Tag: The DoSeum

Hands-On Amelia Earhart Exhibition Brings STEM Learning to South Texas Families

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is now a permanent exhibition at The Children’s Museum of Brownsville. Photo: Children’s Museum of Brownsville, used with permission.

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey Takes Flight in Brownsville

SAN ANTONIO — Two of Texas’s leading children’s museums, The DoSeum in San Antonio and Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB), are proud to announce their collaborative presentation of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey, a high-energy, family-centered exhibition inspired by the legacy of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and her historic ties to Brownsville, Texas. (The DoSeum/Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 2025)

The exhibition officially opened to the public at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville during a grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 22, and is now a permanent exhibition at CMB.

A Story of Flight, Courage, and South Texas Possibility

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey invites children to step into the story of flight through hands-on exploration, playful engineering challenges, and immersive environments that connect history to the future of STEM.

Inspired by Amelia Earhart’s fearless spirit, and a remarkable chapter of her aviation legacy linked to Brownsville, it encourages young learners to ask bold questions:

  • How do planes fly?
  • What makes someone a trailblazer?
  • What dreams are possible when science meets courage?

Through interactive components designed for early learners through upper elementary ages, families explore physics, aerodynamics, problem-solving, and perseverance, all anchored in a story that belongs to this region.

The Power of Two Museums, One Shared Mission

The DoSeum and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville came together with a simple belief: children thrive when communities invest in curiosity.

As exhibition collaborators, the two institutions pooled creative development, educational design support, and operational expertise to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for South Texas families. This partnership strengthens a regional pipeline of learning, making it easier for children to encounter consistent, STEM-rich experiences whether they visit museums in San Antonio, Brownsville, or anywhere in between.

“When children see their local history reflected in exciting, hands-on experiences, it changes the way they imagine their future. This collaboration is about building bridges between cities, between institutions, and most importantly between kids and opportunity.”
— Meredith Doby, Chief Creative Officer, The DoSeum

“Amelia’s Journey is a love letter to South Texas, the dreamers, the builders, and the next generation of innovators. We’re grateful to have the support of The DoSeum, for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us to bring this exhibit to life for our community.”
— Felipe Peña III, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Brownsville

This partnership reflects a growing movement among cultural and educational institutions to share resources, expertise, and imagination, ensuring children across the region, regardless of ZIP code, can access world-class learning experiences.

A Regional Investment in Families

Along with the recent Boca Chica to Mars exhibition, the launch of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is part of a broader expansion of STEM learning opportunities at CMB, including major new exhibition investments exceeding $1 million.

For families in Deep South Texas, this means more chances to learn together in spaces that are safe, joyful, culturally connected, and designed specifically for children. It also means local students can experience interactive science learning that research shows supports long-term academic confidence and interest in STEM careers.

Visit the Exhibition

Children’s Museum of Brownsville
501 E. Ringgold St.
Brownsville, TX

Families, school groups, and community partners are invited to visit and explore.

About the Children’s Museum of Brownsville

The Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB) creates innovative, playful learning environments for children ages birth to 11, serving children and families since 2005. Through exhibits, programs, and community collaborations, CMB nurtures imagination, cultural curiosity, and early STEM engagement for families across the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas.

About The DoSeum

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. Featuring interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, The DoSeum is committed to sparking curiosity and igniting imaginations for children, caregivers, and educators across the San Antonio community.

December in San Antonio: Top Holiday Happenings You Won’t Want to Miss

Ring in the holidays in style at the Pearl. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

🎄 Holiday Happenings in San Antonio: Your Guide to Seasonal Events

San Antonio is buzzing with holiday cheer and this month brings a full lineup of festive markets, family-friendly celebrations, concerts, and community traditions. Whether you’re looking to snap a photo with Santa, hunt for local gifts, or savor holiday flavors, here’s everything happening around St. Paul Square and Pearl.

