By Amanda Wegner | Photo by Discovery World Milwaukee
While planning a family-friendly excursion that’s both fun and educational can be a challenge, Wisconsin’s vibrant discovery centers offer the perfect foundation for a stellar trip.
A discovery center is a hands-on, interactive experience where learning comes to life. At a discovery center, kids and adults alike are encouraged to touch, build and experiment, sparking a curiosity about the world around them. From science and technology to history and agriculture, discovery centers provide engaging experiences for all ages.
While there are several discovery centers throughout the state, here are four to consider for your next day of play or weekend adventure through Wisconsin.
DISCOVERY WORLD, MILWAUKEE
Located on Milwaukee’s lakefront, Discovery World, says Paul Fladten, Director of Marketing & Communications, “is the beginning of a lifelong learning adventure you didn’t know you were looking for.”
“Families and learners of all ages can meet fascinating creatures, create and play in virtual worlds, build towering structures, launch rockets, and so much more,” he says. “Discovery World allows you to imagine a world where curiosity comes to life through a world-class aquarium, hands-on interactive exhibits and immersive educational experiences.”
During your visit, pet sturgeons and stingrays in Wisconsin’s largest aquarium or play tic-tac-toe against a robot. Families also love exploring the secrets of a 19th-century Great Lakes schooner, or making it rain in the largest interactive model of the Great Lakes in the world. New this year is an update to the museum’s Caribbean Tunnel Exhibit, a walk-through experience where fish glide above and around guests in all directions.
To make the most of your family’s Discovery World adventure, Fladten recommends checking the online calendar before your visit: “From Animal Encounters to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, there’s something new to explore every time.”
One activity of note this fall is one of the museum’s most treasured events, Sci-Fi Family Day, which is slated for Sunday, Nov. 23.
“Everyone who joins can explore new worlds, meet characters from your favorite multiverse and celebrate all Birthing Barn at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center things science fiction, fantasy and beyond. It’s the best family sci-fi experience in Milwaukee!”
For a quieter visit, Fladten recommends planning a weekday trip to experience the museum at your own pace. To plan a visit or learn more about upcoming events, visit discoveryworld.org.
FARM WISCONSIN DISCOVERY CENTER
At Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc, a state-of-the-art, interactive agriculture education facility in Eastern Wisconsin, guests can “dig in” — literally and figuratively — to what makes farming fascinating.
Featuring dozens of hands-on exhibits, some of the more popular include a combine harvesting simulator, a kinetic sand watershed demonstration table, and a 40-pound cheese block replica. But the “crown jewel,” says Abigail Winkel, Farm Wisconsin Brand Manager, is the birthing barn, a unique facility equipped to showcase live calf births to a viewing audience. Since opening, over 860 calves have been born at the discovery center.
“These calves take their first breath, attempt their first wobbly steps, and drink their first bottle of milk at Farm Wisconsin, all while guests cheer on and encourage the new arrival,” says Winkel. “This chance to witness a cow giving birth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many and truly sets Farm Wisconsin apart from other tourist attractions.”
Though a live calf birth isn’t guaranteed, the birthing barn does average one birth every other day. And here’s a tip: the chance to see a birth is a bit better in the morning.
When it comes to events, the fall season is particularly special at Farm Wisconsin, with the corn maze as a perennial highlight. Families can also plan to trick or treat at Farm Wisconsin and ring in the holiday season with a Breakfast at the North Pole event. (Or, for a break, mom and dad can relax with a wine and cheese pairing workshop.) As more generations become removed from farming, says Winkel, a visit to Farm Wisconsin helps build understanding of modern-day farming and processing practices.
“Whether a visitor is 2 or 102, a visit to Farm Wisconsin is a quintessential Wisconsin experience.”
To plan a visit or learn more about upcoming events, visit farmwisconsin.org.
JODEY LENFESTEY CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY DEPOT
Housed in the National Railroad Museum’s Hood Junction, the Jodey Lenfestey Children’s Discovery Depot welcomes young visitors to the world of railroading while integrating elements of social studies, math and science.
“Our Children’s Discovery Depot is a unique spot where children can participate in hands-on train-related experiences,” says Justis Tenpenny, Marketing & Communication Director. “Best of all, the depot communicates its message in a fun, hands-on environment that engages young imaginations and takes visitors on a family-friendly, educational journey.”
Starting in late September, families will have even more opportunity to learn about trains and America’s railways when the museum opens its Fox River expansion. This brand-new building nearly doubles the size of the museum’s existing climate- controlled space for more exhibits and interactive activities.
“Our museum is not only interactive, but very family-friendly,” says Tenpenny. “This is an amazing opportunity to teach young generations about the legacy that built America.”
For guests looking to visit in October, a must-do activity at the museum is the Great Pumpkin Train, which will run on October 11 and 18 this year.
This family-friendly fall tradition includes a train ride to the pumpkin patch, live entertainment, trick-or-treating throughout the museum grounds, crafts, a costume contest and more. The Great Pumpkin Train runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There’s also an annual Polar Express Ride, but interested families will need to look out for 2026 event tickets as the 2025 event was already sold out in late summer. To plan a visit or learn about upcoming events, visit nationalrrmuseum.org.
NORTH LAKELAND DISCOVERY CENTER
North Lakeland Discovery Center (NLDC) in Manitowish Waters seeks to enrich lives and inspire an ethic of care for Wisconsin’s Northwoods by facilitating connections among people, nature and community.
“At the North Lakeland Discovery Center, every trail, lake and exhibit invites families to explore, learn and play,” says Emily Koester, Marketing and Facility Coordinator. “Climb into an eagle’s nest, paddle the quiet lake, meet live animal ambassadors and wander scenic trails perfect for little legs and big adventures. With year- round programs, hands-on activities and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to make memories and spark a lifelong love of nature.”
Nestled on 66 acres along the serene Statehouse Lake in the Northern Highland State Forest, NLDC’s land includes a mix of undeveloped habitats — lakes, rivers, mixed forests, bogs — and 12 miles of trails that are accessible year-round.
The center, adds Koester, offers a variety of programs for all ages, from drop-in activities to workshops, guided canoe trips and hikes, lectures and festivals. Notable annual events include the Birding Festival, Woods & Water Festival and seasonal Family Play Days.
A highlight of the fall season is Bat Fest, a free family event from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. This event is an opportunity to celebrate bats and other nocturnal creatures with education director and naturalist Licia Johnson and NLDC’s ambassador bats, Edgar and Eugene.
As a nonprofit, there is no charge to attend Bat Fest, but donations are encouraged to help NLDC continue offering its incredible programs.
Koester recommends planning ample time to explore the site and its program.
“Get the family together and rent a cabin so you allow yourself to really take it all in. Attend a program with one of our naturalists while you visit.” To plan a visit or learn more about upcoming events, visit discoverycenter.net.
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