Our Programs
Inspiring Learning Through Creative Play
At Gilbert House Children’s Museum, we believe the best way to learn is to get your hands moving! We call it "Sneaky Education"—where kids are so busy building, creating, and experimenting that they don’t even realize they’re mastering complex concepts in STEAM and Narrative Literacy.
From the storytelling magic of our Friday sessions to the deep-dive discoveries of our homeschool classes, every program is designed to turn curiosity into confidence. Led by our passionate educators—Julia, Didi, and Zach—your child will step into a world of play that challenges their mind and fuels their imagination.
Homeschool Adventures
Dynamic, parent-free monthly blocks for ages 5–11. Led by Julia and Didi, we tackle a new theme each month—from launching stomp rockets to designing "Cranky Contraptions.
-
Ages 5–7: Wed/Thu @ 12:30 PM.
Ages 8–11: Wed/Thu @ 11:00 AM.
-
OCTOBER – Mission to Mars
NOVEMBER – Ceramics and Chalk Pastels
JANUARY – Storybook STEAM
FEBRUARY – Crafters
MARCH – Math Snacks
-
$90 for Members
$100 for Non-members
(4 classes per month)
Summer Camps
The highlight of the year for Grades 1–4! Our summer camps provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning that utilizes our entire indoor and outdoor campus for a summer of pure discovery. Led by experienced educators, these 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM experiences create the perfect combination for a fantastic summer camp experience.The highlight of the year for Grades 1–4! Hands-on, inquiry-based learning that utilizes our entire indoor and outdoor campus for a summer of pure discovery.
-
Member Early Access: Opens March 15
Public Registration: Opens March 22
-
June 29 – July 3 | Artist Camp – Unleash your inner Picasso.
July 6 – July 10 | Engineer Camp – Build big and tinker often.
July 13 – July 17 | Storybook STEAM – Where legends meet laboratories.
July 20 – July 24 | Scientist Camp – Dive into the "how" and "why."
July 27 – July 31 | Crafter Camp – Real tools, real skills, real fun.
August 3 – August 7 | World Traveler – A global journey without leaving Salem.
August 10 – August 14 | Best-Of Camp – All the fan-favorites in one week!
-
Member Price: $340 per week
Non-Member Price: $380 per week
Ages: Designed for kids entering 1st–4th Grade.
Participants should be between 6–9 years old (5-year-olds are welcome if they turn 6 by September 1st).
Requirements: All campers must be fully restroom independent.
-
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Member Discount: Ensure you are logged into your member account (using the named adult on the membership) to receive your discount in the cart!
Lunch & Snacks: Please bring a reusable water bottle and a sack lunch. We provide snacks twice a day!
Field Trips
Turn Our Museum Into Your Classroom!
Do you have a classroom or group of kids who would love to turn Gilbert House into their personal learning space? We are the perfect destination for a field trip that sparks discoveries in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
-
Who: Recommended for PreK through 2nd Grade (Ages 3–7).
Cost: $14 per student. (The best part? Chaperones and teachers are FREE!)
Group Size: Minimum of 15 students per group.
Ratio: To ensure a safe and fun experience, a 4:1 student-to-chaperone ratio is required.
Visit Length: Enjoy up to a 2.5-hour maximum visit of pure exploration.
-
Inquiry-Based Learning: Every exhibit is designed to encourage kids to ask "Why?" and "How?" while they explore our indoor and outdoor campus.
Hands-On STEAM: From the Science Lab in the Gilbert House to the Engineering Studio in the Parrish House, students engage with real-world concepts in a tactile way.
Standards-Aligned Fun: Our environment naturally supports early childhood and elementary learning standards in a setting that's anything but a "desk".
-
Welcome & Orientation: Your group will be greeted upon arrival with a quick orientation to get your visit started smoothly.
Easy Entry: We’ll guide you through our special group entrance (Field Trip Gate on Water Street) to get your kids straight to the fun!
Freedom to Explore: Students have the freedom to discover our 20+ interactive exhibits and the Outdoor Discovery Area at their own pace.
Staff Support: Our friendly museum staff is available to answer questions and help gather your group when it’s time to head home.
-
Lunch: An outdoor lunch area is available if your group wants to bring packed lunches.
Booking: Please make your reservations at least two weeks prior to your visit.
Payment: All attendees must be paid for in one single transaction upon arrival (Cash, Check, Credit Card, or PO).
Make and Take Storytime
Join us for a morning (or afternoon!) of imagination, literacy, and "crafty" fun. Make and Take Storytime is a fan-favorite experience where stories come to life through art. Whether it's a timeless classic or a brand-new release, Zach makes every story an interactive adventure!
-
We offer two sessions every Friday to fit your family's schedule:
Morning Session: 11:30 AM
Afternoon Session: 4:00 PM
Calendar: This program follows the school year, running September through June.
Note: Programs are included with Museum Admission and are FREE for Members!
-
The "Make" (15–20 Minutes): We start by getting creative! We provide all the materials to create a unique craft based on the weekly theme. We love seeing kids add their own unique flair to every project.
The Story: Once the crafts are finished, it's time for the main event! Zach leads an interactive reading where participation is highly encouraged.
The Skills: We sneak in "reading readiness" skills like rhyming, predicting, and new vocabulary, along with important social and emotional lessons.
-
Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
-
While the program is specifically designed for ages 2–6, everyone is welcome to create and enjoy the story!
Science Time
Get ready to dive deep into the "how" and "why" of science! Science Time isn't just a demonstration—it’s an interactive, guided experience where kids get to lead the way. Every week, we roll out a brand-new activity designed to spark curiosity and build real-world skills.
-
Expert Mentoring: From 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, our educator is there to guide your young scientist through the weekly activity, helping them test theories and make discoveries.
New Every Week: We rotate our activities weekly so there is always something fresh to explore—from physics challenges to chemistry "concoctions."
Learn at Your Own Pace: Science Time is all about the process. We encourage kids to tinker, fail, and try again!
-
When: Every Afternoons
Facilitated Learning: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Calendar: Summer schedule 3:00-4:00
Cost: Included with Museum Admission (Free for Members!)
-
Science Time is designed for curious minds of all ages! Whether your child is just starting to wonder about the world or is a seasoned STEM lover, our educators adapt the learning to meet them where they are.