Building for Kids Children's Museum

10/20/2026

Get a peek inside Launchpad Playful Preschool, powered by the Building for Kids! Stop by one of our Launchpad Open Houses on Thursdays from 12:30 – 3pm to tour the newly built space, meet the teachers, and discover how Launchpad can create meaningful, play-based learning experiences for your child!

No registration is required. Launchpad is located on the third floor of First 5 Fox Valley's Family Resource Center at 111 W College Ave. Please enter through the back door of the building. To learn more, visit https://www.buildingforkids.org/launchpad-playful-preschool/

10/18/2026

Update for our Early Childhood programs! Starting next week, our Welcome Baby Play Groups and Early Explorers will meet at new times:

Welcome Baby Play Groups: Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am
Early Explorers: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10am

To learn more about these programs and how they support your child’s development, visit https://www.buildingforkids.org/programs-3

10/18/2026

Calling all mystery enthusiasts (ages 21+)! A painting has been stolen right before its big reveal, and we need your help cracking the case at our next Building for Grown-Ups event, sponsored by Amano Print House, on Friday, November 6!

Meet some of the colorful characters at the center of the mystery! Each has a motive, and everyone is a suspect. Could one of them be behind the missing masterpiece? Stay tuned to our social media as we reveal another round of suspects next week!

Ready to join the investigation? Learn more about the event and register at https://www.buildingforkids.org/upcoming-events

10/16/2026

We had some very cuddly patients at the BFK tonight! During this FREE night hosted by Children's Wisconsin, families brought their favorite teddy bears and stuffed animals to Teddy Bear Urgent Care for playful check-ups, took part in themed activities, and spent the evening exploring the museum.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this beary fun night!

10/16/2026

We're hiring a part-time Preschool Educator Assistant for Launchpad Playful Preschool!

This role is responsible for supporting the lead teacher, engaging children in child-directed, playful learning experiences, and helping monitor their development.

Read the full job description and apply at https://www.buildingforkids.org/about/employment-opportunities

10/15/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated the opening of Wisconsin’s first Curiosity Classroom at Stephen Foster Elementary Charter School! This exciting project was made possible with support from Appleton Education Foundation, Mielke Family Foundation, and SECURA Insurance.

Originally developed by Chicago Children's Museum, Curiosity Classrooms are innovative STEAM learning environments where elementary students can follow their curiosity, experiment, ask questions, and learn through play. During last night’s ribbon cutting event, students and educators got their first look at the new classroom and had the opportunity to explore its themed learning areas together!

We’re so excited to see this new space inspire curiosity in the Stephen Foster Elementary students!

To learn more about Curiosity Classrooms, visit https://www.buildingforkids.org/curiosity-classrooms

10/14/2026

Enter for a chance to win a family pack of 4 tickets to the Building for Kids!

We're excited to be a part of the Wisconsin Children's Museum Alliance, a statewide network of museums giving families more ways to play, more places to explore, and more opportunities to learn.

Learn more about how to enter the giveaway below!

GIVEAWAY 🎉

Enter for a chance to win a family 4-pack of admission passes to Building for Kids Children's Museum in Appleton!

Families and kids of all ages can journey through two floors of interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and imagination. Paint a masterpiece, operate a crane, slide down a 10-foot heart slide, and more!

Ready to play, explore, create, and discover?

HOW TO ENTER:
→ Follow us
→ Tag who you’d bring in the comments
→ BONUS ENTRY: Sign up for our email newsletter at wichildrensmuseums.com

Good luck - winner will be contacted via email Monday 10/19!

10/14/2026

Join us this Sunday for our next Sensory Superstars! Between 9am and 12pm, the museum will provide a lower-sensory environment, including dimmer lighting, no music, and certain exhibits turned off. This program is free for families in the Autism community.

To learn more, visit https://www.buildingforkids.org/sensory-superstars

10/13/2026

Join us this Friday, October 16 for a FREE night at the BFK hosted by Children's Wisconsin! From 5 - 7pm, the museum will transform into a Teddy Bear Urgent Care where you'll get to bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a check-up, help your stuffed friend earn a sticker for being a brave patient, explore themed activities, and enjoy a night of after-hours play at the BFK. Each child will receive a free teddy bear keychain, and parents will receive a bag with resources from Children's Wisconsin.

This event is free for all families, and no pre-registration is required. We'll see you there!

10/12/2026

Did you know the Building for Kids has new customizable monthly memberships that let you choose the benefits and number of individuals that work best for your family? With monthly memberships, you'll enjoy unlimited admission, discounts on birthday parties and special events, exclusive member hours, and access to programs like Summer Explorer Camps!

To learn more about our membership options, visit https://www.buildingforkids.org/membership