WGHF to host second Saturday Family Adventures program

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation wants to bring more children into its downtown museums and has created a program series called Saturday Family Adventures that gives families an opportunity to learn history in a fun way.

“We’re trying to get people to not be afraid to come to museums,” Julie Zimmerman, visitor services and operation manager, said. “We (created) a family event where we could get the littles ones to experience fun. Each one is a new adventure.”

The second in the series is Saturday, June 15, and will feature Jiggle Man as the entertainment. Families will meet at the caboose for a special tour before going inside for the show, followed by crafts and snacks on the new pavilion. Children will be building a fun train, and they can play with trains set up on a table borrowed from the Central Florida Train Museum. 

Banks Helfrich is the entertainer for the series and is portraying characters such as Jiggle Man, Healthy Herb and Math-U the Counting Cowboy.

The initial event was held in March. Zimmerman said the museum was packed and those who participated enjoyed the program.

“What’s fun is we have huge train puzzles, so you get to see Dad building a puzzle with his child,” she said. “That’s old school, but that’s how I grew up.”

The third program, with Healthy Herb, is scheduled for Sept. 21. The goal is to host these family events monthly, Zimmerman said.

Participants are asked to RSVP to ensure there are enough snacks and craft kits, but extras will be available for those who buy tickets the day of the event.

“We’re trying to get people to come into the museums and have fun,” Zimmerman said. “We want people to understand you can be 3 years old and still enjoy the museum.”