🎅 December 12: Santa at the Square & Holiday Market (St. Paul Square)

St. Paul Square is welcoming Santa to San Antonio for a special holiday pop-up market featuring all-local vendors. With the district fully decorated for the season, it’s the perfect chance to sip hot cocoa, shop small, and grab a festive family photo with St. Nick. (St Paul Square, 2025)

Event Details

  • What: Holiday Market + Santa photos (presented by Juntos San Antonio)
  • Where: Parking lot in front of 1902 — 1174 E. Commerce Street
  • When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Admission: Free // All ages

🎶December 19: Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Elnuh at The Espee

Ring in the season with Beauty + Zen Haus’ Holiday Night Market, your destination for last-minute gifts, handcrafted goods, festive décor, and unique local finds. After browsing the market, stick around for indie-pop artist Elnuh, performing under the stars on The Espee’s outdoor plaza stage.

Event Details

  • Where: St. Paul Square Courtyard + The Espee — 1174 E. Commerce Street
  • When: Doors & music at 7 p.m.
  • Admission: Free // All ages

This Friday Night Live series is part of St. Paul Square’s vision to transform the historic district into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant hubs for entertainment, culture, food, and nightlife.

Photo: St Paul Square

🎁 Holiday Season at Pearl

The holiday spirit is in full swing at Pearl, with a packed calendar of family traditions, community events, and festive fun. (Pearl, 2025)

🌮 December 13: Pullman Market Tamale Festival (Debut!)

Pullman Market is launching its first-ever Tamale Festival, a new holiday tradition celebrating San Antonio’s beloved seasonal staple.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, December 13 • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: Pullman Market – Karnes Street
    221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
  • Admission: Free (RSVP requested on Eventbrite)

Enjoy tamales from local vendors plus specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team. Guests can eat on-site or purchase tamale packs to take home for holiday gatherings.

Family Fun & Festivities:

  • Activities from The DoSeum
  • Live DJ set by DJ Caliente
  • A Best Tamale Competition
  • Local makers + holiday bites

Vendor Lineup:

  • Carnita’s Spot
  • Southerleigh
  • Culinary Institute of America
  • Mezquite
  • Margarita’s Tamales
  • Tamale Addiction
  • Chamoy City Limits
  • Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken
Photo: Pullman Market

🎅 Free Photos with Santa

Complimentary Santa photos are available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through December 21.
Times and locations vary — check Pearl’s Events Calendar for the latest schedule.

🛍️ Holiday Night Markets

Discover artisan gifts, warm drinks, festive lights, and local makers.

  • Next Market: Wednesday, December 17

🎬 Festive Movie Mondays

Enjoy holiday classics every Monday in December (except December 29). Movies begin at sunset, arrive early and bring blankets!

Upcoming Screenings:

  • December 15: Elf
  • December 22: The Polar Express

🕍11th Annual Chanukah Celebration – December 16

Presented with YJSA (Young & Jewish San Antonio), this community celebration features live music, family activities, and a ceremonial menorah lighting.

The menorah will shine nightly December 16–24 near the Boiler House Shade Structure.

🎁 Hotel Emma Holiday Perks

Hotel Emma guests enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings including:

  • Custom Go Rio river cruises arranged through the concierge
  • Letters for Santa activities in the hotel library
  • Festive décor + rich hot chocolate

Step Into Joy: Inside Out Exhibit Comes to The DoSeum This Summer

The DoSeum to premiere Emotions at Play with Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ this summer. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

🎉 Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out – Now at The DoSeum! 🎉
📅 May 24 – September 1, 2025
📍 The DoSeum, San Antonio

Step into the colorful world of Pixar’s Inside Out at The DoSeum’s newest interactive exhibit, Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out. Designed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, this exhibit helps children and families explore the science of emotions through joyful, hands-on experiences. (The DoSeum, 2025)

👀 What to Expect:

  • Take charge at Headquarters’ Control Panel to explore emotional responses
  • Reflect on feelings with Emotion Mirrors
  • Capture powerful moments inside glowing Memory Spheres
  • Create stories at Dream Productions
  • Balance feelings on the Train of Thought and Emotion Blocks

🧠 Focused on the five core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear—this playful exhibit supports emotional literacy, self-expression, and imagination, making it the perfect learning adventure for kids and caregivers alike.

About The DoSeum

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. The DoSeum features interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

About Inside Out 

Pixar’s hit animated feature Inside Out is the story of 11-year-old Riley, who like all of us, is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco as Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive. Inside Out was released in 2015. 

🎂 You’re Invited: Hooray for 10! A Community Celebration
📅 Friday, June 6 | 10a.m. – 8p.m.
Celebrate The DoSeum’s 10th birthday with a FREE day of fun, including the Inside Out exhibit, live performances, treats, activities, and more!

🎟️ RSVP Required – Limited Tickets Available!
Reserve your free spot online during one of these RSVP windows:

  • May 16 at 8a.m.
  • May 17 at 12p.m.
  • May 18 at 3p.m.
  • May 19 at 7p.m.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow with your community!

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

‘Uniquely Us’: How The DoSeum is Inspiring Conversations on Race and Unity

This popular demonstration of equity versus equality is featured in the “Uniquely Us” exhibit. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO – In a world where children’s innate curiosity often leads to challenging questions, The DoSeum is proud to reintroduce “Uniquely Us: Understanding Race and Building Unity,” a thoughtfully designed, hands-on exhibition for learners of all ages. Developed as a response to families seeking effective tools to discuss these important topics with their children, “Uniquely Us” empowers families, educators and caregivers to open up meaningful conversations about race and unity. (The DoSeum, 2025)

“This interactive exhibit uses play-based learning rooted in STEM, enabling children to safely and empathetically explore new ideas and perspectives,” says Meredith Doby, Chief Creative Officer at The DoSeum. “This is about understanding our unique identities and building unity. Understanding one another is essential for building a more united and inclusive community.”

“Uniquely Us: Understanding Race & Building Unity” is suitable for all ages, with activities ranging from diverse doll collections for younger children to empathy-building scenarios for older kids.

Key features of “Uniquely Us” include:

Interactive Exhibits: Engage in play-based learning activities that enable children to safely and empathetically explore new ideas, perspectives, and social roles.

Caregiver Support: Empowering resources are available to guide the experience based on each family’s comfort level, ensuring meaningful conversations extend beyond the museum visit.

All-Ages Appeal: Designed for learners of all ages, “Uniquely Us” offers something for everyone, from young children to adults.

  • Newborn to 4 years old: Engage in imaginative play with diverse dolls in a large dollhouse, encouraging exploration beyond usual choices.
  • 5 to 8 years old: Travel through a large-scale model of different hair textures, learning about hair science and self-affirmation.
  • 9 to 11 years old: Explore empathy through interactive scenarios, literacy activities, and walking in others’ shoes while hearing diverse stories.

The DoSeum participated in the Smithsonian’s Museums Advancing Racial Justice and Reckoning with our Racial Past Initiatives during the Uniquely Us exhibition’s development. This collaboration led to the creation of race and unity-based professional development for teachers. The DoSeum also partnered with local organizations and schools throughout the exhibit’s development, including collaborations with Karla Broadus, former chair of the UTSA African American Studies program, and Dalia Contreras, CEO of City Education Partners.

The exhibit opened to the public on March 1, 2025 and remains open through April 20, 2025.

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. It offers 68,000 square feet of exhibits and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space, providing hands-on experiences that empower families to explore, create, and discover together.

The DoSeum features interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 212-4453

Meet Baxter: The DoSeum’s Newest Mascot Steals the Show at the State of The DoSeum Breakfast

San Antonio actor Celestina Harris and The DoSeum CEO Dan Menelly debut Baxter. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.  

