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Program guide 

To view or download our complete program guide for Summer 2018 click here.


We want all children to benefit from the camps and classes offered at the SD Discovery Center! Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, we may be able to offset the cost of our programs for families in need. No forms to fill out. Simply inquire by contacting Rhea.


Upcoming events

  • CuriosiTeens

    • 30 Nov 2017
    • 27 Sep 2018
    • 16 sessions
    • SD Discovery Center
    Register

    Ages 10 and up:

    Join us year round, every last Thursday of the month at 3:30 - 5:00 PM or
    GIRLS ONLY: 5:30 - 7:00 PM

    Do you like exciting experiments? Awesome adventures? Fantastic fun? Become a part of CuriosiTeens!

    Explore cool hands-on activities, go on adventures, design your own research project, or bring a science cafe to our community and meet special guests. Start your STEM* journey with us. (*Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

    Topics:

    • May 31: Forensic Science
      – investigate a crime scene and explore how forensic scientist can solve mysteries by looking at DNA, fingerprints, blood, and other clues
    • April 26: Molecular Gastronomy
      – how to make a special dinner using spherification
    • March 29: Earth Hour Special
      – find out why sea turtles are amazing, what special adaptations let them survive for millions of years and why there existence is threatened now 
    • February 22: Storytelling with Maps 2 "Let's take action!" 
      – see the consequences of over population and find out what you can do to save endangered species with National Geographic Education
    • January 25: Storytelling with Maps "We've got the whole world in our hands" 
      – explore the power of images and get a foundation in Geo-Literacy with National Geographic Education
    • December 28: Christmas Chemistry
      – explore the stages of matter by making a bubbling snow globe 
    • November 30: Explorer Science
      – a night with our special guest Anne Lewis, National Geographic Arctic Explorer
    • October 26: Halloween Science
      – how to make an illuminated sugar skull using sewable electronics
    • September 28: Science of Flight
      – how to make a bat skin kite using silicone rubber and 3Doodler



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  • Starry Saturday Planetarium Show

    • 28 Apr 2018
    • 8 Sep 2018
    • 10 sessions
    • SD Discovery Center

    Our digital planetarium is open to the public the second and forth Saturday of each month!  Show topics vary depending on the presenter (Greek or Lakota constellations, the moon, deep space objects, etc.).  It’s fun for the whole family. All ages welcome!

    Free with paid admission.  Members free. 


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  • Game Design Class

    • 12 Jun 2018
    • 14 Aug 2018
    • 8 sessions
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 1
    Registration is closed

    Game Design Class


    What is your favorite game? Learn to design, code, and play your own video game using a free software system that you will have continued access to after the class.

    Build critical-thinking, creativity, and research skills, that can be translated into future robotics competitions and career aspirations.

    Boy Scouts can fulfill the requirements for the Game Design Merit Badge by participating in this class.


    Ages: 12 – 14 years

    Time: Tuesdays 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (8 sessions)

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $47, non-members: $55

    Limit: max 10 participants


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  • Junior Outdoor Explorer Camp

    • 25 Jun 2018
    • 9:00 AM
    • 28 Jun 2018
    • 12:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Junior Outdoor Explorer Camp

    Join us for a fun week as a Nature Explorer!  This camp will provide quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting.  Campers will have a great time exploring all kinds of nature up close while riding bikes, exploring the skill of archery, building forts, and other exciting adventures. Earn the Brownie Outdoor Adventurer badge, or the Junior Eco Camper badge. Making a healthy snack will be part of each day. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies.

    Ages: 8 – 11 years

    Time: June 25 – 28, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $40, non-members: $48;

    Limit: max: 15 participants

    Sponsored by 319 I&E Project


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  • Preschool What's Wild? - AM

    • 27 Jun 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 13
    Register




    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12


    What's Wild?

    Would a coyote make a good house pet? How about a deer? Find out what all animals need to live and which ones you would like to share your home with. Get creative and make your own critter to take home, sign some animal songs and play animal charades.
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  • Preschool What's Wild? - PM

    • 27 Jun 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 10
    Register




    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12


    What's Wild?

    Would a coyote make a good house pet? How about a deer? Find out what all animals need to live and which ones you would like to share your home with. Get creative and make your own critter to take home, sign some animal songs and play animal charades.
    Show details

  • Science Thursdays - Build-a-Beast

    • 28 Jun 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 6
    Registration is closed

    Science Thursdays


    Ages: 6 – 8 years

    Time: Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants



    June 28

    Build-a-Beast

    How do animals survive in extreme environments? Adaptation is an important part of evolution that allows all living organisms to survive in any habitat from hot deserts to the freezing arctic and even on the deep-sea floor. Create your own animal with extreme adaptations.


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  • Science Fridays - Build-a-Beast

    • 29 Jun 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 19
    Registration is closed

    Science Fridays


    Ages: 9 – 12 years

    Time: Fridays, 9:00 – 11:00 AM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    June 29

    Build-a-Beast

    How do animals survive in extreme environments? Adaptation is an important part of evolution that allows all living organisms to survive in any habitat from hot deserts to the freezing arctic and even on the deep-sea floor. Create your own animal with extreme adaptations.



    Show details

  • Junior Outdoor Explorer Camp

    • 9 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM
    • 12 Jul 2018
    • 12:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 4
    Register

    Junior Outdoor Explorer Camp

    Join us for a fun week as a Nature Explorer!  This camp will provide quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting.  Campers will have a great time exploring all kinds of nature up close while riding bikes, exploring the skill of archery, building forts, and other exciting adventures. Earn the Brownie Outdoor Adventurer badge, or the Junior Eco Camper badge. Making a healthy snack will be part of each day. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies.

    Ages: 8 – 11 years

    Time: July 9 – 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $40, non-members: $48;

    Limit: max: 15 participants

    Sponsored by 319 I&E Project


    Show details

  • Advanced Outdoor Explorer Camp

    • 9 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM
    • 13 Jul 2018
    • 4:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 4
    Register

    Advanced Outdoor Explorer Camp

    This camp is designed especially for the older Nature Explorer! Test water quality, observe nature, and build a fire (smores!), all while kayaking down the Missouri River. Take a trip to the Grasslands and pilot a Citizen Science project. Venture into biking, snorkeling, fishing, geocaching, and archery during this fun explorer camp. Cadet Girl Scouts can earn their Archery and the Primitive Camping badge. Making a healthy snack will be part of each day. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies.

    Ages: 12 – 15 years

    Dates: July 9 – 13; 1:00 – 4:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $50, non-members: $58;

    Limit: max: 10 participants


    Sponsored by 319 I&E Project


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  • Cowgirls Overnight Camp

    • 9 Jul 2018
    • 3:00 PM
    • 10 Jul 2018
    • 3:00 PM
    • Antelope Creek Ranch
    • 10
    Register

    Cowgirls Overnight Camp

    This camps is for every kid who ever wanted to be a cowgirl! Qualified staff, experienced horse and a rodeo and roping arena will be the setting for this camp. The atmosphere will encourage campers to advance their riding skills, expand horsemanship knowledge, learn horse and ranch routines and enjoy riding! All levels of riding experience will be accommodated. Participants will sleep under the stars (or bring a tent). Riding helmets will be provided.

    Ages: 10 – 18 years

    Time: Cowgirl: July 9 – 10

    (Camps may become coed if numbers require)
    Location: Meet at the SD Discovery Center at 3:00 pm the first day for transportation to Antelope Creek Ranch. Campers will return to Discovery Center by 3:30PM second day
    Fee: $235
    Limit: max 10, min 7 participants



    Horse Camps - Antelope Creek Horses & Horseback Riding LLC

    Antelope Creek Horses & Horseback Riding LLC is solely responsible for the content and implementation of the horse camps. Please contact the camp director, Diana Melvin, for any camp related questions, and inform her of any allergies, special dietary or other needs prior to camp: (605) 223-3172.
    Instructions for required clothing and other important items to bring will be sent out via email after sign-up.


    Show details

  • Preschool All About Owls - AM

    • 11 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 7
    Register




    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12



    All About Owls

    Let’s discover everything there is to know about these amazing nocturnal birds! Through games, stories, music and movement we will explore the owl’s world. We will even dissect an owl pellet to find out what he had for dinner







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  • Preschool All About Owls - PM

    • 11 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 8
    Register




    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12



    All About Owls

    Let’s discover everything there is to know about these amazing nocturnal birds! Through games, stories, music and movement we will explore the owl’s world. We will even dissect an owl pellet to find out what he had for dinner







    Show details

  • Cowboys Overnight Camp

    • 11 Jul 2018
    • 3:00 PM
    • 12 Jul 2018
    • 3:00 PM
    • Antelope Creek Ranch
    • 10
    Register

    Cowboys Overnight Camp

    This camps is for every kid who ever wanted to be a cowboy! Qualified staff, experienced horse and a rodeo and roping arena will be the setting for this camp. The atmosphere will encourage campers to advance their riding skills, expand horsemanship knowledge, learn horse and ranch routines and enjoy riding! All levels of riding experience will be accommodated. Participants will sleep under the stars (or bring a tent). Riding helmets will be provided.

