MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, will open its doors to visitors for free for the first time on Free Museum Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at 125 State St., Santa Barbara.

The event celebrates Count Play Explore, a California initiative that promotes positive, confident outcomes in math, science, and computer science among children from birth through third grade.

In a popular exhibit at MOXI, children toss balls into air-filled tubing and watch as they bounce around. (Courtesy photo)
In a popular exhibit at MOXI, children toss balls into air-filled tubing and watch as they bounce around. (Courtesy photo)

Free Museum Day is organized by MOXI, with support from the Santa Barbara County Education Office.

Museum exhibits for all ages will be open throughout the museum, plus special interactive stations from community partners featuring slime-making, a color-changing chemistry activity, water-filtration exploration, and two different kinds of robots.

The event will offer resources for families about early childhood development, support services, learning tools, and parent education.

“For the first time, we’re opening our doors for free to the public, inviting families to discover the joy of STEAM, and connect with trusted community resources,” said Kaia-Joye Wesolowski, director of learning experiences.

“It’s a powerful combination, and we’re proud to make it accessible to our entire community,” Wesolowski said.

While the event is free, reservations are recommended. Walk-in (non-reserved) admissions will be limited throughout the day. For free reservations and information, visit www.moxi.org or MOXI Free Day Tickets.

“Free admission days like this one can be transformative,” Wesolowski said. “They open our doors to families who might not otherwise have the chance to experience MOXI.

“We hope they leave feeling inspired to keep exploring together and nurturing their children’s curiosity, whether it’s inside or outside of the museum.”

On April 12, MOXI will serve as a community hub for Count Play Explore in collaboration with local partners, including:

California Los Padres Section of the American Chemical Society (CALPACS)
Dos Pueblos High School Riptide Robotics, a student team
Foodbank of SB County
Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP)
Santa Barbara Public Library
SBCC School of Extended Learning
UCSB Liberman Child Studies Lab
UCSB Lab for Infant Learning and Cognition (LILAC) + Cognitive Adaptation Lab (CAL)
UCSB Los Ingenieros, a student group that supports Latin@ STEM college graduates

Learn more about MOXI at www.moxi.org. For more on Count Play Explore, visit countplayexplore.org.