Imagine wandering into an art gallery where the frame of a painting becomes a doorway into a new world. Beginning September 19, families can experience just that with Framed: Step Into Art™, an immersive traveling exhibit coming to the Building for Kids!
This interactive exhibit, sponsored locally by Jewelers Mutual, transforms famous works of art into larger-than-life play environments. Families can climb into a campsite inspired by artist John Singer Sargent, prepare a meal in Grant Wood’s Diner for Threshers, help decorate for a celebration in Diego Rivera’s Corn Festival, and even ride atop a giant rooster inspired by the artwork of Clementine Hunter. Visitors can also put their own spin on the famous Mona Lisa!
Through hands-on play, Framed: Step Into Art helps children discover that art is not only something to look at but a way to communicate ideas, experiences, and perspectives. As they step into life-size paintings, visitors are encouraged to think about the stories behind the artwork and use their imagination to create stories of their own.
This traveling exhibit will be open from September 19, 2026, through May 30, 2027, and will be located in our exhibit gallery on the second floor of the museum. As the exhibit makes its debut, we’ll also offer several special events and opportunities to celebrate its opening:
Member Preview Night:On September 18, members are invited to be among the first to explore Framed: Step Into Art, with this after-hours event exclusively for members. This event is free and includes pizza and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Step Into Art Parties:From September 19 – May 30, you can book a Step Into Art Party to have an art-themed party experience and gain 30 minutes of exclusive access to the exhibit for you and your guests.
Night at the Art Museum: On October 2 – 3 we’re hosting an art-themed lock-in at the BFK! During this overnight event, we’ll have dinner and themed activities before you can find a cozy spot to sleep for the night.
Art Heist:Building for Grown-ups: A masterpiece has gone missing! The Building for Kids is turning into the scene of an art heist for one night only. Join us for an adults-only evening where you become a part of the mystery.
Framed: Step Into Art™ was created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
Join us throughout September as we celebrate Member Appreciation Month! We’re grateful for the support, enthusiasm, and sense of community our members bring to the Building for Kids. As a thank you, we’re offering a variety of special perks and added benefits throughout the month:
Free Parking: Parking will be free for members throughout September! Park in the downtown Yellow or Red parking ramp and bring your ticket into the museum it validated. Free parking is available for up to four hours.
Extra Guests: During September, members can bring up to two free extra guests per visit!
Gift Shop Coupon: Stop by the BFK to get an exclusive offer in our gift shop full of fun and educational items!
Member Preview Night: A traveling exhibit, Framed: Step Into Art™, is coming to the BFK in late September! Members are invited to join us for a Member Preview Night on September 18 from 5 – 7pm, where they can enjoy pizza and access to the exhibit before it opens to the public. This event is free for members, but registration is encouraged. Click here to register!
Member Appreciation Month will also mark an exciting transition as we introduce a new approach to membership designed to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for families. We’re looking forward to sharing more details soon and continuing to improve the membership experience!
Thank you to all of our members for making the Building for Kids a part of your family’s story. We hope you’ll come celebrate with us in September!
What if preschool followed your child’s curiosity—and play wasn’t a break from learning, but the foundation of it?
For more than three decades, the Building for Kids has helped children build confidence, curiosity, and resilience through play-based learning experiences. Along the way, we’ve often heard the question from families and community members: “Have you ever thought about starting a preschool?”
After years of exploring the idea and learning alongside families and childcare experts in our community, we’re excited to bring this vision to life with Launchpad Playful Preschool—a new preschool experience for children ages 3–5 opening this fall!
This unique care program focuses on the power of open-ended, child-directed play. Throughout the year, children will explore a series of immersive themes that invite deeper engagement and exploration. As they play, they will develop skills across multiple areas of growth while pursuing their curiosity.
