Providence Children’s Museum transforms during April School Vacation Week (April 12-20) into a magical playground of discovery. From cuddly critter encounters to mind-boggling magic shows, the museum has cooked up an array of activities guaranteed to banish boredom and ignite imaginations.

“Our excitement is off the charts as we gear up for a week bursting with joy for the school break,” said Caroline Payson, the museum’s executive director. “We’ve got a lineup that’ll make your young ones’ eyes sparkle with delight!”

All adventures are included with regular museum admission of just $17 per person – no pre-registration required.

The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more details about the vacation week extravaganza, visit providencechildrensmuseum.org.

Schedule of events

Saturday, April 12 - Opening Day Extravaganza!

• 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Join the theatrical treasure hunt during "Lost & Found" - Help Sofia and Mason solve the mystery of a lost plush toy in this interactive theater experience that puts YOU in the story! Shows at 10:30, 11, 11:30, & 12.

• 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Unleash your inner artist with RISD Museum’s printmaking wizards! Create masterpieces to proudly display on your refrigerator gallery.

All Day: Pop into our buzzing Innovation Lab for mind-stretching STEM challenges that turn curious kids into mini-scientists!

Sunday & Monday, April 13-14 – Read & Play Every Day!

• All Day: Dive into the wonderful world of words with Reach Out and Read Rhode Island. Stories will spring to life before your eyes with various storytelling activities planned. Children will also get a free book!

Tuesday, April 15 - Movement & Marvels Day!

• 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Wiggle, giggle, and groove with the toe-tapping, hand-clapping Toe Ja.m. Puppet Band! Even the shyest dancers won’t be able to resist this musical extravaganza.

• 2 & 3 p.m.: Gasp in amazement as Circus Dynamics jugglers defy gravity and transform ordinary balloons into extraordinary creations! (Note: Some portions feature flashing lights)

• All Day: Our Innovation Lab becomes invention central with rotating STEM activities that challenge young brains.

Wednesday, April 16 - Animal Encounter Explosion!

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Hop on over for Hug-a-Bunny! Cuddle with adorable cotton-tailed friends from Xen’s Critters in this irresistibly fluffy experience.

2 p.m.: Slither, crawl, and creep into the fascinating world of Rainforest Reptile Shows! Brave explorers can meet scaly, spectacular creatures up-close after the presentation.

• All Day: Tinker and discover in our Innovation Lab’s STEM playground.

Thursday, April 17 - Imagination Explosion!

• 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Enter a world where puppets come alive! Newton and his quirky puppet pals from Through Me to You Puppetry will have little ones spellbound with stories and songs.

• 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Calling all architects and engineers! Fantastic Forts transforms our space into a magnetic wonderland where jumbo-sized creations reach for the sky.

• All Day: Our Innovation Lab becomes a hub of hands-on discovery with rotating STEM challenges.

Friday, April 18 - Magical Moments!

• 11 a.m.: Prepare to be a.m.azed by the mind-boggling illusions of Awesome Robb’s Magic Show! Is it science? Is it magic? You’ll have to see it to believe it!

• 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Continue the architectural adventures with our super-sized magnetic Fantastic Forts.

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Craft colorful DIY Inspirational Bracelets in the Innovation Lab – wearable reminders to practice mindfulness wherever you go.

Saturday, April 19 - Creative Construction Day!

• All Day: Build, demolish, and rebuild in our Fantastic Forts magnetic playground.

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Button Bonanza transforms little designers into fashion accessory creators! Design your own take-home button or magnet masterpiece.

Sunday, April 20 - Grand Finale!

• All Day: Last chance to create colossal constructions in our Fantastic Forts zone.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Dive into centuries of tradition with Pysanky egg decorating! Learn about this fascinating Slavic art form while creating your own brilliantly decorated egg to take home.