KAUKAUNA – To help beat the winter blues, several departments in the City of Kaukauna are offering new activities, programs and events in the upcoming year, and participants don’t have to be Kaukauna residents.
Kaukauna’s Community Enrichment and Recreation Department recently launched their seasonal program guide highlighting several new free or low-cost programs being offered by their department, 1000 Islands Environmental Center and the Kaukauna Public Library.
The following new activities and events will be held January through March.
For full details, including dates and locations, visit kaukauna.gov and select the “Winter Recreation Guide” button on the homepage.
Moving and grooving
Tumbling – For toddlers to 7-year-olds, these classes offer a fun way for children to burn energy while learning fundamental tumbling techniques. Program costs range from $40-$50 depending on residency.
Dance Workshops – For children ages 4-12, these workshops include a variety of themes such as Stuffie & Me, Grandparent & Me, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. These single-day programs are presented in partnership with The Electric Dance Company and range from $20-$30 depending on residency.
Dance Lessons at the Kaukauna Public Library – This program provided by DanzArte will occur on select Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Each session will focus on a new dance style, introducing basic steps for any age or level of experience. Learn dances such as Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa.
Intro to Boxing Workshop (Feb. 14) – For ages 8-17, this one-time workshop led by Electric City Chuters will teach basic boxing techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Held from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, this program costs $5.
Intro to Archery – For ages 6-17, instructors from Bent Nock Archery will teach the basics of archery using real bow and arrows on archery video board simulators. This program costs $35.
Cardio Drumming – For adults, this program combines music and exercise for a high-energy, full-body workout. Program costs range from $50-$60 depending on residency.
Adult Pickleball League – For adults, these classes offer an indoor option for people of all skill levels. This program costs $35-$35 depending on residency.
K-Pop Zumba Workshop (Jan. 17) – For people of all ages, this event combines Zumba and K-Pop hits. This one-day event will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM and costs $10.
Grounded and Resilient: Moving Meditation in Nature with Becky McMorrow (The second Wednesday at 6:00 PM and fourth Sunday at 9:00 AM from Jan-March) – For people of all ages, this program blends ancient practices and modern awareness through movement and standing yoga poses. This program is free to the public, but pre-registration is appreciated. Register by emailing thousandisland@kaukauna.gov or call 920.766.4733.
Science, technology and nature
Video Game Design – For grades K-2, students will design mythical dragons and unicorns that embark on a legendary quest. This program is held on Saturdays from 9:00 AM 10:00 AM during the month of January. Program cost is $75.
Extreme STEM – For grades K-3, students will build various items using small, plastic bricks and use those projects to learn basic engineering concepts. This program will begin in March and costs $75.
Nintendo Gaming Club – For ages 11-14, this after-school program features weekly league matches and open play for Super Smash Bros. using Nintendo Switch. This program costs $15-$25 depending on residency.
Great Backyard Bird Count Kick-Off (Jan. 10) – For people of all ages, learn tips and tricks to identify backyard birds. This event will help prepare for the Great Backyard Bird Count February 13-16. Held from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, this event is free to the public.
Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 13-16) – For people of all ages, this program is hosted through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants are welcome to visit 1000 Islands’ trails to observe, identify and record bird findings. This program is free to the public.
Board games, cards, reading and art
Cribbage and Rummy Clubs at the Kaukauna Public Library – These programs can all be found on Fridays from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. These meetups will provide a space for community members to come together and enjoy casual game play. Instruction is provided by library staff for those learning to play.
Creative Kids Storytime at the Kaukauna Public Library – Creative Kids Storytime will begin on select Thursdays at 9:00 AM in 2026 and will include art and music themes for preschool story time attendees.
Youth Open Chess at the Kaukauna Public Library – This program will be offered once monthly on Mondays at 6:00 PM. A staff member will be on hand to teach basics and boards and timers will be available for drop-in play.
Pre-school Programs – For ages 2-4, these programs include Read and Run, Preschool Prep and Lil’ Chef to teach kids crafts, free play, learning foundations and food prep. These programs have several sessions from January-March and cost $15-$20 depending on residency.
Family Puzzle Contest (Jan. 30) – All are welcome for a fun-filled night where families will go head-to-head in a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle competition. Each family will receive the same puzzle and the first to complete it wins a 2026 Resident Family Pool Pass. This event will be held 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM and is $20 per group.
