Creative Adventure Lab

The future of our community (and world) depends on creative thinking and innovation. Creative thinking drives innovation, leads to social and economic growth, and improves the quality of life. Put simply, creativity moves us forward and is a core component of the human experience. Yet creativity continues to be viewed as something that happens by accident; with few deliberate, focused efforts to increase creative capacity among people and communities. We envision a community brimming with creative capacity; full of people who actively engage in creative thinking and innovation.

In 2021, we embarked on a mission of providing creativity for all with the Play Free(ly) project, which provides free admission every Sunday. We launched this ambitious effort to promote creative equity and make sure every family in our community can benefit from Creative Adventure Lab's fun, creativity-building activities. In 2021, the Play Free(ly) Project provided over 1,300 free admissions. In 2022, we provided 2,100 free admissions, and in 2023, we provided over 2,800 free admissions! In addition, in 2023 we provided over 360 Family Membership Scholarships to income-qualified families in our community thanks to generous donor support .

Your support on Great Give Day will continue to grow these program and help us create a more creative, equitable community.

Testimonials

"Innovative, positive, and well-rounded approach towards learning where kids can balance logic and imagination in a back-to-nature lab simulated environment. A place where art and science truly engage and evolve."

"We go down there every Sunday! The staff challenges my children creatively through Lego challenges and rock wall challenges. We love going down there. It's such a great place to get creative and be with your kids without distractions."

"My kids always have a blast here! It seems there's always something new to discover, some new challenge to conquer, or an idea to explore."

"One of our favorite places in Dubuque! So much to do! Our three-year-old would spend every day here if we let her!"