BY GLENDA WINDERS
You may already know how much fun it is to go to the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting. What you might not know, however, is that in addition to learning about mascots and what it takes to be a mascot, sharpening your T-shirt cannon skills and practicing your favorite sports, much more enjoyment awaits.
The museum is organized around STEAM-oriented activities — science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. While children think they are just having a great time, parents know they’re also gathering tons of information.
“It is our mission to educate, spark creativity, promote fun and engage in our communities while honoring our Mascot Hall of Fame Inductees,” said Valerie Reyes, special events coordinator. “It is our desire to inspire learning and play outside the classroom.”
On the second Friday of every month the museum invites homeschoolers to Homeschool Hangout. This is when they can socialize and meet other kids who also go to school at home while they enjoy the museum. Virtual learners and all others are welcome, too.
The spotlight shifts to Tiny Mascots on the third Friday of each month. This program for preschool toddlers adheres to the same principles in providing healthy bodies and minds through music, movement and social play.
The Top Chef program helps children ages 7 and up learn to cook. While they don’t actually use the hot appliances, they learn valuable skills such as how to gather ingredients, measure and mix. Staff members do the cooking, and then kids get to eat the foods they helped prepare.
Bring the whole family for Friday Fun Night, when the museum stays open late and admission is half-price from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. You’ll have full access to the museum as well as enjoy scavenger hunts, team-building projects, movies and board games. Give the family cook a break, too, by getting dinner at Wacky Snacks.
Or take advantage of FreeDay FriYay, the first Friday of every month when Notre Dame Federal Credit Union sponsors free admission. Reyes said they want to make sure everyone gets to enjoy a museum that has this much to offer.
For more information visit: mascothalloffame.com
