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Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Asian American & Pacific Islander Month

May 1, 2025

This May, Children’s Museum of Atlanta invites caregivers and children to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a dynamic lineup of immersive activities, showcasing groundbreaking AAPI innovators and artists from around the globe. From skyscrapers and science to art and adventure, children have the chance to explore the rich cultural contributions of the AAPI community. On May 11, guest-favorite United Nations of Play returns for children to explore global cultures, discover diverse traditions and connect through the universal language of play. New feature exhibit, SCOOBY-DOO!™ Mansion Mayhem, opening May 17, gives visitors a chance to navigate a spooky mansion, follow clues and solve puzzles alongside their favorite characters from the beloved TV show.

May Special Programming

American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Thursday, May 1 – Tuesday, June 3 (Different Stage programming Saturday, May 10 + Different Art and Stage programming Sunday, May 11)

Set off on a journey through the Pacific Islands while armed with the legendary IMAGI-TOOL 2000 (a.k.a. a pool noodle). Kids will use their imaginations to row boats, scale mountains and escape volcanoes—learning about the vibrant flora, fauna and geography of the Pacific Islands along the way. Also, on stage will be a retelling of a classic fable, “Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon” by Ying Chang Compenstine. Little ones can build skyscrapers in Jane’s Innovation Station, discovering which can withstand the forces of weight, wind and even an earthquake. Dive into the invisible world of viruses and vaccines at the Science Bar while learning about Chinese-American scientist Dr. Flossie Wong-Staal. In the Art Studio, future Picassos create a bug inspired by the work of Japanese artist Hiroshi Shinno! 

 

CMA On Stage

“Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon” by Ying Chang Compenstine + Island Adventure

11 a.m. (weekends only) “Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon” by Ying Chang Compenstine

1 p.m. Island Adventure

3 p.m. “Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon” by Ying Chang Compenstine


Science Bar

Junior scientists will experiment with invisible ink and reveal how scientific research protects us from germs and disease.

Art Studio

Inspired by the imaginative works of Japanese artist Hiroshi Shinno, young creators can build their own colorful creepy crawlies.

Jane’s Innovation Station

Future architects test their design skills in a challenge inspired by Bangladeshi-American structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan – exploring engineering principles while honoring Khan’s legacy as the father of modern skyscrapers.

United Nations of Play Programming

Saturday, May 10

The anticipated United Nations of Play returns allowing families to travel across the globe, learn about different countries, their national traditions and celebrate Atlanta along with the world’s diversity. This year, the Museum is featuring Benin, Canada, Columbia and India!

CMA On Stage

Storytime: “Around the World Right Now” by Gina Cascone

10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Drum Group Performance by Shalima Adam (Republic of Benin COGIC)

11 a.m.

Magician Performance by Brian Roberts (Consulate General of Canada to the United States, in Atlanta)

Noon

Children’s Dance Performance by ⁠Ismaili Civic Dance Group (Ismaili Civic)

1 p.m

Latin Dance and Cheer Performance by Latin Dance and Cheer (Consulado General de Columbia en Atlanta)

2 p.m.

Table Activities

Benin

Coloring Sheets, Djembe Drums + Ayoayo Game

Recipe: Dahomey Fish Stew


Canada

Hockey Dress-up + Make Your Own RCMP Hat + Tabletop Hocket + Cornhole

Recipe: Sucre à la crème


Columbia

Trompo Toy + PARQUES Colombiano + Rayuela + Coloring Sheet

Recipe: Arepa Colombiana


India

Design a Rangoli + Try on India + Lattu Race

Recipe: Chicken Biryani

 

Mother’s Day Programming

Sunday, May 11

Guests enjoy a heartfelt Storytime reading of special Mother’s Day Story, “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera Williams and “Little Red and the Dragon” by Ying Chang Compenstine. Children and their mother figures can take advantage of the time together and color in the Art Studio.

CMA On Stage 

“Little Red and the Dragon” Ying Chang Compenstine + “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera Williams

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. “Little Red and the Dragon” Ying Chang Compenstine

1 p.m. “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera Williams

Art Studio

The Art Studio allows for ultimate creativity and coloring collaboration between mothers and their budding artists!

9:30 a.m.

 

Building Blocks

Weekdays only; (except: Monday, May 26 – Friday, May 30)

10 a.m. - noon


Artsy Mondays

May 5, 12 and 19

Little artists swirl paint and shaving cream to create dazzling, marbled masterpieces inspired by the traditional West Asian water marbling technique.


Tinkerin’ Tuesdays

May 6, 13 and 20

Little learners flex their fine motor skills by weaving, twisting and shaping yarn into playful and colorful creations. It’s the perfect way to spark creativity and have a blast!


Messy Thursdays

May 1, 8, 15 and 22

Tiny tots will bring the messy fun with a slime-making activity! They can roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of non-Newtonian fluids while activating their fine motor skills and senses. Or, for even more excitement, toddlers can get creative with shaving cream art and make a colorful masterpiece! The fun finishes with a toddler Storytime, making it a perfect morning of artistic exploration.


“Jammin” Fridays

May 2, 9, 16 and 23

Toddlers get rockin’ with the Museum’s special Friday Jam activity in the Art Studio as families’ favorite hits are chosen and little ones play with instruments!

 

Coming in May: 

SCOOBY-DOO!™ Mansion Mayhem

May 17 – Sept. 7, 2025

SCOOBY-DOO! and the gang invite families to solve a gem of a mystery. This celebratory experience, created by Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE), asks kids and caretakers to combine forces with the members of Mystery Inc. to analyze clues and put their problem-solving skills to the test. Families and young detectives will work through the rooms of the mansion meeting different characters of the iconic TV show that has captivated fans for more than 50 years. Little ones will also have the chance to unmask the jewel thief and discover secrets of the mansion!


For more information or to support Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and X

 

Museum Admission:

Tickets are available to members and guests online, by phone and in-person. Babies 11 months and younger and members are admitted for free. All daily programs and exhibits are included in the price of admission. For more information regarding ticket and membership options, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

 

Museum Hours:

The Museum will operate in a timed entry model where guests can visit between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Museum is closed on Wednesdays with the exception of the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving. Please check the Museum website to confirm hours of operation.