St. Louis—May 1, 2026—Families are invited to start their day with stories, curiosity, and joy-filled learning when Nine PBS brings its beloved Storytime tradition on the road with Mississippi Mornings: Nine PBS Playdate in Alton on Saturday, May 30, from 9:30 am–noon, at the Alton Amphitheater
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Mississippi River, this free morning event transforms the riverfront into a playful learning environment designed especially for young children and their families. Hosted by Nine PBS, in partnership with the City of Alton and the Alton Amphitheater, Nine PBS Playdate celebrates how kids learn best—through imagination, movement, exploration, and fun.
Nine PBS Playdate offers families a hands-on introduction to the power of educational media. PBS KIDS® is the nation’s leading educational media brand for children, providing research-based programs and resources that support early literacy, STEM learning, and social-emotional growth. The event brings those learning moments off the screen and into real life.
Kids have always been at the heart of our mission. Our recently launched Learning League brand unites our efforts to help kids, caregivers, and educators learn, connect, and thrive together.
Throughout the morning, children and families can enjoy:
- Interactive crafts, games, and playful learning activities that spark creativity and curiosity.
- Meet-and-greets with favorite PBS KIDS characters, including Daniel Tiger, Elinor, and Nature Cat, complete with high fives and photo opportunities.
- Free PBS KIDS learning resources families can use at home.
- Nature-focused activities highlighting the wildlife and ecosystems of the Mississippi River.
- Hands-on experiences from local organizations and community partners including the Great Rivers Greenway, Alton Fire Department, Sierra Club Illinois, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, and more.
Families are also encouraged to bike to the event in celebration of Trailnet’s National Bike Month. The MCT Confluence Trail runs directly past the Alton Amphitheater, making Nine PBS Playdate an easy and active outing.
“Nine PBS Playdate reflects Nine PBS’s commitment to supporting children’s learning beyond the classroom—creating joyful experiences where families can connect, explore, and grow together,” says Angela Carr, vice president and chief impact officer, Nine PBS.
“We’re excited to welcome Nine PBS to the Alton Amphitheater for Mississippi Mornings: Nine PBS Playdate,” said Abby Haynes, Chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission. “This event is a perfect fit for our amphitheater—it’s one of our region’s true gathering places, set right between historic downtown and the Mississippi River. Families can spread out on the lawn, enjoy the programming, and make a full morning of it. Come early for the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market starting at 8:00 am right next door, then stick around to explore downtown or grab lunch at one of the many great spots along Broadway. It’s an easy, feel-good way to spend time together—and we’re so glad Nine PBS is at the heart of it.”
The event is free, but registration is encouraged. Learn more and reserve your spot at ninepbs.org/event.
Mississippi Mornings: Nine PBS Playdate is supported in part by the Saint Louis Zoo and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers-One Love.
About Nine PBS
An essential community institution since 1954, Nine PBS magnifies and deepens understanding of our community to help our region flourish. We are public media with a local heart. We meet people where they are the most comfortable consuming content. Nine PBS’s platforms include four distinct broadcast channels (Nine PBS, Nine PBS KIDS®, Nine PBS World, and Nine PBS Create), ninepbs.org, social media, the free PBS app, PBS Passport, live and virtual events, and the Public Media Commons. Follow Nine PBS on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok.
For more information, contact:
Leah Freeman
Vice President and Chief Communications Officer
Office (314) 512-9117
Cell (901) 359-1104
lfreeman@ninepbs.org