Play It Forward Annual Fundraiser
August 7, 2025 | 21+ Event

Join us under the Big Top for Play It Forward—SPARK’s carnival-themed fundraiser where grown-ups get to play for a cause! Enjoy complimentary food trucks, nostalgic carnival games, a lively cash bar, photo booth, and a chance to win prizes from amazing local businesses.

🐕‍🦺 Stella the Therapy Dog

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Come cuddle up with Stella, a friendly and lovable therapy dog with Pet Partners! 🐶💛 Alongside her trainer, Shari, Stella brings comfort, joy, and calm to little learners through gentle interactions and furry friendship. Stop by for tail wags, belly rubs, and the magic of a therapy dog’s love! 🐕✨

🦕 DIY Dino Puppets & Show

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Lights, roar, action! 🎭 Kids will craft their own dinosaur puppets using paper bags, then bring them to life with a performance in our dino theater. Whether it’s a T. rex tale or a silly Stego story, it’s a chance to create, pretend, and put on a prehistoric show! 🦕 Included with daily admission or […]

🍖 Prehistoric Cave Painting

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Travel back in time and become a cave artist! 🖐️ Kids will explore our pretend “caves” and create their own cave drawings using brown paper, cardboard, and natural tones—just like early humans. From handprints to animal shapes, it’s a creative journey into prehistoric expression. 🪨 Included with daily admission or membership.

🦕 Prehistoric Playdough Prints

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Step into the past with this hands-on prehistoric play! Kids will press toy dinosaur feet into playdough to make tracks and fossil impressions. Explore textures, patterns, and the mystery of ancient creatures—no excavation required! Included with daily admission or membership. 🦕🦴🖐️

❤️ Grandparents Play FREE

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Grandparents Play Free Day – Every Tuesday, grandparents enjoy free admission to SPARK, thanks to the generous support of the Astrup Family Foundation, Sterling Pharmacy, and Carl & Verna Schmidt. Bring the grandkids for a day of play, learning, and lasting memories!

🐕‍🦺 Stella the Therapy Dog

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Come cuddle up with Stella, a friendly and lovable therapy dog with Pet Partners! 🐶💛 Alongside her trainer, Shari, Stella brings comfort, joy, and calm to little learners through gentle interactions and furry friendship. Stop by for tail wags, belly rubs, and the magic of a therapy dog’s love! 🐕✨

🦖 Dino Dig

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Get ready to dig in and discover! Kids will become junior paleontologists as they explore sensory bins filled with sand, tools, and hidden dinosaur treasures. Whether unearthing fossils or tiny dinos, this hands-on excavation activity is the perfect blend of science and play. Included with daily admission or membership.

Member Morning

Special Member Morning

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Member Morning – Every Wednesday from 9:00–10:00 AM, SPARK members enjoy an exclusive, quieter play hour before the museum opens to the public. It's a special perk designed for a more relaxed and engaging experience! July Special Member Morning! Join us for a morning filled with dinosaur fun! Kids will step into the lab to […]

📚 SPARK Story Time

📚 SPARK Story Time

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Gather ‘round for SPARK Story Time! A SPARK staff member will lead young readers through a delightful book filled with imagination, fun, and learning. This cozy read-aloud is perfect for families to enjoy together—and it counts as a check-off on your Summer Bookworm Challenge sheet! Included with daily admission or membership.

🐕‍🦺 Therapy Dog Visit: Sir Walter Floof!

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Get ready for tail wags and warm fuzzies! Sir Walter Floof—also known as Walter, a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix—joins us with his handler Jessica from Caring Canines. As part of their Animal Assisted Support program, this gentle giant offers comfort, calm, and lots of love. Families can read to Walter, ask questions, and learn about […]

🧒 Toddler Thursdays

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Bring your littlest learners to SPARK every Thursday for a day full of playing, learning, and discovering together! The Tot Spot will be available all day in the Imagination Station. A special 30-minute morning program will rotate, ensuring various enriching experiences for young learners. FREE admission for kids 3 & under. Adults and children 4 […]

📖 Tot Storytime

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Join us for a special Tot Storytime—just for our littlest learners! Held on Toddler Thursday, this cozy, interactive story session is designed for children ages 3 and under. We’ll read playful picture books and explore simple themes perfect for toddlers’ growing minds. A gentle, joyful introduction to the world of stories and imagination! Included with […]

🦕 Prehistoric Playdough Prints

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Step into the past with this hands-on prehistoric play! Kids will press toy dinosaur feet into playdough to make tracks and fossil impressions. Explore textures, patterns, and the mystery of ancient creatures—no excavation required! Included with daily admission or membership. 🦕🦴🖐️

🧑‍🔬 STEM Friday

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

STEM Friday at SPARK is a hands-on, interactive program every Friday from 11:00–11:30 AM, featuring a new STEM-based activity each week. Join us for exciting experiments, creative challenges, and discoveries that make science, technology, engineering, and math come to life!

🦕Pom Pom Dinosaurs

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Fluffy, fun, and full of personality! Kids will create their own adorable dinosaurs using colorful pom poms, googly eyes, and craft supplies. Whether it’s a spiky Stegosaurus or a cuddly Triceratops, these prehistoric pals are perfect for imaginative play and take-home fun. Included with daily admission or membership. 🦕🎨🧶

🦖 Folded Paper Dinosaurs

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Roar into creativity with folded paper dinosaurs! Kids will learn simple folding techniques to create their own dino friends using colorful paper. From fierce T. rexes to long-necked Brachiosauruses, this activity brings origami-inspired fun to life—prehistoric style! Included with daily admission or membership. 🦖📄✨

🖐️ Handprint Dinosaurs

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Give a high five to creativity! In this dino-mite craft, kids will use cutout paper handprints to create colorful dinosaurs—turning their fingers into spiky backs and tails. It’s a fun, personal twist on prehistoric play! 🖐️🦖 Included with daily admission or membership.

🫧 Games in SPARK Park

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Let’s take the fun outside! Weather permitting, we’ll head into SPARK Park for classic yard games, bubbly fun, sidewalk chalk masterpieces, and more. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh air, get moving, and spark creativity in the sunshine. Included with daily admission or membership. ☀️🎨🫧

🔦 DIY Dinosaur Flashlight

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Light up the land of the dinosaurs! 🔦 Kids will create their own dino-themed flashlights using plastic wrap, markers, and a paper cup. Once assembled, they’ll shine a light through their designs to project prehistoric scenes on the wall. A glowing mix of creativity and science! 🦖 Included with daily admission or membership.

❤️ Grandparents Play FREE

SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester

Grandparents Play Free Day – Every Tuesday, grandparents enjoy free admission to SPARK, thanks to the generous support of the Astrup Family Foundation, Sterling Pharmacy, and Carl & Verna Schmidt. Bring the grandkids for a day of play, learning, and lasting memories!