Launchpad will be led by experienced members of the Building for Kids education team, including educators who have helped guide and grow our Jr. Explorers program. Through participating in our current programs, families have already seen the impact of this play-based approach. One parent shared:
“This spring we put our son in Jr. Explorers, and we were just blown away by how much his language and problem-solving skills developed in just a few months. We are incredibly excited for this preschool and believe it will help fill an important need in our community.”
The new preschool will be located on the third floor of First 5 Fox Valley’s Family Resource Center—right across the street from the Building for Kids—allowing Launchpad learners to take frequent fields trips to the museum! Families can choose the schedule that works best for them, with morning or afternoon options available 2, 3, or 5 days each week.
We’re excited to welcome our first group of Launchpad learners this fall! Become a part of our very first group by enrolling your child and securing your spot for the 2026-27 school year. Learn more about schedule options, cost, and how to enroll at the link below.
On Wednesday, July 22, families and groups from across the community will gather for the 17th Annual BFK Children’s Parade presented by ThedaCare—and you’re invited to participate!
During this free celebration of children in our community, kids and their grown-ups parade through College Avenue together in themed costumes, props, and non-motorized floats like wagons, bikes, and strollers. Along the way, you’ll see everything from groups of superheroes, movie characters, sports teams, and more. Whether you repurpose an old Halloween costume or go all out with a one-of-a-kind DIY creation, this event allows you to showcase your creativity and be a part of something fun.
The celebration doesn’t end when the parade route does. Afterward, families are invited to join an after-party in Appleton’s City Park, featuring free activities, live entertainment, and food trucks. There will also be an awards ceremony hosted by a panel of judges who will recognize standout groups with awards for imagination, creativity, and confidence.
This event is free to participate in, but registration is required. We hope you’ll join us as downtown Appleton come alive with creativity, color, and community!
Opening May 2026: Power Up, Sponsored by U.S. Venture!
Help power up the city of Appleton with a brand-new exhibit coming soon to the Building for Kids! We’re excited to announce that Power Up, sponsored by U.S. Venture, is opening to the public on Saturday, May 30, 2026!
Located in a newly constructed first-floor gallery between The Lab and Jet exhibit, Power Up brings energy and sustainability concepts to life through experimentation and hands-on play. As families explore the exhibit, they can generate energy, test ideas, and see in real time how energy powers a community.
In addition to learning about energy, Power Up also encourages innovation and teamwork as families collaborate to activate different parts of the exhibit.
Highlights include:
Appleton City Model: Bring a 3D city model of Appleton to life! This centerpiece of the exhibit lights up, moves, and reacts as visitors engage with other parts of this exhibit.
Energy Stations: Pedal, spin, and pump to activate various energy sources and send power flowing into the city!
Transport Time Trial: Build a car, race it down the track, and experiment with design choices to see what makes it go the fastest.
Circular Economy Decision Tree: Follow different paths and make choices that reveal how materials can be reused and recycled.
We’re inviting members to be among the first to experience the new exhibit! On Friday, May 29 from 5 – 7pm, members can join us for a free Member Preview Night to enjoy an exclusive opportunity to play in the exhibit before it opens to the general public. Register for Member Preview Night here.
We can’t wait to explore the world of energy with you!
The Building for Kids Children’s Museum exists today because of a three‑decade history of dedicated supporters who believed in our mission and the power of learning through play. That legacy is what inspired the opening of our new History of Helpers display—an interactive mural created in partnership with Thrivent that honors the thousands of community members, volunteers, donors, and visionaries whose generosity helped build and grow the museum over the years.
The display highlights key moments in the museum’s story, from its founding by Paula Meyer and Rochelle Lamm to today. Through photos, milestones, and short stories of generosity, the History of Helpers display shows how collective effort and community support have shaped the museum’s impact and made new learning opportunities possible for generations of children.
History of Helpers also looks to the future by inspiring tomorrow’s helpers. The display encourages children to see themselves as part of this ongoing story—showing them that they, too, can make a difference in our community. Families can scan a QR code to embark on their own Generosity Journey, an interactive experience that invites them to explore causes they care about and discover ways to give back together.
