KIDS PROGRAMS
Bringing History to Life!
KIDS PROGRAMS
In addition to kids and family events which happen throughout the year, including Fall Harvest Festival, Night at the Museum, Book Club with Samantha and more, we offer custom programs for group visits. Home School groups, Pre School Field Trips, Play Groups, Scout troops etc. - we will customize to the ages of your group, season, interests, etc. Call us to schedule!
"Escape the Tories"
The Mather Homestead during Revolutionary Times
Kids will learn about the Revolutionary War, a time when Tories came across the Long Island Sound to raid homes in Darien, then Middlesex Parish.
Includes:
- Tour of the 1778 home
- Scavenger Hunt or "Escape the Tories" (depending on age)
- Craft our outdoor games
"Colonial Living"
The Sustainable/Homesteading lifestyle during Colonial Times
Kids will learn about how people lived back in Colonial Times when Joseph and Sarah Mather built the Mather Homestead (1778) on 100 acres of farmland.
Includes:
- Visit to the Mather "keeping room" where Sarah Mather baked bread in the beehive oven for her 11 children.
- Interactive presentation with workbook in the barn.
- Homesteading stations: candle making, embroidery, butter making.
- Dress up in the playhouse and Colonial games.
"Become a Junior Ranger"
The National Parks & Stephen Mather
Kids will learn about the National Parks and Stephen Mather's important role in creating the National Park Service and the system of 63 parks that we enjoy today. They will earn a "Stephen Mather Junior Ranger Badge".
Includes:
- Interactive presentation about the National Parks with workbook
- Fun games
- Walk through Mather Meadows
- Craft, e.g., leaf painting
"Become a Junior Docent"
We invite kids to learn an abbreviated tour of the house and then to lead others through the house! We will provide you with tour materials and you invite your family/friends to tour.
"Tea Party!"
Kids will drink tea, nibble on scones and other goodies, and learn about etiquette, e.g., what to do with that pinkie finger! After tea, we'll do a craft and, play tea party games and read "How to Behave at a Tea Party". Tea party in the garden, weather permitting, or in the barn.
All programs are $30/child, up to 20 children per visit.
1 1/2 hours. Mutually agreeable time.
Please contact Cristi Mohr at cristimohr@matherhomestead.org to plan a group visit.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS
Apr 05, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMJoin us at the home of one of CT's first female architects to learn about architecture! Local “A-list” architect Matthew Dougherty will introduce the basics of architecture -- then we'll build! Kids will leave with a greater appreciation for and interest in architecture. Reco ages 6 to 10.
May 04, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMJoin us for fun and learning at the homestead featuring Christine's Critters plus resident literary guru Samantha Gault. First up, a discussion of "My Side of the Mountain" with interactive fun! Then, a one hour program by Christine Peyreigne featuring live hawks, falcons, owls and reptiles.
May 10, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMMake-Modern is coming back to Mather for an embroidery workshop! Erika Allen will teach your children how to create a gorgeous sampler, just like the Mathers did in the 19th century. Ages: 2nd - 5th Grade. All materials + snacks provided.
