Learn about regular museum programs & special events at The Curiosity Place. If you’re interested in having your birthday party, private meeting, or other group event, explore our Party Packages
Saturday, February 7 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. — All Hearts Dance Party
For the first time ever, family-friendly D.J. Ryan Schrock of Shoreline Sound will bring his musical talents to the Curiosity Place for the All Hearts Dance Party. There will be lights, bubbles and tunes that everyone can move to!
Families are invited to dress as fancy—or as funky—as they like and hit the dance floor together. Tickets include activities, snacks, full museum admission, and an entry into a door prize raffle for a chance to win a create-your-own critter experience in the Power of Play Store.
Admission
• Children: $13 members / $15 nonmembers
• Adults: $5
Tickets are limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
All proceeds support the Great Lakes Children’s Museum’s mission to provide a foundation for life-long learning through play-based exploration.
Families are encouraged to join the celebration, bring someone they love, and support hands-on learning through play.
A special thank-you to MSU Federal Credit Union, event sponsor, and Shoreline Sound for helping make this event possible.
MEMBERS ONLY EVENT! Not a member yet? Join today!
The Curiosity Place’s newest exhibit, Shipwreck at Curiosity Bay, will be an interactive model of a real ship that once traveled the waters of Lake Michigan. The big question is: which ship is it?
On Wednesday, February 25, you and your family are invited to an evening of interactive history and problem-solving. You’ll examine artifacts and cargo clues, study maps and timelines, and explore elements of ship design to discover the identity of the vessel that inspired this celebration of Great Lakes History. To help fuel the investigation, kid-friendly snacks and drinks will be provided.
No registration required. All you need is a current GLCM membership!
Date: February 25, 5pm-7pm
Location: The Curiosity Place (located inside the Grand Traverse Mall)
Intended age range: Investigation activities are intended for explorers school-aged and up. However, all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy Shipwreck at Curiosity Bay and regular museum play.
Join us for Summer Camps! Hosted in partnership with NMC, we are hosting 4 weeks of camps at the The Curiosity Place (located inside the Grand Traverse Mall) and at NMC. Please check each camp for the site location.
Register through NMC.
Infant Massage Class
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Parents of young infants and expectant parents are invited to join us for a special hands-on infant massage class led by licensed massage therapist Kaitlyn Verbanic of Nurtured MI.
Learn gentle techniques to help soothe common growing pains and digestive discomfort while strengthening the bond between you and your baby. Parents may practice on their own infant or on dolls provided.
Free for members.
Free with admission for non-members.
Advance registration required.
Join us for our Homeschool Classes!
Choose from a variety of topics and ages 6-12 years old
Cost is $20/child nonmembers or $15/child for members.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Dec. 20- Jan. 3: Festival of Trains
Join us at Creekside Church for the Annual Festival of Trains!
Santa Visits: Dec 21 from 1-3pm
Dec 31: COUNTDOWN TO NOON PARTY at Great Lakes Children’s Museum
Countdown to Noon is back—and now at our new Curiosity Place location in the Grand Traverse Mall! Join us on December 31 from 10:00am–12:30pm for a family-friendly New Year’s celebration complete with gallery play, festive crafts, and our very own “ball drop” at 12pm sharp. Children over 12 months are $13 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Admission includes regular museum play, GLCM Countdown Party and New Year’s crafts. Adult admission is just $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers, and children under 1 attend free. All proceeds support making Curiosity Place the best place to play in 2026.
So join us December 31 from 10:00am to 12:30pm as we celebrate 2025 and look forward to everything next year has to offer!
A big thank you to our event sponsor, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, for making this event possible!
Oct 25: BOO-BASH at Great Lakes Children’s Museum
Get your tickets for Oct 25th BOO BASH here!
STEM Science Cart
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 1:00pm to 3:00pm
STEM Art Cart
Thursdays 10:00am to 12:00pm
Fridays 1:00pm to 3:00pm
More to Explore
Fridays 10am-12pm
These weekly programs are free, facilitated activities you can find in the gallery! Each session will have a different make-it-take-it activity that challenges your building, problem solving, and critical thinking skills!
Included in Museum admission. Get your tickets here.
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Fundraising events provide funding for unmet program and operational needs. They enable the Museum to generate critical support dollars while also raising awareness of the Museum’s mission, and efforts to achieve the mission. In the end, fundraising events become an opportunity to celebrate the great things happening at the Museum each and every year.
Individuals can support the work by purchasing tickets, attending the events and participating in the different and fun dollar generating opportunities at the event. Corporations can support the work, maintain community presence, and even offer staff networking opportunities through an array of sponsorship opportunities tailored to each event.
Email impact@glcm.org to learn more.
