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Programs & Events
The Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center hosts programs and events ranging from musical performances and lectures to stargazing and hands-on science labs, as well as kid's programs of all kinds. Programs and events are included with admission, except where noted.
Check the calendar to see everything that's coming up.
Saturday mix - science and history
Trolley Tracks and Tales
How does the Fort Collins Municipal Railway work? Explore the science behind Fort Collins' historic trolley system. Drop by between 11:00 and 2:00.
Saturday August 28
Saturday September 25
Saturday October 30
StarLab Planetarium shows
Journey through the stars - and beyond! - in our special public StarLab shows. Shows at 11:00 and 1:00.
Saturday September 4
Saturday October 2
Saturday November 6
Saturday December 4
Science Surprise
Be amazed at cool science experiments and investigations – all family friendly and ALL a surprise! Drop by between 11:00 and 2:00.
Saturday September 18
Saturday October 16
Saturday November 20
Saturday December 18
Tracks, Scat and Fur
Touch the tracks, match the scat, and feel the fur of Rocky Mountain animals. Play the Animal Poo game or make your own track field guide to take home! Drop by between 11:00 and 2:00.
Saturday October 9
Saturday November 13
Saturday December 11
Meet the Animals
Slide your hand over a snake, touch a turtle's shell, listen to a cockroach lullaby! Join us for hands-on fun with the Museum's live animal collection. Drop by between 11:00 and 2:00
Saturday October 9
Saturday November 13
Saturday December 11
Hints of History
Get your hands-on history by trying different crafts and daily duties from 19th century Fort Collins. Drop by between 11:00 and 2:00.
Saturday October 23
classes (pre-registration required*)
Build the Tipi Workshop
For ages 6-12
Ever wonder how a tipi stands up against the wind? Or how come snow and rain don't come into the tipi? These questions and more will be answered in this two-hour tipi workshop, when participants raise the Museum's tipi from the lodge poles up!
Fee $15/child; sibling discount: $8 for each additional child from a family.
Saturday September 18, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Kid's Night Out
For ages 4-10
Kids -- take the night off from your parents! Explore the Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center after-hours while diving into fun activities and a pizza dinner.
Drop off between 6:00 and 6:30 pm; pick-up between 9:00 and 9:30 pm. Fee $30/child; sibling discount: $15 for each additional child from a family.
Friday October 1: Fall in Autumn
*Pre-registration required. All Members receive a 10% discount. Deluxe Members receive a 20% discount. To register, stop by the Museum or call 970-221-6738. Cancellation deadline is two weeks prior to the start of each class. Refunds, minus a $5 processing fee, are only available when cancellations are made prior to the deadline.
special fall activities & events
Wednesday Walks in Old Town
Included with paid admission
Enjoy a walk through beautiful, historic Old Town while learning about the architecture and history of Fort Collins’ distinctive downtown.
Wednesdays from June 2 - September 29, 1:00 pm
Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) Meetings
NCAS meetings are hosted by the Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center! Astronomy speakers and presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ncastro.org.
1st Thursday of every month: September 2, October 7, November 4, and December 2; all 7:30 pm.
Knee High Knapsack Club
Included with paid admission
Activity time at the Museum dedicated to our youngest visitors! Young children, ages 3 to 5, and their caregivers will utilize their five senses in educational play with a focus on science and history topics.
2nd Thursday of the month: September 9, October 14, November 11, and December 9; 10:30 - to 11:30 am.
Terror Tours
Ghosts, murders, bloody accidents…hear about Old Town’s true tragedies and lurid legends during the 10th Annual Terror Tours! Painstakingly researched through interviews with Old Town residents and business owners as well as through written accounts preserved at the Local History Archives, the Museum has documented the many cases of gruesome, paranormal and bizarre incidents in Fort Collins history. Dress in costume and join us for a hauntingly good time! Recommended for ages 16 and up due to content.
Terror Tours depart from the Museum beginning at 8:00 pm. The tours last 1 hour and leave every 15 minutes from the Museum. The last tour leaves at 10:00 pm. Advanced tickets cost $4 per person and will be on sale beginning Friday, October 15. Tickets are good only for the date and tour time listed on them. Tickets purchased the day-of the tour are $5. Tours are limited to 20 individuals and tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. No refunds available. For more information contact the Museum at 416-2705, ext. 1.
Friday, October 22, Saturday, October 23, Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30
New this year!
Book a private Terror Tour for your group of up to 20 people! Responding to popular demand, the Museum will offer private Terror Tours of Old Town for groups of up to 20 people. The cost is $150 per tour and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Private tours are only available for booking on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, October 12 – 27, between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 pm. Light snacks and beverages are included in the price of the private tour. For more information contact the Museum at 416-2705, ext. 1.
Thanksgiving Harry Potter Celebration
Celebrate the opening of the new Harry Potter movie at the Museum on Saturday, November 27! The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will present “Owls of Harry Potter,” a 1-hour educational program featuring 3 live owls, at 11:00 am! Museum staff will host StarLab Planetarium Shows featuring constellations and stars with Harry Potter character names and a Wizard Chemistry Class full of fun chemical reactions resembling a Potions class!
Saturday, November 27, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Winter Break Special Programs
Avoid cabin fever! The Museum will present special, family-friendly programs during the winter school break. Check back for further details on super guest presenters, fun workshops, and hands-on activities. All programs are from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Tuesday December 21
Wednesday December 22
Thursday December 23
Tuesday December 28
Wednesday December 29
Thursday December 30.
history mystery 2010
History Mystery 2010 was a smashing success!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Fort Collins Museum Foundation's fifth annual History Mystery Challenge on August 27, 2010. We had a fantastic time! Photos coming soon ...
brainiac bowl 2010
Join us for our annual science trivia challenge and corporate banquet dinner fundraiser on October 2, 2010. It's a blast!
See the craziness from Brainiac Bowl 2009 >>
