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Engaging, No-Cost Activities for Learners of All Ages

Vacationers enjoy a day on a Coney Island beach.
Credit: New York State Archives

As summer temperatures rise, so do the opportunities for families to enjoy fun, educational, and completely free programs at the New York State Museum. These engaging weekday events offer learners of all ages a chance to explore New York’s rich history, vibrant culture, and scientific discoveries through hands-on activities, storytelling, expert talks, and film screenings. Whether you're a curious child, a lifelong learner, or planning a summer camp field trip, there's something for everyone!

Weekday Programs 

These events, offered in partnership with the New York State Library, New York State Archives, the Archives Partnership Trust, and Public Broadcasting Stations across the state, provide a wide range of enriching experiences.

Tuesdays – “Discover New York Stories on Screen”  
12:00 PM | Huxley Theater  
Embark on a fascinating visual journey through New York’s past and present with screenings of PBS documentaries, archival footage, and classic films. Celebrate the state’s diverse heritage, cultural achievements, and scientific milestones.

Wednesdays – “Museum Storytime Adventures”  
10:30 AM | Kids Cove  
Spark young imaginations with a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, and movement! Designed for young children and their families, each week introduces a new interactive theme that brings learning to life.

Thursdays – “Archives Jr. Investigation Station”  
10:30 AM | Kids Cove 
Get hands-on with history! Inspired by real archival materials, these engaging activities help children discover the importance of preserving personal and community stories.

Thursdays - “Archive Adventures: Discover New York’s Hidden Stories” 
11:00 AM | Discovery Place 
Curious about New York’s past? Discover the hidden stories that shaped the state—one document at a time!

Fridays – “Exploration with Experts”  
12:00 PM | Various Locations  
 Meet museum curators, enjoy live demonstrations, and engage in interactive learning experiences throughout the Museum. These programs offer a deeper look into exhibits and topics, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

For Camps & Large Group Visits
Planning a field trip? The State Museum welcomes summer camps and large groups for self-guided explorations of New York’s unique history and natural environment. Free off-site bus parking is available. Groups are asked to register on the New York State Museum website. 

New York Archives Jr! Magazine 
Not able to visit in person? Dive into history at home with New York Archives Jr!—a student-friendly companion to New York Archives magazine. Each issue adapts a featured article for upper elementary readers and includes fun facts, local connections, and engaging primary source activities.

This summer’s edition highlights the incredible story behind the building of the Erie Canal. Download free PDFs or request complimentary classroom sets at the New York Archives Jr! website. 

About the Office of Cultural Education 

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website and subscribe to our newsletter. 

The New York State Library, established in 1818, is the largest state library system in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide. Collections are made available onsite and through a robust interlibrary loan program. The Library’s mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the Research Library, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the Talking Book and Braille Library, and the Division of Library Development. The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. Additionally, the State Library is the official repository of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations. For more information, please visit the New York State Library website and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.  

Established in 1971, the New York State Archives has amassed one of the most extensive and historically significant state archive collections in the nation. The Archives manages, preserves, and provides open access to over 270 million colonial and New York State records dating back to the 1630s. In addition, the Archives provides records and archival management services to nearly 4,500 counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, and other local governments across New York State. The Archives offers technical assistance, training, and grants to non-government repositories through the Documentary Heritage Program and Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY). Researchers can access public records through the Archives’ online Digital Collections or by appointment on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center. For more information, please visit www.archives.nysed.gov.

The Archives Partnership Trust, a 501(c)3 organization, works to advance New York State History by making the voices within over 350 years of records accessible, relevant, and heard. Education, preservation, and outreach programs unite scholars, students, and the interested public in the discovery, interpretation, and promotion of our shared history. Programs created and supported by the Trust include: ConsidertheSourceNY.org; Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program; Student Research Awards; countless preservation projects to help stabilize and rehabilitate fragile records; and outreach programs such as New York Archives Magazine, the Empire State Archives and History Award, and other public education programs. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive timely updates.  

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.