Young Alaskans celebrate KidsDay: Imaginarium, museums, other attractions free for a day.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month

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The siren call of "free" beckons like none other. This month, "KidsDay" will again provide free attractions to children in Anchorage. Area families can discover hours of adventure by visiting KidsDay Central and then one of many Promise Partner locations such as the Alaska Zoo, Anchorage Museum or Imaginarium, among others.

KidsDay is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center features more than 100 exhibitors and a street fair on two adjacent side streets. Other locations included in KidsDay are the Alaska Zoo, the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, the Alaska Museum of Natural History, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and the Imaginarium, the Alaska State Troopers Law Enforcement Museum and the National Park Service public lands information center.

NURTURING WAY

Anchorage's Promise--the Alliance for Youth, a nonprofit organization, coordinates KidsDay. The group also works with community groups, schools, businesses and parents to foster services and awareness of ingredients for nurturing children. The recipe includes caring adults, safe places to build academic and other skills, healthy lifestyles, effective education and opportunities to serve others.

"KidsDay is about fun, exploration and encouragement," said Debbie Bogart, executive director. "Most importantly, it is about helping all young people know they are cared for and supported by their community and their families."

HISTORY

The event began in the 1980s and was coordinated by the nonprofit organization Kids Place Project, Bogart said. In 2004, Anchorage's Promise took over as KidsDay organizer. Anchorage's Promise began working with youth-service programs and community groups aiming to increase participation.

Today, about 15,000 people participate at the various venues.

One of the biggest changes throughout the event's history was moving from the Egan Civic and Convention Center to the larger Dena'ina Center, Bogart said. "This allowed us to stretch, add more exhibitors," she said. New venues are added by organizers each year.

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In 2009, KidsDay organizers coordinated a visit by baby kangaroos; in 2010, two baby Bengal tigers were featured. This year's special animal will be announced closer to the event date.

Also, two...