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Four free things for families to do in Evansville this spring break

It’s spring break. You have a house full of restless kids and their friends, and you need something to do, but you don’t want to spend a ton of money doing it. Luckily, there are a few free events and things to do in Evansville that you may not know about.

The vast majority of events the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana hosts are free and open to the public, including art exhibits, concerts on the gallery roof in Downtown Evansville, creative exploration days for kids and this popular annual event …

Kids Movie Day – The best of the New York International Children’s Film Festival

12-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29
Browning Room, Central Library
Free

One of the only events of its kind in the city, the Arts Council’s annual Kids Movie Day is this Wednesday. The event showcases the best short films from the New York International Children’s Film Festival.

The event starts at 12 p.m. in the Browning Room at Central Library in Downtown Evansville. The short films range in length of 3-10 minutes. Watch one film or watch them all — families are encouraged to come and go as they please. The Arts Council will also provide complimentary international snacks.

The event is completely free and open to everyone. These films are geared towards 4-10 year old children. Here’s the description from the New York International Children’s Film Fest:

Let your imagination take the wheel with Kid Flick One. Whether dreaming up the fantastical, like a cat the size of a house, or the practical, like finding a beloved teacher a summer romance, these shorts are sure to surprise and delight.

While you’re at the library on Wednesday, check out the …

Library of Things

If you like free and accessible activities, then you probably already have an EVPL library card for the access to great books, movies and music. But have you heard about the Library of Things?

It’s a new EVPL collection that includes items you probably never thought a library would loan out.

There are tech items like a digital microscope so young minds can explore the world around them in new detail. Or outdoor games like Bocce Ball or Slammo to keep kids active. Or free passes to cultural institutions like Wesselman Woods or the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science. There are also cooking supplies, musical instruments and board games. There’s a whole another side to the library you probably never knew existed.

Check out the full Library of Things collection here.

Speaking of libraries, you can also check out …

Willard Library’s 138th birthday party

6:30 p.m. – 7: 30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28
Willard Library

One of the most striking building and institutions in Evansville is celebrating its 138th birthday, and the public is invited to the party.

There are activities for both kids and adults at Willard Public Library’s birthday bash. People can hang out in the lower level reading room where punch and cake will be available. A Willard archivist will give a short presentation on the library’s history and also hear stories about the Grey Lady Ghost. In the children’s department, staff will have activities and cupcakes for younger party-goers in addition to story time and crafts.

There will also be a raffle with prize giveaways. The event is free and open to everyone.

Speaking of being free, don’t miss this free art exhibit …

Young at Art exhibit

J.H. Castle Elementary School

212 Main St. Evansville, IN
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday
Free

The Arts Council’s Downtown gallery is filled with more than 250 pieces of wildly creative and inventive art created entirely by young artists.

The exhibit, “Young at Art,” is on display now through Friday. All 250 pieces were made by kindergarten through 8th graders in the region. This exhibit is a great opportunity to bring budding young artists to a new gallery for some inspiration. The Arts Council also has free art supplies to keep younger patrons occupied while the older kids check out the work. The gallery is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday. There is no admission fee.

Check out this preview of the exhibit.

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