Great Valley Natural History Museum
Ages: 0 and up
Cost: Free - 6 and under free | $3 per family | or $1 per person
Parking: Yes - spots at rear of building, street available also
Features: Shop, Picnic Area, Family Friendly, Discounts, Restrooms
The Great Valley Museum of Natural History is a non-profit educational treasure trove of activities and exhibits for nature lovers. Exotic animals from around the world are showcased in The Great Animal Hall, while the In Your Backyard exhibit features the ever-present but often unseen animals all around. The museum offers tours that concentrate on specific topics, like the Central Valley habitat displays of the Yokut and Miwok Indians. The Toulumne river watershed exhibit features the amazing life cycle of the Chinook Salmon, and in the Habitat Room, visitors will discover which native plants and animals live within the six different ecosystems of the area.
A variety of classes are available at the museum, so check the events page often.
The Discovery Room at the back of the museum is a fully-interactive space for children to enjoy games, books and activities. For extra credit, pick up a laminated "quiz sheet" to learn everything there is to learn at the Great Valley Museum!
PARTIES
The Great Valley Museum can put the ANIMAL back into PARTY ANIMAL by bringing live animals to your home or a park near you. The one hour presentation focused on unique animal behaviors is geared towards children ages 5-12 and includes games and hands-on animal fun. Participants cannot exceed 15. Party favors can be arranged; please ask for details when calling. Cost for museum members is $70, non-members $85, with a $25 deposit required. Call the museum to schedule.
Hours of operation: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30am-3:30pm; open 2nd & 4th Saturdays only. Discounts given to MJC students with current student ID.
1 Reviews
missbirdie
Reviewed on 02/28/2011
Truly one of Modesto's gems! The area's flora and fauna come to life at Great Valley Museum of Natural History. While the space itself is small, the content within the walls is dense and informative.
My younger children (aged 5 and 7) were enthralled by the Tuolumne River exhibit, which each showcased a habitat found in and around the river and the animals that live in it. (Taxidermy was a bonus topic we explored in discussion...more