Summer Family Fun Series Kicks Off at the Missouri History Museum

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:

• June 3 – Babaloo the Magnificent.  Kids ages 2-7 will love this fun, interactive musical performance.  
• June 10 – Movement Workshop with Mama Lisa: Dunham Island-Bound. Bring the whole family for this hands-on way to learn all about the cultures of Jamaica, Trinidad and Haiti.
• June 17 – Movement Workshop with Mama Lisa: Gaslight Square is a Gas! Dress up and learn about an important piece of St. Louis history – food, fun and dancing included.
• June 24 – Celebrate Reading. Local authors and PAWS support dogs will be on hand at this casual drop-in event where kids can read to the dogs, get books signed and even write some of their own work.
• July 1 – Music by Kristin Tanner. Enjoy laid-back, sing-along-style music while you explore the galleries, including songs all about St. Louis.
• July 8 – Music by Celia. Do your kids love silly songs? This is the event to attend to if you want to hear songs like “Alligator in the Elevator.”
• July 15 – Family Film Day: Frozen. Beat the summer heat with a showing of this Disney favorite. After the movie, kids can hunt for snowman pieces in the galleries and make their own Olaf.
• July 22 - Family Film Day: Finding Nemo. Make a splash watching the classic, then watch your kids “swim” through the galleries on a Nemo-themed scavenger hunt.
• July 29 – Music by Mark-O-Polo. Relax and explore the museum while listening to the playful music of Mark-O-Polo.

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.