Events & Connections

9:00 a.m. | Weekly
Cost: FREE

Raising a child is hard. Come have a cup of coffee, or bring your own, and connect with other local parents.

It’s a casual opportunity to find support and encouragement, meet other families, and talk about both the struggles and triumphs that come with raising children in the Fox Cities.

3:00 p.m. | Ribbon Cutting & Brief Program
3:30–5:30 p.m. | Explore the Family Resource Center

Join First 5 Fox Valley for the official ribbon cutting and community celebration of the new Family Resource Center.

Tour the new space and learn more about the programs, partnerships and resources coming together for families under one roof.

Together, we’ll celebrate this new chapter for children and families across the Fox Valley and the many community partners who helped bring this shared vision to life.

9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Come see the new Family Resource Center!

Stop by, tour the building and discover all the new Family Resource Center has to offer children and families. Explore the spaces, learn about programs and resources, and see how families can play, learn, connect and find support.

No registration required.

5:30–7:00 p.m.

Join a collaborative community conversation about early childhood in Appleton and help explore what our community needs for 4-year-olds and their families.

Topics will include:

• What works well and what is challenging for families navigating programs for 4-year-olds?

• How do families find information about early care and education?

• What can the state do to help programs for 4-year-olds and their families work better in our communities?

Registration Required

Register Here

Wednesdays | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
6 In-Person Sessions
Cost: $100, including parent workbook

This six-session class helps parents of school-aged children promote healthy emotional development and manage common behavior challenges related to anxiety.

The class is facilitated by a health and wellness professional.

Session Dates:
October 14, 21 & 28
November 4, 11 & 18

Hosted by Family Services

Register Here

Register Here

Thursdays | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per session

This four-session class helps parents and caregivers of preteens and teens learn positive parenting strategies that support their teenager’s development, strengthen family relationships and address challenging behaviors.

Register for the entire series or choose the individual sessions that interest you.

Oct. 15 | Getting Teens to Cooperate
Learn strategies for encouraging cooperation and positive behavior.

Oct. 22 | Coping with Teenagers’ Emotions
Explore ways to help teens manage emotions while strengthening communication.

Oct. 29 | Building Teens’ Survival Skills
Help teens develop skills that build independence and prepare them to navigate everyday challenges.

Nov. 5 | Reducing Family Conflict
Learn positive strategies for managing disagreements and reducing conflict at home.

Hosted by Family Services

Register Here

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Enjoy some Halloween fun in Downtown Appleton!

Families are invited to trick-or-treat at participating vendors and businesses throughout the Downtown Appleton Farmers Market.

6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $40
Registration Required

Designed especially for new and expectant dads, this program covers the basics of newborn care, including handling, feeding, burping, changing, cleaning and calming.

Dads will also learn what to expect in the coming months, discover community resources and explore ways to support their baby’s development.

Hosted by Family Services

Register Here

Oct. 27 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. or 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Get ready to have a “gourd” time with Family Services at the Family Resource Center!

Children and their grown-ups can carve or paint a pumpkin together while building important developmental skills. Drawing, painting and carving strengthen fine motor skills, while planning and decorating together encourages cooperation, creativity and problem-solving.

Registration Required | Space is Limited

Hosted by Family Services

Registration link coming soon.

6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25

Learn positive strategies for managing disagreements and reducing family conflict at home.

This session is part of the four-session Triple P: Teen series for parents and caregivers of preteens and teens. Participants may attend the full series or register for individual sessions.

Hosted by Family Services

Register Here

6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25
Registration Required

Healthy emotional management starts with us.

This one-session class helps parents and caregivers explore healthy ways to manage anger and emotions so they are better prepared to help their children do the same.

Hosted by Family Services

Register Here

3:00–7:00 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with a festive evening in Downtown Appleton!

Enjoy live music and performances, a treat walk through Downtown businesses, train and wagon rides, food and craft vendors, and more.

This free community celebration is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union and offers holiday fun for all ages throughout Downtown Appleton and Houdini Plaza.

6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25
Registration Required

Understanding a child’s temperament can help parents and caregivers better understand what behaviors mean, create more positive experiences and respond more effectively to challenging behaviors.

This one-session class gives parents practical tools for recognizing and responding to their child’s individual temperament.

Hosted by Family Services

Register Here

7:00 p.m.

Celebrate the season at the 55th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade!

The parade begins at State Street and College Avenue and travels east along College Avenue to Drew Street.

One of the community’s favorite holiday traditions, the parade features approximately 80 units, including colorful floats, decorated vehicles, walking groups, animals and marching bands from throughout Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.