The Week of the Young Child celebrates early learning as we lift up young children and their teachers, families, and communities
As advocates for the growth and development of young minds, we’re excited to host a week filled with activities that celebrate the importance of nurturing children’s potential during their formative years.
Throughout the week, we’ll offer a variety of engaging programs designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and nurture a love for learning.
Week of the Young Child is organized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to promote the importance of early childhood education. Connect with them and celebrate each activity using #WOYC26!
Saturday, April 11 – Kickoff Saturday
Museum Open, 10 am to 5 pm
Play is learning! Explore all of the museum exhibits.
Postcards & Reflections: Special activity all week long in our Art Studio!
Create a postcard to send to someone you love and tell them why the Children’s Museum of South Dakota is special to your family. Add your thoughts to our community reflection board and help celebrate children, play, and learning!
Play Dates, 9-10 am
Ages 0-36 months and their caregiver // Registration Required // Free
Register for Play Dates Now
Sunday, April 12
Museum Open, noon to 5 pm
Play is learning! Explore all of the museum exhibits and visit our Postcard & Reflection station in the Art Studio.
Messy Studio, 1-2 pm
All ages // Free with paid admission
Tuesday, April 14 – Tasty Tuesday
Museum Open, 10 am to 7 pm
Play is learning! Explore all of the museum exhibits and visit our Postcard & Reflection station in the Art Studio.
Story Time, 10:30-11 am
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
All ages // Free with paid admission
The Week of the Young Child Community Celebration, 4-7 pm
City of Brookings Proclamation, 4:30 pm
All ages // Free admission
Celebrate the community’s commitment to making early childhood education a priority in Brookings County. Free Museum entry from 4-7 pm. Local area resources will have booths from 4-6 pm.
Learn more
Café Coteau $5 Community Meal, 4-6:30 pm
On the menu: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup
Make-N-Take Tuesday, 5-6:30 pm
Make Your Own Play-Doh, $5
Wednesday, April 15 – Work Together Wednesday
Museum Open, 10 am to 5 pm
Play is learning! Explore all of the museum exhibits and visit our Postcard & Reflection station in the Art Studio.
Spark Studio 10:30-11:30 am
All ages // Free with paid admission
Creative Construction: During this hands-on studio, families will explore a variety of building materials, including blocks, bricks, and more, to create unique structures. We look forward to seeing you build, experiment, problem-solve, and bring your engineering ideas to life!
Thursday, April 16 – Artsy Thursday
Museum Open, 10 am to 5 pm
Play is learning! Explore all of the museum exhibits and visit our Postcard & Reflection station in the Art Studio.
Spark Studio, 10:30-11:30 am
All ages // Free with paid admission
Color Mixing Lab: Explore the magic of color by mixing primary colors to create new colors! Children will experiment with liquid paint to discover how different paint combinations form secondary colors.
Friday, April 17 – Family Friday
Museum Open, 10 am to 5 pm
Play is learning! Explore all of the museum exhibits and visit our Postcard & Reflection station in the Art Studio.
Playful Preschoolers Class, 8:30-11:30 am
Ages 3-5 // Registration Required // $25 ($20 members)
register for Playful Preschoolers now
Play Dates, 9-10 am
Ages 0-36 months and their caregiver // Registration Required // Free
register for Play Dates now
Museum After Dark, 7-10 pm
Ages 21+ // Advanced Ticket Purchase Required // $18 – includes 1 drink ticket
Play boosts creativity, reduces stress, and strengthens relationships. It’s great for children AND adults.
Adults: It’s important to find YOUR inner child! We invite you to play along at our 21+ Museum After Dark party.
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