News

The Building for Kids Children's Museum [BFKCM] is expanding its impact in the Fox Valley with the launch of Launchpad Playful Preschool, a new preschool program opening in downtown Appleton on October 5, 2026.

Imagine wandering into an art gallery where the frame becomes a doorway into a new world. Starting September 19, families can experience just that when Framed: Step Into Art™, an immersive traveling exhibit sponsored locally by Jewelers Mutual, opens at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum [BFKCM].

Following years of collaboration, the Building for Kids Children's Museum (BFKCM) has purchased a space adjacent to the museum at 116 N. Appleton Street from Trinity Lutheran Church, who has voted to close after 111 years in downtown Appleton.

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.

The Building for Kids Children’s Museum (BFKCM) is expanding by 1,000 square feet with the opening of Power Up, a new energy and sustainability exhibit sponsored by U.S. Venture. Located in a newly constructed first-floor gallery, Power Up features several interconnected components that introduce visitors to energy systems, sources, and how their decisions impact the community.

The Building for Kids Children’s Museum [BFKCM] is thrilled to announce a generous $50,000 matching gift from the Morgridge Family Foundation. The gift will double the impact of every donation made to the BFKCM’s Annual Appeal, a critical fundraising effort that supports the museum’s programs, community initiatives, and ongoing efforts to provide inclusive, play-based learning experiences for all kids and their families.

The annual Rhythms of the World celebration will return to downtown Appleton on Saturday, September 20. The event will feature music and dance performances from a wide variety of cultural groups.

Hear ye, hear ye! The Building for Kids Children’s Museum (BFKCM) will host The Amazing CastleTM traveling exhibit from September 21 – January 4.

U.S. Venture Children’s Week in Appleton is excited to announce that the community-wide celebration of kids will return July 20 – 26, 2025 for its 16th year. This special event, dedicated to the kids in our community, consists of a week full of free or reduced cost family activities, including signature events such as the Children’s Parade, Playground Fair, and more.