North State Parent magazine

Never Too Old... Never Too Young...
2026-05-23 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-24 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-28 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-29 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Museum of Northern California Art (monca), 900 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926
Designed and curated by the monca Junior Board, the “Never Too Old… Never Too Young…” exhibit features art of all media created by local students of all ages. The Junior Board’s goal is to break down the barriers to entry that many new artists face when seeking to exhibit their work in museum and gallery spaces. The monca Junior Board is composed of high school and college students from Butte County who are working to create youth-focused art opportunities and promote artistic engagement to their peers. Inquire about joining today! Contact us at juniorboard@monca.org.

Glowing Wild Lantern Festival at Turtle Bay
2026-05-23 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-24 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-27 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-28 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
All new displays for 2026! WEDNESDAYS – SUNDAYS ONLY!
Experience the Glowing Wild Lantern Festival, an all-new collection of lanterns featuring dinosaurs, African savannah animals, and ancient Egypt at the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay!
From glowing forests to larger-than-life animal displays from around the world, Glowing Wild is an experience to explore at your own pace and enjoy together. As the sun sets, the gardens come alive with color, best experienced from 7pm-10pm.
Glowing Wild is an enchanting outdoor experience where visitors can wander through 10 acres of illuminated gardens, witness captivating light displays, and enjoy interactive exhibits amidst the natural beauty of Turtle Bay’s Botanical Gardens. We will have music, food & drinks, live performances on select nights & more!
Enjoy the glowing swings, Turtle Express Train Ride, and food and drink from Mosaic Restaurant including wood fired pizza, orange chicken, mochi ice cream, and craft cocktails are available for purchase. Community Stage showcasing local and regional talent on select nights.
Join us for an unforgettable experience!
For tickets, visit our Event Website link below. Kids 0-3 are free!
*We do offer some packages, the prices of which exceed the cost stated below. See details at the Event Website link.

Chico Children's Museum
2026-05-24 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-26 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-27 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-28 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-29 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-30 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!

POPnology Summer Exhibition
2026-05-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 17:00 | Turtle Bay Museum, 844 Sundial Bridge, Redding, 96001, United States
We are excited to share the opening of our summer exhibition, POPnology, on display from May 23 through August 16 at the Turtle Bay Museum.

Designed for a diverse audience, POPnology explores how ideas from movies, books, television, and art have inspired real-world technological breakthroughs.

Exhibition highlights include:

Interactive displays inspired by beloved science fiction, popular culture, and advances in technology over time
A full-size replica of the iconic “DeLorean time machine” as seen in Back to the Future
A 3D printing lab featuring live demonstrations of emerging manufacturing technologies
A Mars rover simulation that allows visitors to navigate the challenges of extraterrestrial exploration

Robotic artistic replicas of popular movie characters & more!

Whitt Hall Fire House Museum Tours
2026-05-25, 2026-05-29 | 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
2026-05-26 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-27 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-28 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-29 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

The Puzzle Show – Community Art Exhibit & Silent Auction
2026-05-26 11:30 - 16:00, 2026-05-27 11:30 - 16:00, 2026-05-28 11:30 - 16:00, 2026-05-29 11:30 - 16:00 | Chico Art Center, 450 Orange Street, Ste. 6, Chico, CA, United States
Come celebrate creativity and community at one of Northern California’s largest public participatory art exhibits! Over 400 artists of all ages and abilities have contributed to this unique installation—making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Created by artists Jeb & Olive Sisk, Titus Willoughby Woods, and collaborators, The Puzzle Show continues a long-standing tradition that began decades ago at the 24 Hr Drive-By Gallery.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Silent Auction – Begins May 12 (opening day) and Ends during the Closing Reception
Closing Reception & Final Bidding – Friday, May 29 from 6:00–8:30 PM
Enjoy refreshments, community, and live bidding. Final bids close at 8:00 PM
Artwork Pickup – Winning bidders can pick up artwork: Saturday & Sunday following the auction from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Give Back Through Art – 50% of proceeds support Chico Art Center’s operations—helping sustain arts programming in our community.
Bring friends, explore the exhibit, and bid on a piece of local creativity!

A-MAZE-D
2026-05-28 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-29 11:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
A-MAZE-D is a bespoke walk-through cave created by world-renowned maze designer Dave Phillips and painted by Chico State art students and alumni. This fun and interactive summer exhibit is an opportunity for kids and adults alike to explore a unique, cave-inspired, maze.

Pioneer History Museum
2026-05-29 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!
