chess

Explore the current exhibitions at the World Chess Hall of Fame during a kid-friendly tour, take part in hands-on activities for kids, and play and learn about the game of chess at these special Family Days. These events are designed for families with children ages 5 to 12. Each day has a different theme.

Admission is free for members at the Family level, or $5 per child for non-members. Sessions are limited to 24 children, so registration is recommended. Family Days are held on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the World Chess Hall of Fame in the Central West End.

To RSVP and for more information: worldchesshof.org

Kings, Queens and Castles, a children's chess exhibit co-created by the World Chess Hall of Fame and The Magic House, brings the game of chess to life and provides an engaging introduction to individual chess pieces and game strategy.

Designed for children ages 3 to 11, Kings, Queens and Castles features an array of interactive elements including a medieval castle complete with turret slides, a giant chess board floor and life-size chess pieces, the chance to make custom made fanciful crowns, oversized interlocking bricks to build the castle wall, a custom digital memory book app and more.

This new exhibit invites children to learn more about this classic game as well as to pique the interest for those who already play. 

Open during regular hours at The Magic House through Jan. 2, 2017, and included with Magic House admission.

More information: magichouse.org

Celebrate the new chess exhibit at The Magic House – Kings, Queens and Castles – at this very special event featuring Jugging Jeff. Visitors are sure to have a royally good time as they explore this limited-time exhibit, which features a life-size chess board, magic castle and lots more.

You'll event have the opportunity to meet a real knight in shining armor! Once A Pawn A Time is free with Magic House admission. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information: magichouse.org

The Magic House is hosting a low-stakes introduction to chess tournament play for children in grades 1-8. Designed for players looking to gain experience with tournament play, participants will play in up to four rounds, 15 minutes per side, using a chess clock.

Players should know how to play the game of chess, including how to check and checkmate as well as when to call a draw. Registration includes medals for all participants. First place winners will also receive a Family Membership to The Magic House. 

6 to 9 p.m. Registration is required. 

More information and to register online: magichouse.org

Kings, Queens and Castles is an innovative exhibition that brings the chess board to life and provides an engaging introduction to individual chess pieces and game strategy.

Kids can explore a castle, become their favorite chess piece on a life-size board, create their own crown, all while learning about one of the world's oldest and best loved games. This exhibit is solely focused on children and chess. With a giant medieval castle, slides, life-size chessboard, large-scale chess pieces and chess-playing and art-making stations, children of all ages and chess-playing ability will be able to experience the ancient game in a brand new way. The exhibition closes on Sept. 11.

More information: worldchesshof.org

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ROOKie Readers is a literacy program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Each week. little ones can enjoy a different story and a variety of games and activities. Each session lasts approximately one hour.

Cost is $5 per adult/child pair. Free for members of the World Chess Hall of Fame. One adult per child required. There is a limit of 12 adult/child pairs per session.

10 a.m. At the World Chess Hall of Fame in the Central West End.

More information and to RSVP: worldchesshof.org

ROOKie Readers is an early literacy program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Each week, you'll enjoy a different story, accompanied by a related game, activity or art project based on rotating themes.

From the squares on the chessboard to the special ways each piece can move, chess is a game of patterns. Children will take part in pattern recognition games and activities, and caregivers will participate too. 

10 a.m. at the World Chess Hall of Fame in the Central West End. Cost is $5 per child/adult pair. One adult per child is required. Sessions are limited to 12 adult/child pairs, so registration is recommended.

For more information and to register: worldchesshof.org

This special family day is designed for kids ages 5-12 and their parents. Chessplaying experience is not required.

Meet the artists of the Screwed Arts Collective, whose show, Screwed Mobes, appears on the first floor, then create a themed canvas of your own.

Family Day activities are free, but space is limited. Reservations are required by calling 314-397-9243, ext. 105 or emailing claire.grothe@worldchesshof.org

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information: www.worldchesshof.org