Free Summer Saturdays sizzle at Heard Museum

Contributed photo
Natalia Sarrah, 7, and sister Ava Sarrah, 5, of Peoria show off their beading prowess.

Culture, creativity and cool activities fill five July Saturdays at downtown Phoenix landmark

From exciting music and dance performances to an extravaganza of hands-on activities, artist demonstrations and free goody bags, Sizzlin’ Summer Saturdays gives kids and families a cool and creative way to spend July Saturdays. What’s better, mom and dad or grandpa and grandma can explore the Heard Museum and enjoy the activities for free as well, thanks to support from Target.

At Target Free Sizzlin’ Summer Saturdays, there’s something for everyone! Each Saturday from July 3-31, visitors can experience exciting dance performances and meet authors of popular kids’ books, and listen to readings.

This week, celebrate our nation’s rich heritage by creating special patriotic crafts! Kids can create their own stars-and-stripes themed artwork, plus see a tribute to American Indian military veterans in the exhibit HOME: Native People in the Southwest.

· Hands-on Activities – Create a red, white and blue charm necklace, scratch a star, paint a star pin, decorate a box using red, white and blue and patriotic decorations, and make your own American flag

· Performances – Hoop dancing and fancy dancing with Lane and Tyrese Jensen, Navajo/Maricopa [PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE]

· Book Reading & Signing – Conrad Storad, author of Don't Call Me Pig and other popular children’s books

Kids can enjoy several hands-on activities in addition to the dozens of interactive or make-and-take activities in three of the museum’s galleries: Every Picture Tells a tory, We Are! Arizona’s First People and HOME: Native People in the Southwest. They can also participate in a different “treasure hunt” in the museum each week. The Café at the Heard Museum will offer special kids and family lunches. Plus, each child will receive a treat and a take-home souvenir bag filled with activity sheets, crayons, stickers and more.

WHEN: Saturday, July 3, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Museum Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· Hands-on activities – 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· Special activities – 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
· Performances – 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
· Book readings – 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
· Book signings – 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.

WHERE: Heard Museum, 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz.

COST: FREE! Everyone gets in free on Target Free Sizzlin’ Summer Saturdays, thanks to a grant from Target.

INFO: For more information, please call 602.252.8848 or visit www.heard.org/Sizzlin’.