Young visitors to the Staten Island Children’s Museum have a new way to explore the wonders of the sea—without getting wet. Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Northfield Foundation, we have added a custom-built Fishing Pier component to our popular Sea of Boats outdoor play area.
The new Fishing Pier invites children to “cast a line” into a pretend ocean, using magnetic poles to catch colorful sea creatures in an imaginative, hands-on experience. Designed by the nationally recognized exhibit firm Kidzibits, the pier promotes both fun and learning, encouraging curiosity about marine life and conversations around conservation.
“The Children’s Museum continues to be a place where curiosity and creativity thrive,” said Diane Senerchia, President of the Northfield Bank Foundation. “We’re proud to support this playful new exhibit that invites kids to explore the marine world and build confidence through discovery.”
The Sea of Boats exhibit, built in 2001 as part of an expansion into our adjacent historic barn, has long been a seasonal favorite. With features like a lighthouse, water table, and crow’s nest, it introduces children to Staten Island’s nautical heritage through active outdoor play.
In addition to the Fishing Pier, new enhancements include:
- “How Big a Fish Are You?” – a life-size comparison activity
- A knot-tying station that introduces maritime skills
- A rope climbing net for adventurous play and teamwork
“These upgrades go beyond play—they support social-emotional learning, motor skills, and family connection,” said Dina Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Staten Island Children’s Museum. “We’re incredibly grateful to Diane and the Northfield Foundation for helping us make children’s visits here truly memorable.”
