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Grand Rapids Children's Museum breaks barriers between play and learning

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum offers hands-on experiences to encourage exploration and learning-through-play

About NPO Showcase

NPO Showcase highlights nonprofit and government organizations and the work that they're doing in our community. The program is a feature of GRTV, a service of the Community Media Center, with producer and host Adrian Hirsch. You can catch it on GRTV on Saturdays at 8 AM and 6 PM and can view past episodes at the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. If your nonprofit would like to be interviewed on NPO Showcase, please contact Adrian Hirsch.

Maggie Lancaster on NPO Showcase

Maggie Lancaster on NPO Showcase /GRTV

In this week’s segment of GRTV’s NPO Showcase, Maggie Lancaster, Executive Director from Grand Rapids Children's Museum talks about the value of play for the community's children and families, programs offered by the GRCM, and the rewards of offering immersive experiences for kids.

Lancaster says she is constantly rewarded by seeing play-based programs at the museum spark interest and passion for children. GRCM offers daily programs tailored for children of different ages and interests, including science exploration and arts. They even offer a 'night-out' for adults at the museum several times per year featuring a local brewery and games.

Leading up to Christmas, GRCM offers an annual GiftWorks program where kids can craft a variety of gifts to take home, or leave on display at the museum. Holiday programs culminate with the annual New Year's Early Eve, featuring a balloon and ball drop for youngsters who'd rather bring in the New Year a few hours early. 

In addition to programs offered, GRCM hosts a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits including fort building, role playing activities such as being a farmer or firefighter, and the ever-popular bubble-making room! They provide different visitation opportunities like group or birthday party visits, field trips, or simply a day out with the whole family. 

NPO Showcase is just one of the many ways that the Community Media Center serves the nonprofit community. For information about this and other CMC services for nonprofits, or to schedule a future interview, contact Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator, Adrian Hirsch, at 616-459-4788 x105 or email Adrian Hirsch.

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