SAN ANTONIO –  For ten years, The DoSeum has invited San Antonio’s children to learn, explore, and create, shaping a generation of curious thinkers. San Antonio’s premier children’s museum kicked off its 10th anniversary year with its annual State of The DoSeum breakfast event on Tuesday January 28, 2025. This milestone celebration not only marks a decade of experiential learning but also showcases the museum’s impact and continued commitment to children and caregivers in the Alamo City. (The DoSeum, 2025)

During the annual State of The DoSeum breakfast, San Antonio actor Celestina Harris and The DoSeum CEO Dan Menelly unveiled The DoSeum’s new mascot: Baxter. 

Meet Baxter The Robot

Wired for friendship and powered by pure joy, Baxter is The DoSeum’s beloved mascot. When he isn’t buzzing through exhibits, he’s lighting up the rooms with his infectious energy, and encouraging every visitor to embrace their curiosity. With a sweet smile, circuits of charm, and a heart full of cheer, Baxter’s mission is clear: to keep minds at play and remind everyone that learning can be joyful at any age.

Whether he’s offering a high-five, sharing a new discovery, or leading a fun-filled adventure, Baxter is always ready to spread happiness and spark new ideas. His battery is always full, and his circuits are always buzzing with excitement for the next adventure. No challenge is too big, no question too small—Baxter is here to brighten your day and make every visit to The DoSeum an unforgettable one.  

The DoSeum’s Impact on San Antonio

Since opening its doors in 2015, The DoSeum has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s educational and cultural landscape. With 68,000 square feet of interactive space featuring more than 250 exhibits, the museum has consistently provided enriching experiences in STEM, arts, and literacy for children aged 0 to 11. 

The DoSeum has established itself as more than just a children’s museum. It serves as a valuable resource for San Antonio’s educational ecosystem, with long-standing research partnerships with area colleges and universities.

Since its opening, The DoSeum has demonstrated a commitment to dynamic, evolving experiences for its visitors. The DoSeum fortifies its membership through continual renewal of exhibition themes and educational events. The museum has renovated four permanent exhibit galleries and made updates to many individual exhibits, ensuring fresh experiences for repeat visitors. In addition to its permanent offerings, The DoSeum has hosted over 30 special exhibitions since 2015 over the past decade providing a unique environment for early learners to discover big ideas and foundational concepts through interactive and creative play.

The people powering The DoSeum’s Success

At the heart of The DoSeum’s success is its exceptional team of 80 staff members, including an Education team with unparalleled expertise in the museum industry. Featuring former classroom teachers and professionals with advanced degrees in Education and STEM-related fields, this talented group conducts innovative, TEKS-aligned programs, leads engaging holiday and summer camps, and provides inspired professional development for area educators. The DoSeum’s educational offerings, meticulously crafted and rooted in proven frameworks, incorporate elements of risky play to foster growth and development. This collective experience forms the foundation for San Antonio’s most innovative program portfolio, ensuring that every visit to The DoSeum is not just educational, but also engaging and fun for children of all ages.

Cruising into the Next Decade

The DoSeum is poised for an exciting future, having solidified a new strategic plan for the next 10 years. With support from a generous grant from The Meadows Foundation, the museum has invested in research and robust evaluation to strengthen its educational program design and outcomes. This research will inform The DoSeum’s focus on growth for sustainable placemaking, fully integrated experience design, exemplary informal STEM education, and engaging learners of all profiles. 

The museum plans to introduce new, innovative themes to its camps, weekly workshops, and other programs. Among these additions is a focus on ceramics, providing children with hands-on experiences in this tactile art form. These new programs reflect The DoSeum’s commitment to continually evolving its curriculum to engage young learners in diverse and exciting ways. By blending retrospection with innovation, The DoSeum aims to build on its successful foundation while adapting to the changing interests and needs of San Antonio’s youth.

The DoSeum’s commitment to growth and innovation is evidenced in its plans for 2025 exhibits. On March 1, The DoSeum will unveil “Uniquely Us: Understanding Race and Building Unity,” its second internally developed traveling exhibition. This project, in development since 2020, has benefited from extensive community input and national support. Following this, “Emotions at Play,” a hands-on exhibition, based on Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out”, will focus on social-emotional learning and is set to open on May 24. The museum’s celebration continues into fall and winter with a special birthday edition of the Artist-in-Residence exhibition. 

