RALEIGH — The kids may be out of school and the temperature on the rise, but that doesn’t mean you have to sweat for ideas to keep the family entertained.

The North Carolina Museum of History is offering a number of fun, free family events to bring your kids or adults to this summer.

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with museum educator Emily Grant, for a special look at the indoor/outdoor programs.

The below content is courtesy the NC Museum of History:

Summer Storytime Series

Thursdays, Now – Aug. 30

10 - 10:30 a.m.

Ages 10 and under with an adult

Books ranging from pirates to popcorn, the Summer Storytime series follows a guide to one of the museum galleries, or outside to the garden exhibit.  There, you can look around and listen to a history-related story. 

History of the Harvest Exhibit

Visit the exciting outdoor exhibit for a hands-on opportunity to learn about North Carolina agriculture. Presented in partnership with Farm Bureau, planters include information on medicinal plants and planting methods used by American Indians, some plant-related state symbols and newly developed hybrids that use local plant-breeding technologies. 

Saturday Garden Series

·         A Garden Ratatouille

Saturday, July 14, 1–3 p.m.
Gardener, author, and educator Craig LeHoullier (a.k.a. “The Tomato Man”) will share his love of heirloom tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers and offer tips on succeeding with your own plants.  Be sure to pick up some recipes for eating your summer favorites!

·         Land of the Longleaf

Saturday, Aug. 11, 1–3 p.m.

Harvesting plants isn’t just about vegetables!  Learn about the first-in-forestry state, why we are called Tar Heels, and how local trees have shaped our state identity.  Create a dogwood print, have fun with furniture, and make a sassafras tea bag to take home.  

While you’re there, visit the Artist at Work: Stuart Kent. This woodworking teacher and custom furniture maker turns bowls and other items on a lathe.

Time for Tots: Preschool Programming

·         Art in Motion*

Saturday, Aug. 11, 1–3 p.m.

·         Things That Go*

Saturday, Aug. 11, 1–3 p.m.

Harvesting plants isn’t just about vegetables! Learn about the first-in-forestry state, why we are called Tar Heels, and how local trees have shaped our state identity. Create a dogwood print, have fun with furniture and make a sassafras tea bag to take home.

*Ages 3–5 (with adult) $5 per child; free for MOHA/museum members. For information, call 919-807-7979.

Museum Gallery Hunts

What sport did Walter “Buck” Leonard play? Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote? How did the banjo get to North Carolina? The N.C. Museum of History Gallery Hunts and Fred’s Finds activities, lead kids on an extraordinary adventure through their galleries! Find a few of our founder’s favorite things— and see if you can answer his questions.

COMING SOON!  New Explorer Station

A new starting point for children and families will open soon in the museum lobby! Explorer Station will be a new central hub for learning in exhibits and galleries and include their familiar backpacks, along with a range of fresh worksheets and ideas for exploring that are directed at pre-K visitors through groups of all ages.

For more information on the North Carolina Museum of History and their many programs, visit their website.