PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Liam Forry Grawe touches the skunk held by Sarah Soucy of Curious Creatures at Lynn Museum on Thursday.
By DILLON DURST
LYNN — In honor of Earth Day, children decorated pots and planted flowers and saw curious creatures at the Lynn Museum & Historical Society/LynnArts “Free Family Fun Day” Thursday.
Children held frogs, snakes and other reptiles and participated in a scavenger hunt. The museum staff also read Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” to the children.
Drew Russo, executive director, said the museum hosts free family days periodically, but mostly during school vacations. He said it’s the museum’s mission to make these free, educational opportunities available to the community.
Elena Hirshman-Seidel, programs and events coordinator, said festivities like the free family days attract families and allow children to see the museum. She said Thursday’s curious creatures session is a great way to attract children to the museum.
Lynn resident Sierra Fonseca brought her two children to the event. Aside from the fact that the event is free, Fonseca said the family day is convenient because she lives just down the street from the museum. It gave her kids something to do while they’re on vacation.
Fonseca’s 4-year-old daughter Suraia Lopes said she was having fun at the event and enjoyed seeing the different creatures.
Jessica Sedgwick, also of Lynn, brought her 6-month-old daughter to the event. She said she likes it because it’s free and open to the public, and because it allows her daughter to see other children.
Since the museum is dependent on memberships and donations, Russo said he’s grateful for the contributions the nonprofit receives to be able to fund such events.
Dillon Durst can be reached at ddurst@itemlive.com.