Such a cute place! This was our first time and it was a hit! We had a very good time and I was very impressed with all the exhibits. They're constantly going around and cleaning up the toys so there's always toys in the proper area. All of the exhibits worked, which is rare at places like this. The lab was awesome, the gentleman working the exhibit was very engaging with all the kids. The water ramp was very slippery so be careful, should have a rubber mat for safety. read more

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My kids loved this place! We could've stayed all day if we had thought to bring our lunch. There are tables for eating if you do bring a lunch. Stroller friendly. Have your kids wear clothes they can get water or paint on and tennis shoes. read more

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We were planning a trip to visit family and one of our stops was the Building for Kids. They have a great monthly membership rate that includes two adults and children, along with up to two guests. All of that for $20 per month. The thing I was most excited about is that right now you have to pre-register for a two-hour time slot. That way it doesn't get overly crowded in there. There are levels and levels of things to do, and so many things that teach great science lessons!! They have a very large arts and crafts area as well, with a toddler station right next door. We really enjoyed that they also had a quiet room. We have a six-month-old and needed to take a lunch break. It had a glider, all sorts of seating that is comfy for kiddos of all ages, as well as some quiet time activities. I highly recommend parking in the red parking ramp across from the entrance. Parking is free on Sundays. read more

The Building for Kids Children's Museum - Children's Museums Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

We had a wonderful time here! The staff were very friendly, and the place was very clean. My five year old is obsessed with the children's museums, so we stayed from 9:30 until 3:30. We went on Friday of spring break. The morning was crowded, but it really cleared out after 1:30 or so. The art projects were great. I loved that they had a new one every couple of hours. And at one point they pulled out a ton of slime, and my daughter was thrilled! We live about an hour away, so it was a bit of a drive, but worth the trip! read more

OMG, why can't Minnesota have more places like with better value kid museums!!!! Well, the price you pay for this place and the nearby Fond du Lac children's museum is a bargain. There is a huge arts center upstairs that puts MN Children's museum to shame. A full-time staff member is there to clean up and setup for your kid to play with clay, paint, or just do whatever is available up there. Plenty of wash stations for everyone to spread out and also not hog materials which is smaller in MN. There are 2 levels I think and absolutely blew me away on what is here. On 2nd floor, construction site with actual crane that lifts up foam bricks. Staff had to reset when power tripped up but not a big deal. A huge ball tunnel with air blowers which had mouse trap design was my son's biggest fascination. The water tables were huge compared to MN and was able to get a boat to go down several levels before hitting the drain. There was also a fire engine which is even larger than the MN one which you can go all the way to the back too. Buttons to push to make the alarms go off too. Also, the first level had so many play rooms for hospital, grocery store, banking, airplane, truck to fill gas, etc. Your kiddo won't be bored. We can back after nap time, and museum let us continue playing without paying re-entry after showing receipt. Also, street parking was easy and free on Sunday. read more

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Super cute place. This is very much on par with Chicago's Children's Museum at Navy Pier. The 3 and under play space is wonderful for little ones, while my bigger kids explored the second level. We found parking at a meter down the street, at 25c per 20 minutes. Tip: If you have WIC or food stamps, there is a program called Museums For All that gets your family discounted admission! read more

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By far the best in the area. We usually go to the Green Bay kids museum or the Sheboygan kids museum but wanted to check this out because of free admission with the music festival. I'm really glad we went. My daughter is two and she loved it. They had enough areas where she was able to interact with and didn't feel intimidated. There was a water station where they provided little raincoats for the kids. Other places do not have these. They also have an artist station where kids can paint on easels and provide little smocks as well. I wonder if they keep all the artwork from the kids? They had a real fire truck and airplane. Slides, the regular jungle gym. Different rooms for those under 3. We'll be back with friends next time. read more

The Building for Kids Children's Museum - I guess it's pretty self explanatory...a very unique slide shaped like the aorta. - Children's Museums Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

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We brought the kiddos here a few times. for locals: I suggest getting a membership. It's totally worth it on school days off and during the summer. If you're visiting from out of town--it's a great place to stop and let the kids explore. We also took part in a special event. It was cute but I don't know if the event was worth the money we paid. The kids seemed to enjoy it. (One of our favorite areas is the art area) Street parking available. There is a ramp across the street. The walk is a few blocks. I recommend for ages 10 and under if you frequently visit. Our older children lost interest:( read more

This museum is a lot of fun and I wish I'd taken more pictures to share. It comprises main levels, the lower level containing a gift shop interactive play area (supermarket, healthcare,storefront area) as well as a separate laboratory area where there are guided experiments and classes offered at certain times. In the center of the museum around the elevator shaft there is a super cool jungle gym platform with climbing apparatus and rope bridges that lead to the upper level that is a neat option for adventurous kids (and adults) who choose not to take the stairs or elevator. Upstairs there among other things an awesome water exhibit which allows those inclined to experiment with water flow and control as well as tidal force ( rain coats are provided and strongly encouraged) also upstairs is a ball apparatus which drops plastics balls at intervals makes a huge mess and is great fun. There is a separate play area for children under 3 which is a nice option for parent with younger kids Also there is an art area that is free with admission and offered different activities daily. I'd like to point out that there are many others exhibits to see. These are a few of my kids favorites and worth it if you're in the area. read more

