Discovery World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a standout stop on our summer road trip, which took us through South Dakota and then Wisconsin. As Jamie’s family lives in Wisconsin, we frequently visit the state, but this summer, we were determined to explore many of the best tourist spots it has to offer. Our travels included visits to Old World Wisconsin and Cave of the Mounds before heading back towards Colorado, with a stop in Omaha on our way home.
Discovery World was the perfect family destination, offering a unique combination of interactive exhibits, beautiful views, and hands-on learning that made it a memorable part of our adventure.
Want to get to know us first? Visit our Five Bags Packed Introductory Blog Post
LOCATION
Discovery World: 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Located right on the edge of Lake Michigan, Discovery World is a must-see for families with young children, offering a wide range of engaging exhibits that appeal to all ages. Our kids—aged 4, 6, and 8—had an unforgettable time exploring the museum, which features everything from thrilling simulators to creative art stations and educational displays about the Great Lakes. The museum’s mix of science, technology, and marine life made it the ideal spot for our kids to learn and have fun in a hands-on environment.
For the most up to date information, visit their website.
A Family-Friendly Adventure at Discovery World
As soon as we arrived at Discovery World, we were impressed by the museum’s location and architecture, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan with scenic views of the water and the city. The museum is designed to be interactive, which is perfect for kids of all ages. Our children each found something that piqued their interest—our older boys were drawn to the simulators and virtual reality experiences, while our youngest enjoyed the ship playground and creative art activities.
Major Sections of Discovery World
Discovery World is divided into several major sections, each offering unique experiences. Here are the highlights from our visit:
1. Science and Technology Exhibits
The science and technology exhibits were some of the first we explored. Our older boys were thrilled with the flight simulator, where they got to experience the thrill of flying an airplane. The driving simulator was another hit, as they got to be part of a race. The virtual reality section added a whole new dimension to the experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in different worlds, whether they were flying through space or exploring ancient ruins.
2. Freshwater Aquarium
The freshwater aquarium was a hit with the entire family. It showcased aquatic life from the Great Lakes and other bodies of water. Our kids loved seeing the fish up close, and it was a great way to learn about the ecosystems that surround Lake Michigan. The interactive displays provided opportunities for them to learn more about marine life and conservation efforts, making it both educational and entertaining.
I will say that this is touted as the largest aquarium in Wisconsin which is true but I expected it be be a lot bigger. Other states like our home state of Colorado or our recent visit to Nebraska has much bigger aquariums. Nonetheless, this was still impressive.
3. The Great Lakes and Weather Area
The weather section, focused on the Great Lakes, was one of the most engaging parts of the museum for our kids. The hands-on displays taught them about how weather patterns affect the region, and the interactive stations allowed them to simulate weather systems and see their effects. It was fascinating to see how much they learned while having fun controlling the weather.
4. Ship Playground
For our youngest, the ship playground was an absolute highlight. He had a blast pretending to navigate the seas, climbing aboard the ship and exploring its many features. The playground offered a chance for her to engage in imaginative play while running around and burning off energy. It was perfect for younger kids and a great balance to the more educational exhibits in the museum.
A Scenic Setting on Lake Michigan
The location of Discovery World on the shores of Lake Michigan adds to the experience. We visited in the summer, and the weather was perfect for a stroll along the lakefront. The museum’s beautiful setting provided us with amazing views of the water and surrounding parks. We took a walk along the scenic paths near the museum.
A Quick Stop at the Milwaukee Art Museum
After our time at Discovery World, we couldn’t resist exploring the nearby Milwaukee Art Museum. The lobby of the museum offers stunning architecture and views of the lake, making it the perfect spot for family photos. It was a great way to cap off our visit, providing a quieter and more reflective experience to balance the high-energy exhibits at Discovery World.
Why We Loved Our Experience at Discovery World
Our visit to Discovery World was one of the highlights of our summer road trip, and it’s a must-see destination for any family visiting Milwaukee. There’s truly something for everyone—from interactive science and technology exhibits to imaginative play areas for younger children. Our kids loved how engaging and hands-on everything was, and we appreciated how the museum made learning fun. It’s the perfect spot to spend a day with the family, and the stunning location on Lake Michigan only adds to the experience.
Not to knock the nearby Betty Brinn Children’s Museum but Discovery World is at another level. We visited the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum a few years ago and while it has its perks, the museum felt dated and geared to small children.
If you’re ever in Milwaukee with your family, make sure to visit Discovery World. It’s an experience that combines education, fun, and beautiful surroundings in a way that makes it a destination worth exploring. We highly recommend it and look forward to returning in the future!
