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Eight years ago, Kidzeum of Health and Science opened its doors with a mission to inspire healthier lives through learning and play. On Saturday, July 18, the museum is inviting the entire community to celebrate that milestone with a free, family-friendly birthday festival presented by Horace Mann.
In honor of Kidzeum's eighth birthday and the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66, admission to the museum will be free all day as activities spill beyond the museum and into the heart of downtown Springfield.
Families can start the day at the Springfield Farmers Market, where Kidzeum will host a whimsical Veggie Car Derby. At 11:15 a.m., The Tator Tots will perform a free concert at the market before the celebration continues at the museum with hands-on exploration, live entertainment, face painting, community partners, and birthday fun. Throughout the day, children can launch into space, deliver a weather forecast, care for patients in the pediatric exhibit, engineer waterways at the water table, and discover the power of learning through play.
The celebration will also feature Route 66 and America 250-inspired activities, special appearances by Buzz Waldmire, Route 66 storyteller and brother of legendary Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire, and Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase, who will lead a special birthday story time. Thanks to a grant from the Horace Mann Educators Foundation, families can receive free bilingual books through United Way of Central Illinois and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, while supplies last, and learn how to enroll children in the nationally recognized early literacy program.
Researchers from Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago will also be on site to engage the community in co-designing Kidzeum's future Center for STEAM Education. The initiative is supported by a planning grant from the National Science Foundation.
The celebration extends beyond Kidzeum's walls through a special partnership with My Heart's Downtown, encouraging families to support the businesses that make downtown Springfield thrive. Anyone who spends $25 or more at a downtown business on July 18 and brings their receipt to Kidzeum will receive 25% off a Kidzeum membership and a My Heart's Downtown bumper sticker. The first 25 families to redeem the offer will also receive an exclusive My Heart's Downtown T-shirt, while supplies last.
The celebration continues into the evening with a lineup of local food trucks and a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar's Cars on the Old State Capitol lawn, supported by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Whether families grab dinner from a food truck or enjoy one of downtown Springfield's many local restaurants, they're encouraged to make a full day of exploring, eating, and celebrating in the heart of the city. RSVPs for the movie are being taken at kidzeum.org/birthday. Movie goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to help us efficiently seat everyone.
"This celebration is about much more than marking another birthday," said Leah Wilson, Executive Director of Kidzeum of Health and Science. "It's an opportunity to celebrate the children, families, educators, members, donors, volunteers, and community partners who have helped shape Kidzeum over the past eight years. We're excited to open our doors free of charge thanks to the generous support of Horace Mann and invite everyone to spend the day discovering, playing, and celebrating together."
The Kidzeum 8th Birthday Celebration is presented by Horace Mann and made possible through the support of community partners committed to creating joyful, educational experiences for children and families.
The event is free and open to the public.
For the complete event schedule, activity details, participating partners, and updates, visit kidzeum.org/birthday.
About Kidzeum of Health and Science
Kidzeum of Health and Science is a nationally recognized children's museum in downtown Springfield dedicated to inspiring children to live healthier lives through learning and play. Since opening in 2018, Kidzeum has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors through interactive exhibits, educational programming, and community initiatives that empower children to imagine their futures and discover the world around them.
About Horace Mann
Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest multiline financial services company focused on helping America’s educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. For more information, visit www.horacemann.com.
About the Horace Mann Educators Foundation
The Horace Mann Educators Foundation is an independent charitable organization established in 2020 by Horace Mann Educators Corporation to recognize the dedication of educators who help each student reach their full potential. The foundation advances education and community well-being by addressing basic needs, reducing systemic barriers, supporting educator professional development and wellness, and championing causes important to Horace Mann Educators Corporation employees.
