Are you looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids in Wisconsin? Look no further than the state’s incredible children’s museums!
From hands-on exhibits to immersive learning experiences, these museums spark curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. To help busy parents plan a memorable outing, we’ve organized our top picks by region so you can easily find one near you or plan a fun day trip.
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
1. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Milwaukee, WI
Located near the lakefront, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum offers kid-sized exhibits like Home Town (a miniature city) and Pocket Park for younger kids. Don’t miss the Be A Maker space for hands-on crafts.
Pro Tip: Free admission on the third Thursday of every month.
2. Discovery World
Milwaukee, WI
There’s STEM-focused fun for all ages at Discovery World! Kids can create storms over the Great Lakes, pet stingrays, explore Wisconsin’s largest aquarium, and even climb aboard a life-size schooner.
Pro Tip: Check out the Kohl’s Design It! Lab for creative take-home projects.
3. Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee, WI
Walk through the Streets of Old Milwaukee, marvel at the Butterfly Vivarium, and meet the T-Rex in The Third Planet at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Keep an eye out for big changes coming with a new museum in 2026.
4. Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee, WI
Beautiful lakefront setting with a hands-on studio, engaging art for kids, and the iconic “wings” that open and close.
Read: 10 Best Things to Do at the Art Museum.
5. Harley-Davidson Museum
Milwaukee, WI
Hop on real bikes, explore vintage motorcycle history, get creative at the build-a-bike station, and explore the beautiful campus along the river. Great for kids of all ages and gearheads.
6. Milwaukee Fire Museum (Free!)
Milwaukee, WI
Open first Sundays (April–Dec). Explore a vintage firehouse, see antique trucks, and learn about Milwaukee firefighting history.
7. Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Kenosha, WI
Explore a gallery of real dinosaur skeletons and learn about the connection between modern birds and theropods. Downstairs, kids can dig for fossils, create dino crafts, and peek into a working fossil lab. Admission is free (suggested donation: $3).
SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN
8. Madison Children’s Museum
Madison, WI
A must-visit! Climb the Acorn Climber on the rooftop, meet chickens, explore Wonderground (a 4-season outdoor play space), and enjoy sensory-friendly spaces. The Children’s Museum is just steps from Capitol Square and within walking distance of shops and restaurants on State Street and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The Henry Vilas Zoo is another must-stop destination for kids and families.
9. Explore Children’s Museum
Sun Prairie, WI
Designed for kids 0-8, with a brick forest, kinetic sand, jungle gym, train table, and calming Zen Den.
10. Black Earth Children’s Museum
Black Earth, WI
A single-floor museum with over 50 handmade exhibits including a fishing pond, climbing wall, art room, and more. Great for a relaxed visit.
11. Baraboo Children’s Museum
Baraboo, WI
A growing museum in downtown Baraboo with themed exhibits and a new kid-sized tractor! All volunteer-run.
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN
12. Building for Kids
Appleton, WI
30,000 sq. ft. of hands-on play, including a jet plane, farm, treehouse, crane, and brand new “Food to Grow” exhibit.
13. Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac, WI
Exhibits include a space-themed BlastOff zone, Pizzeria Frazioni, dairy farm fun with Annabelle the Cow, and outdoor STEM play area.
14. Children’s Museum of Green Bay
Green Bay, WI
Explore digestion in a giant mouth, care for pets in the vet clinic, and enjoy the new Splash water gallery and outdoor discovery area.
Pro Tip: Pair with a visit to Bay Beach Amusement Park or Wildlife Sanctuary.
15. Above and Beyond Children’s Museum
Sheboygan, WI
Features three levels of exhibits including a life-size pin screen, a 1900s schoolhouse, USS Efroymson ship, and the Whompamaphone (a musical PVC pipe organ). Don’t miss the all-abilities octopus-themed outdoor playground.
NORTHWEST WISCONSIN
16. Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI
The new building feels like a giant treehouse. Favorites include Oreo the Cow, fire truck, and a massive interactive water table.
17. Cable Natural History Museum
Cable, WI
Focuses on local ecology with nature exhibits, birding hikes, and live raptors. Great for outdoor-loving families.
NORTHWOODS & NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN
18. Northwoods Children’s Museum
Eagle River, WI
Explore 24 interactive exhibits, including a fire station, Light-Bright wall, wind tunnel, and art studio.
19. Greater Wausau Children’s Museum
Wausau, WI
Play zones include a children’s farm, music area, sensory play, and the popular Tinker Lab. Now located in Cedar Creek Mall.
20. Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum
Stevens Point, WI
Highlights include the STEM Lab, Down on the Farm, and Pine Log exhibit. Offers regular workshops and family programs.
WESTERN WISCONSIN
21. Children’s Museum of La Crosse
La Crosse, WI
Three floors of play including a real fire truck, huge climbing structure, and river-themed water play. Don’t miss the Luckey Climber!
IN PROGRESS / MOBILE MUSEUMS
22. Children’s Museum of Rock County
Janesville, WI
Currently an emerging museum with pop-up events and a starter space at Olde Towne Mall. Check their site for updates!
BONUS MUSEUMS WITH FAMILY APPEAL
23. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
Manitowoc, WI
Learn about farming and agriculture with tractor simulators, butter churning, and the chance to witness a live calf birth in the birthing barn!
24. Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA)
West Bend, WI
Beautiful riverside art museum offering family programs like Studio Saturdays and Monthly Maker Kits. A great day trip from Milwaukee.
Tips for Visiting Children’s Museums
- Plan ahead: Check hours, admission, and ticket policies before you go.
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Dress for mess: Many exhibits involve water, sand, paint, or play.
- Bring snacks: Some museums have cafes, but packing snacks saves time and money.
- Get involved: Jump in and explore with your kids—it makes the experience even more fun.
Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, a birthday outing, or an educational road trip, Wisconsin’s children’s museums are full of adventure, imagination, and hands-on fun. Happy exploring!
Related Posts:
- Free Admission Days at Milwaukee Museums
- Milwaukee Museums Your Kids Will Love
- 100 Best Things to do With Kids in Milwaukee
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.