    Ages: 10 – 18 years

    Time: Cowboys: July 11 – 12

    (Camps may become coed if numbers require)
    Location: Meet at the SD Discovery Center at 3:00 pm the first day for transportation to Antelope Creek Ranch. Campers will return to Discovery Center by 3:30PM second day
    Fee: $235
    Limit: max 10, min 7 participants



    Horse Camps - Antelope Creek Horses & Horseback Riding LLC

    Antelope Creek Horses & Horseback Riding LLC is solely responsible for the content and implementation of the horse camps. Please contact the camp director, Diana Melvin, for any camp related questions, and inform her of any allergies, special dietary or other needs prior to camp: (605) 223-3172.
    Instructions for required clothing and other important items to bring will be sent out via email after sign-up.


    Show details

  • Science Thursdays - Where have all the flowers gone?

    • 12 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 11
    Register

    Science Thursdays


    Ages: 6 – 8 years

    Time: Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants



    July 12

    Where have all the flowers gone?

    Learn about the intricate relationship between different species, and how they depend on a healthy ecosystem. Meet endangered species in our State and find out how you can help them survive.



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  • Science Fridays - Where have all the flowers gone?

    • 13 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 16
    Register

    Science Fridays


    Ages: 9 – 12 years

    Time: Fridays, 9:00 – 11:00 AM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    July 13

    Where have all the flowers gone?

    Learn about the intricate relationship between different species, and how they depend on a healthy ecosystem. Meet endangered species in our State and find out how you can help them survive.




    Show details

  • Mom/Pop and Tot in the Garden

    • 13 Jul 2018
    • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
    • 6
    Register

    Ages: 2 – 3 years and a parent, grandparent, or favorite adult

    Time: Fridays, 12:15 – 12:45 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class, United Way funds available.

    Limit: max 8 child & guardian couples

    Join us as we sing, laugh, and play together outside! Using the Discovery Center Gardens and special stations, toddlers and parents will explore different themes, create wonderful works of art, make beautiful music, pretend with finger plays, listen to children's stories and so much more.

    June 8 Garden Colors

    June 22 Garden Shapes

    July 13 Garden Numbers

    July 27 Garden Animals


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  • Earth and Space Camp - Elementary

    • 16 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM
    • 20 Jul 2018
    • 12:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 17
    Register

    Earth and Space Camp - Elementary

    During this amazing week you will learn all about flight, meet real pilots from the Civil Air Patrol, observe the stars with telescopes, find exoplanets, take a look at earth from space, and much more! Join us and launch into space exploration with all your imagination! Brownie Girl Scouts can earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge.

    Ages: 7 – 10 years

    Time: July 16 – 20, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $47, non-members: $55;

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    Show details

  • Earth and Space Camp - Middle School

    • 16 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM
    • 20 Jul 2018
    • 4:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 19
    Register

    During this amazing week you will learn all about flight, meet real pilots from the Civil Air Patrol, observe the stars with telescopes, find exoplanets, take a look at earth from space, and much more! Join us and launch into space exploration with all your imagination! Brownie Girl Scouts can earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge.

    Ages: 11 – 14 years

    Time: July 16 – 20, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $47, non-members: $55;

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    Show details

  • Daisy Badge Day: Design a Robot

    • 16 Jul 2018
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 9
    Register

    Design a Robot

    Now that you know what robots can do and how they do it, it’s time to design your own robot! Work like engineers to plan and build a prototype of your robot that solves an everyday problem. Don’t forget to make a program for your robot, as it will need it for your prototype to “run." After, test and share your robot prototype with your fellow Daisies for ideas on how to make it even better.

    1. Plan your robot
    2. Create a prototype
    3. Get feedback on your robot

    When I’ve earned this badge, I will know how to plan, build, and share feedback like an engineer by creating a prototype of a robot that solves an everyday problem.

    Important: No tag-a-longs. 
    Girl Fee: $15.00 Includes: Activities and patch




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  • Preschool Science Let's Go Camping - AM

    • 18 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 12
    Register



    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12
    United Way funds available.

    July 18  Let’s Go Camping!

    Sit around our campfire and pop into our pup tent for this fun camping adventure. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt, learn about animals you might see on a real camping trip, make a nature craft and enjoy a yummy camping treat.


         





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  • Preschool Science Let's Go Camping - PM

    • 18 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 4
    Register



    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12
    United Way funds available.

    July 18  Let’s Go Camping!

    Sit around our campfire and pop into our pup tent for this fun camping adventure. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt, learn about animals you might see on a real camping trip, make a nature craft and enjoy a yummy camping treat.


         





    Show details

  • Science Thursdays - Recipe for a human body

    • 19 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 8
    Register

    Science Thursdays


    Ages: 6 – 8 years

    Time: Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants



    July 19

    Recipe for a human body

    How does our body work? What keeps our heart beating, and our blood pumping? Look inside the human body and explore how everything in us works together to keep us alive and healthy. Test your lung volume and build a functioning heart.


