This summer, The Iowa Children’s Museum is inviting families to explore big ideas in kid-sized ways.

Between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, we are hosting special pop-up activities to help children reflect on community, connection, and civic life. Museum educators and PLAYologists have been working together through the museum’s “Use Your VOICE” committee to create these extra activities

Through playful experiences, special guests, creative projects, and interactive pop-up activities, kids can explore questions like:

• What makes a community work?
• How do we share ideas and solve problems together?
• What does it mean to help others?
• How can kids make their voices heard?

These activities are designed to spark curiosity, encourage conversation, and help children build the foundations of civic literacy through play.

Civic-Minded Activities at The Iowa Children’s Museum

“We, The Kids” Weekly Activities

Wed. & Sat. during May 27 – June 27 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Throughout the summer, families can stop by the museum for regular pop-up activities on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. These activities encourage kids to explore topics connected to identity, community, collaboration, and civic engagement in approachable, age-appropriate ways. Families might build neighborhoods, share where they call home, explore maps, or create collaborative art.

You can learn more about these activities on our event calendar: We the Kids Activities at The Iowa Children’s Museum

Design an Official “I Voted” Sticker

Artwork Due July 1 | Voting July 2-31

In partnership with Johnson County Elections, children are invited to submit original artwork for this year’s official “I Voted” sticker used during the November 1 election. Sticker designs are due by July 1, and the top five entries will be displayed at the museum during July for community voting.

Meet Local Election Officials and Vote for the Mayor of CityWorks

Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Representatives from Johnson County Elections will visit the museum to host a mock election for the Mayor of CityWorks. Children can cast ballots, learn how voting works, and participate in playful election-themed activities. Guests may also spot local “candidates” George and Pete the Turtle making appearances around the museum.

Celebrate the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

Saturday, June 20 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Educators from Midwest Chinese Academy will lead activities inspired by the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, offering families an opportunity to learn about cultural traditions through hands-on experiences and storytelling. Learn more.

Special Presentation: Helping Not Hurting – Protecting the Soil

Saturday, June 27 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Garden Bridge Outreach founder Scott Koepke will present a special family-friendly program focused on soil health, sustainability, and caring for the environment. Unlike our regular drop-in activities, this program will be a scheduled presentation in the museum’s party rooms, giving families an opportunity to sit together, listen, ask questions, and engage with the topic more deeply.

Explore Bikes with the Iowa City Bike Library

Wednesday, July 1 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Staff from Iowa City Bike Library will help kids learn about the parts of a bicycle through hands-on exploration, including opportunities to take bikes apart and put them back together.

Mail a Letter to Your Future Self

Thursday, July 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Artist Kelly Moore and members of Mail Art Group of Iowa City (MAGIC) will guide families through a creative mail art activity where children can write or create postcards and letters to their future selves. The museum will mail the creations at a later date, turning the activity into a surprise waiting in the future.

“Where We Call Home” Activities

June 30 – July 3 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

During the week leading up to the Fourth of July, families can also participate in additional activities centered around community, connection, and shared experiences. A collaborative “Where We Call Home” map activity will invite guests to share the places and communities that are meaningful to them by adding their hometowns to large maps of Iowa and the United States displayed throughout the museum.

Why Civic Learning Matters for Kids

We know children learn best through active, meaningful play. Introducing ideas like cooperation, empathy, community problem-solving, creativity, and civic participation early helps children begin to understand the role they play in the world around them.

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, these summer activities create opportunities for families to reflect not just on history, but on how communities grow stronger when people share ideas, work together, and care for one another.

To explore upcoming events and activities, visit: The Iowa Children’s Museum Events Calendar