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
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