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  • Science Fridays - Recipe for a human body

    • 20 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 19
    Register

    Science Fridays


    Ages: 9 – 12 years

    Time: Fridays, 9:00 – 11:00 AM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    July 20

    Recipe for a human body

    How does our body work? What keeps our heart beating, and our blood pumping? Look inside the human body and explore how everything in us works together to keep us alive and healthy. Test your lung volume and build a functioning heart.



    Show details

  • Earth and Space Camp - Elementary

    • 23 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM
    • 27 Jul 2018
    • 12:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 15
    Register

    Earth and Space Camp - Elementary

    During this amazing week you will learn all about flight, meet real pilots from the Civil Air Patrol, observe the stars with telescopes, find exoplanets, take a look at earth from space, and much more! Join us and launch into space exploration with all your imagination! Brownie Girl Scouts can earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge.

    Ages: 7 – 10 years

    Time: July 23 – 27, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $47, non-members: $55;

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    Show details

  • Earth and Space Camp - Middle School

    • 23 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM
    • 27 Jul 2018
    • 4:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 17
    Register

    Earth and Space Camp - Middle School

    During this amazing week you will learn all about flight, meet real pilots from the Civil Air Patrol, observe the stars with telescopes, find exoplanets, take a look at earth from space, and much more! Join us and launch into space exploration with all your imagination! Brownie Girl Scouts can earn their Fling Flyer Design Challenge badge.

    Ages: 11 – 14 years

    Time: July 23 – 27, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

    Location: meet at SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $47, non-members: $55;

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    Show details

  • Preschool Tracks and Traces - AM

    • 25 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 11
    Register



    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12
    United Way funds available.



         

    July 25 Tracks and Traces

    Learn about the critters that call South Dakota home through the use of skins, skulls and artifacts.  Explore predator-prey relationships through games and activities.





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  • Great Explorations in Math & Science for K-5 Teachers

    • 25 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM
    • 26 Jul 2018
    • 3:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center, 805 W Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
    Register
    Great Explorations in Math & Science for K-5 Teachers


    Wednesday, July 25 from 9am -3pm through Thursday, July 26 from 9am - 3pm

    SD Discovery Center, 805 W Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501

    $25 registration fee.  Register at www.sd-discovery.org

    1 ($45) undergraduate/graduate credit (approval pending) or up to 15 CEU's (free) available. 

    Kids love (& LEARN from) hands-on science & math lessons.  You will be amazed by the skills your students gain when you teach these units.  During this workshop you will try the materials, activities and lessons plans associated with the standards you teach.  Through active involvement we will practice materials & small group management, questioning techniques, linking reading & writing with math & science, and inquiry-based learning.

    Those taking the workshop for credit must teach a GEM's lesson by Sept. 30, 2018 and participate in a review of the experience.  Times will be arranged at the convenience of the participants.  Each participant will earn a free GEMS guide of their choice and a teacher membership to the SD Discovery Center.

    This workshop is sponsored by the SD Space Grant Consortium.


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  • Preschool Tracks and Traces - PM

    • 25 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 10
    Register



    Science FUN for little ones ages 4 - 6.

    Fee per class: members: $10, non-members: $12
    United Way funds available.



         

    July 25 Tracks and Traces

    Learn about the critters that call South Dakota home through the use of skins, skulls and artifacts.  Explore predator-prey relationships through games and activities.





    Show details

  • Science Thursdays - Thinking cap

    • 26 Jul 2018
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 12
    Register

    Science Thursdays


    Ages: 6 – 8 years

    Time: Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants



    July 26

    Thinking cap

    How does our brain control our body and why do zombies like brains so much? Explore the brain and our nervous system and see if you can control someone else’s movements or thoughts.



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  • Science Fridays - Thinking cap

    • 27 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 18
    Register

    Science Fridays


    Ages: 9 – 12 years

    Time: Fridays, 9:00 – 11:00 AM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class

    Limit: max: 20 participants

    July 27

    Thinking cap

    How does our brain control our body and why do zombies like brains so much? Explore the brain and our nervous system and see if you can control someone else’s movements or thoughts.



    Show details

  • Mom/Pop and Tot in the Garden

    • 27 Jul 2018
    • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
    • 6
    Register

    Ages: 2 – 3 years and a parent, grandparent, or favorite adult

    Time: Fridays, 12:15 – 12:45 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $10, non-members: $12 per class, United Way funds available.

    Limit: max 8 child & guardian couples

    Join us as we sing, laugh, and play together outside! Using the Discovery Center Gardens and special stations, toddlers and parents will explore different themes, create wonderful works of art, make beautiful music, pretend with finger plays, listen to children's stories and so much more.

    June 8 Garden Colors

    June 22 Garden Shapes

    July 13 Garden Numbers

    July 27 Garden Animals


    Show details

  • Robotics Camp - Basic

    • 30 Jul 2018
    • 9:00 AM
    • 3 Aug 2018
    • 12:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 0
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