Dec 31, 2023

Help Port Discovery ring in 2024 with the annual Noontime New Year Event. Take a family photo in front of our New Year’s Eve backdrop. Make your own confetti cannon or number template. Write or draw your resolution on our Wish Tree. Watch a comedy show and make your own jokes or listen to stories and play musical instruments. Participate in a sensory exploration. And don’t forget to countdown to noon! This year, we will also offer a sensory friendly countdown. 

 

Art Projects

  • STEAM Confetti Cannons

    Make your own confetti and confetti cannon from a variety of recyclable materials. Then test your creation while exploring physics, engineering, color, and shape. 

  • Colorful Countdown Numbers 

    Select, color, and decorate a number template that you can use to help countdown to noon at the museum or the new year at home. 

  • Top-Hat Headbands and New Year’s Eve Glasses 

    Accessorize your New Year’s Eve outfit by making your own mini top-hat headband using party cups or New Year’s Eve glasses using pipe cleaners.  

  • The Wish Tree 

    Write or draw messages and resolutions for the new year to attach to our wish tree. 

  • Popsicle Stick Noisemakers

    Ring in the new year by constructing your very own noisemaker. How many different types of noisemakers could you make using popsicle sticks? 

Hands-On Activites

  • Welcome Aboard Photo Area

    Stop by our photo area and take family pictures in front of our New Year’s Eve backdrop. A variety of photo props will be available for kids and their adults. 

  • What Time Is It? 

    Explore time with a variety of activities. Construct a clock and learn how to tell time. Discover the relationship between reading a clock and fractions. Make your own clock book of time. 

  • New Year Around the World Scavenger Hunt

    A self-guided, museum-wide scavenger hunt geared for older children and families. Seek out special markers within our exhibits and answer riddles about how different countries celebrate the new year.  

Live Performances

  • “All-Star Cabaret”: Captain Lyra’s StaRRRsearch 

    The All-Star Cabaret is a series of shows featuring museum characters. In “Captain Lyra’s StaRRRsearch”, the pirate Captain Lyra will re-tell one of her nautical adventures—starring you! Use props, prompts and your own unique talents in this interactive, dramatic arts experience. 

  • “All-Star Cabaret": Teddy & Peake’s Comedy Routine 

    The All-Star Cabaret is a series of shows featuring museum characters. In “Teddy & Peake’s Comedy Routine”, the puppets Teddy and Peake will perform a comedy show for all-ages. Watch different styles of comedy and get the opportunity to tell some jokes of your own. 

  • “All-Star Cabaret”: Gee-Pop and the Fizz’s Holiday Spectacular 

    The All-Star Cabaret is a series of shows led by some of the museum’s favorite characters. In “Gee-Pop and the Fizz’s Holiday Spectacular”, Port Discovery’s “Once Upon a Time” grandparents will sing classic holiday tunes and engage in wacky hijinks.  

Sensory Friendly Programming

 

Countdown to Noontime: Sensory Friendly Version 

A communal countdown designed to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. Featuring low audio games, no noise confetti, and a silent countdown with guest volunteers.  

Sensory Exploration Table  

Explore and engage in sensory activities at one of our tables. Discover cool substances you can touch. 

Discovery Tales

A story time for our younger visitors. Listen to books, play musical instruments, and participate in scarf play.