Finally, the community is invited to Save the Date for June 6th for The DoSeum Birthday Bash where admission will be free all day to the community. 

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning since 1995, offering 68,000 square feet of exhibits and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space. The Doseum offers hands-on experiences that empower families to explore, create and discover together. It offers interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

Get Ready for School Discovery Day at The DoSeum: What to Expect

San Antonio’s largest charter-choice school fair brings together representatives from more than 40 campuses and organizations for one extraordinary day of family fun. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — San Antonio Charter Moms is pleased to host the upcoming School Discovery Day at The DoSeum on Saturday January 25, 2025, held in conjunction with National School Choice Week (January 26–February 1) and the flagship event in San Antonio Charter Moms’ annual, free School Discovery Days series. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2025)

The weeklong, national celebration highlights the diverse educational options available via schools of choice and the many benefits they may provide. Considered the leading local school search authority, San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) provides easy access to extensive, unbiased school resources such as online discussion groups, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, and a school finder app. Perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Days bring dozens of local schools of choice together in kid-friendly locations throughout the city so families can easily learn more about their educational options. Guests attending 2025’s flagship event will not only be able to meet with over 40 schools and organizations but will also have exclusive access to The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy, interactive galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play. 

The entire DoSeum will be reserved for School Discovery Day attendees from 9a.m. until noon. Upon checking in, each family will receive a free tote bag (while supplies last) with goodies and information and have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt. SACM team members will be on hand to answer questions about the event and general school search topics. Representatives from participating schools will be present throughout the DoSeum to meet interested parents and prospective students, provide enrollment information, and answer questions. School models at the event will include public charter schools, in-district charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, preschools, and homeschooling. Families will also be able to investigate many learning models represented by various participating schools, including child-centered learning, classical education, STEM, dual language, college and career readiness, culturally responsive schools, functional needs schools, and credit recovery schools. AIM Educate, a San Antonio-based company providing special education therapies and evaluations, will be onsite help families understand the private evaluation process and diagnostic options. Futuro San Antonio will connect with families to help them become strong education advocates. 

Of course, at a setting like the DoSeum, play goes hand-in-hand with education, and there will be plenty of fun to be had for School Discovery Day attendees of all ages. Guests who participate in the scavenger hunt and interact with schools can enter a raffle to win a prize. In addition to up to three hours of exploring the DoSeum, other entertainment options include live sets by the young DJs from The AM Project, a mobile petting zoo from Once in a Wild, and demonstrations by FIRST in Texas robotics teams. 

Attending families MUST pre-register for this free, limited-capacity event by signing up every attendee over the age of one, unregistered guests will not be admitted. This popular event typically sees high demand, so prompt pre-registration is advised — once 1,000 guests have signed up, registration will be closed. Guests should plan to arrive on the early side, as SACM will stop admitting guests at 11:30a.m. and all School Discovery Day Attendees must leave the DoSeum by 12p.m. The raffle drawing will be held at 11:40a.m.

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

And stay tuned for this upcoming event:

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR

When: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Where: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
What: Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with more than 20 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more. Guests are encouraged to register online.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when Founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily learn about high-quality school options. The blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools, be they charter, private, or public.

San Antonio Charter Moms hosts School Discovery Day

Families enjoy a FREE day at the DoSeum during SACM’s School Discovery Day to kick off National School Choice Week. Photo: SACM, used with permission.

To kick off National School Choice Week, San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) will be hosting its most popular event of the School Discovery Day series at the DoSeum on Saturday, January 20, from 11a.m. – 2p.m. The first 1,000 guests who register online for this free event will have the chance to meet with representatives from 37 of San Antonio’s top schools while also gaining complimentary access to The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of galleries. SACM representatives will provide hands-on guidance in navigating the nonprofit’s online school search tools, application materials and extensive, unbiased education resources while team members from MindshiftED provide additional guidance and interpretation for Spanish speakers. The event is free and open to the public. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2024)

SACM’s School Discovery Day Series is the largest school fair series of its kind and is held annually during the height of San Antonio’s enrollment season for charter and choice schools, currently underway for the 2024-2025 academic year. National School Choice Week, January 21–27, 2024, is a national celebration of opportunities for all families to choose the K–12 educational options that best fit their children.

