SCM provides diverse, hands-on learning experiences in visual arts, literary arts, theater, music, dance, and cultural traditions.

Exhibits: Many of our play-based exhibits foster children’s creativity. Our Story Factory Stage, for example, is a place where children can stretch their imaginations. The stage features backdrops, dress-up costumes, puppets, and prompts for children to make up and perform their own puppet shows, song and dance numbers, and plays. In addition, our Museum promotes greater understanding and cultural awareness in children through immersive exhibits, such as our Play Around the World Exhibit focused on Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean cultures.

In-House Youth Arts Programs: Museum educators lead a variety of visual arts, literary arts, music, and theater programs through our daily drop-in classes, special events, and homeschool enrichment series.

Mobile Museum Art & Music Programs: SCM’s Van Go! Mobile Museum is our educational outreach program that travels to elementary schools throughout the Sacramento region. Color Lab is SCM’s signature art education outreach program. Students look, play, and create with color in several hands-on activities, including an art project, color mixing, and our colors in motion wind tunnels. Sound Explorers is our traveling music program, in which students are able to touch, feel, and play a variety of instruments.

Guest Programming: We often bring guest musicians, youth theater troupes, artists, and dance groups to perform and/or present workshops to enhance our in-house programming. We also host art exhibits and readings by children’s storybook authors.

Community Cultural Celebrations: SCM celebrates holidays and traditions from many cultures (e.g., Diwali, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, and Día de los Muertos) with folk art activities in our Art Studio, guest presentations and performances, and educational classes.