Summer Science Enrichment

Summer Science Enrichment offers fun-filled educational activities guided by educators and by visits from topic experts. The program is offered for children in grades 1–3 and grades 4–6 and takes place among museum exhibits that include fossils, animals, rocks, minerals, and cultural displays. Activities can include time in areas such as the “Oh! Zone” hands-on interactive nature discovery center, which provides mind stimulating activities for children, parents, and teachers.

• Ages: 6–11 years old

The Summer Science Enrichment program is part of the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science, which began in 1995 as a small exhibit at California Living Museum (CALM). The museum’s mission is “wonders of science through enrichment activities, exhibits, and special programs.” Leadership for the museum includes Dr. Anthony Rathburn, a board member, scientist and CSUB professor.

Exhibits available to Summer Science Enrichment participants include one of the best and largest collections of fossils from the Miocene period, a significant African animals collection with over 50 taxidermy specimens from the African continent, and North American animal specimens. The upper floor holds fossils from much of Earth’s history, including examples from the Paleozoic era, dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, and ice-age specimens from the Pleistocene, along with petrified woods and rock and mineral exhibits. The Native American Lifeways exhibit portrays Yokuts village structures and includes artifacts from many Kern County sites as well as collections from the Department of Energy and California State University, Bakersfield, and was constructed in partnership with the Native American Preservation Council of Kern County. The museum’s exhibits are housed in a 20,000 square foot building containing three and a half floors with specimens, exhibits, classrooms, a paleo-laboratory, and secure storage areas.

Last updated March 15, 2026.