Building for Kids Children’s Museum: An Amazing Opportunity for Growth

When most people think of children’s museums, they envision colorful play spaces, hands-on exhibits, and a fun outing space for young families. But what many don’t realize is that museums like the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, WI, are also hubs for out-of-school time (OST) programming, providing enriching experiences for children beyond the school day.

"Building for Kids’ Explorer Camps include afterschool and summer programming at the museum." explained Beth Vanderloop, Vice President of Learning and Engagement at Building for Kids. "We serve kindergarten through fourth grade during the school year and include 4K in the summer."

A Community Hub for Learning and Growth

The museum welcomes over 130,000 visitors a year and hosts children from across Wisconsin and beyond. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, the museum ensures that children from all backgrounds have access to its innovative programming.

One of the museum’s key partnerships is with Boys & Girls Clubs and area schools, providing free access to children from achievement gap reduction schools. "We focus on our achievement gap reduction schools, providing them access to afterschool programming at no cost." Vanderloop said. "We try to minimize transportation barriers by having our team walk to the schools to pick up the kids and walk them to the museum."

Hands-On Learning Through Play

The Building for Kids offers a variety of engaging exhibits and activities designed to promote learning through play. Some of the standout programs include:

• Food to Grow Exhibit: Kids explore the food system, food equity, and nutrition through hands-on activities, even preparing their own meals using real ingredients.

• STEM Education: From robotics and coding to polymer science, kids engage in interactive learning experiences through quarterly rotating themes.

• Making Money Count: The museum transforms into a mini economy, where kids receive play checks, cash them in, and navigate real-world money decisions.

• Early Childhood Programs: Parents and toddlers benefit from initiatives like Welcome Baby and Early Explorers, ensuring access to enriching experiences from birth.

A Research-Backed Approach

The museum’s commitment to OST programming isn’t just about providing activities—it’s backed by research. In a two-year study, kindergarten to third-grade students were divided into three groups: one that only attended school, another that participated in Boys & Girls Club programming, and a third that added weekly museum visits. The results were striking: "The museum enrichment group had the greatest improvement in math, reading, and science grades, along with increased social confidence," noted Oliver Zornow, President of the Building for Kids. "The impact was significant across all socioeconomic backgrounds."

Funding an Innovative Model

Running these impactful programs requires significant financial support, and the museum relies on a combination of admission revenue, grants, and community partnerships. "Every person who visits is subsidized," Zornow explained. "We also have a robust access scholarship program where families can pay what they can."

Funding sources have included support from the Green Bay Packers, United Way, local family foundations, and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. However, sustaining these programs remains a challenge. "We believe in stepping out in faith that we will continue to find the funding because we know it’s the right thing to do," Zornow said.

A Space for Creativity and Culture

Beyond traditional learning, the museum fosters creativity and cultural appreciation through programs like world music workshops led by resident musician Bernardo, who introduces children to instruments and musical traditions from around the world. "I love seeing a mirror image of my younger self in these kids when they realize music is something they can actively participate in," he shared.

The Future of OST at Building for Kids

With a firm commitment to accessibility, innovation, and enriching children’s lives beyond the school day, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum is proving that museums are much more than just play spaces—they are vital community resources for learning and growth.

As they continue to expand their OST offerings, the museum remains a clear example of how hands-on, play-based education can change lives. Whether through after-school programs, summer learning, or research-backed enrichment, Building for Kids is shaping the future of OST in Wisconsin and beyond.

For more information about the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, visit their website or follow their latest programming updates on social media!