go top #5 preschool activities.
#1) Visit a Library for Story Hour.
The Fox Valley area offers 6 public libraries that offer story hours available for different age groups on various days of the week. The best part, it’s FREE! Many of the libaries offer specifically designed programs for preschoolers including problem-solving skills and interactive, themed activities. Many of the libraries also offer special events, such as visits to the fire stations or nature centers. Explore the library and check out new books for your preschooler to get ready for school. Please visit our indoor guide for more information or go directly to their websites: Appleton, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, Menasha, Neenah.
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#2) Enroll in an Enrichment Class or Program.
By now, your preschooler has developed quite a personality – they are sponges looking to soak in any new information. Enroll your preschooler in one of the many enrichment classes that are offered through Fox Valley organizations. For some, this may be their first structured class away from you. For others, this may be a class that continues to develop skills and interests. Either way, taking classes without a parent gets them ready for school. The area YMCAs, with 5 different locations, offer a variety of classes to promote gross motor development and social skills. Check out our arts/academic guide and sports/recreation guide for more organizations offering classes and programs.
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#3) Explore a Nature Center or Park.
Learn about nature through one of the 9 nature centers located in the Fox Valley. The Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha and 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna both offer numerous exhibits and special events just for kids. Entrance into the nature centers and many of the events are FREE. Or try one of the many expansive parks with wonderful playground equipment to explore through play. Our outdoor guide boasts 30 parks (and 9 nature centers) or check out the top #5 park list to get you started. These lists do not include the smaller neighborhood parks that might be right around your corner.
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#4) Visit a Family Entertainment Center or Children’s Museum.
Get the wiggles out through play and exploration. Inflatables are a hit with preschoolers – check out Wild Air or Monkey Joes, both in Appleton to bounce until their heart’s content. Or try Badger Sports Park, which offers a variety of activities including arcades, inflatables, and mini-golfing. The Building for Kids on College Avenue in Appleton is an expansive children’s museum with interactive displays and exhibits. With different zones, such as a water play area, DaVinci art area, truck area, mini-town and special exhibits, your preschooler is bound to find an activity she enjoys. See our indoor guide for more family entertainment centers and museums.
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#5) Go to a Zoo or Farm.
Spend a morning or afternoon at one of three zoos in the area. The New Zoo in Green Bay is the largest zoo of the three offering many exhibits and a train ride. During June, July and August, the New Zoo is offering “Wild Wednesdays” where admission is half price from 6pm-8pm. Or check out Special Memories in Greenville or Menominee Park Zoo in Oshkosh (FREE admission in 2012) for quicker visits. If your preschooler loves farm animals, check out the FREE Children’s Farm at Plamann Park or Mulberry Lane Farms in Sherwood to milk a cow or catch a chicken. For more listings, view our outdoor guide.