Tempe Time Machine

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Last summer, Museum Kids and their grownups went on a FREE Museum Adventure! Revisit the fun below, and check back soon for new Tempe Time Machine plans for 2025.

Join us on a hunt for history! How do you think kids from long ago were different? How were they just like you?

Explore the museum’s amazing objects to find out. Kids and their grownups will learn and discover with crafts, stories, activities, and live demonstrations.

Ballet Folklorico Itzamatul del Valle del Sol

The 2024 Tempe Time Machine program is inspired by the museum’s Main Exhibit Gallery, where you can learn Tempe’s history through four topics: Surviving in the Desert, Building Our Community, Living Together and College Town.

Tempe Time Machine happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the dates below. Admission is free and registration is not required. While our focus is on kids from 3 to 10 years old, Tempe Time Machine is fun for all ages.

Groups of 10 or more are welcome. For the best experience please call 480-350-5140 to schedule your date and time.

Interested in volunteering for the summer program? Click here to visit our Volunteer page; click here to view the youth volunteer job description.

For information about other museum events and programs, visit www.tempe.gov/museum or call 480-350-5100.

MAY 29 - Who Do Kids Cheer For?

Tempe is a college town! Do you cheer for the Sun Devils? Who is your favorite mascot?

Search the museum for a football, a furry hat, and other objects that tell the story of Tempe's biggest school, ASU. Then get moving with a Mascot Dance every hour!

Dance and be silly with Penelope Pineapple from Kid Zone! Dewey the Water Drop and other favorite mascots will also pop in to join the fun.

Plus get free water safety information from Salt River Project, go on a scavenger hunt, and more.

Penelope Pineapple SRP Dewey

JUNE 5 - How Do Kids Help?

Have you ever helped someone? Do you know how to make a difference when things aren't fair?

Look through the museum for a heavy bag of fruit, a flag with an eagle on it, and other objects that tell us how kids used to work hard all day, and sometimes couldn't learn and play the way all children deserve to do. Discover the ways people can stand up for what is right--even kids like you!

Local artist Martín Moreno will be here for the entire session, teaching you how to create art that makes a difference!

Join us to paint a mural that will be displayed in the museum for people to enjoy and think about.

JUNE 12 - How Do Kids Have Fun?

What do you do for fun? Do you know how to make music? Do you like to dance?

Search through the museum for an old radio, a piano, and other objects that tell us how kids used to have fun! Then learn about a beautiful instrument that makes a sweet and friendly sound.

Find out how to make music with mountain dulcimers and other fun instruments! Musician and educator Tryn Rose Seley will teach you what to do at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and Noon.

JUNE 19 - NO PROGRAM - Museum Closed for the Juneteenth Holiday

JUNE 26 - What Do Kids Wear?

JULY 3 - What Do Kids Eat?

Do you make food or put dishes on the table? Have you ever gathered berries, picked vegetables, or gone fishing?

Look through the museum for fishing gear, a grinding stone, and other objects that tell us how kids used to find food, prepare it, and eat it! Then find out for yourself how delicious fresh butter is.

Learn how to make real butter with Tempe History Museum educators at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and Noon!

Discover the science behind this fun and fascinating everyday task from the past.

JULY 10 - How Do Kids Play?

What's your favorite toy? Do you know any games?

Explore the museum for a doll, a uniform, and other objects that can tell you how kids from long ago would answer those questions. Then be amazed as yoyo experts take an old fashioned toy to spectacular new heights!

The Chandler Yoyo Club will show you their best yoyo tricks in exciting performances at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and Noon!

But that's not all! Club members will teach yoyo skills at our learning station throughout the session.

Chandler Yoyo Club_Yoyo Close Up Chandler Yoyo Club_Group_Crop

The Chandler Yoyo Club was founded in 2017 by Hunter Feuerstein (pronounced fewer-steen) and attracts kids and adults of all ages. They meet 1-2 times per month to yoyo and learn new tricks from each other.

Meetings are free and yoyos are available to borrow while at the club or purchase to take home. It’s a very casual, informal, and fun group! Follow them on Instagram (Chandler Yoyo Club).

JULY 17 - How Do Kids Go Places?

Did you ever ride a horse? How about taking the train or hopping on a motorcycle?

Look around the museum for a saddle, a farm truck, and other objects that tell us how kids from long ago traveled close to home or far away!

Climb aboard the last Tempe Time Machine of the summer for loads of fun stuff! Sing along with local favorite Haley Green at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and Noon.

Then get travel tips and fun giveaways from Valley Metro, admire awesome layouts from Grand Canyon Model Railroaders, go on a train parade, and more!

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Information on the museum's newest featured exhibit coming soon!