FAMILY EVENTS 2025-2026
The UW-Stevens Point Olson Museum of Natural History presents monthly programs that engage kids and families. Our educational Junior Science programs are presented by museum education interns at no cost. Your child will love our lessons that include hands-on activities! Fall 2025 programs will be held in the classrooms right next to the museum in the Science Building, in A113. Enter through the doors near the Pendulum.
Participants will also enjoy scheduled shows in the Blocher Planetarium on the Second Floor. Those Shows are listed below in gray.
FALL 2025 EVENTS
Sept. 14 at 3:00 pm
Planets of the Solar System
PLANETARIUM
A live, guided exploration of the Sun and the eight planets of the Solar System. Blast off into Space! Our programs begin at 3:00 p.m. with a 30-minute book reading session (Room A201, next to the planetarium), and continue with the planetarium show from 3:40- 4:10 p.m.
Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
From Granite to Gravel: The Rocks Beneath Our Feet
A113 Science
The rocks in Wisconsin can tell us stories about the past. How old ARE the oldest rocks in Wisconsin? Let’s kick off our new fall Junior Science programs and learn all about the rocks deep beneath our feet and why it matters This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Oceans of the Past and Present
A113 Science
Did you know that Wisconsin used to be covered by an ocean? Our state was covered and uncovered by a shallow sea many times, forming layers of cool rocks and fossils we have in our state. Come to our Junior science program to discover evidence of life from ancient oceans and ocean life we can find today! This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
Oct. 12 at 3:00 pm
Understanding the Basics of the Calendar
PLANETARIUM
What is a day? What is a month? What is a year? How are the names of the
days related to important objects in our solar system? Our programs begin at 3:00 p.m. with a 30-minute book reading session (Room A201, next to the planetarium), and continue with the planetarium show from 3:40- 4:10 p.m.
Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Let’s Glow!
A113 Science
Have you ever seen a glowing rock? How about a glow worm? Come to our Junior Science program to discover the magic of fluorescent minerals and bioluminescent animals. This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Copper, Quartz, and Crystals, Oh My!
A113 Science
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral? What is the difference between a crystal and a gem? Come to our Junior Science program to find out and explore the world of precious metals, and more. This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
Nov. 9 at 3:00 pm
Stories of the Constellations
PLANETARIUM
We will learn together a few constellations and the ancient legends associated with them. Blast off into Space! Our programs begin at 3:00 p.m. with a 30-minute book reading session (Room A201, next to the planetarium), and continue with the planetarium show from 3:40- 4:10 p.m.
Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Giant Sheets of Ice!
A113 Science
The story of Wisconsin wouldn’t be complete without the story of glaciers. What do you know about the giant sheets of ice that once covered our state? Come to our Junior Science program to learn about The Ice Age. This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Cave Wonders
A113 Science
Wisconsin has some great caves, and some of them were actually discovered by accident! Join us on a junior science journey to discover the magic of Wisconsin’s underground. This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
SPRING 2026 EVENTS TBA
LOCATION
The Olson Museum of Natural History is located at 2001 Fourth Ave. on the first floor of the Science Building at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus.
Tours will resume in our new museum spaces. Please contact us to schedule a group or school visit of the museum.