Explore Children’s Museum’s Annual Events
Kids Fest 2026: A Celebration of Kids, Creativity, and Color!
Join us for a free, fun-filled day dedicated to kids and the joy of play! Kids Fest brings together families for an unforgettable celebration featuring:
✨ Explore Children’s Museum exhibits
🎶 Live music & bubbles
🍴 Food trucks with tasty eats for purchase
🌈 And the grand finale - our annual Color Splash Party!
The Color Splash Party is messy, magical, and full of color! Participants toss “Splash Packs” - small muslin bags filled with vibrant chalk powder - at each other in a burst of color and laughter. It’s playful chaos and pure joy as kids (and adults!) end the day covered in beautiful hues.
Kids Fest 2026 will be on Saturday July 25 from 10am - 1pm at the Sun Prairie Dream Park. Stay tuned for updates in our monthly e-newsletter, on social media, and during your next visit to the museum.
We can't wait to celebrate with you - mark your calendars and get ready for a day of color, creativity, and community!
Night at the Museum is a celebration of our mission!
The Magic of Play: Night at the Museum is Explore Children’s Museum’s most impactful and inspiring event of the year! This adults-only evening transforms the museum into a space where imagination becomes impact - supporting hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and access for all children in our community.
Now in its fourth year, Night at the Museum is our largest annual fundraiser, and your support directly fuels our mission to spark curiosity, creativity, and learning through play.
This year’s theme, The Magic of Play, celebrates the joy, wonder, and connection that play brings to all ages. Come experience an unforgettable night featuring entertainment, an inspiring impact video, silent auction, paddle raise, and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Buck ‘n Honey’s - plus beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.
Join us for a night of fun and philanthropy - where play has purpose, and imagination becomes impact.
Tickets are limited and go on sale in December 2025. Don’t miss this magical evening!
Mix into 2026: Noon Year’s Eve at Explore Children’s Museum!
Say goodbye to 2025 and ring in the new year Explore-style! Join us for our fourth annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration - a joyful daytime bash designed just for families.
Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025
Time; 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Celebrate with a noon countdown and a HUGE balloon drop, plus party music, dancing, a hands-on activity, light snacks, and a sparkling juice toast to welcome 2026 with joy and play!
This special event is a private celebration - the museum will be closed to the general public and open only to ticket holders. Everyone attending - kids and adults - must have a ticket.
Tickets go on sale in December. Don’t miss this high-energy, memory-making way to wrap up the year!