Winter in Wisconsin can feel long. Therefore, families often look for a fun indoor outing that keeps kids busy and happy. The 9th annual Fox Cities Kidz Expo is planned for Saturday, January 23, 2027, in downtown Appleton. It brings games, crafts, music, mascots, and local businesses under one roof. Additionally, it gives parents a simple way to find new resources for their children.
This guide covers everything you need to know. You will find details on tickets, timing, parking, attractions, vendors, and helpful visitor tips. Please note that organizers had not posted the full 2027 program when this guide was written. Therefore, details here draw on the official information from recent years. Check the event website and Facebook page before you go for the latest updates.
Event Overview at a Glance
The table below gives a quick summary. Use it as a checklist when you plan your day.
| Detail | Information |
| Event | 9th Annual Kids Expo, Appleton |
| Date | Saturday, January 23, 2027 |
| Typical hours | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (confirm before you go) |
| Venue | Fox Cities Exhibition Center, 355 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton, WI 54911 |
| Admission | Free in past years |
| Best for | Babies, toddlers, school-age kids, and parents |
| Hosts | Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club and North Shore Bank |
| Official website | foxcitieskidzexpo.com |
Date and Time
The expo takes place on Saturday, January 23, 2027. Earlier events ran from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and organizers are likely to keep a similar window. However, hours can change from year to year. Therefore, confirm the schedule on the official website a few days before the event.
Arriving early has clear benefits. The crowds are smaller in the first hour. Additionally, kids have more energy in the morning, so they enjoy the activities more. Families with babies and toddlers often prefer this quiet start.
The event runs rain, snow, or shine. Because it sits indoors, a cold January day will not spoil the fun. However, you should still check road and weather reports, since winter travel can slow you down.
Location and How to Get There
The event fills the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in the heart of downtown Appleton. The address is 355 W. Lawrence Street. The building connects to the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel, so you can walk inside from the hotel.
Parking Options
Parking is easy to find, but it needs a little planning. Based on recent event information, these options are available:
- Metered street parking costs about $1 per hour with a two-hour limit.
- Meters accept coins or credit cards through a parking app.
- The Red Ramp, also called the Red Lion Parking Ramp, is the closest ramp. Enter from Washington Street.
- An indoor walkway links the ramp to the exhibition center, which keeps your family out of the cold.
Rates can change. Therefore, bring a few coins and a payment card to be safe. Additionally, plan to stay longer than two hours if your kids love to explore, since street meters have a time limit. The ramp suits longer visits better.
Staying Nearby
Traveling from another city? Several hotels sit close to the venue. The Hilton Appleton Paper Valley is next door. Copperleaf Boutique Hotel and Spa and Courtyard by Marriott Appleton Riverfront are also within a short drive. Book early, because January weekends can fill up fast.
Tickets and Admission
Good news for budget-minded families: the expo has been free to attend in past years. You do not need to buy tickets, and you do not need to reserve a spot. Simply walk in, and start exploring.
The organizers built the event as a community gift. The Kiwanis Club and North Shore Bank cover the costs, which allows every family to join. However, some extras inside may cost money. For example, food concessions usually charge for items. Some vendors may also sell products or ask for small fees for special crafts.
The table below shows what to expect.
| Item | Expected Cost |
| General admission | Free |
| Children’s activities at booths | Mostly free |
| Giveaways and samples | Free while supplies last |
| Food and drinks | Pay at the concession stand |
| Parking | Meter or ramp fees apply |
| Vendor products | Prices set by each vendor |
Beware of any website that tries to sell you entry tickets. Because the event is free, you should only use the official channels for facts.
Expected Schedule for the Day
Organizers usually release a stage schedule close to the event date. The sample below shows how a typical day looks, based on earlier years. Treat it as a guide, not a promise.
| Time | Typical Activity |
| 9:00 AM | Doors open, and booths start |
| 9:00 to 9:45 AM | Opening stage show, such as cultural dance |
| 10:00 to 10:30 AM | Science or STEM demonstration |
| 10:45 to 11:30 AM | Music or drumming session |
| 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Lunch break and mascot photos |
| 12:30 to 1:30 PM | Martial arts, fitness, or play station demo |
| 1:30 to 2:00 PM | Final giveaways and closing |
Short seminars also appear on the program. In previous years, groups such as the YMCA and martial arts schools gave short talks. Additionally, information booths offered advice on health, learning, and community programs.
Attractions and Activities
The expo offers something for every age. Kids can move, create, learn, and play. Meanwhile, parents can relax a bit and chat with local experts.
Play and Fun Zones
Play areas are the heart of the day. Past events featured inflatables, obstacle courses, and a YMCA play station. Younger children enjoy soft play and simple games. Older kids prefer challenges and races.
Hands-On Learning
Learning feels like play here. Exhibitors set up science projects, nature displays, and dinosaur experiences. Kids can touch, build, and ask questions. As a result, they learn without feeling like they sit in a classroom.
Crafts and Creative Stations
Creative families will love the craft tables. Kids can make small projects to take home. Additionally, balloon artists twist animals and shapes, and face painters turn kids into tigers, butterflies, and heroes.
Emergency Vehicles and Community Heroes
Few things thrill kids like a real fire truck or police cruiser. Past events let children climb inside these vehicles. Therefore, bring your camera. Local police, fire crews, and other helpers also answer questions, which helps children feel safe and curious about their community.
Mascots and Photo Spots
Costumed characters and mascots greet kids throughout the day. Selfie stations and photo walls give families a fun keepsake. However, lines can grow long around lunch, so go early for the best photos.
