Museums

Betty Brinn Children's Museum
929 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee

This is the only museum in the Milwaukee-area specifically designed for kids under age 10. The museum features hands-on exhibits, educational programs, events, and performances. A calendar of special events designed for different age groups is on the web site.

Admission is FREE for children younger than one year old. Admission is $7.50 for kids and adults, $6.50 for seniors age 55 and older. It’s open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m.

An adult at least 18 years of age must chaperone children.

Group rates and field trips are $4.00 per child. A field trip is a packaged program that lasts 90 minutes and includes an orientation to the museum and time to explore the hands-on exhibits. A minimum of 10 children, or a minimum admission fee of $40, is required. Field trips are offered Monday through Friday between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., between noon and 1:30 p.m., and between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

Call (414) 390-5437, ext. 272 to make a group reservation. Please call at least three weeks in advance. Registration forms and fees must be submitted two weeks prior to a visit.

For more information, call (414) 390-KIDS (5437), or visit www.bbcmkids.org

Kenosha History Center
220 51st Place, Kenosha

Located on Kenosha’s harbor, the museum features exhibits and information about how and when the Kenosha area was settled. It also features the Rambler Legacy Galleryof changing automobile exhibits, and the Southport Lighthouse.

The exhibits are designed for children 9 and older, but families are welcome to bring younger children.

A donation of $1.00 per child and $2.00 per adult is suggested. Groups need to make arrangements at least one week in advance. There is an additional charge to climb the lighthouse. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4:00 p.m. Contact Don Shepard for group arrangements.

For more information, call (262) 654-5770, or visit www.kenoshahistorycenter.org

Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum
2620 West Center Street, Milwaukee

Based on the premise that a people who know their history appreciate themselves and others more, the Society is striving turn a sad past into a bright future.

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum documents and preserves the story of African-Americans in Wisconsin, and serves as a resource center for anyone interested this heritage. In addition, the Museum encourages and promotes family, community, and cultural activities.

General admission is $5.00, senior citizens are $4.00, and children age 12 and under are $3.00. Group tours are also available. To schedule a group tour, please call the museum at least 3 weeks in advance.

For more information, call (414) 372-7677, or visit wbhsm.homestead.com

Jewish Museum of Milwaukee
1360 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee

The Jewish Museum Milwaukee provides many ways to learn and understand the story of the Jewish people in Milwaukee. The museum’s Central Themes: Immigration, A Community Within, Earning a Living, Intolerance and the Holocaust, Israel and After, and Tikkun Olam or “Repairing the World," contain exhibits and artifacts that make up the permanent collection.

The museum has activities for visiting families, including a Chagall coloring sheet and a museum scavenger hunt. The staff of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee is also happy to answer any questions about programs and resources. Please contact info@jewishmuseummilwaukee.org.

Admission is FREE for children age 5 and under and for museum members. Adults are $6.00, seniors are $5.00 and students are $3.00. Family admission is $15.00. The museum is normally open Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, and Sunday noon to 4:00 p.m. It’s closed for Jewish holidays, so check the web site or call ahead.

Group rates are available during normal museum hours. A group reservation fee of $15 is required to hold a date. Per-person group rates are $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and $2.00 for students. Group leaders are responsible for collecting fees and making one payment for the group upon arrival at the museum. Reservations can be made via the museum’s web site.

For more information, call (414) 390-5730, or visit www.jewishmuseummilwaukee.org