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Did you know that the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) is just a 40-minute drive from Milwaukee?
It’s one of our favorite day trips from Milwaukee with kids, especially if your family loves art, hands-on activities, and exploring new places together.
Located in downtown West Bend, MOWA is a modern, light-filled space dedicated exclusively to Wisconsin artists. The 32,000-square-foot, wedge-shaped building sits along the Milwaukee River, with massive windows that make the artwork feel even more vibrant.
Here’s what families can expect when visiting:
For more inspiration and ideas, check out Milwaukee Museums Your Kids Will Love!
1. Studio Saturdays & Kid-Friendly Programs
MOWA is incredibly family-friendly, with programs designed to spark kids’ creativity.
Every Saturday, families are invited to take part in Studio Saturday — a drop-in art-making program with a different theme each month. Kids can paint, draw, or build their own creations in the bright, welcoming studio near the entrance.
Special seasonal programs (like holiday crafts or spring break activities) also pop up throughout the year, giving families even more reasons to return.
👉 Pro Tip: All programs are included with membership, so you can come back often.
2. Colorful Art in a Stunning Setting
The building itself is an architectural experience, with dramatic lines and soaring glass walls that overlook the river.
Inside, kids will love discovering whimsical sculptures, colorful paintings, and eye-catching installations. The layout makes it easy to wander, and there’s plenty of open space for curious kids to take it all in.
3. Permanent Collections That Spark Imagination
MOWA’s permanent collection celebrates the depth and diversity of Wisconsin’s artistic heritage. From large-scale 19th-century paintings to contemporary works in all kinds of mediums, there’s something for everyone to admire.
Kids often gravitate toward the bold colors, oversized works, and interactive opportunities sprinkled throughout the galleries.
4. Rotating Exhibitions
No two visits to MOWA are the same. The museum regularly features rotating exhibitions showcasing Wisconsin artists — from ceramics and fiber arts to photography and sculpture.
A highlight each year is the MOWA Members’ Show, where up to 250 works by artists of all ages (yes, even kids!) are displayed. It’s a wonderful way to see how diverse and creative Wisconsin’s art scene really is.
5. Membership Perks
Here’s something unique: when you pay admission once, you become a member for an entire year.
That means your $15 admission fee gives you unlimited access for 12 months, including Studio Saturdays, special family events, and seasonal programs.
For families, the Three+ Membership ($50) is an especially great deal — it covers two adults, children in the household, plus up to two guests every visit.
Family Tips
- Snacks: Food isn’t allowed in the galleries, but you can bring snacks to enjoy in the studio or outside. Downtown West Bend also has family-friendly restaurants within walking distance.
- Timing: A visit typically lasts 1–2 hours, depending on how long your kids want to explore or create.
- Pair It With: A stop at Regner Park (just a few minutes away) or a treat from one of West Bend’s local bakeries. Here’s our full blog post about making a day trip to West Bend from Milwaukee.
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In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
