Amazement Square explores growing up global

if you’re going
-WHAT: Growing Up Global
-WHERE: Amazement Square
-WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
-Admission: $7 for ages 2 and older
-Info: Visit www.amazementsquare.org or call (434) 845-1888

The children’s museum is hosting a series of programs and special events that explores what it means to live in a global family. The programs highlight world cultures, celebrations and traditions, while emphasizing common values and shared concerns.

“Our visitors are growing up in a global age. Technology has enabled us to connect with people around the globe and, more now than ever, we want to cultivate an awareness of the world around us and the shared issues and concerns we face in the 21st century,” saidRebecca Grawl, director of education at Amazement Square.

Global celebrations

The Growing Up Global program will highlight more than 40 cultures throughout the year, with a special emphasis on three global celebrations.

-April 11: The program explores spring celebrations in France, Russia, Japan and Mexico.

-May 23: The museum will host Children’s Day, a Nigerian celebration.

-Oct. 3: The third global celebration will highlight Korea’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

These events will invite visitors to immerse themselves in the music, art, food, and culture of distinct countries spanning the globe. The cost is included in the price of admission.

Children’s film festival

In September, an International Children’s Film Festival will feature family-friendly films from around the world, complemented by lectures, performers and hands-on art programs.

Global family dinners

Growing Up Global will host a monthly family dinner where visitors will get the taste of countries near and far. The next dinner will take place on April 25, when visitors can help make the food, sample it and take home the recipes.

Special programs

A series of programs, included in admission, will feature arts and crafts, stories and other activities. Some March programs:

-March 11: International Women’s Day, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Discover four countries around the world that have female heads of state: Ireland, Germany, Liberia and the Philippines.

-March 14: Einstein Unleashed, noon to 2 p.m.

Find out about German-born physicist Albert Einstein by taking part in a series of hands-on physics activities. Explore a balloon that won’t pop, create a temperature-sensitive bubble-blowing machine and witness the potato plummet.

-March 28: Animals of the Rainforest, 11 a.m. to noon

The Nature Zone will bring in a wide range of exotic animals from around the world. Meet hissing cockroaches, tarantulas, giant millipedes, snakes, iguanas and more, as a way to learn about the rainforest ecosystem.

Amazement Square wants its programs to reflect the cultural diversity of Central Virginia and invites people to share their cultural legacies by participating in the development of Growing Up Global programs. Contact Rebecca Grawl, director of education, at education@amazementsquare.org or (434) 845-1888.