2026 Heartland Family Weekend

June 25-28, 2026

St. Louis, MO

About the Event

A crew of deep-sea explorers from the Sea Exploration Agency is on a mission to explore the deepest depths of the ocean in search of knowledge about its Creator—and your family is invited too, as a SEA agent in training! As our crew travels deeper and deeper below the surface, you will experience the wonders of creation, face a few challenges, and discover that knowing our Creator doesn’t require a special badge or a submarine. Our faith grows deeper when we spend time with God and others, use our gifts to serve, and share our stories of faith. This is for all families with a child in K–5th grade (2026–2027 school year). We will have fun family lessons, worship, activities, and games!

While this event is designed for K–5th graders, the whole family is welcome! Please register every family member attending, from infants to adults. We will provide dedicated childcare and age-appropriate activities for children outside the K–5th grade group at specific times during the weekend.

Please note that, as this is a family weekend, all child attendees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Schedule

Thursday, June 25

Dinner on your own

6 pm - 7:30 pm - Registration open and fellowship activities at the building

7:30 pm - Family Praise and Worship!

8:00 - Snack and fellowship (Snack provided)

Friday, June 26

10 am - Day at the park!

Splashpad, activities, family fellowship, snacks, and more!
Bring a picnic lunch or grab food from nearby

2:00 pm - Rest/Free time

5:30 pm - Dinner at the building - Meal provided

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Family Devotional (Middle school and high school have an event at this time at the church as well)

8:30 pm - Optional Moms hang out!

Saturday June 27

8:30 am - Registration Opens

9:30 am - 9:45 am Morning Worship

10:00 am - 11:50 am: Morning Session (Kids Lessons/Activities 5yo/k-5th, Parenting Workshop, childcare provided for 0-4yo, Middle/High School opportunities to serve)

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Lunch - Meal provided

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Family Fun Field Activities

There will be water games to keep everyone cool, so a change of clothes and towels will be needed. A lawn chair may be helpful, but all family members will be included in activities.

3:00 pm - Rest/Free time

3:15 pm - Optional movie in the sanctuary

5 pm - 5:45 pm: Dinner - Meal provided

6 pm - Evening Devotional (Middle School/High School will have a fun event at the building)

8 pm - Optional Dads' Hangout

Sunday, June 28

10 am - 11:30 am: Family Style Worship Service

If you have kids 4 years and younger, please arrive at 9:45 to have ample time to check your little ones into class.
All kids ages 5 and up (Kindergarten and up) will not have class because they will sit with you during our final family devotional service!

Venue Location

Gateway City Church - St. Louis

9330 Stansberry Avenue

St Louis, MO 63134

Fees

Registration is per person. All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Adult Registration: $30/person
Youth entering grades 6-12, 2025-26 school year: $15/child
Children age 5th grade and under ('25-'26 school year): Free, but should still be registered

Lodging

No lodging will be provided for this event; families must find and secure their own lodging for the weekend. Recommended hotels: