As St. Louis schools let out for the year, local parents are on the lookout for fun and educational destinations to visit with the kids. With this in mind, the Missouri History Museum is kicking off a FREE Summer Family Fun Series this week, designed to entertain and engage young minds throughout the summer season.
“The Missouri History Museum is always trying to find ways to engage families with St. Louis history, and we know families need fun, free and educational activities during the summer time when school is out,” says Youth and Family Programs Manager Lindsay Newton.
“This series combines special guests, storytelling, and hands-on arts and crafts projects inspired by objects and themes in our exhibitions,” Newton continues. “Many of the programs are held in our new family gallery History Clubhouse: Let’s Build It!, but other programs will cover topics in other museum exhibits such as 250 in 250, an exhibit that commemorates the anniversary of our city.”
Programs in the Summer Family Fun Series kicked off on Monday, June 2 and will be held weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. through August 1. Geared toward kids ages 2-10, these high-energy programs offer something for everyone.
Storytelling (geared toward ages 2-5) and drop-in Make-and-Take activities (perfect for both younger and older children) are offered on Monday and Friday mornings, while exciting, interactive appearances and workshops will take place every Tuesday.
Special, not-to-be-missed Tuesday programs include:
All Tuesday programs begin at 10:30 a.m., though run-times vary depending on the day’s activities. Reservations are not required for any of the programs (unless you plan to attend with a group of 8 or more). For complete details about all of the entertainment and activities featured in the Summer Family Fun Series, visit www.mohistory.org.
And even if these dates and times don’t work with your schedule, the Missouri History Museum still wants to invite you to stop by over summer vacation.
“If you aren’t able to come during the Summer Family Fun Series, you can stop by any day of the week to visit the History Clubhouse: Let’s Build It! exhibit,” reminds Newton. “Kids can step back in time and explore local history in a way that is active and fun by shopping at Soulard Market, looking at life in the ancient city of Cahokia, and working together to build the Wainwright Building.”
“Plus,” she adds, “we invite families to provide input and feedback that we’ll use to complete our permanent History Clubhouse gallery, opening in 2015.”
A chance to learn about history – and even make history – all while having a great time? Sounds like the Missouri History Museum is the perfect destination for St. Louis families to visit this summer.
Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
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