Route 66 Kidzeum Birthday Celebration Presented by Horace Mann

Kidzeum is turning 8, and we’re celebrating with a full day of free family fun in the heart of downtown Springfield.
This year, our birthday falls during the Route 66 Centennial, making it the perfect time to celebrate two Springfield treasures at once. Join us for free museum admission, 500 free books for kids, Route 66-themed activities, special guests, community partners, and a free outdoor screening of Cars.

Thanks to our partners at the Horace Mann Educators Foundation and United Way of Central Illinois, we’ll be giving away 500 free books for kids while supplies last, including books in both English and Spanish. Families can also learn more about and enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books by mail to children from birth through age five.

Throughout the day, enjoy Kidzeum’s hands-on exhibits, face painting, live entertainment, food vendors, and opportunities to explore the stories and culture of Route 66.

We’re also excited to welcome Buz Waldmire, brother of legendary Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. Bob’s famous Volkswagen bus served as inspiration for Fillmore, the beloved hippie van from Disney-Pixar’s Cars, creating a special connection between Route 66 history and our featured evening film. Buz will be joining us to share stories, artwork, and the enduring legacy of Route 66.

As the sun goes down, the celebration continues on the lawn of the Old State Capitol with a special guest reading and a free outdoor screening of Cars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from a local food truck, and enjoy a summer evening with family and friends in the heart of downtown.

Daytime at Kidzeum:
-Free museum admission
-Route 66-themed activities
-Live entertainment
-Face painting
-Free book giveaway (while supplies last)
-Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library enrollment
-Food vendors and community partners
-Evening at the Old State Capitol Lawn
5:30 PM — Special guest reading

Old State Capitol Lawn:
6:00 PM — Outdoor screening of Cars
Bring a blanket or lawn chair · Food trucks on site