Children’s Museum Hosts Fun Activities for Rubber Ducky Day

The DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, Illinois, is set to celebrate International Rubber Ducky Day on January 13, 2026, with a variety of engaging activities aimed at fostering curiosity and creativity among children. The museum will host events from 09:00 to 16:00, inviting youngsters to decorate rubber ducks, participate in “Rubber Duck Tac Toe,” and explore water flow concepts through play.

These activities are designed to teach children about buoyancy, physics, and imaginative storytelling. According to a museum news release, this event is part of a broader initiative featuring monthly celebrations of quirky, internationally recognized days, such as National STEM Day. The “International Something Days” series encourages hands-on exploration and thematic learning. The museum is located at 301 N. Washington St., and more information can be found at www.dupagechildrens.org.

Programs Planned for U.S. 250th Anniversary

Naper Settlement is preparing for a significant year in 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States with a comprehensive series of programs, events, and exhibits. The celebrations will begin on President’s Day, February 16, 2026, with the launch of the “We the People: Naperville and the American Story” exhibit. This display will intertwine local Naperville history with key moments in U.S. history, featuring interactive sections, artifacts, and personal stories.

Additional programming will include the “Your Friendly Neighborhood Historian” series, which will cover various aspects of American history, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence, westward expansion, and the Civil War. On February 5 and 19, families can participate in “Family STEM Night: Young Makers & 250 Years of Invention,” where they will explore American innovation through hands-on activities inspired by notable inventors.

The festivities will continue throughout the year, including the return of Naper Settlement’s annual Gettysburg Day on July 3, which will commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors will experience life in Naperville during the summer of 1863, coinciding with this pivotal moment in American history. Additionally, the annual hometown picnic is scheduled for August 8, celebrating 250 years of American culture with food and various activities.

Vote-by-Mail Forum Scheduled

In another community initiative, the DuPage County clerk’s office will host a vote-by-mail forum on January 15, 2026, from 17:00 to 18:30 at the county’s auditorium located at 421 County Farm Road, Wheaton. Clerk Jean Kaczmarek stated that the forum will provide an overview of the vote-by-mail process and address any questions voters may have.

A key point that will be emphasized is the importance of returning ballots promptly. The U.S. Postal Service has indicated it cannot guarantee postmarking by the Election Day deadline, which could disenfranchise mail voters if ballots are late. Currently, nearly 100,000 voters in DuPage County have requested permanent mail ballots, highlighting the growing trend towards mail-in voting.

These events reflect a commitment to community engagement and education, providing residents with opportunities to celebrate and learn about both local and national history.