Fascinate-U Children's Museum transforms the final days of summer into a free community celebration where imagination leads the way and families can make one more memory before school begins.
As parents, we all know summer has a funny way of feeling like it lasts forever and goes by far too fast—all at the same time. Just as we're soaking up the last carefree days of the season, the countdown to school begins. Suddenly, the calendar fills with school supply lists, open houses, earlier bedtimes and alarm clocks.
Before that first school bell rings, Fascinate-U Children's Museum is inviting families to make one more summer memory.
On Aug. 8, the downtown Fayetteville museum will transform the block outside its home at 116 Green St. into "Capes, Crowns & Chaos," its second annual End-of-the-Summer Block Party—a celebration designed to let imagination take center stage one last time before backpacks replace beach towels.
"We wanted something that really encouraged imaginative play," said Executive Director Amanda Jekel. "Whether a child dreams of being a superhero or a princess or even a prince and just wants to jump into the fun, we felt like that really reminded us of imagination."
Unlike many end-of-summer events centered on school supplies, Fascinate-U intentionally chose a different path.
For years, the museum hosted a Back-to-School Bash complete with backpack giveaways. But as more organizations across Cumberland County began meeting that need, museum leaders realized they could serve families in another meaningful way.
"What families need is just another time to be able to make memories together," Jekel said.
Families will find an entire block transformed into a place for play. Fascinate-U will close the block in front of the museum, creating space for games, community partners and hands-on activities while keeping the museum itself open throughout the event.
This year's celebration is also the first to offer completely free admission, thanks to presenting sponsor Brightspeed.
"Making it free allows for families that weren't going to be able to come," Jekel said.
The sponsorship also allowed the museum to expand the event beyond what was possible during its inaugural year.
"We were able to enhance and create more partnerships," she said. "We were able to bring in more community partners because that's really what we want—to shine a light on other organizations downtown."
The result is a block party designed around imagination rather than simply entertainment.
Outside, children can cool off in a foam party provided by Xfinity Games LLC, experience a gaming truck, bounce in an inflatable from AMA Royal Rentals LLC and help build a giant cardboard castle—perfectly fitting the event's royal theme.
For my family, Fascinate-U has long been one of those places where imagination naturally takes over. From the kid-sized grocery store and bank to the post office, doctor's office and dress-up areas, the museum creates opportunities for children to imagine who they can become.
Creative activities throughout the day will include fairy hair, face painting, a hands-on modeling clay activity with Kidcreate Studio, mobile gem mining, appearances by Gambol the Clown and opportunities for children to embrace the event's "Capes, Crowns & Chaos" theme by becoming whatever their imaginations dream up.
For Jekel, one of the most exciting additions this year is the foam party.
"I love learning through mess," she said. "People don't want to make a bunch of messes in your house because then you have to clean it up."
Fortunately for parents, Fascinate-U has already thought about that. Cleaning stations will be available, although families are encouraged to bring a change of clothes since children are likely to leave the foam party a little wet. With August temperatures in full swing, chances are they won't stay wet for long.
When it's time to refuel, guests can choose from Wild Sunflower Pizza, BADO's Louisiana Kitchen LLC and Sweet Street Treat Trailer while enjoying music and activities throughout the afternoon.
Beyond creating one memorable day before school starts, the event also introduces families to everything Fascinate-U offers throughout the year, including educational programming, art and craft classes, birthday party rentals and everyday museum experiences.
"It gives people a reason to come back," Jekel said. "You may see something and think, 'I do want to bring my kids back.' It helps us shine a light on all the things that we do."
Capes, Crowns & Chaos will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at Fascinate-U Children's Museum, 116 Green St. Admission to both the block party and the museum is free thanks to presenting sponsor Brightspeed.
Before the homework, early alarms and packed lunches return, families have one more opportunity to slow down, throw on a cape, wear a crown and embrace a little chaos together. It may be the end of summer, but it might become one of the season's favorite memories.
"It's one last chance for families to enjoy a last summer activity before everybody starts heading back to school," Jekel said.

(Photo: Fascinate-U Children's Museum will be holding a "Capes, Crowns & Chaos" Summer Block Party on Aug. 8. This year, the museum will be closing down the block in front of the museum to offer kids even more chances to play and explore. Photo courtesy of Fascinate-U)