Following is the calendar of events taking place in September, October, November and December 2016 at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum.
Exhibits
Big League Fun
November 18 – January 8
Take the family out to the ball game! The Museum is excited to announce Big League Fun, a new traveling exhibit that will immerse visitors in the exciting world of baseball!
The 2,000 square-foot hands-on experience will feature fun activities, simulated game experiences, and trivia challenges that promote important educational concepts for children and engage fans of all ages. From Spring Training to the World Series, explore the ins and outs of baseball season. Exhibit activities will emphasize the science and math behind the sport, reflect national academic standards for school-age children and support developmental milestones set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Test your skills! Get tips for proper pitching, throwing, fielding, hitting and base-running. Head to the bullpen and pitch into the strike zone; perfect your swing and step up to the plate; lead off, run to second or back to the bag; throw from the infield or outfield with simulated plays; and grab a glove for catching practice.
Explore the world of professional baseball. Snap your photo in front of a special backdrop, and customize your own team logo, player name and uniform using the graphic design station. In the clubhouse, check the schedule, roster, batting order and stats; explore the history of the game; and learn about the diverse backgrounds of MLB players. Pretend to be the announcer and deliver a play-by-play using real game clips and sound effects. Learn about the teams that make up Major League Baseball, vocabulary and rules, and how to calculate statistics.
There’s nothing like the ballpark experience! Tune into radio broadcasts, fill out your scorecard, and gear up with pre-game activities. Then head for the stadium arches and hear the ballpark come alive! Catch All-Star information, bloopers and more on the scoreboard, then join the crowd for the seventh-inning stretch. Answer trivia questions, calculate batting averages and solve physics-themed challenges. Recreate the ballpark experience with props, costumes, and fun math and literacy activities at ticket sales and concessions.
Big League Fun is being developed by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum under a license from Major League Baseball, and is the Museum’s sixth national touring exhibit. It will head out on a four-year nationwide tour after its Milwaukee debut ends January 8!
Featured business in Home Town
The Real Estate Office
Through October 31
Children can pretend to be the real estate agent or the homebuyer as they explore maps, home styles and design, and how agents work to help families find their perfect home in this Home Town business sponsored by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
Special Events
Neighborhood Night
May 19, June 16, July 21 and August 18 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy FREE admission and free programs from 5 – 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month! Neighborhood Night is presented by Northwestern Mutual, with additional support provided in part by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s Heart of Canal Street program, US Bank and the Zilber Foundation, and media sponsor FOX 6.
Every Neighborhood Night: Be A Maker!
Stop by the BAM space to find tools, materials and techniques for endless ways to experiment and create.
BAM programs during Neighborhood Night are presented by Brady Corporation, with additional support provided by Nordstrom.
Celebrate the Muskego Way neighborhood
October 20
All families are invited to the Museum for free admission, maker workshops, demonstrations, special entertainment and resource booths hosted by community agencies and organizations from the Muskego Way neighborhood. This special evening is presented in partnership with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
Storytelling with Milwaukee Public Television
November 17
Discover your inner author and illustrator with Milwaukee Public Television! Learn the basics of storytelling with hands-on activities, and continue the fun with a craft to take home.
Maker Faire Milwaukee
September 24 & 25 at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Co-hosted by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and Milwaukee Makerspace in collaboration with Make Magazine
Part science fair, part county fair, part something new, Maker Faire® Milwaukee is the largest free Maker Faire in the nation, and the second largest in the world! Bring the family to connect with 200+ exhibitors who will share innovative and creative projects of all kinds. There are lots of opportunities for you to be a maker, too! The GE Design & Build Challenge will be back by popular demand, and new activities for 2016 include:
NASA Glenn Research Center
Maker Faire Milwaukee was selected as the only site in Wisconsin to host NASA’s 2016 educational outreach program. Experts from NASA will be talking about the latest in space exploration and aeronautics technology, and offering activities and demonstrations for all ages.
American Welding Society Virtual Welding Trailer Tour
Fitted with five virtual reality welding simulators, the Trailer welcomes visitors to grab a welding gun and helmet and put their skills to the test. The trailer also features exhibits, videos and career information.
