museum calendar of events & programs
upcoming events
program descriptions
tues @ 11 am
ages 3+
play to learn
CML staff lead children in story time and an activity that focuses on different life skills, such as: practicing fine and gross motor skills, early math, reading readiness, and social-emotional learning.
This program is FREE with CML Membership or admission. No pre-registration is required.
Watch the video below to see for yourself what we do in PLAY to Learn!
wed & fri @ 10 am
ages birth – 3
early connections
Our youngest visitors (ages birth – 3 years) and their grown-ups are invited to join us for special programming each week designed to strengthen connections between the child and grown-up by developing rituals, modeling attunement, and promoting self-regulation skills.
This program is FREE with CML Membership or admission. No pre-registration required. Please let the Front Desk know you are here for Early Connections when you arrive. Space is limited.
Every second Friday of the month, therapists from Tri-County Therapy will observe the Early Connections class. They are experts in developmental milestones like motor skills, social skills, sensory development, articulation, and more! Therapists will stay after class to field questions from caregivers about their child(ren)’s development and provide informational handouts for attendees.
wed @ 3:30 pm & sat @ 11:30 am
ages 3+
art room surprise
Join CML staff for a guided exploration of a new artistic media or process each week. We’ll try our hands at different kinds of painting, drawing, mixed media, and more!
This class is FREE with CML Membership or Admission. No pre-registration is required.
thurs @ 3:30 pm & sun @ 3 pm
ages 5-8
full steam ahead
Children are invited to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts through Art! Children use both their creativity and analytical skills to tackle STEAM projects. From painting with robots, to building bugs that dance, to creating art through chemical reactions, this program provides engaging enrichment activities.
This class is FREE with CML Membership or Admission. No pre-registration required.
thurs @ 11 am
ages 3-5
small scientist society
Small Scientists Society gives children ages 3 – 5 the opportunity to explore scientific concepts through developmentally appropriate lessons. During each weekly session, children are introduced to a specific STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concept via a children’s book, a review of safety procedures, and hands-on activities. Participating families receive extension activities for further exploration at home.
This program is on hold until 2024.
sat @ 3 pm
ages 3+
mini masterpieces
Mini Masterpieces introduces children to artists, their work, and their methods to inspire the next generation of artists and creative thinkers. Children create their own works of art using the learned techniques.
This program is FREE with CML Membership or admission. No pre-registration is required.
Check out the video below to see what we do in Mini Masterpieces!
second & fourth sundays @ 10 am - 12 pm
CML superstars!
The Children’s Museum is open from 10:00am – 12:00pm on the second and fourth Sundays of every month exclusively for children with special needs and their families to visit the Museum for FREE. Children are able to explore and play in the Museum without the crowds and over-stimulation.
This program is FREE, but registration is required below.
At the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, play is learning and learning is play. CML believes that play is essential to the educational development of ALL children, regardless of challenges such as autism, developmental delays or physical disabilities. CML has proven to be a critical partner for the special needs community. Participants come from across the Charleston tri-county area at the suggestion of their doctors, therapists, teachers and hospitals.
Participants learn through play at their own pace, build self-confidence and discover their natural talents. Using CML as an alternative play environment, children can hone fine and gross motor skills through play, explore a multi-story medieval castle and shop for “real” groceries.
Accessibility kits are available for use while visiting CML and include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, colored glasses, weighted lap mats, fidget toys, liquid timers, and a visual scheduler. Check out a kit for free at the Front Desk.
second friday of select months @ 4 pm - 7 pm
free family fridays
Join us at the Museum for families to play and explore at no charge on the second Friday of the month from 4 pm-7 pm! Families get free play in the Museum and access to special community vendors in the alley.
No registration is required, families will be entering the Museum on a first-come, first-served basis.
2023 dates:
- February 10
- April 7
- September 8
- November 10
fri @ 3:30 pm
ages 4+
STEAM time machine
Explore the ages through art and science activities! Together we will turn back the clock to engage with human creativity and innovation from all over the globe, seeking connection with the people who created these treasures, the parts of the world and moments in history in which they lived.
This program is FREE with CML Membership or admission. No pre-registration is required.