With more than 175 schools of choice, a booming population of new families, and a major “rightsizing” plan slated to close 15 schools in San Antonio ISD next year, San Antonio’s educational offerings have never been more diverse or important. Time is of the essence for families looking to explore their options. To prepare, SACM’s family-friendly School Discovery Days are an excellent place for families to make the most of their search window. San Antonio Charter Moms is designed to make the often overwhelming process of finding the right school less complicated for families. These events offer the perfect opportunity for parents and caregivers to ask questions, fill out applications, and learn about the enrollment process while enjoying some quality family time in the process.

“School Discovery Days are very valuable because you get to talk with school representatives in a relaxed environment and get a feel for their education philosophy and school community. Instead of just reading about a school or doing a quick tour, you have more time to get to know school staff and parents to further evaluate whether it would be a good fit for your child. For example, when you talk to a school leader, you can hear their passion or lack thereof. You can see if their philosophy is more traditional and formal or modern and relaxed. It’s all about gathering as much information as possible and trying to determine what it would be like to interact with the school’s administration and community on a frequent basis.” – Kat Gomez, local charter school parent and frequent contributor within SACM’s Facebook Discussion Group.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT THE DOSEUM (Flagship Event | National School Choice Week)

Saturday, January 20, 2024, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

The DoSeum (Theatre Entrance)
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

Guests will enter the theater, just to the left of the DoSeum’s main entrance, where they will be greeted by the beats of the young DJs from The AM Project. Once inside the theater, SACM team members will usher visitors to connect with and explore the participating schools. This year, the event will extend beyond the theatre and into the first and second floor galleries allowing families to come for the information and stay for the fun. Guests who complete the scavenger hunt can enter a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Families can see the list of participating schools, learn more about the fun activities planned for the day and find free onsite parking information by visiting SACM online to learn more.

A snapshot of future events in the School Discovery Day series is listed below.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Second Baptist Church Community Center
3310 E. Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78220

School Discovery Day at Second Baptist Church guests can head to the Community Center to dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting. Nearly 25 schools will be available for families to meet during this free event. Click here for online registration.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR

Saturday, March 2, 2024, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with more than 30 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more. Guests are encouraged to register online. Considered the leading local school search authority on all learning models, SACM provides easy access to extensive, unbiased school resources such as online discussion groups with over 11K members, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, a school finder app and perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Day Series held annually during enrollment season.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when Founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily learn about high-quality school options. The blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools, be they charter, private, or public.

San Antonio Charter Moms hosts free School Discovery Day at The DoSeum

In celebration of National School Choice Week, families can visit with nearly 30 participating schools. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

San Antonio Charter Moms continues the School Discovery Day event series with its largest event yet to be held at The DoSeum on Saturday, January 21 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. In celebration of National School Choice Week (January 22 – January 28), families will have the opportunity to meet school representatives from nearly 30 top San Antonio choice schools, ask questions, get on interest lists and learn about application processes and deadlines. School Discovery Days are free events that connect families with schools in a face-to-face format that enables them to interact directly with multiple school representatives in one convenient location. Families can receive hands-on guidance from the San Antonio Charter Moms team on navigating the nonprofit’s online tools and resources designed to simplify the search and application process. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2023)

With over 150 schools of choice in the San Antonio area alone, parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed trying to find the right fit for their child’s individual learning needs. Considered the leading authority for assisting local families in their school search, San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) is designed to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions by providing easy access to extensive school resources such as online discussion groups with over 10K members, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, a school finder app and perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Day Series held annually during enrollment season. The series is the largest of its kind in San Antonio, a free school fair event series focusing on charter and choice schools in the area. The events are free, open to the public, and a huge asset to families trying to make sense of the myriad of great school options in San Antonio.