Power Racing Series
A series of organized races where adults drive their souped-up kids’ ride-on cars! Join us for the Moxie Contest (kids get to vote for the winners), Endurance Race (when the racers just hope their car doesn’t break down!) and Sprint Races.
Maker Faire Milwaukee will be held at Wisconsin State Fair Park at the same time as Harvest Fest. Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. The presenting sponsor of Maker Faire Milwaukee is Brady Corporation. The Design & Build Challenge is sponsored by GE Healthcare. Visit www.makerfairemilwaukee.com for more information.
Odd Ball
September 24 at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Please join us for an unconventional fundraiser! Odd Ball invites you to immerse yourself in the maker movement. This adults-only event’s dress code is “black tie to tie dye” and will feature creative cocktails and dining, lounges and dancing, late-night activities and the Odd Ball auction.
In addition to supporting our commitment to early learning and school readiness, Odd Ball will reflect how the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s involvement in the maker movement and our community outreach efforts are shaping and strengthening our educational mission, and will be held at Wisconsin State Fair Park following the first day of Maker Faire Milwaukee. Since opening in 1995, the Museum has benefited almost 4 million children and adults, including 700,000 participants in programs designed to help families in our community that are struggling to raise a young child. Because the Museum does not receive operating assistance from the United Way, UPAF, or from city, county or state governments, contributions provide critical support for Museum experiences that can positively influence a young child’s academic and lifelong success.
Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available at www.bbcmkids.org/oddball or by calling 414-390-5437, ext. 242.
MakeShift: Demos/Hacks/DIY Projects/Adults Only
October 13 from 6 – 9 p.m.
MakeShift is an adults-only event series hosted by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Come to learn new skills, experiment with tools and technology and meet creative people. Previous MakeShifts have featured metal work, sewing, Nerf wars, hot sauce, home brewing and dozens of other hands-on projects. Save the date for our next event…Halloween is the official makers’ holiday! Tickets will be available at www.bbcmkids.org
Little Monster Bash
October 28 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Dress up your little monsters and join us for a special Halloween-themed Museum party where costumes are encouraged and the treats are available all night long! This Museum fundraiser features a light dinner, trick-or-treating at Treat Stops, dancing, workshops and goodies galore.
Tickets are available online at www.bbcmkids.org and are $20 per person and $16 for Museum members. Children younger than 1 are free. Reservations can also be made by calling 414-390-5437, ext. 242. Must be purchased in advance. Hurry! Space is limited for this annual sell-out!
Not-So-Scary Halloween
October 28 & 29 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate the fall season with plenty of Halloween fun created especially for young children at the Museum’s popular Not-So-Scary Halloween, presented by Sendik’s Food Markets. Receive goodies at Treat Stops (with or without a costume!), and enjoy spooktacular activities and fun throughout the Museum. The event is free with regular admission!
Starting October 5, visit Sendik’s Food Markets – Balistreri Owned & Operated, purchase select products from Breadsmith, Kemps, Sargento and Turbana, show your receipt at the Museum to receive FREE admission to the Not-So-Scary Halloween! One admission per product. Please check www.bbcmkids.org for product information.
Holiday Kitchen
November 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us the day after Thanksgiving for a special event, presented by Sendik’s Food Markets, to celebrate cooking together, healthy eating and the importance of family meal time. Participate in a variety of hands-on workshops and learn the value of making good decisions when it comes to nutrition and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Lots of crafty projects, fun programs and delicious food samples will give the entire family a kick-start to healthy living this holiday season!
In November, visit Sendik’s Food Markets – Balistreri Owned & Operated to purchase select products from Breadsmith, Kemps, Palermo’s, Sargento and Turbana. Show your receipt at the Museum desk to receive FREE admission to Holiday Kitchen! One admission per product. Please check www.bbcmkids.org for product information.
New Year’s Eve at Noon
December 30 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate 2017 early! Kids can make a party hat, create something festive in the Be A Maker space and be wide awake when they toast the new year (with juice) as they sing, dance and count down to our annual New Year’s Eve at Noon ball drop.
Pre-School Programs
Birth through age 5 are critical years in a child’s development. In addition to special programs throughout the year, our weekly pre-school programs are a great way to get ready for kindergarten and beyond – and have fun learning together. Space is limited. Please sign up for programs when you arrive at the Museum!
