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From the Putnam Museum (and IMAX Theatre) in Davenport:

2nd Annual Engineering Kids Day Camp
For kids entering 4th-6th grades
Thursday, July 22 or Friday, July 23
9:00am – 3:00pm

Guest instructors from Iowa State Engineering Kids program lead this one-day camp at the Putnam for Quad City kids! Campers work alongside local engineering professionals as they complete hands-on challenges in science and engineering.
Cool challenges using LEGO robotics! Explore flight! See Legends of Flight 3D!

To secure your spot, call Alice at 563/324-1054, ext. 266 or loff@putnam.org. Scholarships are available based on need! No walk-in registrations accepted. Space is limited. $30 includes activities, lunch and a t-shirt.

Learn more about the Putnam Museum and IMAX Theatre.

From the Figge Art Museum in Davenport:

Families are invited to attend The Art of Percussion, 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, August 14 ($8 per family)

A day for music and fun! Families will make percussion instruments from recycled materials in the Figge studios then march in a musical parade to River Music Experience to hear live music and participate in a drum circle.

Learn more about the Figge Art Museum.

Hey Kids… are you looking for books to read this summer? If the answer is yes, tell  your parents about the PBS KIDS Summer Reading Challenge! Hosted by PBS Parents partner iVillage, this free four-week challenge encourages parents and kids to read together this summer.

Starting on Monday, July 5, you’ll get daily reading tips, advice from Super Why creator and producer Angela Santomero, book recommendations and other literacy-building ideas. You’ll also receive 40% off one item at Barnes & Noble.com, just for signing up. Learn more.

Get Quick Literacy Tips from PBS Parents: Literacy can happen anywhere, from the playground to the doctor’s office to the grocery store. Checkout everyday ways to build your child’s literacy skills. Find out more.

…tune in weekdays at 3:00pm. for Clifford, The Big Red Dog – the lovable oversized canine (dog) with his head in the clouds but four paws planted firmly on the ground. Clifford is joined by his his loving human, Emily Elizabeth, and dog pals, Cleo and T-Bone. Clifford inhabits a colorful island community, inviting viewers on a fun-filled journey through the dips and curves of childhood.

Learn more, play games and explore at Clifford’s website.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

When you visit the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, you can enjoy some strawberry ice cream while learning more about flamingos and their friends. You can also take part in creating your very own flamingo mask, all while enjoying some festive Luau music. You’ll also get to explore why and how plants are so important to lives and the planet.

Take part in a scavenger hunt and you could win some cool tropical prizes.

Admission fees to the Quad City Botanical Center are very reasonable. (QC Botanical Center) members and children under 2 are always FREE and all activities are FREE with admission to the gardens.

For more information, call 309794-0991 or visit www.qcgardens.com.

WQPT is hosting a week of educational and entertaining activities, June 15–19, 2010, based on the hit PBS series that helps kids learn to read. Whyatt, the super-powered star of Super Why, is flying in from Storybook Village to meet his local fans. You and your kids can join in the fun and learning…

On Tuesday, June 15, Super Why will meet and greet families at the Moline Library at 2:00 p.m. WQPT will be hosting a short workshop and several literacy
activities based on the Super Readers and their amazing adventures.

On Wednesday, June 16, Super Why will be visiting the Modern Woodman Park in Davenport to throw out the first pitch of the evening. Kids can meet
Super Why and receive a tattoo and activity sheet.

On Saturday, June 19, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., our Super Why star will be welcoming the crowds at the Healthy Living Fair at the downtown Farmer’s Market in Davenport. Bring your kids for activities focused on health and fitness.

If you’re anxious to meet Super Why and avoid the large crowds, sign up for a WQPT Kid’s Club Membership ($75). Families will be invited to a more intimate gathering on Thursday evening, June 17, with special activities just for them.

SuperWhy airs weekdays at 9:00am.

Ready, Set, Action! Get ready to have a summer like never before! The Davenport Junior Theatre has all kinds of great summer camps and workshops like acting, theatre, scene design, and puppetry for kids of all ages. But it’s important to know that classes fill up quickly.

Classes develop each child’s ability to speak well in any situation, express imaginatively, have fun, and dream big. They put the imagination to work, challenging creativity and causing it to rise to new heights. For more information or to register your child, visit Davenport Junior Theatre’s website or call 563/326-7812.

Earlier this month WQPT announced the regional winners of the 2010 Writers Contest. More than 350 entries were received from kids in our region.

Check out the winners!

If you’re between 14-17 years old (or know someone who is) and you love animals, check this out:

Why not be part of Niabi Zoo’s Junior Zookeeper Program. You will get to experience an exciting hands-on opportunity to learn and teach others about amazing animals!

The application process consists of completing a Junior Zookeeper application and composing a 100 word essay on “Why I Would Like To Be a Junior Zookeeper.” All you have to do is submit the application and essay with a letter of reference from a teacher or non-family member. All Junior Zookeepers will be required to attend a week long training camp.

Parents… you can help your son or daughter identify someone who would be willing to write a letter of reference. For more information, call (309) 799-3482, ext. 235 or email ask@niabizoo.com.

Who wants to have some FUN?
Have you heard about the Market Music Fest at The Family Museum in Bettendorf?

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 22, 8:30am – 5:00pm and get ready for some totally cool music like Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players.

You can also see the awesome dinosaur exhibit, Prehistoric Playground, and participate in fun activities with the Quad City Juggling Club and the Bettendorf Police Explorer Scouts at The Family Museum.

Parents, get your tickets now for the entire family at The Family Museum’s Welcome Desk. The cost is $6.00 per person and kids under two get in for free. There will be food and beverages for sale but you can bring your own refreshments, lawn chairs, and blankets. Call (563) 344-4106 for more details.