Family Programs

Monthly Programs

The Museum offers a number of regular events for children and families. Some of these have moved online and can be found on our calendar. Others are being re-imagined as we navigate through these times.

 

Hejsan! Story & Craft – CURRENTLY ON HOLD

Third Friday of the month, 11 a.m.

Join us at the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration for a story and craft time. The theme for the school year 2019-2020 will be animals.  All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver for this free (with admission) program. While there is no additional cost to attend, reservations are appreciated and can be made via email to snyman@samac.org.

Moon Madness with the Buzz Aldrin Education Cart – CURRENTLY ON HOLD

First Friday of the month, 3 p.m.
The Buzz Aldrin Education Cart is available for exploration. Moon Madness allow guests at the Swedish American Museum and the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration to enrich the experience of the Buzz Aldrin: Space Visionary exhibit. This tech-equipped mobile exhibit is used on a regular basis as part of our educational programming, as well as during select school tours. This complement to our Buzz Aldrin: Space Visionary exhibit was made possible through a grant from the Swedish Council of America.

Bullerbyn – CURRENTLY ON HOLD

Every other Sunday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Please check the calendar for dates.
Taking place on alternative Sundays in tandem with Svenska Skolan, Bullerbyn is a time for singing cherished children’s songs, reading humorous tales and having lots of fun in Swedish. Children aged 6 months to 5 years are welcome to attend with parents. Only Swedish is spoken in Bullerbyn, so Swedish should be spoken regularly at home too! We meet in the gallery space or the Children’s Museum. Kids are welcome to stay and play in the Brunk Children’s Museum after the program. Classes are free for members, non-members are asked to make a $5 per child/class donation; payment can be made at the Museum. Reservations are recommended and can be made by emailing museum@samac.org.

Svenska Skolan – ONLINE

Every other Sunday, 10 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.
Please check the calendar for exact dates.
Svenska skolan is for children of school age (Kindergarten – High School) who speak Swedish. The children learn about Swedish history, geography and culture in a school setting. It is a great way for children to practice their Swedish with children their own age as well as learning more about their heritage. The 2018-2019 school year starts in September. If you want more information or to register please email Angelica afarzanehfar@samac.org.

 

Yearly Events – CURRENTLY THERE ARE A LOT OF CHANGES AND OUR UPDATED EVENTS CAN BE FOUND IN OUR CALENDAR.

February

Space Day Workshop

Monday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (extended day possible)
Though Buzz Aldrin was not a US President, he is a famous Swedish-American! Spend President’s Day at the Museum’s Space Day Workshop where children in Kindergarten through fifth grade will explore the moon through STEM experiments, stories, art and games. Register your child here.

March

Pancakes with Pippi

Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.
Join Pippi Longstocking, a popular Swedish character, for Swedish pancakes, crafts, singing, and dancing. This is a unique opportunity to meet Pippi and learn how to make pancakes Pippi-style! All ages are welcome. Register here. 
 

April

Spring Crafts

Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us for Pippi Longstocking-themed activities all week long at the Swedish American Museum. Pippi is turning 75 years so come learn more! Free with admission.

May

Dala Rooster or Pig Craft

You may have heard of the Dala Horse, but did you know that there are also Dala Pigs and Dala Roosters? These are not as famous as the horse but still commonly found in homes around Sweden. You have this unique opportunity to paint your own rooster at the Museum this spring. Cost is $25 and includes everything you need to make your own Dala Rooster. Prepaid reservations are required and not refundable within 5 days of the event.

August

Travel the World Summer Camp

Online in August
Register here.

Travel the world without leaving Chicago! Come and explore the food, dance, folk arts, and cultural identities of a different country each day in our “Travel the World” summer camp. Campers end the week with their very own World’s Fair to show off their work to the public. Summer Camp is always packed with fun and adventure for children ages 6 to 10. We are waiting to take registrations until we know more about the Corona virus situation in August. If you want to receive an email when we know more, please email Stacey snyman@samac.org.

November

Veterans Day – Viking Day Workshop

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (extended day possible)
Need something for your Kindergartner through 5th grader to do on Veterans Day? The Museum is offering a one day Viking camp. The children will have a day filled with games, crafts and fun Viking style

Dala horse craft

Looking for a gift for someone who has everything or just always wanted to create your own Dala horse? Here is your chance. This is an event for the whole family. You can choose to paint a real unfinished 15 cm Dala horse or a flat children’s version.

 

December

Breakfast with Tomten

Join us for our most popular family event of the year! Bring the family to the Museum to enjoy a Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, a special visit from Tomten (Swedish Santa), and more. The morning begins at 9 a.m. with crafts for family enjoyment, and breakfast to follow at 9:30 a.m. Other activities, including visits with Tomten, will follow breakfast.

This event has limited capacity and therefore tends to sell out every year by the end of November, so please make sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. We will send out email confirmations for each reservation, as well as a request for seating requests.

If you want to be to be emailed when registrations open up for 2020, please email Stacey Nyman at snyman@samac.org

Tomtens Workshop

Kick off holiday break with a fun one day camp! Children will learn all about Swedish holiday traditions through crafts, stories, games, music and other activities. Tomten’s Workshop is a drop off program and will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with available extended care until 4 p.m. This program is appropriate for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Winter Crafts in the Classroom

There will be different winter crafts available in the classroom on the third floor all through the week. The Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration will have extended hours during this time, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please note that the Museum is closed on New Years Eve and New Years Day.