All About the Kids

The mission statement for The Building for Kids is, "Build children's imagination, creativity, and confidence." The Building for Kids offers children a chance to explore with a variety of things, in a variety of ways. "We accomplish this mission by providing exceptional learning opportunities that are innovative, deeply engaging, and long-lasting,'' is the message they proudly posted in their mission statement.

The Building for Kids is located on West College Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin. This wonderful place of exploration, and learning for youngsters was built in 1991 and opened its doors in November of 1992. In 2006 the museum expanded and totally renovated with brand new exhibits designed by the kids for the kids. It is a non-profit organization that is supported by donations, membership, and admissions. Nearly 130,000 people enjoy the museum each year. It is the goal of the Building for Kids to regularly clean, wash, sanitize, and have all areas inspected by a nationally certified safety consultant to all areas of their facilities to ensure a safe, and healthy environment at all times. Many other safety precautions have been put in place to ensure safe entrance and exit to the buildings for parents, and kids alike. A safety eye monitoring system was installed to be sure no small children can leave the building un-accompanied.

There are many exhibits including many permanent exhibits along with traveling exhibits. Kids can check out the Birdwell Island Ferry, and Samuel's Fish and Chips shack, join in T-Bone's beach fun, and Check out Clifford's dog house where you'll never know what kind of adventures may lie. Permanent exhibits include a doll hospital that allows kids to wear scrubs, and care for life like baby dolls, the DaVinci Art and Science Studio allows children to work on fun, and sometimes messy projects that they can even take home with them! They also have the Story Tree as the museums centerpiece with five tree forts to climb into with varying degrees of difficulties for children of all ages, and abilities. Also available is Kwik-Trip, Move-It, Gulfstream Jet, Water Play, Happy Baby Garden, Construction Junction, The Big Dog, Kids Town Diner, Station 99 Fire Truck, a Golf Simulator, and The Amazing Heart.

The facility offers opportunities to host field trips, birthdays, overnights, corporate events, and Girl Scout and Cub Scout outings For birthdays you get a 1 1/2 hour room rental, a party host to help with the celebration, unlimited time in the museum for up to 20 people, lemonade, and a unique birthday cake for, as well as a colorful place setting for each child, a dozen balloons, and exciting themed games and activities. Plenty of children would delight in a party experience such as this. It is a celebration with memories that will last a lifetime.

This is a fun and exciting place to take your kids to stimulate their minds, and also to help them learn something each time they step in the doors. The Building for Kids in Appleton will be a destination kids will want to visit.