Museum Programs

OLSON MUSEUM PROGRAMS

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! Spring 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.

Spring 2026 Programming

Blocher Planetarium

Leo & Art

Feb 8. at 3 pm

Leo is an educational project about Art and Science, where two techniques are combined, puppets carved in wood and digital animation, with the aim of entertaining children and adults to awake their interest in Art and Science. With “Leo and Art,” take a journey through the history of Art and learn the basics of some of its most significant moments, such as the beginning of what is meant by art, with cave paintings, the genius of Art and Science of Leonardo Da Vinci and we learn that there is not only one way to see the stars with Van Gogh. 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.
 

Spring 2026 Programming

A113 Science

Scales, Feathers, Wings and Claws

Feb 19 at 5:30 pm

Dinosaurs had some amazing ways of protecting themselves with claws and scales. Join us as we uncover the secrets of dinosaurs incredible connections to modern birds. A hands-on program for students ages 7-11.
 

Spring 2026 Programming

A113 Science

Dinosaur Babies

March 5 at 5:30 pm

Did dinosaur moms and dads built nests? Did they care for their eggs, or raise their hatchlings? Come to our presentation to learn about the lives of dinosaur babies!
 

Spring 2026 Programming

Blocher Planetarium

Music, A Dream of Sound

March 8 at 3 pm

From the noises of the prehistoric caverns to the delights of classical and modern music. From the beauty of instruments to the complexity of harmonies. From the making of the sound to the miracle of melody. Enjoy this fulldome show with its unforgettable approach to music. Program begins 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.
 

Spring 2026 Programming

A113 Science

Extreme Fossils

April 2 at 5:30 pm

The first! The fastest! The fiercest! How much do you know about the past 500 million years of extreme fossils? This program is free and open to all ages but is designed to be engaging for students ages 7-11.
 

Spring 2026 Programming

Blocher Planetarium

Mysteries of Your Brain

April 12 at 3 pm

Jump into an animated adventure following a girl and her crow companion as they explore what makes the human brain so special. Together you’ll zoom along the paths of neurons, find out how human and animal brains differ, and experience illusions on a grand scale! Along the way, you’ll learn how your brain makes you, well, you, and see that ultimately, we each have the power to change our brains. This is truly a story telling planetarium show with few graphics and extravagant features.
 

Spring 2026 Programming

A113 Science

Equine Evolution

April 16 at 5:30 pm

Gallop through time as we explore the incredible journey of horses! Visitors will discover how these amazing animals have transformed into the majestic horses we know today.
 

Spring 2026 Programming

A113 Science

Surviving the Ice Age

April 30 at 5:30 pm

Step into the footprints of our ancient ancestors! Participants will embark on an exciting adventure to learn how early humans adapted and thrived during the Ice Age.