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One of the most exciting and dynamic destinations for kids and families in Milwaukee is Discovery World, a science and technology museum located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. It’s perfect for kids aged 3-12, and this handy guide will help you navigate the museum and plan your day.
What’s New in 2026?
- Coming Soon: A New Way to Experience the Caribbean Tunnel Exhibit – The Caribbean Tunnel in the Reiman Aquarium will soon include a domed lookout window, giving guests a whole new immersive perspective into the underwater world. The renovation also features updated coral structures, expanded tank capacity by over 2,700 gallons, and the possibility of introducing new, larger marine species.
- Opening in 2026: Life of Water Freshwater Exhibit – Discovery World’s largest exhibit project since 2018, Life of Water will transform 2,700 square feet into an interactive exploration of our most vital resource. Through hands-on labs, immersive displays, and educational outreach, visitors will dive into the science, stories, and stewardship of freshwater. The exhibit will explore water’s role in cities, its cultural impact, and its natural cycles – while partnering with local experts and classrooms to expand access to freshwater education throughout the region.
New in the Reiman Aquarium: Sea Urchins & Sea Cucumbers
Discovery World has expanded its Invertebrate Touch Tank with the addition of sea urchins and sea cucumbers, joining the existing slipper lobsters and other hands-on species. Kids can gently touch and observe these fascinating creatures while learning about how they survive and thrive in underwater ecosystems.
Sea Urchins: Quick, Kid-Friendly Facts
- There are over 950 species of sea urchins worldwide.
- They help keep the ocean floor healthy by controlling algae growth.
- Some species can live more than 30 years.
- Their bodies show radial symmetry, with parts arranged in a circular pattern.
Sea Cucumbers: Quick, Kid-Friendly Facts
- There are 1,250+ species of sea cucumbers, ranging from tiny to over 3 feet long.
- They help recycle nutrients by breaking down detritus on the ocean floor.
- When threatened, some can expel internal organs (and later regenerate them!).
- Sea cucumbers breathe through their anus using special internal structures called respiratory trees (always a kid-favorite fact).
If your kids love the Touch Tank, be sure to explore the rest of the Reiman Aquarium below—especially the glass tunnel and the submarine walk-through.
Getting There: The Start of Your Adventure
Arrival Tips: To beat the crowds and make the most of your visit, aim to arrive right when Discovery World opens. It’s now open seven days a week!
Parking: Parking is a breeze with the structure conveniently located underneath the building.
Time: With so much to explore, plan to spend around 3-4 hours immersing yourself and your little ones in this vibrant educational wonderland.
Pro Tip: Save money on admission throughout the year be becoming a member. You get reciprocal admission to hundreds of other museums, too.
Discoveries Await: The Two Sides of Fun
Discovery World uniquely divides its wonders into two main areas: the Techno Side and the Aqua Side, each offering its own set of captivating attractions.
The Techno Side: Where Innovation Takes Flight
When you first enter Discovery World, you’re on the Techno Side. Enter through the gift shop and start exploring! Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:
- Flight Simulator: This attraction invites your child to soar through the skies as a pilot using a real flight simulator and a virtual piloting session.
- Bernoulli Table: Dive into the principles that keep heavy machines airborne, and witness firsthand how objects can float as if weightless.
- Innovation Station: Lay on a Bed of Nails, explore the annals of innovation, and interact with exhibits that span the gamut from biomimicry to batteries.
- Virtual Explorer: Put on a VR headset and travel the globe with their virtual reality experience.
- Kohl’s Design It! Lab: Open on weekends, this space allows families to engage in hands-on projects, from upcycling to building, igniting the spark of creativity in everyone.
Exploration Station
Exploration Station is Discovery World’s newest train-themed play space, designed for younger kids and located across from the All Aboard exhibit. Families will find:
- Conductor Role-Play: Try on a conductor hat, punch pretend tickets, and “run” the station.
- Ticket Window: A kid-sized counter for selling tickets and greeting passengers.
- Train Table: Build tracks, move trains, and invent your own routes and stories.
- Transportation Facts: Simple, kid-friendly info woven into the play area.
- Bright, Open Layout: Easy for adults to supervise while kids dive into imaginative play.
The Aqua Side: A Dive into Nature’s Wonders
When you’re done exploring the Techno Side, head down the stunning promenade into the Aqua Side. You’ll first see Great Lakes Future. If you look up, you’ll see the bottom of The Challenge, a replica of a 19th Century Great Lake schooner. If you head downstairs, you’ll find the Reiman Aquarium.
Here’s what you’ll want to explore on the Aqua side:
- Great Lakes Future: Home to a massive interactive Great Lakes model, this exhibit lets you control the weather. Watch it rain and fog over the lakes and learn about the creatures that dwell within them.
- The Challenge: Board a replica of a 19th-century Great Lakes schooner and experience life as it was on the open waters, complete with deck-walking and bell-ringing.
- Simple Machine Shipyard: Get hands-on with the fundamentals of physics as you lift, pull, and push using the six classic simple machines.
- Aquarium Experiences: Walk through a glass tunnel beneath the waves, explore a submarine, touch stingrays in the Touch Tank, and marvel at the diversity of life in the Reiman Aquarium.
Other Must-Visit Exhibits:
Exploration Station
Step into the world of trains and transportation with this hands-on exhibit! Kids can operate a ticket window, explore a train table, and even role-play as a train conductor in a colorful and interactive space.
Doodle Studio
Let your creativity shine in this innovative exhibit where your drawings come to life! Using the Draw Alive system, kids and adults can design, scan, and animate their creations in dynamic, themed virtual environments.
Tips for a Successful Visit
- Start Early: Arriving at opening time ensures a smoother, less crowded experience.
- Plan Your Path: Decide in advance which side you want to explore first based on your children’s interests.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: There’s a lot of walking and interactive exhibits, so dress for adventure.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Keep everyone hydrated and energized, though there is also a small snack bar with snacks, hot food and beverage options.
- Capture the Moments: Don’t forget your camera to capture the smiles and surprises along the way.
From the mysteries of the deep blue to the marvels of modern technology, there’s something here to ignite the spark of curiosity in children and adults alike.
Looking for more ways to engage your child in hands-on learning? Check out Top STEM Programs for Kids in Milwaukee, where you’ll find a variety of exciting STEM opportunities, including those offered at Discovery World.
More Milwaukee Museums:
- Milwaukee Public Museum: Must-See Exhibits & Pro Tips
- 10 Best Things To Do at the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: A Family’s Guide To Visiting
- 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.
