We are looking forward to welcoming families to our traditional end of the school year outdoor event at the museum in the Gladys Merrick Garden; join the fun with books, a scavenger hunt game with a checklist of nature items and interesting things to find in the garden, and a craft.
The land around us, both desert and mountains, has so many stories to tell! Sightings of a variety of wild critters, such as hummingbirds, ravens and migrating hawks, lizards and tortoises, small ground squirrels and rabbits or hares, bumblebees plus other insects or spiders are all possible finds. The children will become ‘Nature Detectives’ as they search for signs or clues of them. Hmmm, those holes spotted in the ground just might be tunnels to small animals’ shelters, such as mice, or even snakes. The ants may live in the tiny dirt mounds. Feathers or nests or bits of broken eggshells are signs of baby birds. What other signs and clues can be found on the garden? Perhaps, chewed leaves, tracks or scat may be scattered around. Whether exploring nature in the desert, mountains, forests, lakes and streams, children’s curiosity is bound to lead to questions and for answers to be sought. The children can look for the sun dial, the solar system, or labyrinth while in the garden; and, also, play the wonderful new musical outdoor instruments in the shapes of flowers and ladybugs. Not only is learning happening, but the experience is a lot of fun!
Children’s Hour, begun by a group of volunteer docents in 2009, continues to encourage both learning and appreciation of books, and the Mojave Desert/nearby mountains. Each program theme is explored through storybooks, songs, and action activities, crafts and natural history exhibits from the docents’ collection. Curiosity and questions from children are warmly received!
We hope to see you for this free and educational event! The May Children’s Hour will be the last one for the season but will begin again monthly in the Fall. For information about Children’s Hour Fall 2026 Schedule, please check maturango.org in late August/early September 2026 or by calling 760-375-6900.
