The third annual “Phillips 66 STEM Family Fun Day in the Park” returns this weekend.

From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Drew Park, 416 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., an array of STEM-centric, kid-friendly activities will be set up to jumpstart summer break.

The Family Fun Day is a result of the Partners in Parks initiative – a mission launched in 2018 to create partnerships that would invest in local park programming and infrastructure. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said in a release that the collaboration between the City, Phillips 66 and the Children’s Museum to create the Family Fun Day is “one of Partners in Parks’ most successful and well-attended annual event.”

Hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities are vital for children’s cognitive development.

“Children learn so much through play and it is essential for visual learners,” said Children’s Museum Executive Director Allyson Montgomery. “We hope events like this inspire the next generation to explore STEM educational opportunities and one day enter our local workforce.”

Kids at the event will be able to create their own refinery with the fossil dig and erector sets that The Children’s Museum will provide. Additionally, children will learn to create sensory play items and experiments like elephant toothpaste, glitter slime, lava lamps. Fire snakes, volcanos and dry ice bubbles.

The activities are aimed at nurturing a love for STEM in Southwest Louisiana children. Megan Hartman, Gulf Coast public relations director, Phillips 66, said that the future workforce needs STEM education.

“Phillips 66 has a passion to provide children opportunities to explore STEM concepts and inspire them to pursue a STEM-related career,” she said. “This STEM Family Fun Day is a great way for hands-on engagement in chemistry, engineering and science without Phillips 66 volunteers.”

Also at the event will be a fun jump, a Phillips 66 firetruck and the beloved Chuck the Train.

Lake Charles Coca-Cola will provide beverages, and snacks like cotton cany, popcorn and snow cones will be available.

The event is free and open to the public.