Events & Programs

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Discover the Elements of Lifelong Learning

Our educational programs and special events are here to help you stay engaged and exploring our vast world, all from the comfort of the Quad Cities!

We offer a variety of programs: from Putnam Camps, to drop-in workshops, even history lectures with a cash bar. Join us at special events, like feature films on Thursday nights or during an afternoon tea! Find your perfect fit within the museum and discover the elements of lifelong learning.

Programs & Events Calendar

Select a date and see what's happening on that day!

Programs in the Museum

Chemistry for Kids education outreach program, featuring an adult male and young child working on a chemistry demonstration in the Education Flex space at the Putnam Museum.

Chemistry For Kids

Chemistry For Kids provides a plethora of experiments for budding scientists. It’s the perfect way to combine fun and learning!

Putnam Explorers educational workshops, featuring young boy making a craft of a turtle in the Educational Flex space at the Putnam Museum.

Explorers & Jr. Explorers

Putnam Explorer and Jr. Explorer are Saturday learning programs designed to be interactive and hands-on. Preregistration is required.

History on Tap Lecture Series, featuring two adult women interacting and laughing at an event in the Grand Lobby at the Putnam museum.

History On Tap

Are you tired of the same old lectures in stuffy lecture halls? Do you crave a more engaging and refreshing approach to learning?

Pathways afterschool educational program. Featuring young multi-culturing children creating figurines with crafting materials in the Fab Lab.

Pathways

Pathways is designed to help ESL families enhance their school experience by providing them with the necessary resources and support.

summer winter and spring camps for kids

Putnam Camps

We offer a diverse selection of fun and engaging full day, and half day summer camps for kids from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Immerse educational program. Featuring multi-cultural children watching a chemistry demonstration in the Fab Lab at the Putnam museum.

Putnam IMMERSE!

We’re proud to offer our immersive learning experience that has been a longtime favorite among educators and students alike.

Spring Camps at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, IA.

Spring Camps

Give your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect during Spring Break. Groups for Grades 1-3 and 4-6. Announced early 2026.

summer Day Camps at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, IA.

Summer Camps

2025 Summer Camps now available for Grades K-6!

Winter Break Camps at the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport Iowa.

Winter Camps

Winter Camps run during winter break. Check back in October 2025 to learn more!

Explore More

education for kids

Education for Kids at The Putnam

Mary Louisa Putnam in a historic black and white photo set against the Common Ground exhibit branding.

Mary Louisa Putnam

Children, three girls and one boy exploring prairie grasses outside of the cave in the Mississippi River exhibit, Black Earth, Big River.

Black Earth | Big River

Greater Kudu on exhibit at the Putnam Museum, in the Hall of Mammals

The Greater Kudu