark 10 years at the current Panther Creek Shopping Center location and feature Monty the Magician and a cupcake art project, she said.
The museum also will offer online versions of Storybook Theatre and Shadow Puppet Theater each week on its website, she said. Other online programs include virtual musical instrument videos with Tom's Fun Band.
"I know this is an extraordinary time for everyone, and everyone is facing unique challenges," Colton said. "If there's one thought I could leave with the community, it's that if you value the museum's programs and services in the community, we need your help now more than ever."
The Woodlands Children's Museum is a nonprofit organization, and without admission fees and other on-site events to generate revenue, it is relying on donations and other forms of support, Colton said.
The museum accepts donations on its website, and several different membership options are available. Individuals can also contact the museum for information about sponsorships and in-kind donations at [email protected].
