List of Children’s Museums to Visit in Wisconsin
Thanks to Baraboo Children’s Museum for sponsoring this post!
As a parent in Sauk County, Wisconsin, I can’t help but feel incredibly fortunate to have our local children’s museum in Baraboo. It has been a source of endless joy and discovery for my toddler and me, and a great place to spend time, especially during the winter months. From the museum’s interactive exhibits to hands-on activities, it has provided countless opportunities for us to bond and learn together through play. The happy memories of watching my little one explore and grow within its walls will always hold a special place in my heart.
Given the enriching experiences we’ve had, I’ve made it a mission to seek out similar destinations wherever we visit. That’s why I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of children’s museums across Wisconsin. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a traveler exploring the state, these museums offer endless opportunities for fun and interactive learning for the development of children of all ages. Plus, you’ll discover educational programs, special events, a place to host birthday parties, and more!
Wisconsin Children’s Museums
While the common goal of children’s museums is encourage kids to explore and have fun while learning, each institution features its own unique attractions and experiences which set it apart from the others. From the Madison Children’s Museum with its focus on art, culture, and environmental sustainability, to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee, renowned for its hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) exhibits, there’s a museum to cater to every interest and age group.
Children’s museums are designed to ignite the imaginations of young explorers and foster a love for lifelong learning through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. These museums offer a dynamic environment where children can engage with diverse subjects, from science and technology to art, culture, and beyond, in ways that are both educational and entertaining.
It’s worth mentioning that while the hands-on exhibits and activities at most children’s museums are tailored for children under 10, visitors of all ages can discover enjoyment and enrichment within their walls. To ensure the safety and supervision of young visitors, it’s mandatory for all children to be accompanied by an adult during their museum visit.
Sauk County Children’s Museum
BARABOO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 1212 8th Street, Baraboo, WI 53913
Dedicated baby play area, large art studio, musical instruments, and many fun exhibits including: a grocery store, bank, diner, police station, vet clinic, and so much more! Keep an eye out for special events throughout the year.
Note: If you’re looking for a wonderful “experience gift” for a youngster in your life, they sell gift cards which can be used for entry to the museum or towards an annual pass.
Brown County Children’s Museum
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF GREEN BAY: 1230 Bay Beach Road , Green Bay, WI 54302
Dane County Children’s Museums
BLACK EARTH CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 1131 Mills Street, Black Earth, WI 53515
Currently testing out a toy library.
MADISON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703
The afternoon tends to be quieter times. Admission is $1 cheaper when you purchase online. Featuring an outdoor play space open all year.
EXPLORE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SUN PRAIRIE: 1433 W Main St., Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 53590
Eau Claire County Children’s Museum
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRE: 126 N Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Fond du Lac County Children’s Museum
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF FOND DU LAC: 75 W. Scott Street, Fond Du Lac, WI 54935-2342
La Crosse County Children’s Museum
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF LA CROSSE: 207 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
$1 off on Sundays.
Lafayette County Children’s Museum
TOY TRAIN BARN MUSEUM: W9141 Highway 81 – Argyle, WI 53504
A barn turned into a toy train museum.
Marathon County Children’s Museums
CHILDREN’S IMAGINARIUM: 195 N. 2nd Street, Wausau, WI 54403
GREATER WAUSAU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 10101 Market Street Suite D70, Rothschild, WI 54474 (located between the movie theater and grocery store)
Milwaukee County Children’s Museums
BETTY BRINN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 929 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5406
Not required but highly suggested to purchase tickets ahead of time, online, to reserve your spot.
Families can receive free admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum on the third Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are released 2 weeks ahead of each Community Access Day.
DISCOVERY WORLD: 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
A science and technology museum. Open 7 days a week.
Outagamie County Children’s Museums
BUILDING FOR KIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 100 West College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911
ATLAS SCIENCE CENTER: 425 W. Water Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Dedicated to the history and science of papermaking
Portage County Children’s Museum
CENTRAL WISCONSIN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 1100 Main St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Sheboygan County Children’s Museum
ABOVE & BEYOND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 902 North 8th St., Sheboygan WI 53081
Three floors of exhibits.
Taylor County Children’s Museum
HUEY’S HIDEAWAY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 317 South Main Street, Medford, WI, 54451
Something unique about this one is the adult’s entry fee is only $3. Most of them it’s the same entry price.
Vilas County Children’s Museum
NORTHWOODS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 346 W. Division Street, Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521
Waukesha County Children’s Museum
THE CHILDREN’S PLAY GALLERY: 126 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Reservations are highly suggested. Walk-ins welcome if they haven’t reached capacity.
About this Article’s Sponsor:
The Baraboo Children’s Museum, a non-profit organization, is an 11,000 square feet facility filled with educational fun. Whether your child is in the toddler stage learning how to stack blocks, a big kid learning how to engineer a toy vehicle or anything in between, the Baraboo Children’s Museum has something for everybody.
The museum continues to grow in activities, exhibit pieces, and community involvement. And while the museum is a perfect place for learning through play, it is also the perfect place to connect with your child through engagement, creativity, and imagination.
The Baraboo Children’s Museum started as a pop-up shop in Downtown Baraboo in a 1,200 square foot space in September 2018. After four months of fun and a demand for more, the trial run was deemed a success. In early 2019, the Baraboo Children’s Museum secured a location on the east side of Baraboo for the future of the museum. After 9+ months of planning, building, painting, and organizing, the museum opened in its current location on October 19, 2019. After a brief shutdown due to COVID in 2020, the museum has been going strong with the help of volunteers and community support.
