“Every second Thursday of the month we play,” said Jim Edwards, manager of the UPCM.

Kids and their parents enjoyed games and gadget-themed activities. Groovy Marquette provided music and set up a station for participants to learn about audio production, which included a portable synthesizer workstation that allowed kids to create their own beats.

Another activity taught the basics of electricity through building light-up Mother’s Day cards with LCD lights. Anki COZMO, a pocket-sized AI toy, was on display to showcase its abilities to learn from and interact with viewers. However, not all activities required a battery.

“Technology is not always electronic,” Edwards said. “Part of our whole deal is amusing ourselves with very little.”

Bradley Gardner, 5, of Marquette plays with the synthesizer. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

Participants could create their own board game with construction paper, markers, glitter, stickers and other crafting elements. Riley Hoban, 11, of Negaunee named his newly developed game “Miscellaneous.” Rubberband car kits were available for assembly. In the kitchen, attendees assembled computer keyboards out of graham crackers, frosting, and various types of sprinkled toppings. Near the end of the evening, a cart of Culver’s Frozen Custard was wheeled out for all to enjoy.

Every Thursday is Domino’s Pizza Night at the museum. Parents can pre-order a one-topping medium size pizza for $6 to be delivered and enjoyed at the museum during the event.

“These are special nights when we put programs together. So we want them to look a bit more closely, to sit and achieve something, to create something and to take something home,” Edwards said.

The Second Thursday Creativity Series is free with admission price or membership.

Natalie Hoban, 6, takes a bite out of an edible keyboard. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)