Play without limits
That’s what you’ll find at 13 children’s museums across Wisconsin: endless ways for you and your family to imagine, tinker, build, learn, and laugh together. Design a flying object. Hop aboard and captain a ship. Light up a giant Lite-Brite. Build and balance your way across a pretend lava lake. No two museums are alike, but they share the same spark — inviting kids and grownups to follow their curiosity through play and discover where it leads.
Where Will Your Curiosity Lead?
Adventures for rain or shine, nap schedule or no schedule
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, looking for the perfect stop on your day trip, or wanting to turn an afternoon into an adventure, Wisconsin’s children’s museums offer hands-on experiences where little kids, big kids, and even playful grownups can explore, play, and learn something new. Wherever your plans take you, there’s a museum ready to make the day more playful.
13 must-play stops throughout Wisconsin
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Wisconsin, put “play” on your list. Explore the state’s children’s museums, each offering its own interactive exhibits, local character, and playful possibilities for kids and grownups.
Plan your family adventure
Staying close to home, planning a day trip, or heading away for the weekend? Use the map to find a children’s museum nearby, near your destination, or along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Wondering where to go, what your family can do, or how to plan your visit? Find quick answers, then explore all 13 museums to discover the destination that fits your family.
The Wisconsin Children’s Museum Alliance is a statewide network of museums united by a commitment to hands-on learning, creativity, family connection, and discovery through play. The Alliance features 13 participating museums, each with its own exhibits, personality, and connections to its local community.
It’s a common misconception that children’s museums are all for young children. Wisconsin’s children’s museums offer experiences for young kids, big kids, and playful grownups alike to explore. Because exhibits and recommended ages vary, visit each museum’s website for specific age guidance and toddler-friendly areas.
Kids can build, climb, create, experiment, pretend, and investigate through interactive exhibits. Depending on the museum you visit, your family might explore STEM, art, farming, nature, local Wisconsin history, active play, or kid-sized community roles. No two museums offer exactly the same experience.
Yes. Wisconsin’s children’s museums are designed to make hands-on play and learning accessible to families. Admission and membership prices vary by museum, and many offer reduced-price admission, free days, access memberships, or other programs that help lower the cost of a visit.
To ensure play is accessible to everyone, many museums offer reduced admission for families facing financial barriers. Please contact the museum directly for more information.
Yes — and each children’s museum in the Alliance has built play into learning and learning into play. Hands-on exhibits encourage children to ask questions, test ideas, solve problems, use their imaginations, and learn alongside their peers, siblings, and grown-ups.
Yes. Many of Wisconsin’s children’s museums are dependable indoor destinations when rain, cold, or changing plans rule out outdoor activities. Some participating museums also offer outdoor exhibits or play spaces, so check the individual museum’s website for seasonal availability and weather-related updates.
Start with your location and what your family feels like doing. Use the map and filters above to explore museums featuring attributes such as spots to eat lunch, outdoor exhibits, quiet spaces + sensory accommodations, discounts, and more. Then, follow the link to the museum’s website for current visit information.
About Wisconsin Children’s Museum Alliance
The Wisconsin Children’s Museum Alliance is a statewide network of 13 children’s museums working together to promote Wisconsin as a premier family travel destination.
While each museum offers unique exhibits, local character, and distinct experiences, all share a commitment to learning through play, hands-on discovery, family connection, accessibility, and child development.