
Kids love to get messy when they play, and the Endangered Wolf Center is holding an event on Sunday, June 29 that will let kids do just that. Messy Play Day promises to be messy fun.
"Our goal for the kids is that they leave here with not only a dirty outfit but also a newly inspired curiosity for nature," said Ashley Rearden, education coordinator at the Endangered Wolf Center. "Our goal for parents is that they leave here with a list of new ways to inspire their children at home and a head full of new memories."
Toddlers and preschoolers will explore nature through tactile activities and crafts at this special messy event. Children, from walking to age 5, will have a blast getting messy while learning to discover the world around them.
Activities include sand exploration, mud and dirt fun, water play, watercolors, face painting, learning how to make all-natural play dough and lots of nature crafts. Children should wear clothes that can get really dirty!
Getting hands-on messy is not only fun, but is a great way for kids to learn. "The benefits to the tactile experience of playing in mud, dirt, paint, etc., are a huge motivation behind Messy Play Day," Readen continued. "Children in this age group learn through exploration and, to be honest, many people continue to learn best this way into adulthood. We wanted to be able to offer a program to kids where they would be learning while they have fun and get messy."
The cost is $8 per child. Parents are free. Special min-tours of the animal enclosures will be available for $10 per person that day only. There is no charge for the mini-tour for children who are enrolled in the Messy Play Day. There will also be a docent on hand in the classroom for attendees to learn more about the Endangered Wolf Center, where the mission is to preserve and protect Mexican gray wolves, red wolves and other endangered canids through carefully managed breeding, reintroduction. and inspiring education programs. Families and individuals can "adopt" or sponsor a wolf to help support the center.
This event is expected to be very popular, so reservations are recommended by calling 636-938-5900. Walk-in enrollment will be based on availability.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka.
More information: endangeredwolfcenter.org
Photo: iStock
Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Learn ways to nurture your baby's development and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment at Baby & Me, a free class offered at the St. Louis County Library. Baby & Me classes are for parents and caregivers with pre-walking infants ages 0-12 months.
Kids can meet a friendly CHAMP Therapy Dog and read to them to enhance their reading skills!