Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
If you’re looking for a quick, kid-friendly day trip from Milwaukee, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha is an easy one to put on your list. It’s just about a 50-minute drive from Milwaukee, completely free, and small enough that you can explore it without feeling overwhelmed.
💡 Planning more adventures?
Check out our Day Trips Page and our list of Free Milwaukee Museums.
What You’ll See Inside the Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Main Exhibit Gallery
The museum’s main gallery is one large room filled with impressive dinosaur skeletons that are casts of actual fossil bones. Each dinosaur is paired with information about what they were like, how they behaved, and what happened to them.
The star of the exhibit is Stan the T. Rex, one of the oldest of its kind ever found. Stan has a broken middle toe, several broken ribs, and a hole in the back of his skull about the size of a silver dollar—possibly an injury from another T. Rex. He’s named after Stan Sacrison, the amateur paleontologist who discovered him in South Dakota in 1992.
On-Site Paleontology Lab
The museum includes a laboratory in association with the Carthage Institute of Paleontology, where real fossils are currently being studied and restored. Visitors can peek into the lab and see a triceratops skull nicknamed “Maddie”through the viewing window.
Outdoor Dinosaur Sculptures
Before you even step inside, you’ll find striking metal dinosaur sculptures created by Milwaukee metalsmith Kent Knapp, which were featured on the History Channel. Knapp met with the museum to learn about the anatomy and balance of a T. Rex, and the resulting sculpture is now a permanent fixture outside.
Sensory-Friendly Days
Throughout the year, the museum offers Sensory Friendly Days designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities. These visits feature a safe, comfortable environment, and there is no cost or pre-registration required. Visit the museum’s website for the upcoming schedule.
Kids’ Activities in the Lower Level
Hands-On Dig Site
Your kids can head downstairs to learn more about fossils and do some hands-on digging in a miniature excavation area.
Crafts & Floor Puzzles
The lower level also includes floor puzzles and simple art projects to create, giving little ones more ways to engage with the dinosaur theme.
Gift Shop
There is a small gift shop near the entrance with dinosaur-themed items available for purchase.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: Downtown Kenosha
- Cost: Free admission
- Parking: Free nearby street parking
- How Long You’ll Need: About 45–60 minutes
- Best For: Toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-aged kids
Things To Do Nearby
Kenosha Public Museum
After your dinosaur adventure, you may also enjoy the Kenosha Public Museum, which several of our readers have recommended.
Dream Playground
If the weather cooperates, Kenosha’s fully accessible Dream Playground is another great nearby stop for kids.
👉 Read more in our full guide: Dream Playground
Mars Cheese Castle
On the way home, you can stop by Mars Cheese Castle for some dairyland snacks and a classic Wisconsin experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Yes, admission is free.
Most families spend around 45 minutes to an hour here.
Yes, especially the lower-level dig site and simple hands-on activities.
The museum features cast skeletons of meat-eating dinosaurs, including Stan the T. Rex.
It’s small, but it’s engaging and easy to explore with kids.
Yes—the Kenosha Public Museum is close by and worth a stop if you want to extend your visit.
Related Posts
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
