Members of the Whip City Animal Sanctuary participate in 2024’s Penguin Plunge.
Reminder Publishing file photo
WESTFIELD — On Saturday, Jan. 25, a group of intrepid souls will brave the winter waters of Hampton Ponds State Park for the 21st Annual Penguin Plunge, to raise money for the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
The Amelia Park Children’s Museum at 29 South Broad St., a favorite destination for children ages 1 to 7 and their families, has been serving the greater Westfield area and beyond for over 27 years. The museum is dedicated to fostering an enriching environment where children can learn, create, explore and experiment at an affordable price.
Executive Director Diane Chambers said she would like to see double the number of participants in the Penguin Plunge this year.
“We’ve been averaging around 45 plungers the last couple of years — we’d like to have 60 or 70 more if possible. I’d love 100,” she said, adding that it is a very important fundraiser for a museum serving the youngest members of the community since 1997.
“The Children’s Museum is a tremendous asset for the community. The funds raised this year will be used to help offset the cost of the museum to keep it affordable,” Chambers said.
The Penguin Plunge itself rewards participants with a party atmosphere. Plungers, who are asked to raise a minimum of $75 from sponsors, friends and family for the museum ($50 for full-time students with a valid ID), are encouraged to come as individuals or with a team, and dress up for the occasion. There will be hot drinks, heated changing rooms and a bonfire during the plunge. It is recommended that participants bring their own towels, plunging footwear and a change of clothes.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers — $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. Prizes will also be awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. All participants will receive a free 2024 Penguin Plunge t-shirt while supplies last.
Plungers may register in advance at ameliaparkmuseum.org/penguin-plunge or in person at the event. The registration and check-in is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Penguin Plunge is at 1 p.m.
Open every day but Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including school vacation weeks, the mission of the Amelia Park Children’s Museum is to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of young learners through creative exhibits and imaginative hands-on activities, which foster a climate of learning and exploration.
Favorite exhibitions include the space exhibit which has rocket blasters and floating balls; the dino dig, where youngsters dig for dinosaur bones, and the cafe grocery store. Added in 2024 was a new train exhibit that opened in April, and a pet vet exhibit in August. Last year, 33,000 visitors came to the museum.
Chambers said the museum is actively fundraising for 2025, when they hope to augment existing exhibits and open a new bike exhibit with different sized stationary bikes for different ages, and a map of Westfield.
“The more they pedal, the more sites they will see in Westfield,” she said.
The cost of admission to the Amelia Park Children’s Museum is $8 for adults and children 12 months and older, and $4 for grandparents and seniors over 60. Admission is $2 per person for those with a valid EBT card, and free for infants under 12 months.
Members receive free unlimited admission for one year. More information on memberships is available on the website at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org.
“Please consider joining in the excitement and taking a plunge to support Amelia Park Children’s Museum,” Chambers said.