School Discovery Day at the DoSeum (Flagship Event | National School Choice Week)
The theater at The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
School Discovery Day is a free event in The DoSeum’s theater space. Guests will be greeted by the beats of the young DJs of The AM Project. With admission, guests can navigate The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play through interactive fun.

National School Choice Week, January 22–28, is a celebration of the process of allowing every family to choose the K–12 educational options that best fit their children. SACM will host nearly 30 schools during this, the flagship event of the series.

Participating Schools: Anne Frank Inspire Academy, BASIS Charter Schools, Brooks Academies of Texas, CAST Schools, Compass Rose Public Schools, Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation, Essence Prep, The Gathering Place, Great Hearts of Texas, Harmony Public Schools, IDEA Public Schools, Jubilee Academies, KIPP Texas – San Antonio, Learn4Life Edgewood, Legacy Traditional Schools – Texas, Lighthouse Public Schools, New Frontiers Public Schools, Pre-K 4SA, Prelude Prep, Promesa Academy, Royal Public Schools, SA Prep, SAISD Choice Schools, School of Science and Technology and Southwest Prep.

Other scheduled events:
School Discovery Day at Second Baptist Church – Saturday, February 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Second Baptist Church Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220
Second Baptist Church is a historic Black congregation dating back to 1879 now located on the Eastside of San Antonio near the AT&T Center. Inside the Community Center, event guests can sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

School Discovery Day at Hangar 9 – Saturday, February 18, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Hangar 9 at Brooks, 8081 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223
Hangar 9, built in 1918, is the oldest wooden aircraft hangar of its kind still standing in its original location; now it is an event space at Brooks, a vibrant community on the site of a former Air Force base. Guests at School Discovery Day at Hangar 9 can meet with 25 top schools as they sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

School Discovery Day at Hemisfair (Spring) – Saturday, March 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.

San Antonio Charter Moms kicks off largest School Discovery Days series

The first School Discovery Days event will be this Saturday October 22 at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

Nowadays there are over 150 schools of choice in the San Antonio area alone. How do you define school choice? Simply put, school choice is the process of allowing every family to choose the PK-12 educational options that best fit their children’s learning needs regardless of zip code. Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. Some children might succeed at the neighborhood public school, while others might fit in better at a charter, magnet, online, private, or home learning environment. With so many options, parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed. That is where the nonprofit San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) goes to work. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)

Considered the leading authority for assisting local families in their school search, the nonprofit is designed to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions. San Antonio Charter Moms provides easy access to extensive school resources such as online discussion groups with over 10K members, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, a school finder app, and perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Day Series held annually during enrollment season.

SACM hosts its largest series yet, with six School Discovery Days kicking off on October 22nd at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and concluding with their final event on March 4, 2023. Families will have the opportunity to meet school representatives from 15 to nearly 30 top San Antonio choice schools at each event, ask questions, get on interest lists and learn about application processes and deadlines. Families will also be able to enjoy a variety of fun activities during the event series, including DJs from The AM Project and animal show-and-tell with Once in a Wild, food trucks, and more. Families can receive hands-on guidance from the SACM team on navigating the nonprofit’s online tools and resources designed to simplify the search and application process. The events are free and open to the public and include great raffle prizes to boot.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Fall)

Saturday, October 22, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT O.P. SCHNABEL PARK

Saturday, November 12, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Graff Pavilion at O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250

O.P. Schnabel Park is a regional park on the Northwest Side of San Antonio with a YMCA, sports fields, hiking trails, and more. Families visiting School Discovery Day at O.P. Schnabel Park can meet with 14 top schools as they enjoy the playground, sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT THE DOSEUM (Flagship Event | National School Choice Week)

Saturday, January 21, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

The theater at The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

School Discovery Day is a free event in The DoSeum’s theater space. Guests will be greeted by the beats of the young DJs of The AM Project. With admission, guests can navigate The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play through interactive fun. Information on ticket prices and discounts for The DoSeum is available online.

