Wrangle that Wiggle Worm!

Wiggle Worms, offered every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., is one of our most popular drop-in programs at the museum. Watch the video as Special Events Coordinator Tina leads kids in a partner dance with stuffed animals.

Each week, Tina introduces new dances and a few of the old favorites to keep kids hoppin' and boppin'. Perfect for children 18 months to 4 years, this program promotes gross motor skills and encourages playful experimentation with puppets, bubbles, musical instruments, feathers, scarves, and more.

This program is free for members or with paid museum admission. Please arrive at the museum with your wiggle worm a few minutes early and sign your name to the Wiggle Worm sheet. The drop-in is first come, first served and limited to 15 children.

Countdown to the Rainforest Theater

Just 4 more days until the Brazilian Rainforest Theater opens.

Our newest exhibit will have a stage plus a camera and TV screen for children (and adults!) to see their impromptu performances as they happen.

A glittering waterfall creates a beautiful backdrop for tales of adventure and discovery. Little performers can join the expedition by donning animal-print capes, safari hats, or dressing up as a flower!

Free Admission Today for Albany Residents

Some people call us Discovery Village. Some people call us the Gilbert House. Potato. PoTAHto.

What most people agree on, though, is that we're a whole VILLAGE of fun. We have three historic houses filled with interactive exhibits and an Outdoor Discovery Center witht the world's largest (and probably ONLY) crawl-through Erector Set maze.

We're doing a special promotion for Albany residents today. Show proof of residency, and you'll receive free admission for the entire day. It's our way of reaching out to our neighbors and inviting them to share in one of Salem's gems. Need directions? Click here for a map.

I hope you can make it, and post some comments here about your visit. The photo in this post was taken by Ron Cooper, a wonderful photographer and one of our biggest fans.

Albany Free Day Tomorrow!

Hi, everyone! Bubble Girl here. I wanted to let you know about a free day we're having tomorrow for all residents of Albany.

Our members voted for the next community to receive a free day of admission, and guess what? Albany, YOU'RE IT!!

Now all you need to do is prove you live in Albany. No cheating!! Bring a piece of mail or ID card with your address and you'll get in free for the entire day. We're only about 25 miles away, so pack a lunch, load up the mini-van, and join us for some hands-on fun at Salem's museum for kids.

Brazilian Rainforest Theater Opens October 1

The Brazilian Rainforest Theater opens October 1. Lush murals, a stage with a rushing waterfall backdrop, tree frogs and vegetation define our newest exhibit, located on the second floor of the Gilbert House. Your little performer will enjoy this opportunity to be transported to another part of our world.

While the grand opening won't happen until October 1, stop by to see the progress! The paint is drying, but it will soon be ready to go. Also, on the same floor, visit the newly renovated Undersea Cave of Frozen Shadows. Draw pictures or write your name in glow pen on the wall, or strike a pose while a flash of light freezes your shadow to the wall.

Welcome to our New Blog

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is open 361 days a year, which means we have 361 chances for your family to visit and have some fun. This blog will feature snapshots from special events, announcements of new exhibits, quotes from kids and staff, and other fun tidbits from the museum.

Fall is finally here, and that means we're getting ready for Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Merriment on October 18. If you haven't met Bubble Girl (that's me! see my picture in the corner?) make sure you come to the festival. I'll be under the Marion Street Bridge dancing to Cash & Company. Hope to see you there!