Anyone who thinks learning is boring should visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s Back to School Bash this Saturday! It’s a free day of games and crafts for children and helpful services for parents and caregivers as summer vacation begins to wind down..

Children will get to answer trivia questions, interact with a tornado machine, explore robotics by racing Hexbugs on a Lego track and so much more!

The bash is designed for parents, too! They can get free haircuts for the kids, learn about resources offered by the Lincoln Public Library, pickup materials from the Department of Natural Resources and get safety information from the FBI and National Weather Service.

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Springfield’s Union Square Park (500 E. Madison Street, next to the Lincoln Presidential Museum). In case of rain, it will be held in the presidential library. Free parking is available in the ALPLM’s parking garage at Sixth and Madison.

“It can be hard for children to make the switch from vacation to the classroom. We think the Back to School Bash makes that a little easier by providing fun, hands-on ways for kids to begin focusing on learning,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We also want it to help parents and caregivers who always have so much to do during back-to-school season.”

Organizations planning to participate include the Springfield Fire Department, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Special Olympics Illinois, the University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and many more.