16 upcoming events with the children's events tag

September 30 – December 31

Center Building, Gallery 2

Turtles may seem slow, but they are expert travelers. Whether traveling thousands of miles or hundreds of yards, all turtles and tortoises face hazards along the way. You can help these reptiles survive and migrate safely! Play Turtle Migration in a giant board game, see how shell shapes suit different lifestyles and habitats, design a turtle-friendly housing development, and so much more!

Developed by: EEC! (Environmental Exhibit Collaborative) with funding from Jane’s Trust and IMLS.

October 11; 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. (2-hour sessions)
Free Community Event

This free community event is open to the whole family! With so much being offered, the day is a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity. The various fall activities create space for learning, active family participation, and loads of fun! Spend a beautiful fall day at Minnetrista exploring with friends and family. The event will have three two-hour sessions. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

This event is supported by our generous partners: First Merchants Bank and eKeeper Systems 

Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m.

Free Community Event

Join us for Trick-or-Treating on one of the most iconic streets in Muncie.  Guests will walk along historic Minnetrista Boulevard, collecting treats from the Ball family homes and enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged!

October 13; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free community event

Come to Betty’s Cabin to create your very own good luck charm.

Presented by Patterson Block Muncie.

Experience the partial solar eclipse at Ball State University’s Community Block Party as you partake in hands-on science and art activities, and observe the sky safely during the day with telescopes and free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last). Join us out in nature as we come together during this celebration that includes a bounce house, family activities, music, and more!

This event is planned during the annular solar eclipse visible by only a small fraction of the world (weather permitting, with proper eye protection). While we will not see the full annular event at Ball State, we have the chance to see a partial solar eclipse. The partial solar eclipse begins at 11:41 a.m., and the Moon will continue to block out more of the Sun until maximum occurs at 1:03 p.m. The partial solar eclipse will then end at 2:28 p.m. This will be a great experience to help get us excited for the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024—an amazing and rare opportunity for our community!

When: Saturday: Oct. 14, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Who: Everyone is invited! Community friends, families, students… everyone!
Cost: FREE, suggested cash donation of $5 accepted at registration table
Where: The Quad at Ball State University (bordered by North Quad, the Fine Arts Building, and the Cooper Science Complex) & the Charles W. Brown Planetarium (inclement weather location: Fine Arts Building Recital Hall)

Remember, you need proper eye protection to safely watch solar eclipses. Learn more about this solar eclipse and others online at TimeAndDate.com or www.bsu.edu/planetarium/eclipse-2024.

ACTIVTIES & PROGRAMS

• Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last)
• Hands-on science and art activities and stations
• Boot Camp Challenge Inflatable Obstacle Course, crewed by Ball State’s ROTC
• Solar telescopes (weather permitting)
• Live-streaming of the eclipse from the path of annularity
• Planetarium Shows (11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm)
• Information about the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024

Sign up to host a station at the event with your unit or organization, OR
sign up to work a volunteer shift at the event by Friday, September 30.

This event is made possible by the Charles W. Brown Planetarium and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University, with partial support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

October 21; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Free community event

Inspired by the Hat Parties that Frances & Betty Ball used to host at Oakhurst, join us in Betty’s Cabin for whimsical fun! Wear a favorite hat from home or make and decorate a paper hat at the Cabin. In true party fashion, refreshments will be provided.

Presented by Patterson Block Muncie

October 28; 9 a.m.–Noon

Join the Ball State Glass Guild during the Farmers Market to purchase a unique and beautiful glass pumpkin! Arrive early for the best selection, as they always sell quickly.  

November 4; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free community event

Autumn is the time to harvest the fruits of our summer labor and reflect on what we’re grateful to have during the long winter months. Join us at Betty’s Cabin to learn the history of the Cornucopia or ‘horn of plenty’ and make your own paper cornucopias!

Presented by Patterson Block Muncie

November 16; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free community event; registration not required

With the power of your imagination and a few simple tools, almost anything can be a puppet! Come to Betty’s Cabin for the chance to craft a new friend and make our Puppet Theatre your storytelling stage!

Presented by Patterson Block Muncie

Farmers Market has moved indoor for the season, but you can still find locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and more! Connect with the community at this must-attend event. 

Free Community Event         

Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Minnetrista. This event will feature sweet treats, winter crafts, enchanting lights, holiday entertainment, and our popular Holiday Artisan Market. Embrace the sounds and spirit of the winter holidays at this free community event.

Presented in partnership with The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, eKeeper Systems, Estep Burkey Simmons, Old National Bank, Peterman Brothers, and Whitinger & Co.

Free Community Event         

Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Minnetrista. This event will feature sweet treats, winter crafts, enchanting lights, holiday entertainment, and our popular Holiday Artisan Market. Embrace the sounds and spirit of the winter holidays at this free community event.

Presented in partnership with The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, eKeeper Systems, Estep Burkey Simmons, Old National Bank, Peterman Brothers, and Whitinger & Co

December 10; 2-4 p.m.
Cost: $38 per house; Member discounts apply

Leave the mess to Minnetrista when you join us for a fun afternoon of creativity with your family building and decorating your very own gingerbread house! We will provide gingerbread, icing, and a wide variety of beautiful treats to decorate your creation. Cocoa and cookies will be served to all guests, and Gingy, the gingerbread man, will make an appearance to help get you in the holiday spirit.

All tools and supplies will be provided.

Farmers Market has moved indoor for the season, but you can still find locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and more! Connect with the community at this must-attend event.