NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — April is Month of the Military Child and Mariners’ Museum and Park is gearing up for its second annual Mariners’ MilKids Fest.
The event honors children whose parents serve in the U.S. military and provides tools and resources from trusted community partners such as Dogs on Deployment, MILLIE, Spouse-ly, and Kidcreate Studio.
“Our Mariners’ MilKids Fest holds an extra special place in my heart, as I am an Army veteran myself,” said Howard Hoege, President and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park. “I see my own wife and children in the military families we serve, and in many ways, the MilKids Fest represents our Mariners’ Team, my own family, and me paying it forward.”
During the event, military families can participate in a variety of activities including:
- Carnival-themed games
- A specially crafted Mariners’ scavenger hunt
- Hands-on learning experiences with the Museum’s Education team
- Environmental activities with the NOAA team
- A performance by Greenbeats, Live!, presented by Virginia Stage Company
- The opportunity to explore the Mariners’ Park ecosystem
- Food and dessert from Island Time Delights and Flossed Out Cotton Candy
- Raffles and prizes
The event will be held on Sunday, April 14 from noon to 4 p.m. on the front lawn of the museum. Military families and Mariners’ Museum Members will receive free admission and general admission is $1.
