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Milwaukee has a small but wonderful selection of children’s bookstores and indie shops with thoughtful, kid-centered collections. Whether you’re hunting for picture books, early readers, diverse stories, or the perfect birthday gift, these shops offer something special for young readers.
Below are the best children’s bookstores in Milwaukee, plus a few beloved indie shops with strong kids’ sections.
If you’re looking for even more kid-friendly places to browse, play, and explore, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Kids in Milwaukee — it’s packed with local spots parents love.
Rainbow Booksellers for Children (Washington Heights)
5704 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI • Est. 1994
Rainbow Booksellers is Milwaukee’s longest-standing children’s bookstore and a beloved neighborhood treasure. Originally opened in 1981 as The End of the Rainbow in Wauwatosa, the shop moved to its current Washington Heights location in 1994—and has been serving families from across the metro area ever since.
What families love:
- Dedicated entirely to kids: Books from birth through high school
- 25% discount on all children’s titles
- Strong selection in science, math, multicultural stories, foreign language, and art
- Wooden toys, puzzles, small birthday favors, and a nostalgic candy counter
- A welcoming, memory-making atmosphere that encourages kids to browse and discover
- Hosts book fairs for schools, daycares, and community groups
Don’t miss:
📸 The Washington Heights Dream Library Mural on the east wall of the building—a giant bookshelf mural that has become a local photo destination.
Wonderland Bookshop (Shorewood)
4001 N Downer Ave, Shorewood, WI
Wonderland Bookshop feels like stepping inside a storybook—playful, whimsical, and full of charming corners for kids to explore. This woman-owned shop blends books, toys, and gifts into an imaginative space where young readers can wander, play, and discover new favorites.
Why families love it:
- A magical, immersive bookstore experience
- Books, toys, puzzles, and gifts for every age
- Special programming for young readers and writers
- Cute nooks and cozy reading spots
- A nod to Shorewood’s history as home to the early-1900s Wonderland Amusement Park
Rooted MKE (Vliet Street – Washington Heights)
5312 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI
Rooted MKE is a BIPOC children’s bookstore, makerspace, and academic support center with a mission to create a joyful, inclusive space for Black and Brown youth in Milwaukee. Founder Ashley’s vision was to build a bookstore where kids could see themselves in the stories they read.
What makes Rooted MKE special:
- Curated children’s books that center diverse voices and experiences
- A warm, “book-hugged” atmosphere meant to spark imagination
- A welcoming home for families seeking inclusive representation
The shop’s location on cozy West Vliet Street places it among other Milwaukee creative small businesses, making it a great stop during a neighborhood stroll.
More Milwaukee Bookstores With Kids’ Sections
Not strictly children’s bookstores, but absolutely worth including — these local shops have strong, well-organized kids’ departments perfect for browsing with your little reader.
Boswell Book Company (Downer Avenue – East Side)
Boswell has a small but mighty children’s section, with picture books, YA, graphic novels, leveled readers, and popular series. The staff recommendations are helpful for parents, and it’s close to the shops and cafes on the walkable East Side.
Epilogue Books (Menomonee Falls)
This indie bookstore has a thoughtfully curated children’s corner, with new releases, seasonal picks, and classic storybooks. A great stop during a Menomonee Falls day trip.
💡Pair it with a stop at Village Park in Menomonee Falls, a truly epic playground!
Voyageur Book Shop (Bay View)
Voyageur is a used and new bookstore with a kids’ area tucked in the basement, offering an eclectic mix of picture books, early readers, and chapter books at budget-friendly prices.
Pro Tip: Stop by nearby Colectivo and check out the rubber duckies!
More to Explore
If your family loves discovering new reading spaces, check out our guide to the Best Libraries for Kids in Milwaukee — from hands-on play areas to quiet corners perfect for story time.
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.
