Need a break from the heat without spending a fortune? The St. Louis Fed’s Economy Museum has added a lineup of free, self-guided activities this summer that give elementary-age kids plenty to do while sneaking in a little financial literacy along the way.
Available weekdays through the summer, the activities invite children to create a DIY travel journal, try money-themed origami, decorate a shredded-money keepsake bag, solve a “Watermark Magic” challenge, and test their budgeting skills through an interactive game that asks one important question: Can you stay on budget?
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The activities are included with free admission to the museum.
Beyond the seasonal crafts, families can explore more than 100 interactive exhibits, games, videos, and displays that explain everything from how money is made to how the economy works. Kids can examine real currency, play hands-on games, and discover how everyday financial decisions affect their lives.
The museum is housed inside the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis at One Federal Reserve Plaza and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (excluding bank holidays).
Liz Senzee, an Economy Museum specialist, says the activities are designed to help families combine learning with affordable summer fun close to home.
“Staying local is an attractive option to enjoy summer while keeping costs under control,” Senzee says. “Even better is trying out an ‘edu-staycation’ by taking your kids to free sites and activities, such as the Economy Museum, that make learning fun.”
Summer activities include:
- DIY Summer Travel Journal: Design a journal to document summer adventures while learning about planning and budgeting.
- Can You Stay in Budget? Play an interactive challenge that puts kids’ budgeting skills to the test.
- Watermark Magic: Discover hidden security features found on U.S. currency.
- Money Flower Origami: Turn paper into colorful flower creations while learning about money.
- Pencil Quill & Declaration Station: Try writing like America’s founders while exploring the history of U.S. currency.
- DIY Shredded Money Bag: Create a keepsake using real shredded U.S. currency.
Know before you go: The Economy Museum is free and open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., at One Federal Reserve Plaza in downtown St. Louis. The seasonal activities are available on a self-guided basis during regular museum hours.