Tot Time: Ages 1 – 3
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
There will be no Tot Time on September 1, November 24, December 15 & December 29
Singing, listening to stories, playing games and other activities for our youngest visitors are the first, critical steps in building academic and social skills for a lifetime. Join us for fun and games that are all about learning.
Music Makers with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music: Ages 2 – 5
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
There will be no Music Makers on October 28, November 25, December 23 & December 30
Sing, listen, play rhythm instruments and move to music!
Pint-Size Science: Ages 2 – 5
September 14, October 19, November 9, December 14 at 10:30 a.m.
From the kitchen to the playground – and even in the car – science is all around us. Join us as we make exciting science discoveries through stories, songs and experiments!
Naomi’s Music Together: Age 5 and younger
December 15 at 10 & 11 a.m.
Play instruments, chant rhythms and move to music during this 30-minute class with Naomi Bodine, a teacher trained in the Music Together® program. This national program is known for its developmentally appropriate research-based curriculum.
Other Programs and Performances
All programs and performances are free with regular admission unless otherwise noted. For up-to-date information to plan your visit to the Museum, visit www.bbcmkids.org.
It’s in the Bank: Age 4 and older
September 16, October 14 & 21, November 21 & 22, December 27 & 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Join us to learn about earning, spending, saving and sharing. Children will be the contestants in a fast-paced game show that will help them develop their financial vocabulary and learn to make smart decisions.
Movement & Music with Danceworks
October 4, November 1, and December 6 at 10:30 a.m.
Children will practice simple movement exercises that also help caregivers increase flexibility and model healthy exercise habits. Activities incorporate rhythm to help develop motor skills, stimulate brain development and awaken the senses.
Nature Nook with the Urban Ecology Center
October 5, November 2 and December 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Ecology Center for interactive, nature-themed programs that include songs, stories, games, and hands-on fun. Examine seeds and leaves, discover wildlife in your backyard, listen to the sounds of nature, and learn about animals in winter.
Wild Wisconsin with Riveredge Nature Center
October 17, November 16, December 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn what makes Wisconsin a wildly wonderful place to live, from a naturalist with Riveredge Nature Center. Learn about leaves and trees, discover if turkeys trot and study the stories that animals tell.
Animal Antics with Zoological Society of Milwaukee
October 18, November 15, December 20 at 10:30 a.m.
From animal senses to animal athletes, learn about animals from around the world with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Sing songs, play games and make a special craft to take home – and meet some live animals!
Wisconsin Science Fest
October 20, 21 & 23 from 2 – 4 p.m.
October 22 from 10 a.m. – noon
It’s full STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) ahead at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum during Wisconsin Science Fest, a statewide festival celebrating curiosity and creativity! Experiment with hands-on activities in the Museum’s Be A Maker space. Activities are free with Museum admission.
Ballet Class with the Milwaukee Ballet
October 24, November 28 and December 12 at 10:30 a.m.
Join dancers from Milwaukee Ballet II in a beginning dance/movement class. Learn the positions, work on splits, try runs and leaps, and more!
Trash to Treasure with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
October 25, November 29, December 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Get crafty with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful! Learn about our environment – and how to protect it – with stories and crafts. Explore a different environmental topic each month, including recycling, energy and more!
Walker’s Point Center for the Arts: Age 3 and older
October 26, November 23, December 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Join educators from Walker’s Point Center for the Arts and experiment with hands-on arts activities that explore Dia de Los Muertos, Native American culture and more.
Presto-X Insect Zoo
October 28 from 10 a.m. – noon
Learn more about the fascinating world of insects with Presto-X when they visit the Museum and bring along some of their unusual insect friends for children to experience up close.
Visitor Information
Location: 929 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Special Hours: The Museum will be closed on September 5, November 24, December 24 and December 25
Admission: $8 per person; $7 for seniors (ages 55+); children age 1 and younger are free
Phone: 414-390-5437
Website: www.bbcmkids.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bettybrinn
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bbcmmilwaukee
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bettybrinnchildrensmuseum
YouTube: www.youtube.com/bettybrinncm