North State Parent magazine

Turtle Express Train Ride
2026-03-07 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-08 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
All aboard! Passengers of all ages are invited to join us for a delightful narrated ride showcasing some of the Park’s most scenic locations. Enjoy spectacular views as you journey across the Sundial Bridge, pass alongside the picturesque Sacramento River, cross the charming Sulphur Creek Bridge, and explore tranquil paths through the beautiful Arboretum Loop filled with local flora.
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All riders aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Young children under 1 year old must remain on an adult’s lap. The train departs from Domke Plaza in front of the Museum. Last train departs at 2:45pm.
$5 for member rider | $6 for non-member rider
Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Front Desk. Museum admission is not required.

Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-08 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
Turtle Bay Museum is excited to share the opening of Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits on display from January 28 through April 26.
Want to experience the thrill of extreme sports in a safe environment for all ages? This high-energy exhibition takes you inside the minds and bodies of extreme athletes to explore the psychology, physiology, and physicality of some of the most extreme activities in the world. Explore the technology, creativity, and innovation generated by these sports while challenging yourself to dive, jump, fly, and climb through physical and virtual activities. Learn about real athletes and what motivates them to go to the next level. Produced by Science North in partnership with the Ontario Science Center.
Designed for a diverse audience, Extreme Sports offers a wide range of interactive experiences showcasing some of the world’s most daring sports.
Interactive exhibition features:

Highline and balance board challenges

360° virtual mountain biking and whitewater rafting experiences

Kid-sized climbing wall and large-scale building blocks

Hands-on educational activities exploring the science behind extreme sports

Free for Members – Included with Admission
Open:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9am
Saturday & Sunday at 10am

Pioneer History Museum
2026-03-07 10:15 - 14:15 | Pioneer History Museum, 2332 Montgomery Street, Oroville, CA, 95965, United States
Tucked in the heart of Oroville, the Pioneer History Museum invites visitors to step back in time and experience the spirit of early California. First opened in 1932 and housed in a striking replica of a 49er’s cabin, the museum offers a journey through the region’s rich and rugged past. What began as a modest tribute to local heritage has grown into a dynamic space spanning over 6,000 square feet.
With its rustic charm and deep community roots, the museum stands as a lasting celebration of the people, stories, and resilience that helped shape Oroville and the American West. Operated by the City of Oroville, the museum continues to preserve and share local history, welcoming visitors of all ages to explore and connect with the past.
*Cash only
To request a tour, please visit: http://www.orovilleca.gov/FormCenter/City-Museums-7/Museum-Tours-Signup-Form-48
For general information, visit our Website link below!

Motion Mania @ Gateway Science Museum
2026-03-07 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-12 11:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
Have you ever wondered why some people love roller coasters so much? Is it the speed? Is it the inherent danger? Is it the fascination with the physics? Motion Mania unlocks these answers through the build, design, and test process.

Saturday Activities at Gateway Science Museum
2026-03-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
Join us in March for these circle activities. Drop-in from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Activities are free with admission!
March 7 – Make a Sundial: Tell the time no matter where you are!
March 14 – Pi Day Craft
March 21 – Paint with Pi: Create are using circles and gears!
March 28 – Orbit Relay: Why do planets orbit the sun at different speeds?

Chico Children's Museum
2026-03-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-10 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-11 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-12 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Chico Children’s Museum, 325 Main Street, Chico, CA, 95928
We are a space for children and their grown-ups to connect and learn through play! We strive to enrich early childhood learning through inclusive, accessible, hands-on experiences that celebrate curiosity, connect families, and create community.
To make everyone’s experience enjoyable, we ask that you adhere to our 1 adult per 5 children requirement, and remember that our museum is not open to adults without children unless during a specifically scheduled tour.
Visit our Event Website for more guidelines and information!
*Hours are subject to change due to special events — always contact the museum to confirm days/hours!

Famous Artists Student Art Show: A Walk in Nature
2026-03-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
We are excited to share the news of Turtle Bay Museum’s latest exhibit, Famous Artists Student Art Show: A Walk in Nature, on display now through April 30, 2026.

