Drop-In Friendly Toddler Time at the Farmers Market with Amethyst: Farm Friends!

Toddler Time with Amethyst at Kidzeum
Toddler Time is a play-based early childhood program designed for toddlers ages 1–3 and their caregivers. Each session encourages sensory exploration, fine motor development, early learning, and meaningful caregiver-child interaction through hands-on play.
This program honors the way toddlers learn best: through movement, repetition, curiosity, and exploration.
Special Location This Week: Toddler Time will be held at the Downtown Springfield Farmers Market in front of Whimsy Tea Company from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
No museum admission required. This special community pop-up is free to attend, so stop by, play, and explore with us while you enjoy the market!
Week 4: Ocean Explorers
Dive into a morning of ocean-themed discovery, sensory play, and hands-on exploration!
Activities include:
• Frozen Ocean Rescue sensory station where children use warm water, droppers, and tools to free ocean animals trapped in ice
• Shells and Scoops fine motor station featuring pouring, scooping, and transferring activities
• Ocean Sensory Bottles filled with water, glitter, beads, and ocean-inspired materials
• Ocean-themed playdough mats featuring fish, octopus, whales, and sea turtles
• Magnetic tiles and building materials for creating underwater caves and ocean habitats
Why ocean play?
Ocean-themed activities encourage curiosity, observation, and problem solving while introducing toddlers to concepts like water, ice, texture, and cause and effect. Melting ice encourages persistence and wonder as children observe materials changing through play. These experiences help build fine motor skills, support early scientific thinking, and inspire imaginative exploration.
Families who attend the full Toddler Time series will receive a special completion certificate celebrating their child's growth and learning.
Meet Your Educator
Toddler Time is led by Amethyst Hamm, Kidzeum's STEAM Educator and early childhood specialist. With six years of classroom experience, advanced early childhood credentials, and ongoing graduate studies in Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention, Amethyst brings both expertise and warmth to every session.
Each activity is thoughtfully designed to support young children's development while creating opportunities for joyful learning, connection, and discovery.