Programs + Events
Join us for exciting programs + special events
From music classes to gardening workshops, we offer a variety of activities designed for all ages. Check our calendar to see everything happening.
We do our best to keep programs as scheduled, but dates and times may occasionally shift to match educator availability. Please check the daily program board at the Front Desk when you arrive at the Museum to see what programs are happening during your visit.
Special Events + Programs
Sensory-Friendly Session
Little Sprouts Lab
Bilingual Story Time
Cello Performance
Little Sprouts Lab
Baby Beginnings
Community Access Day
Making Music: Sensory Rain Stick
Bilingual Story Time
Cuddle Clinic: Pet Vet Takeover
Tuesday, November 24, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Join us for a special day of animal-themed play and learning! Young animal lovers can step into the role of a veterinarian through hands-on activities.
Meet therapy dogs, explore real veterinary tools and create fun pet accessories alongside veterinarians from Small Animal Hospital. Kids can also bring their favorite stuffed animal for a checkup and practice their new vet skills with their cuddly patients!
Add-On: Cuddle Clinic Spa Experience
Give your favorite furry friend some extra TLC with a Cuddle Clinic Spa Experience add-on! Treat your furry friend to a bubbly bath, fluffy blowout and a little grooming before picking out a special bandana to complete their spa-day look.
Cuddle Clinic itself is included with general admission! This experience is available exclusively on November 24.
Special Thanksgiving Break Hours: The Museum will be open Tuesday, November 24, for this special event.
Cocoa & Claus
Saturday, December 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with us at Cocoa & Claus! Enjoy Santa story times, complimentary hot cocoa, holiday-themed Be A Maker projects and a family photo with Santa.
Museum staff will take your family photo with Santa and email it to you as a keepsake by December 21.
Special Event Admission:
Members: $15 in advance / $17 day-of
Nonmembers: $20 in advance / $22 day-of
Museums for All: $15 (available in person at the Museum starting December 7)
A special Cocoa & Claus ticket is required for Museum admission from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. General admission will be available at 12:30 p.m. on December 19. Tickets are nonrefundable.
New Year's Eve at Noon
Thursday, December 31, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ring in 2027 at the Museum's annual New Year's Eve at Noon event! Enjoy a Beach Ball Dance Bash and ball drop featuring DJ Shawna, face painting and event-exclusive Be A Maker projects.
Special Event Admission:
Members: $15
Non-Members: $20
Museums for All: $15 (available in person at the Museum starting December 14)
Members get more! Members receive exclusive early access from 9-11 a.m. and can participate in a special members-only Hands-on Hawaii program with Hale O Malo at 10 a.m.
NEW! NYE Party Pack Add-on
Add an NYE Party Pack for each kiddo to your reservation for $6 per pack when purchased online in advance or $8 on event day. Each pack includes a glow wand, sunglasses and a lei!
This event will sell out.
Entrance to the Museum on Thursday, December 31, will require a New Year's Eve at Noon event ticket. General admission rates will not be available. Please note that the Museum will close early at 2 p.m. following the event and will be closed on January 1.
Be A Maker Programming
Workshop
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Every Day
Drop in for daily tinkering in our Be A Maker space! Kids are encouraged to use their creativity to bring their own idea to life or grab a Blueprint and follow directions for a Maker project.
Messy Mondays
11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Monday
A weekly hands-on program that features a variety of materials guaranteed to make a mess!
November: String Pull Paintings
Explore the creative possibilities of symmetrical art! Use string and colorful paint to create unique patterns, unexpected designs and one-of-a-kind works of art. Experiment with different pulling techniques and discover how each movement creates something new.
Lab
11 a.m & 1 p.m.
Wednesday-Sunday
This STEAM program is a facilitated, monthly-rotating makerspace workshop.
November: Leaf Lacing Workshop
Create unique leaf-inspired lacing patterns by punching holes in cardboard with hammers and nails. Then, practice weaving with yarn and needles to bring your designs to life!
Studio Saturdays with Arts@Large
November activity: dreamcatchers
Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.
Explore the art and cultural significance of dreamcatchers with teaching artist Kristelle M. Ulrich. Create your own inspired piece while learning about Indigenous traditions.
Kristelle M. Ulrich
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Kristelle M. Ulrich is an Oneida-Turtle Clan and Hungarian artist and educator. She holds a BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Vermont College of Fine Arts. With more than a decade of experience in art education, Kristelle works with Milwaukee Public Schools and Artists Working in Education, leading after-school and summer art programs. She views artmaking as a spiritual endeavor and is the recipient of the 2025–2026 MKE REC Partnership for the Arts and Humanities Teaching Artist of the Year Award.
Field Trips / Group visits
Field Trips / Group Visits
Our Field Trips and Group Visits are perfect for schools and organizations seeking hands-on, educational experiences.
We offer 90-minute Self-Guided Field Trips for schools, childcare centers and nonprofit groups of 10 or more. Groups may also choose to add a Field-Trip Program to their visit.
Wonder Wagon
Wonder Wagon
Our Wonder Wagon brings hands-on activities and collaborative projects into the community. The Wonder Wagon is available to visit parks, community centers, schools, partner sites, special events and private functions.
Please email education@bbcmkids.org for more information.