From April 19 through April 27, the Badgerland edition of the global Remake Learning Days festival will bring more than 125 free educational events to local libraries, cultural organizations, schools and universities, and a range of other venues throughout the region.
“Wisconsin’s festival marks the beginning of the spring program season,” says Badgerland Learning Days organizer Kathe Crowley Conn. “I’m excited about the prospect of so many organizations coming back together and opening our doors for youth, their caregivers and families. It’s a great way to celebrate learning together!”
This year, Remake Learning Days celebrates its 10th anniversary. The festival, designed to be the world’s largest open house for joyful teaching and learning, began in the Pittsburgh region. It welcomed more than 30,000 families in its first year and has kept on growing.
The festival now takes place in a dozen regions across the U.S. and in international locations including the U.K., Uruguay and New Zealand. It continues to grow each year, attracting tens of thousands of families annually to events that explore art, science, outdoor learning, technology and youth voice.
But while the festival has grown into a globally recognized event, the magic behind it remains wonderfully simple: Children thrive when they learn alongside caring adults who join them in the wonder and fun of discovery. And families benefit when they are introduced to the many learning opportunities that exist in their communities within and especially beyond the walls of K-12 schools.
The Badgerland region began hosting Remake Learning Days in 2020, offering a slew of virtual events that connected thousands of families with hands-on learning even as pandemic precautions kept people distanced.
Since then, the festival has brought hundreds of free or low-cost events — held primarily in person, with virtual options as well — to the families of southern Wisconsin.
“We love being part of the RLD family and being connected in our mission of outreach and celebration,” says Crowley Conn. “We’ve been through a lot in the last 10 years and as a program provider, it was always good to know that there were colleagues and communities who understood the work and were united in providing programming for youth, regardless of the challenges.”
The many events available for families in southern Wisconsin this year include:
- Free Family Fun Night at the Madison Children’s Museum: Come make “joyful noise” during this free evening of fun. You’ll have full access to the Museum and its award-winning exhibits, including the Art Studio, Possible-opolis, the Wonderground and Rooftop Ramble, plus live music and hands-on arts, crafts and science activities sponsored by local organizations.
- Full Moon Night Creature Search: Have you ever been out at dusk to listen for animals that are out at night? Now is your chance! Explore local parks in search of animals, including owls, during a family-friendly interactive hike. Then enjoy a fire under the stars and s’mores.
- Kids in the Rotunda – The Lullaby Project: Join local musicians and teaching artists to share songs created for the little ones in your life. Ranging from funny to sweet, calming to danceable and silly to empowering, the concert will include a range of musical styles and audience interaction featuring songs written with local families as part of Overture’s Lullaby Project.
Maypole Social at Folklore Village: Welcome spring with this vibrant English tradition! After a potluck supper, all ages will dance and weave patterns with colorful maypole ribbons and decorate with fresh flowers. Musicians are welcome to join the informal, volunteer Folklore Village Band.