Chico Children's Museum
2026-04-28 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-29 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-30 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-01 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-02 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-03 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild
2026-04-29 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-01 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-02 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-03 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.

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology
2026-04-29 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-30 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-01 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-02 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

Famous Artists Student Art Show: A Walk in Nature
2026-04-30 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.

Motion Mania @ Gateway Science Museum
2026-04-30 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-01 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-02 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.

4th Annual Foster Care Museum at monca
2026-04-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-01 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Museum of Northern California Art (monca), 900 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926
The 4th Annual Foster Care Museum will be held at the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) from March 19th through May 3rd, 2026. This exhibition is dedicated to sharing the unique foster care experience and celebrates foster youth’s resilience, talents, and perseverance. Through their stories, art, and artifacts, foster youth invite the community to see life through the lens of those who have experienced the foster care system.
The monca will host an open reception on March 20th, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Whitt Hall Fire House Museum Tours
2026-05-01 | 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!

Pioneer History Museum
2026-05-01 10:15 - 14:15, 2026-05-02 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!

Glowing Wild Lantern Festival at Turtle Bay
2026-05-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-02 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.

Saturday Activities in May at Gateway Museum
2026-05-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
Drop-in from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Activities are free with admission!

May 2: Get magnetic – Physics students showcase their magnetic devices
May 9: Elephant toothpaste – A fun chemistry experiment
May 16: Lava lamp – Create a homemade lava lamp
May 23: NO Activity. Museum CLOSED
May 30: Floating fish – Test if drawings of fish still swim

Kelly-Griggs House Museum Tours
2026-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Kelly-Griggs House Museum, 311 Washington St., Red Bluff, CA, 96080, United States
The Mission of the Kelly-Griggs House Museum Association is to promote understanding and appreciation of the 19th Century art, architecture and artifacts of our local community and Northern California. We accomplish this through collection and preservation of such artifacts and our exhibitions and educational programs.
We are open for guided tours every first and third Sunday!
Featuring:

The Victorian Costume & Textiles Collection
Period Furniture & Household Items
The Pioneer Room
And so much more!

To schedule a tour, please:
Call 530-527-1129 – OR – Email kellygriggsmuseum@gmail.com
The suggested donation is $5.
