Family Programs

Recurring scheduled family programs happen on a weekly or monthly basis, as listed. Family programs are free, unless otherwise noted. Parents/guardians are expected to stay with their children throughout the duration of the program. For a list of available programs where children can be dropped off, visit our camps page.

Artsy Afternoons

Select Fridays  |  2:00pm – 4:00pm

Explore the amazing world of art through the eyes of artists and see how their artwork can inspire your own. Try new techniques and get your creativity flowing. All materials included.

Intended for ages 5-10. There is no cost to participate, but registration is strongly encouraged to ensure enough supplies for all participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the program.

December 20: Snowflake Sun Catcher  |  Register Here

January 10: Bubble Prints  |  Register Here

February 14: Valentines  |  Register Here

Museum Munchkins

Every Wednesday Morning  |  9:30am – 10:00am  |  Free

Join Mr. Nick for songs, stories, and activities designed to get you and your preschooler excited about natural science and the world around us. Every week we learn together about a new animal, so there’s ALWAYS something new to discover, for kids and adults alike!

No registration is required. Intended for ages 0-3.

African American Read-In: Honoring James Earl Jones

Saturday, February 1  |  1pm – 3pm  |  Free

This program celebrates African American culture through the voices of Black authors across a range of literary forms, including poems, essays, historic speeches, short stories, and children’s books. Community readers lend their voices to works that are sure to inspire, challenge, and reflect on the Black experience in the United States.

This year, we honor the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, a trailblazer for Black actors in the entertainment industry. Known for his iconic roles on both stage and screen, Jones first made history in 1965 as one of the first African American actors to secure a continuing role on a daytime drama. A rare EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), he achieved unparalleled success across multiple disciplines and is best known for his booming voice. Jones credited his mastery of poetry—particularly reading it aloud—as a key factor in overcoming the stutter he struggled with as a child. 

2025 is the 36th year of the National African American Read In, an event sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and its Black Caucus. Each year communities across the country are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This program is presented in partnership with the Kenosha Literacy Council, the Coalition for Dismantling Racism, the Kenosha Media Center, the American Association of University Women, and the Kenosha Public Library. 

Morning at the Museum

Sunday, February 23  |  10am – 12pm  |  $8 ($10 non-members)  |  Register Here

The Friends of the Museums invites families to explore the unique offerings of all three museums, Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, and the Dinosaur Discovery Museum! This fun-filled program features hands-on activities, crafts, and more, designed for kids of all ages, highlighting each of the museums. Discover the diverse exhibits, engage in creative projects, and enjoy a morning of exploration and learning together. A perfect way to experience everything the museums bring to the community!

Winter Picnic Movie Night: Encanto

Friday, March 14  |  6pm – 9pm  |  Free

Presented at no cost by the Friends of the Museum

Grab your picnic basket, blanket, or camp chairs and enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with music, magic, and movie fun! Before the film, get creative with fun, hands-on activities for all ages, from making magical paper flowers or animal masks to designing your very own Encanto family tree. If you have an Encanto inspired outfit please wear it and join our costume parade.

Popcorn will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Museum.

Event Schedule:

6:00 PM: Craft stations and games inspired by Encanto

7:00 PM: Encanto Costume parade

7:15 PM: Movie starts (Encanto, 102 minutes)

All activities including movie will be indoors at the Kenosha Public Museum

Women in STEM

Saturday, March 22  |  12:00pm – 3:00pm  |  Free

Bring the whole family and join the Kenosha Public Museum in celebrating Women in STEM! Meet real scientists from a variety of fields and participate in experiments and hands-on experiences with them. Then explore our hall of scientists and learn about some of the incredible scientific discoveries that have been made by women throughout history–from discovering the crater of the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs to figuring out how to send humans into space, from uncovering the structure of DNA to building the foundation of quantum physics upon which Einstein built his theories! Finally, put your own scientific skills to the test as you experiment in our family-friendly science lab.

A full refund will be issued if the Kenosha Public Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, or Civil War Museum cancels a workshop or camp.

All refunds requested within 72 hours of the program are subject to a $10 processing fee.

No refunds are offered on or after the day a workshop or camp begins.

Class cancellations can happen if enrollment minimums are not met two days prior to the event. You will be contacted via phone or email if your event is canceled.

If unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather, power outages, instructor illness) occur within 72 hours of the workshop or camp and the program must be canceled, the museum will do its best to reschedule or provide a voucher to take a program of a similar or same cost.