What’s New This Month

April

All of April: Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and highlight the contributions and talents of Arab Americans. Come enjoy our wonderful selection of books that honor Arab American authors and illustrators.   

All of April: National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month.  Reading and writing poetry help children to have fun with language. When reading poems of others’ experiences, children can experience an increase in empathy and learn about someone else’s life. When writing their own, children can express themselves and have fun with this creative outlet. Join us at LCM to learn about and read haikus, free verse, cinquains, and more. You will also have an opportunity to add your poem to the LCM Poet-Tree near our Studio in the Park!   

Every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: MathHappens

A Math Room is a welcoming, hands-on space where visitors of all ages can explore math through play, puzzles, and discovery. Activities are designed to spark curiosity and invite open-ended exploration – no worksheets, no pressure. Just joyful, creative encounters with math in a comfortable setting. The Math Room is made possible in partnership with the MathHappens Foundation, a nonprofit organization bringing meaningful math experiences to public spaces across the country. 

Thursday, April 2 and 16, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Sensory- Friendly Playtime   

At LCM, we are committed to building stronger, more connected communities through active engagement. We welcome all families and children of all backgrounds and circumstances. We offer a playtime for families that provides a low-sensory experience where children with sensory-specific needs can explore the Museum without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of typical open hours. We limit the number of families who can attend, turn down sounds and lights, and provide adaptive equipment such as noise-reducing headphones and weighted vests. When available, specialists will be on hand to help facilitate activities and provide resources. If you would like to participate in this event, please register here.  

April 3, 6, 7: Spring Break Camp 

“Our Own Backyard” Spring Break Camp is designed for children ages 5-8. Campers will dig, plant, and investigate soil and learn about native plants and flowers of New Orleans. Featured activities include creating a landscape design and planting in our Edible Garden.  

Saturday, April 4 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: LCM Hours         

LCM will open at 12:00 due to traffic and parking issues that will occur related to the Crescent City Classic.   

Saturday, April 4 12:00 p.m.:  Nature Walk with Louisiana Master Naturalists 

Let’s go on a nature adventure! Take a curious walk through the LCM Big Backyard with Louisiana Master Naturalists. Families and young learners are invited to explore, observe, and ask questions as we notice the living world together.  

Sunday, April 5: LCM Closed   

LCM will be closed for the holiday.    

Friday, April 10 at 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Parents Night Out

Pigment & Pattern Night Registration required 

April 11-17: NAEYC Week of the Young Child 

Each week is the week of the young child here at the Museum, but we want to take time to recognize the official celebration spearheaded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Each day of this special week, we will find new ways to celebrate children, and we will highlight the play and learning of our young guests in different activities around the Museum.   

• Saturday, April 11 2:00 p.m.: Kickoff Celebration: Performance and Interactive Q&A with Mahmoud Chouki

Enjoy a musical performance by Mahmoud Chouki, Moroccan Musician, Composer, Curator and Teacher in celebration of Arab American Heritage Month in the Talk & Play center.

• Sunday, April 12 2:00 p.m.: April Sock Hop Wiggle Party  

Guests are invited to dance, play instruments, and chase bubbles at our monthly Wiggle Party. We invite you to wear silly socks or just your favorite pair! 

• Wednesday, April 15: Work Together Wednesday  

Throughout the day, children, grown-ups, and play facilitators are invited to explore blocks of all different sizes with our popular Imagination Playground Blocks, KEVA planks, Magna-Tiles, and more! 

• Thursday, April 16: Artsy Thursday 

During your visit, stop by our Studio in the Park for a deep dive into our springtime nature observations.  

• Friday, April 17 11:30 a.m.: Animal Family Friday  

Join us in our Dig Into Nature Gallery for Animal Family Friday as we learn about how local animals protect and care for their young. There will be fun nesting and weaving activities, too! 

Saturday, April 11 2:00 p.m.: Performance and Interactive Q&A with Mahmoud Chouki, Moroccan Musician, Composer, Curator and Teacher 

Join us in the Talk & Play center for a special one-hour program featuring local musician Mahmoud Chouki, a master guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer from Morocco. Known for his innovative fusion of classical guitar with traditional instruments like the oud, banjo, and various percussion, Chouki creates a unique sound that bridges cultures. This engaging event will include a live performance and an interactive exploration, where children can experience the vibrant traditions of Moroccan music and beyond. Discover the magic of music as a universal language that connects us all!   

Saturday, April 18, 1:30 p.m.: Drawing with Debris 3D” with visiting teaching artist Jacke Inglefield 

Learners expand imagination through bricolage, creating art from reused plastics, cardboard, and other materials at hand. Using hole punches, markers, and chenille stems, participants quilt colorful translucent forms while exploring recycling, inventive making, and three-dimensional drawing. 

April 18, 19: Earth Weekend April  

Celebrate, create, & discover with a full weekend of Earth Day programming for curious kids. 

Throughout the weekend, young naturalists can observe plants and clouds, make art with natural treasures, design dream gardens, and record their discoveries in nature journals. Follow your senses through the sights and smells of plants, hear stories from the swamp, and join a joyful Earth Day Wiggle Party to celebrate our beautiful planet together. 

Saturday, April 18: Earth Weekend (Day 1) 

• Nature Observations (Studio in the Park, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)  

• Earth Day Writing Prompt (Atrium, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)  

• Wild Wonderers (Edible Garden, 9:30 a.m.)  

• Greauxing Naturalists (Labyrinth, 10:30 a.m.)  

• Dream Garden Collage (Edible Garden, 11:30 a.m.)  

• Nature Journaling (Big Backyard, 12:30 p.m.)  

• Drawing with Debris 3D (1:30 p.m.)  

• Cloud Observations & Creations (Big Backyard, 2:30 p.m.)  

• Sights and Smells of Plants (Dig Into Nature, 3:30 p.m.) 

Sunday, April 19: Earth Weekend (Day 2) 

• Nature Observations (Studio in the Park, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)  

• Earth Day Writing Prompt (Atrium, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)  

• Dream Garden Collage (Edible Garden, 12:00 p.m.)  

• Greauxing Naturalists – Water & Wonder (Courtyard, 12:30 p.m.)  

• Stories in the Swamp (Dig Into Nature, 1:00 p.m.)  

• Earth Day Wiggle Party (Courtyard, 2:00 p.m.)  

• Cloud Observations & Creations (Big Backyard, 3:00 p.m.)