2nd Saturdays for Families are designed for children ages 5–12 and connect hands-on learning to the Haggin Museum’s temporary exhibitions and core collection. Each Saturday experience includes a creative art project, an engaging STEM activity, a docent-led read-aloud, and a self-guided “Explore the Galleries” activity families can enjoy together. These experiences encourage curiosity, observation, and imaginative thinking while helping children make meaningful connections between stories, science, history, and works of art throughout the museum.

Reservations are not required. Activities and materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included with regular museum admission.

Step behind the scenes with Silhouette and Shadow Reel Theatre! Inspired by Lights! Camera! Alice!, the true story of pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché, children can craft a silhouette movie strip and set up a theater for their own performances, learning how simple shapes convey powerful stories. Families can also explore Camera Obscura: how Images travel, a hands-on STEM activity showing how light passing through a small opening creates an image, highlighting a key scientific principle of early photography and filmmaking. This engaging experience connects to the Backstage of Hollywood exhibit, which celebrates the artistry, innovation, and imagination that shaped the magic of early cinema.