Media Room Strategic Initiative Early Childhood Development

Bestselling Author and Nature Advocate Richard Louv to Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

September 19, 2017

Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment, will double the museum’s current exhibit space and provide endless opportunities for fun and learning with a focus on environmental and science education. Bestselling author and chairman emeritus of Children & Nature Network Richard Louv will give the keynote address at the dedication on Thursday, October 19 at 11 a.m. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo will speak about the museum’s leading role in making San Jose a nature-rich city for all children. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Museum Ditches Sodas, French Fries, and Hot Dogs

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
June 1, 2016

The beautifully transformed cafe, FoodShed, is now aligned with the museum's strategic commitment, Childhood Obesity Prevention, and healthy eating and active living goals. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Health Promotion

Museum is Living Laboratory for University Researcher

University of Santa Cruz News Center
September 1, 2017

How do children learn? Development psychologist Maureen Callahan's life work is understanding the various factors that shape how a child learns. Nearly 20 years ago the University of California at Santa Cruz and the museum formed a partnership to study how children and families engage in science learning. It's been a mutually beneficial relationship since day one. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum, Learning Research, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Teens Give Summer of Service High Marks

Los Gatos Weekly Times
July 20, 2017

Developing leadership skills, building empathy for others, and understanding community needs are just a few benefits of the award-winning service camp for teens grade 7 - 10th. In Summer of Service, teens connect to local nonprofits to volunteer their time, make a difference, and have fun. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship

Marilee Jennings Shares Vision for Outdoor Expansion

Content Magazine
July 1, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings shares her vision for Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature - the museum's new outdoor learning environment opening in October. After 26 years, the museum is bursting through its purple walls and connecting kids to nature with outdoor play and environmental and science education. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Kids Food Festival 2017

February 21, 2017

Fun with food. Kids and families will enjoy healthy eating and active living activities as part of the museum's Obesity Prevention initiative. The museum piloted the West Coast festival in 2016 with NY based The Creative Kitchen. This launched a national partnership with Parents and Family Fun Magazines and the Association of Children's Museums. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Health Promotion

Popular Children’s Museum Heading Outdoors

NBC Bay Area 11
November 16, 2016

More than 100 first graders tossed seeds into the bare ground in preparation for the construction of Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature. This new space will connect kids to nature for fun and learning with a lookout tower, fort building area, a dig pit, a tree climbing structure linked with a suspension bridge and much more. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning