Explore, Inquire and Investigate – Awesome Places for the Science Lover in Milwaukee…
If you have a kid who loves investigating and experimenting, you are probably on the lookout for things to do and places to go with a science lover in Milwaukee. Get ready to engage in inquiry and exploration by checking these fun stops off your list.
Mad Science of Milwaukee
2855 S. 160th Street
New Berlin, WI 53202
Mad Science has been in the Milwaukee area for over 20 years, introducing thousands of kids to the spectacular world of science! At Mad Science, children get to experiment with things like chemistry, physics, and rocket engineering -just to name a few! Their after school programming is designed for ages 5-12 with themes including NASA Explorers, Brixology and Crazy Chemworks!
Explore your way through play and innovation at Mad Science of Milwaukee.
Discovery World
500 N Harbor Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Wed – Sun: 9 am – 4 pm
There is always something new for the science lover to explore at Discovery World. Since its official opening in 1984, Discovery World has grown to become one of the premier science and technology museums in the country focusing on exploration and hands-on learning. With exhibits ranging from aquariums to automation, flight simulators to a hands-on design lab, and even one of the largest interactive models of the Great Lakes in the world, there is truly something for everyone at Discovery World. Frequent exhibit updates and special events mean there is always something new for the science lover to discover.
Explore the experiences and plan your visit.
Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory
524 S Layton Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Affectionately known as simply, “The Domes,” these horticultural wonders have been a staple of the Milwaukee science scene for decades. Bring your kiddo to spend a day exploring this living plant museum with a collection of over 1,800 plant species from across the world. Even in the dead of winter, you can wander through the tropical ‘jungle’ dome and the arid ‘desert’ dome, both of which stay nice and warm no matter the weather. See different plants in bloom depending on the season, learn about photosynthesis and other plant-dependent processes, and so much more.
The Domes are open year-round from Wednesday-Monday. The shows and displays in the Floral Dome change five times a year, so there is often something new to discover.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
929 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
If your science lover is a little bit on the younger side, plan on spending some time at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Exhibits are designed to inspire wonder, encourage play, and bring out the inner explorer in every child with hands-on learning. Families can receive free admission on Community Access Days, the third Thursday of every month, from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. There are sensory-friendly sessions, birthday party packages, and much more at this beloved Milwaukee museum.
Explore your way through play and innovation at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum.
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI
No tour of the cool science-focused attractions in Milwaukee would be complete without the Milwaukee Public Museum. The Milwaukee Public Museum is Wisconsin’s natural history museum, welcoming over half a million visitors annually. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum currently houses more than 4 million objects in its collections. MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass life-size dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rainforest, and a live butterfly garden, as well as the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium. New exhibits and events that explore the natural world, planetary wonders, and more are always popping up at MPM, so it’s worth several repeat visits!
Manfred Olson Planetarium
Manfred Olson Planetarium
1900 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
If the interstellar is more your science-lover’s speed, then definitely check out the public events at the Manfred Olson Planetarium, presented through the UW Milwaukee College of Letters & Science. Enjoy laser shows, a behind-the-scenes tour of the science behind the Northern Lights, prepare for the next solar eclipse, or try some outdoor stargazing.
FEATURED EVENT: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
April 8, 2024, 1pm – 3pm
Experience a partial solar eclipse with special glasses for safe viewing. This will be the last solar eclipse visible in North America for 20 years!
