What are Jr. Explorers?
Jr. Explorers is a FREE 90-minute drop off program where children will engage in learner-directed and guided play activities!
This program is a way to enhance children’s learning that they might be receiving in other pre-school programming. It will also build important skills for school readiness and socialization by learning and exploring in the museum alongside their peers.
Jr. Explorers aims to achieve the following goals:
- Build confidence through child-directed, play-based learning
- Build communication and collaboration skills through the Plan. Play. Share. method
- Build emotional awareness through sharing their experiences
Who can attend Jr. Explorers?
This program is designed for children who are 3 or 4 years-old and are toilet independent. This program is for both members and non-members!
When are Jr. Explorers?
We offer season-long sessions in Fall (September – November), Winter (December – February), Spring (March – May), and Summer (June – August). The program takes place twice per week.
Typical Schedule:
- 8:30 – 8:45am: Drop-off and guided play in the BFK.
- 8:45 – 9:00am: Transition time to use restrooms.
- 9:00 – 9:40am: Plan & Play – Jr. Explorers will make a plan for their time at the museum, participate in themed activities, facilitated by a Museum Educator, and choose from a selection of exhibits to go explore.
- 9:40 – 9:50am: Share – Jr. Explorers will share with the group what they did and how they feel.
- 9:50 – 10:00am: Head down to the first floor for pick-up by 10:00am.
2025 Sessions
Our 2025 summer session of Jr. Explorers is currently full, but feel free to give us a call at (920) 734-3226 to be added to a waitlist. Plus, stay tuned for fall registration information!
Summer
Mornings:
- Mondays & Wednesdays: FULL
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: FULL
Jr. Explorers Meet-up Group
Jr. Explorers Meet-up Group is designed for caregivers and kids who have participated in Building for Kids’ Jr. Explorers Program or caregivers and their kids who are interested in learning more about the program. Come enjoy songs, stories, activities, and community! These meet-up groups occur every Friday at 10am and are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership.
To register for Jr. Explorers Meet-up Group, click a date below:
