5 children’s museums to visit in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to some amazing attractions that are fun for the whole family. Engaging children’s museums can be found everywhere from the Northwoods to the capital, and these one-of-a-kind spots offer a little bit of everything, from hands-on exhibits to fun events. Here are five you should check out. 

Madison Children’s Museum

Located on Capitol Square in downtown Madison, the Madison Children’s Museum is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Exhibits focus on art, science, wildlife, and much more, and the museum also offers great play spaces for kids and exciting events year-round.

Northwoods Children’s Museum, Eagle River

The Northwoods Children’s Museum in the Vilas County community of Eagle River features more than two dozen educational exhibits, from winter snowmobile safety to a pioneer cabin to a fishing pond. The Discovery Toy Store is located on-site and is a must-stop for museum visitors.  

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Milwaukee

Head to downtown Milwaukee to find the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (named for a Milwaukee resident who worked tirelessly to get healthcare for underprivileged women and children) and spend hours exploring interactive exhibits, including a kid-sized post office and grocery store, the volcanic adventure of Hot Lava, and the Be a Maker Space.

Explore Children’s Museum, Sun Prairie

Designed for children 8 and younger, Explore Children’s Museum in downtown Sun Prairie (just a short drive from downtown Madison), is home to more than a dozen permanent and rotating exhibits that teach different skills like creative thinking and hands-on learning.  

Children’s Museum of La Crosse

Offering three floors of interactive exhibits, the Children’s Museum of La Crosse is a fun, engaging attraction in western Wisconsin that features everything from water toys and a climbing structure to a kids’ grocery store and an actual fire engine.