A Voyage Of Discovery!
Ahoy, matey! Join us on a journey of discovery and fun through the South Street Seaport Museum’s interactive early childhood program, miniMATES! Our early-learning program uses themed songs, stories, art projects, and hands-on activities to teach program participants and their caregivers about boats and ships, marine life, and artifacts in a playgroup setting. miniMATES targets key aspects of development for children ages 18 months to 3 years, from language to creativity to fine-motor skills.
miniMATES is currently paused. Please contact us below to be the first to receive updates on our schedule.
Cost:
- $200 for the 8-week session
- $180 enrollment for each additional child
- Museum Members at the Family level or higher receive an additional 10% off!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the program held?
The program takes place at the Seaport Museum at 12 Fulton Street. Families can leave their strollers in the lobby and then walk up a few stairs to the classroom.
Do I have to register for the whole session or can we drop in from time to time?
We want to build a community of kids and caregivers who know and care about each other, and also to have continuity in our learning activities, so we ask families to sign up for an entire session. We do provide a pro-rated option for families who join part-way into the session.
Can I do a trial class?
Trial classes for miniMATES are offered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at minimates@seany.org to find out more.
I also care for an infant. Can I bring him or her along?
Yes! But please be aware that strollers need to be left in the lobby, so you will probably want to bring a portable carrier for the baby to sleep in.
This would be my child’s first group class, and I’m not sure if he or she is old enough for the program.
The class is well-designed for children 18 months to 3 years, including toddlers. All activities are accessible to children of different ages and abilities. Children are encouraged but not pressured to participate in each activity.
Can I join in the middle of the session?
We do allow families to join after the session has begun if there is room in the class. We limit the class size to 12 kids and their caregivers.
Do I stay with my child?
Parents and caregivers are active participants in the program! Caregivers must stay with and help the children. You are encouraged to sing along with the songs, make your own art, take advantage of the opportunity to be creative, and enjoy the companionship of the other caregivers.
Do you offer Open Play sessions?
miniMATES is now taking place in a new classroom space, which is on a lower floor of the building, but is a smaller room. Therefore we will not be offering Open Play in the miniMATES classroom space.
If you have a question not answered here, please contact us below.