Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It’s been eight years since the Kidzeum of Health and Science opened up, and ever since then it’s been a staple of downtown family fun. The Kidzeum is hosting a big event for their birthday on Saturday, and it’s free and open to the public. Elisa Fox, Director of Development & Marketing at Kidzeum of Health and Science, stopped by the WTAX Morning Newswatch to discuss this amazing event.

“Our mission is learning through play, and so we are excited to welcome as many families as we possibly can this Saturday to make some good memories and be able to have some educational experiences together as a family. We’ve packed the entire day full of Route 66 themed fun. There’ll be special readings by Alderwoman, Lakeisha Purchase, and even a visit from Buzz Waldmire.”

It’s been eight years, what all has changed since then?

“We’ve been able to welcome over 200,000 people through the doors of museum, since we opened in 2018 and we’ve had an amazing group of community partners that we’ve been able to partner with district 186. And so, our birthday this Saturday, July 18th, is kind of our way to say thank you to the Springfield community for supporting us for these 8 incredible years.”

The Kidzeum is also hosting a free showing of the movie “Cars” Saturday evening at the Old State Capitol. RSVP’s are required. however, all the seats have since been filled. There are also a number of Route 66-theme activities at Kidzeum on Saturday as part of the birthday celebration.