Hands-on fun and adventures in store for kids this summer at Reach Museum

Families looking for options to keep their children busy over the summer will have a slate of new ideas as the Reach Museum releases its summer activity itinerary.

With school districts across the Tri-Cities out for the summer starting this week, the Reach is prepared for the upcoming bustle of its seasonal audience.

The museum kickstarted its program with a visit from renowned photographer John Clement and will continue to roll out activities and special guests through the rest of the summer. Clement’s work will remain on exhibit through Sept. 12.

The museums programs include outdoor excursions and museums as well as indoor activities focused on local history and hands-on learning. Some days offer two events with each running one to three hours.

Some highlights include:

• A 17-mile bike ride with a park ranger along the Sacagawea Heritage Trail

• An afternoon playing some of America’s classic games

• A short morning of hands-on learning inspired by wildlife and nature

The schedule also highlights its Community Free Day July 23 celebrating Reach’s 12th anniversary. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The programs are free with a Reach Museum membership. They are also available for purchase through general admission with fees of $15 per adult, $10 for seniors and $8 for students and military. Admission is free for children under five.

Patricia Mosley, communications and marketing manager for the Reach Museum, said the museum is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, alongside an additional 10-year milestone for the Little Explorers program.

The Little Explorers program is separate from its seasonal programs, running through September 24 and offered only to children ages three to five.

“All the programs we do, regardless of age, are STEM-based,” Mosley said. “We try to open it to anyone and everyone of all ages.”

The Reach partners with school districts during the school year to plan field trips and introduce students to its offered programs, according to Mosley. The museum uses the Washington State Education standard to help curate its programs, enhancing what students are already learning in the classroom.

“We work with teachers to say, ‘What do you want? What do you need?’” Mosley said. “We try to be very inclusive, but we can’t fit everyone’s standards.”

The Reach aims to continue filling the need for outdoor exploration and hands-on learning opportunities for children over school breaks, encouraging them to get away from screens, Mosley said.

“This is what we do. This is who we are,” Mosley said.