Our adult-only events were such a hit in 2025, that we’re bringing them back this year with Building for Grown-ups: Roaring 20s! On Friday, April 10 from 6 – 9pm, you’re invited to step into the razzle dazzle of the jazz age during this 1920s themed event sponsored by Northland Electrical Services.
For one evening, the Building for Kids will transform into a lively throwback to the Roaring 20s—inviting adults to let loose, tap into their inner child, and play their way through the museum. Test your knowledge of the era during trivia for a chance to win prizes, take part in a scavenger hunt to unlock the password to a secret speakeasy, create themed art projects, hit the dance floor with our DJ, and enjoy plenty of other activities throughout the night.
A cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided by Stone Arch will be available, along with complimentary snacks—including nachos, cookies, and a chocolate fountain—to keep the good times rolling.
Get into the spirit of the event by grabbing a group of pals and dressing up in the fashion of the 1920s!
As a reminder, this event is for ages 21+ and an ID will be required at check-in. Pre-registration is encouraged, as you can get cheaper tickets by registering for the event in advance using the link below.
With spring breaks around the corner for many schools, we want to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Building for Kids for your family! In celebration of many schools being closed for spring break, the week of March 30 – April 3 will be filled with unique themed days. Check out our line-up of exciting themes:
Monday, March 30: Dino Day
Explore the world of dinosaurs by digging for bones, uncovering fossils, and cracking open eggs! Plus, join us in The Lab to build an erupting volcano!
Tuesday, March 31: Under the Sea
Dive into an ocean-themed day at the BFK! Explore themed activities like creating sea creatures using art supplies in The Studio and testing the properties of saltwater vs freshwater in The Lab.
Wednesday, April 1: Jr. Chef
It’s time to put on your chef hat and make some delicious and nutritious creations! Make your own Focaccia bread, test your knowledge off different spices and herbs, and harvest potatoes from our Flex Farm (while supplies last)!
Thursday, April 2: Green Day
Show your appreciation for the earth by making upcycled projects, planting seeds, making homemade paper, creating nature-themed artwork, and more!
Friday, April 3: Music Makers Day
Join us for a musical day at the BFK where you can try out different musical instruments and create your own! Enjoy making stringed instruments in The Studio and experimenting with water xylophones in The Lab.
All of our themed days during spring break are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership. Purchase your tickets in advance here!
Plus, check our upcoming events page for event more special events and themed days we’re hosting throughout the spring season!
To make your spring adventure even more memorable, we’re also running a sale in our gift shop. From March 3 – April 12, all items in our gift shop will be 20% off for members and $15% off for non-members. Don’t forget to grab something from our unique selection of educational toys and BFK merchandise during your visit!
Our newest temporary exhibit is now open and ready to transport you to a beautiful day at the golf course!
Fore Fore All is a golf-inspired exhibit located in our Exhibit Gallery designed to encourage experimentation, support gross motor development, and spark curiosity in kids of all ages. Visitors can explore a mini golf course, test their skills on a putting green, experiment in a golf ball physics playground, and more.
A few times per year, we refresh our Exhibit Gallery with new and returning rotating exhibits. Fun Fore All will be open through the end of August, so be sure to check it out during your next visit!
Join us for another year of Summer Explorer Camp, an 8-weeks series of themed drop-off camps for students who have completed 4K – 4th grade! Featuring a blend of expert-led programming and free play throughout the museum, camps help students build skills, make new friends, and explore new interests. Plus, each week of camp engages students in a new theme, including photography, music, STEM, cooking, and Improv. In their session(s) of camp, students will get to engage in unique activities, like taking photos on a camera, performing in a concert, conducting science experiments, making homemade meals, and so much more.
Summer Explorer Camp is designed to be flexible to fit your family’s schedule, with full day, morning, and afternoon options running Monday through Friday each week of July and August. Choose to register for the week(s) that work for you or sign up for all 8 weeks at a discounted rate.
