Families are invited to a special northern-lights-themed STEM storytime, craft, movement activity, and live science demonstration with children’s author Ashley Key at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences in Chicago. This hands-on program blends science education, sensory learning, creativity, and movement-based exploration and is perfect for preschoolers, early elementary students, homeschool families, and young science enthusiasts.

The program begins with an engaging read-aloud of Dash and the Lights in the Sky, followed by a shimmering Foil Aurora Mask Craft, where children design and decorate metallic aurora-themed masks using safe, kid-friendly materials. Participants will also experience “Dash and the Dance in the Sky,” an interactive scarf and ribbon movement activity that lets children physically act out how real auroras swirl, wave, flicker, and stretch across the Arctic sky.

To deepen scientific understanding, Ashley will lead a Live Northern Lights Science Show, using visual demonstrations to introduce concepts such as solar wind, Earth’s magnetic poles, magnetism, space weather, light energy, and atmospheric color formation — all presented at an age-appropriate level that sparks curiosity and wonder.

 Sunday, February 1st
⏰ 10:30 AM

️ Museum Admission Required

• Adults: $15

• Children (ages 3–12): $8

• Seniors/Students: $10

• Ages 0–2: Free

Families are encouraged to arrive early or stay after the program to enjoy all museum exhibits, including Butterfly Haven, hands-on nature discovery spaces, conservation science exhibits, animal habitats, and seasonal learning experiences. This makes the event an ideal full-morning family learning outing, winter break enrichment activity, or weekend educational adventure in Chicago.

Books will be available for purchase and signing immediately following the program, including hardcover, softcover, and board book formats.

Tickets: https://tickets.naturemuseum.org/events/de97fe97-94e0-8119-75d8-85a658be52d7