Hands on History Presents:
Drop-In Afternoons for Kids
Whether your family is enjoying a Tennessee staycation or you’re visiting us from somewhere else, we want everyone to enjoy their time at Belle Meade! We know as parents, you may be looking for options for your children to enjoy while you are participating in one of our historic tours, Segway Tour, or Food and Wine experiences. After all, it’s your vacation, too!
That is why we are excited to launch Drop-In Afternoons for Kids, a new summer program for children whose parents are participating in another activity at Belle Meade. This high energy program includes sensory-friendly learning experiences, hands-on activities, and crafts to take home! Parents can relax and enjoy Belle Meade activities knowing their children are in a safe, clean, and comfortable space learning and exploring with our certified and experienced Education Department staff. They won’t even know you’re gone!
Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register online in advance of your visit. Each Hands on History Drop-In ticket includes an Ice Cream Token, which can be redeemed at the Coop ‘N Scoop, our on-site ice cream and fudge shop!
Drop-In Afternoons for Kids are available on Friday – Monday (June 18, 2021 – July 31). Children may drop-in for the program beginning at 1:00 pm. All children must be picked-up by 4:00 pm. Parent/guardians will be asked to sign a release waiver, prior to leaving the children in our care. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
2021 Theme: STEAM Into History!
From steam power to plumbing to early electricity, the 1800s were full of scientific achievements and innovations. Discover more about “old-fashioned” science and technology, as you try your hand at sending telegraph messages and learn how the first telephones connected with each other. (Hint: They were wired!) Come prepared to play outside, weather permitting. Additional activities include guided experiments with steam, ice, electro-magnets, and more, all take place in our 1884 Dairy, which is the new home of our History Maker Space.
What is the History Maker Space?
Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines a “historymaker” as “one that by acts, ideas, or existence modifies the course of history,” and a “makerspace” as “a communal public workshop in which makers can work on small personal projects.”
Combining those two concepts, we created the History Maker Space, where we encourage children and families to learn about the past, and then to take that knowledge and craft a better future for themselves and the world. We believe that everyone is a “historymaker”!
Health and Safety at Hands on History
Our Hands on History staff are CPR/First Aid Certified with the American Red Cross and have also completed an online child safety course. All children and staff agree to our Code of Conduct and anti-bullying policies, and we take the care of your children very seriously.
To keep ourselves and our community safe, we have hand sanitizer available and we regularly disinfect all surfaces.