"Ancient Adventures" summer programs for families at the Springfield Museums will continue the week of July 25 with activities centered on ancient China. "Ancient Adventures" programs have been planned in conjunction with the opening of the new Ancient Treasures gallery in the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum.

"Ancient Adventures" programs are sponsored by Bank of America and the Eugene A. Dexter Charitable Fund through the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Activities are free with the price of museum admission unless noted. Daily, Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Pan for gems and fossils in the "Museum Mining Company's" rushing river sluice (additional fee; proceeds support the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden). Ongoing – Go on a scavenger hunt through the new Ancient Treasures gallery and win a prize. Noon-3:30 p.m. – Make take-home crafts and meet costumed characters from ages past. Noon-3:45 p.m. – Hands-on Family Science Adventures 1, 2 & 3 p.m. – Planetarium shows (additional fee) Noon- 4 p.m. – Try on costumes and make "ancient art." Tuesday, July 25 Noon-3:30 p.m. – Make a Chinese lantern. 12:30 p.m. – Watch a performance by the elaborately-costumed Lion Dancers. Wednesday, July 26 Noon-3:30 p.m. – Make a dancing dragon. Thursday, July 27 Noon-3:30 p.m. – Make a panda puppet and try writing with Chinese calligraphy. Friday, July 28 12:30 p.m. – Watch a demonstration of Kung Fu, a form traditional of martial arts. Noon-3:30 p.m. – Make a dancing dragon and try Chinese calligraphy. Upcoming programs in the "Ancient Adventures" series are: August 1-4: Ancient Greece & Rome August 8-11: The Ancient Americas