U.S. Venture Children’s Week will return July 19–25, 2026, for its 17th year as a community-wide celebration of children and families. Throughout the week, families can enjoy dozens of free and reduced-cost activities, including beloved traditions such as the BFK Children’s Parade, Playground Fair, and more.
“For 17 years, Children’s Week has given families an opportunity to come together, explore their community, and enjoy meaningful experiences with one another,” said Oliver Zornow, President of the Building for Kids. “We’re proud to partner with organizations across the community to offer a week of free and reduced-cost activities that help families connect, explore, and create lasting memories together.”
Signature Events:
Children’s Week Kick-Off Event – July 19
U.S. Venture Children’s Week begins with a Kids Fun Run at Memorial Park, kicking off at 6:30pm. For this year’s Fun Run, Appleton Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a color run!
YMCA Rock the Block Party – July 21
Hosted by the downtown Appleton YMCA, the YMCA Rock the Block Party will feature an evening of free activities, games, music, and family fun.
BFK Children’s Parade presented by ThedaCare – July 22 This annual summer tradition invites children and their families to showcase their creativity through costumes, themes, and non-motorized floats as they parade through downtown Appleton. Beginning at 6 pm in Houdini Plaza, participants will stroll down College Avenue before gathering in City Park for an after-party with family activities, food trucks, and parade awards.
Parks & Recreation Department’s Playground Fair – July 23-24
Appleton Parks and Recreation Department's Playground Fair returns to Pierce Park for two days of carnival games, giant inflatables, the popular trackless train, food, and family-friendly entertainment beginning at 2 pm each day. Kids can also collect tickets throughout the event and redeem them for prizes to take home.
Beyond the signature events, families can enjoy a wide range of free and reduced-cost activities throughout the week, including storytimes, karate, dance classes, museum visits, swimming, a kids’ rummage sale, and other programs hosted by local organizations.
"U.S. Venture has deep roots in the Fox Valley, and Children's Week is a reminder of why that matters,” shared Mercedes Bereza, Vice President of Marketing at U.S. Venture. “Supporting a week where families can simply play, explore, and connect is exactly the kind of investment we believe in, year after year."
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U.S. Venture Children’s Week
