National Museum of the Great Lakes Launches Kids Programming on Saturdays All Summer Long

Daily Dose | 05/27/2026 10:15 am

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is inviting families to dive into creativity, science, and engineering this summer with the return of Capt. Scupper’s Kid’s Club, a hands-on Saturday series designed for children and families.

Taking place throughout June, July, and August in the museum’s Great Lakes Community Education Center, each themed month offers unique activities that encourage kids to build, experiment, and discover through interactive learning experiences inspired by the Great Lakes.

All activities are included with museum admission and are free for museum members and Museums for All participants. Registration is encouraged.

“Capt. Scupper’s Kids Club is a great way to celebrate creativity, discovery, and fun,” said Cris Shell, Experience Manager. “From boat building to water experimentation to Lego fun, it's sure to be a summer of play that kids and caretakers will remember long after the season ends.”

The 2026 Capt. Scupper’s Kid’s Club lineup includes:

Recycled Regatta

Every Saturday in June | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Young engineers and their families will design, build, and race mini boats made entirely from recycled materials while learning about buoyancy, balance, and sustainability. Recycled Regatta is presented by Cleveland Cliffs and supported by the Darrell & Jean Fox Fund.

Community Scientists

Every Saturday in July (except July 4) | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Participants will step into the role of scientists by testing water samples, making observations, and exploring Great Lakes water health through hands-on experiments and guided activities. Community Scientists is supported by the Darrell & Jean Fox Fund.

Lego on the Lakes

Every Saturday in August | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Families can transform the museum into a bustling Lego shipyard by designing and constructing Great Lakes-inspired vessels, from historic schooners to modern freighters. Lego on the Lakes is co-presented by Lathrop and The Collaborative and supported by the Darrell & Jean Fox Fund.

Capt. Scupper’s Kid’s Club is ideal for children ages 13 and under, though all families are welcome to participate.

To learn more or register, visit www.NMGL.org/events.

About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: The National Museum of the Great Lakes preserves, shares, and celebrates the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. As an interactive, experiential museum, we offer visitors the chance to explore thousands of years of history and stories through nine dynamic exhibit galleries—including a rotating temporary exhibition space—and two historic museum vessels, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio, plus the pilothouse of the storied St. Marys Challenger.

Founded in 1944 as the Great Lakes Historical Society, we have a long-standing commitment to education, research, and storytelling. Our initiatives include the publication of Inland Seas®, a quarterly journal of Great Lakes history since 1945 and decades of maritime preservation and archaeological exploration. Today, we strive to be the gathering place for Great Lakes conversations—welcoming all to connect with the stories, people, and innovations that have shaped and continue to influence this vital region.

WHAT: Capt. Scupper’s Kids Club

WHEN: Saturdays in June, July (except July 4), and August | 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

ADMISSION: $20.00 (Museum & Ship) / $14.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64) $18.00 (Museum & Ship) / $12.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+) $14.00 (Museum & Ship) / $8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17) FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181