Enjoy an exhibition of works created by kindergarten through 8th grade students in the Famous Artists Portfolio art education program. This art show is a celebration of the diverse perspectives, boundless imagination, and artistic talent of students from around the area.

The exhibition highlights the diverse artistic talents of local students

145 pieces are on display from TK through 8th grade student artists

Artwork was inspired by lessons available in Turtle Bay’s Famous Artists Portfolio Program, a free art resource for local students and community members

The Famous Artists Portfolio Program is led by volunteers at Turtle Bay and includes over 70 portfolios

Those interested in learning more about the Famous Artists Portfolio program can attend a spring orientation on March 4 from 4-5pm at Zubie’s Classroom in the Turtle Bay Museum. Pre-registration is required to attend the orientation. More information about the program is also available online: http://www.turtlebay.org/famous-artists-portfolio-program.

Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild
2026-03-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-11 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Turtle Bay Museum, 844 Sundial Bridge, Redding, 96001, United States
Turtle Bay Museum proudly presents Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life In The Wild, a breathtaking exhibition featuring 40 of the renowned photographer’s most resonant images, on display from January 24 through May 3, 2026.
Spanning all seven continents, the exhibition immerses visitors in stunning natural landscapes and the intimate lives of animal species from some of the Earth’s last great wild places. Created over decades, the work reflects deep knowledge of animal behavior and the patience to wait for nature’s most powerful moments.
Among the photographs many visitors will recognize are Polar Dance (1989), showing polar bears appearing to dance across the Arctic ice; Mountain Outlaw (2014), a dramatic head-on charge of a grizzly bear through snow; and Catch of the Day (1988), which captures the precise instant a salmon leaps into the open jaws of a brown bear along Alaska’s Brooks River. Notably one of the most widely circulated wildlife photographs in history, Catch of the Day was created before digital cameras and without manipulation. The exhibition showcases a breadth of subjects including mammals, birds, flowers, and iconic landscapes from Alaska’s Denali Range to the African savanna.
These remarkable works by Thomas D. Mangelsen reflect more than 50 years of dedication as an artist and conservationist. His work has earned many top honors, including Conservation Photographer of the Year, placement in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and recognition as one of the most influential and important photographers of his time.
The exhibition is free for members and included with admission. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday for winter hours.

Whitt Hall Fire House Museum Tours
2026-03-09, 2026-03-13 | Whitt Hall Fire House Museum, 835 Cedar Street, Red Bluff, 96080, United States
Schedule a tour of Red Bluff’s very own historic firehouse – complete with vintage fire trucks and tons of historical items. This is a treat for the whole family!
Tours are free, donations are appreciated.
To schedule your tour, please call (530) 527-1126. We look forward to seeing you!

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology
2026-03-10 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-11 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-12 11:00 - 15:00 | Valene L Smith Museum of Anthropology, 400 W 1st St., Chico, CA, 95929, United States
The end of the school year often means scheduling a class trip to the museum. The Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology at Chico State is now scheduling FREE one-hour experiences. Enjoy the hands-on exhibit “What’s Your Mood?” that explores the difference between moods and feelings. Includes fun activities and interactives to dive deeper. Schedule today for a tour and learn about our summer programs too!
Open Tuesday through Saturday 11am – 3pm

Bonus Afterschool Hours at Gateway Science Museum
2026-03-11 15:00 - 19:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
Want more Gateway? Visit on these bonus dates:
Wednesday March 11, April 8, and May 13 during the exclusive hours of 3:00pm-7:00pm.
In addition to our normal Thursday – Saturday open days, we are excited to announce special Wednesdays to offer more visiting hours and special activities including nature photography, coaster demos, fossil preparation, and other surprises.

Little Explorers: Me and My Family
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
Barr & Mudford presents Little Explorers

Families come in all shapes and sizes, but each one is unique in its own way! Explore what makes you and your family so special. Little Explorers is a weekly educational program for 2-5-year-olds and their caregivers. This play-based environment encourages children to explore, discover, investigate, and create.

Every Thursday in March
Meets in the Mill Building in Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp

Free for members | Included with admission