Stage Entertainment
The entertainment stage runs shows all day. Past lineups included dancers, drum circles, science shows, and martial arts demos. Seats fill up quickly, so arrive a few minutes early to get a good view.
Vendors and Exhibitors
The expo has drawn more than 60 exhibitors in recent years, and some years it has topped 70. Each exhibitor brings an interactive display. That rule keeps the day lively, because no booth is just a table with brochures.
Types of Vendors You May See
The mix changes each year. Still, these groups show up often:
- Museums and science centers
- Nature centers and wildlife groups
- Summer camps and day camps
- Dentists, doctors, and health clinics
- Toy stores and children’s clothing shops
- Music schools and dance studios
- Sports clubs, gyms, and martial arts schools
- Schools, libraries, and child care providers
- Banks that teach money skills to kids
Why Vendors Matter for Parents
Vendors offer more than fun. Many parents use the expo to compare summer camps, sign up for classes, and meet pediatric professionals in one trip. Because the event happens in January, you can plan the year ahead. For example, summer camps often open registration early in the year, so you may secure a spot sooner.
Interested in Becoming a Vendor?
Businesses and groups that serve children can ask about booth space. Visit the official website, or call the event information line at 920-809-2872. Space can fill fast, so contact the organizers early. Additionally, prepare an interactive activity, since organizers want every booth to engage kids.
About the Organizers and Sponsors
The Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club and North Shore Bank present the event. Kiwanis is a service group that focuses on helping children. The club started the expo to give local families a free community event. Over time, it grew from about 30 exhibitors in its early years to more than 60 today.
Volunteers keep the day running. Kiwanis members, students, and community helpers greet visitors, run activities, and keep the venue tidy. If you want to give back, ask about volunteer roles on the event page.
Visitor Tips for a Smooth Day
A little planning goes a long way. Use these tips to make the most of your visit.
Dress for January
Outside, the air will be cold. Inside, the hall may feel warm after you start moving. Therefore, dress in layers. Bring a bag or stroller basket, so you can shed winter gear.
What to Bring
| Item | Reason |
| Layered clothing | Cold outside, warm inside |
| Reusable bag | Collect giveaways and crafts |
| Camera or phone | Photos with mascots and vehicles |
| Snacks and water bottle | Keep energy high between booths |
| Wipes and hand sanitizer | Handy after crafts and face painting |
| Cash and a card | Food, parking, and vendor items |
| Stroller or carrier | Helps with tired little legs |
Plan Your Route
Start with the stage schedule. Then pick two or three must-see booths. After that, wander freely. Additionally, set a meeting point in case your group gets separated, such as the main entrance. For young children, write your phone number on a wristband or card.
Food and Breaks
Food concessions usually operate on site. However, lines can grow near noon. Therefore, eat a little earlier or later than the rush. Downtown Appleton also has many restaurants within walking distance, so you can take a break outside the hall if you prefer.
Accessibility
The exhibition center works well for strollers and wheelchairs. The building offers ramp access and an indoor walkway. Families with special needs should contact organizers beforehand to ask about quiet times or support. Additionally, bring ear protection for children who feel sensitive to loud noise.
Safety Reminders
Keep a close eye on your kids in the crowd. Teach them to find a volunteer or police officer if they get lost. Furthermore, follow signs at inflatables, and respect age or height limits.
Make a Day of It in Downtown Appleton
You do not need to leave after the expo ends. Downtown Appleton has museums, shops, cafes, and family-friendly spots. The nearby Paper Valley area offers dining and walking routes. Therefore, you can turn the outing into a full day. If you stay overnight, ask your hotel about family packages.
Why Families Love This Event
Several reasons stand out. First, it costs nothing to enter. Second, it keeps kids busy during a cold month. Third, it connects families with local help and programs. Finally, it supports a strong community spirit. Because of these strengths, the event has grown every year.
Conclusion
The 9th annual Fox Cities Kidz Expo gives families a free, lively way to spend Saturday, January 23, 2027. Expect play zones, hands-on science, crafts, mascots, emergency vehicles, and stage shows. Additionally, dozens of local vendors will share tools and services for children. The venue sits in downtown Appleton, with ramp and street parking nearby.
However, always confirm the final hours, stage schedule, and vendor list on the official website before you go. Dress in layers, arrive early, and bring a bag for giveaways. With a little planning, your family will enjoy a memorable winter day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 9th annual expo?
It is planned for Saturday, January 23, 2027. Check the official website for confirmation of the final date.
2. Where does the event take place?
It takes place at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, 355 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton, Wisconsin 54911.
3. What time does it start and end?
Past events ran from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Organizers will confirm the 2027 hours closer to the date.
4. Do I need to buy tickets?
No. Admission has been free in past years, and families can simply walk in.
5. Is the event suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes. The expo welcomes kids of all ages. Younger children enjoy play areas, mascots, and sensory crafts.
6. How much does parking cost?
Street meters cost about $1 per hour with a two-hour limit. The Red Ramp offers longer parking. Rates may change.
7. Can my business become a vendor?
Yes. Contact the organizers through the official website or call 920-809-2872 to ask about booth space.
8. Will food be available?
Food concessions have appeared at past events. Downtown restaurants are also close by.
9. What should my child wear?
Choose comfortable clothes and shoes. Dress in layers, because winter weather is cold outside and warm inside.
10. Does the event run if the weather is bad?
Yes. The event is indoors and has run rain or shine. However, check road conditions before you travel.