National School Choice Week, January 22–28, is a celebration of the process of allowing every family to choose the K–12 educational options that best fit their children. SACM will host nearly 30 schools during this, the flagship event of the series.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Saturday, February 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Second Baptist Church Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220

Second Baptist Church is a historic Black congregation dating back to 1879, now located on the Eastside of San Antonio near the AT&T Center. Inside the Community Center, event guests can sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HANGAR 9

Saturday, February 18, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Hangar 9 at Brooks, 8081 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223

Hangar 9, built in 1918, is the oldest wooden aircraft hangar of its kind still standing in its original location; now it’s an event space at Brooks, a vibrant community on the site of a former Air Force base. Guests at School Discovery Day at Hangar 9 can meet with 25 top schools as they sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Spring)

Saturday, March 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.

The DoSeum announces 2021 Artists in Residence and holiday exhibit

The DoSeum’s holiday exhibit is DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys. Photo: google

The DoSeum is proud to announce an exciting group of artists selected as part of its fifth annual Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program. For this year’s Artist-in-Residence exhibition, The DoSeum sought artists who traditionally work in miniature and who could bring an artistic touch to the holiday exhibit DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys. “We are thrilled to work with these talented artists to launch a new holiday tradition for San Antonio Families” says Dan Menelly, DoSeum CEO, “The miniature worlds created by these artists for DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys are imaginative, playful, and incredibly creative, we cannot wait to share them with our visitors.” (The DoSeum, 2021)

The 2021 DoSeum Artists-in-Residence are:

  • Daniel Rivera, who creates miniature worlds that provide the viewer with a sense of amusement and exploration while expressing complex subjects rendered in a miniature scale.
  • Kallie Cheves’ work involves photographic installations that hold deep roots in surrealism. Cheves also writes and illustrates children’s picture books using hand-cut paper miniature creatures. She enjoys weaving science with myth and lore to encourage social-emotional conversations between children and their caregivers. 
  • Linda Vivenza began sharing small-scale dollhouse scenarios with running humorous and quotable narratives in 2013, primarily for the development of large-scale photos. Her life-like miniature displays capture interactions, which move people together to share common, funny moments in real life.  
  • Randall Rudd was once an actual child himself and has fostered his interest in all things mechanical and miniature since inventing a working phonograph with Tinker Toys at age  Aside from being a university professor, Rudd also delights in model railroading and creating automata (performing sculpture) for various museums. 
  • Robert Wurzbach and Emily Kinder are a brother and sister team joining forces to create a special miniature world for The  Kinder’s interest in miniatures began 10 years ago with the creation of Putz houses. She was intrigued by the concept of a tiny world of cardboard houses. From there a new creative world arose. Wurzbach’s interest in miniatures began as a child watching his mother and Grandmother make small decorations and desserts for every season. His favorite was the decorative peek-a-boo sugar Easter eggs.

This year’s artists-in-residence will apply their imagination, creativity, and out-of-the-box ideas to create distinct miniature sceneries children can view through pop-up bubbles and cameras. The exhibit is set to become a new holiday tradition for San Antonio families and will feature public workshops where AIR artists will share their art practice with children. DoSeum Express: Tiny Trails and Trolleys opens on November 6, 2021, and on view through January 2, 2022.

“We are thrilled to work with these immensely talented artists to create a new holiday tradition for The DoSeum and San Antonio. We cannot wait to present these fantastical miniature sceneries in our gallery and offer a truly creative and unique new holiday experience.” – Meredith Doby, Vice President of Exhibits for The DoSeum

The DoSeum is much more than a children’s museum. It is a place where interactive fun and hands-on learning come together—a place where minds are always at play. The DoSeum offers exhibits, programs, camps, classes, and field trips designed for all learners, encouraging young minds to explore the joy of learning through connections to STEM, the arts, and literacy. Originally founded as San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown over the past 25 years to become a premier leader in informal education, while still staying true to the mission of connecting families and transforming communities. The DoSeum is a 501 c3-non-profit organization.