The Building for Kids Children's Museum - Building for Kids Children's museum Appleton. Leading to 2nd floor - Children's Museums Near Me - Appleton, Wisconsin

Great place. This is on par with or better than some of the children's museums we've been to around the country. There is PLENTY to do for kids (our son is 5) and plenty to keep them occupied... from painting to climbing/sliding, to mini golf, to playing on a huge fire engine and construction equipment. The quality and condition of the place is excellent. Fox Valley folks, you don't know how lucky you are to have this place for your kids to explore and learn. Even the SF Bay area and LA don't have children's museums that are this large, this much fun, and this clean and well run. Kudos to the management here for maintaining this place so well. APPLETON ROCKS! read more

We took our kids there, then later our grandchildren. It's a great place for a lot of fun!

All I can say is that I wish I had such an incredible children's museum available to me when I was a child in the Chicago suburbs. This museum is incredible! There are two different levels that include fun activities for children of all ages. Not only do children have the time of their lives playing here, but they also learn without even necessarily realizing it! Many of the exhibits are interactive and teach children important concepts. On the first floor, kids seem to enjoy the dress-up, Kwik Trip, grocery store, and the airplane. The Kwik Trip is both fun and educational because children can pick out the food items they would like to "purchase" and they can count out fake money to officially "buy" it. On the second floor, there is a 3 and under area that is roped off to prevent older kids from taking over. A bunch of other highlights also a fire truck, an indoor climbing area with nets, a water area, the DaVinci science and art section, a magnetic crane (kids can actually steer it and pick things up), and the special exhibit, which changes (always a kid favorite). I cannot say enough good things about this museum! As a volunteer, I saw the wheels turning in kids' heads as they were guided through little science experiments in the DaVinci section. One week they learned about buoyancy and another about static electricity. There's always something new going on in DaVinci and there are always plenty of knowledgeable workers and/or volunteers to make the experience even better for the kids. I highly recommend checking this place out if you have a child and live in the Fox Valley. The Building for Kids will not disappoint! read more

My three-year-old and five-year-old ask us to come to the museum every weekend. We do go most Sundays from about 3 until closing time at 5. This is the least busy time of the entire week, and it's not overcrowded and it's easier to watch your kids. (They disappear fast!) They have great exhibits and everything is tailored to little people. The only thing I don't let my kids play with is the water room, but that's my personal preference. I find the water room to be clean, I just don't want my kids getting drenched. :) The yearly membership costs about $120, but if you bring two kids and two adults four times a year, it's already paid for itself. (If my family were to pay the full admission price even twice a month, that would be well over $700.) The family pass is the way to go. Great exhibits, wonderful staff, very clean facility. They also have several events a month for special things, like at Christmas time or Halloween or New Year's. I don't think we will ever get tired of this place. The fact that there is downtown/street/paid ramp parking doesn't even bother me. That's how great this place is! read more

Our family loves The Building for Kids. The staff does a great job of creating a clean, safe, and ever changing learning environment for children. We have purchased a year membership for our family. Our two year old couldn't be happier about that fact. Depending on the membership you select you can go to Building For Kids and affiliates all across the US at no charge. This worked out great for us during our vacation to Texas. read more

I was shocked to find such a wonderful museum in a relatively small town. The museum is tastefully done, educational, and has fun exhibits for a variety of ages. Kudos Appleton! read more

Overpriced for what they had to offer. This shell of a museum reminds me of those free play areas in shopping malls.... Unfortunately we paid $21 for the three of us. I bet it was nice 10 years ago, but most displays did not work. My husband said we should "pretend" things worked! Play area sponsored by Kwik Trip very outdated and run down. Lots of corporate sponsors displayed... It might be time to remodel. Don't waste your time and money! read more

My kids and I love this museum. In our neck of the woods, it is the best children's museum. Much better than in GB I believe. This place easily keeps my kids entertained for hours, and I appreciate that the staff tries to keep it cleaned up throughout the day. It's nice to see new things added from time to time as well. The kiddos are lucky to have something so nice nearby for the winter blues and rainy summer days. read more

We love this place. Our kids literally spend hours here. We love that you can come and go during the day. It is nice to be able to play, leave to grab a bite eat, then come back and play for awhile again. Thanks for a great place to bring our kiddos, Greg Pincelli read more

I definitely enjoy taking my 3 year old here. It's rather expensive tho considering she loses interest in things very quickly. When we came last year she enjoyed herself a lot more. I will try to continue to bring her but only as a treat. read more

Pro's: Great place to spend hours with the kids. Many cool activities. Well worth membership or admission. Con's: Bring hand sanitizer when you leave because the place is packed and don't recommend the dress up section with "hats" for kids to try on. read more

My daughter and grandkids loved the Museum. The kids got to play in a Goodwill Store, Kwik Trip, Pierce fire engine, airplane, Smart Car, Doll Hospital, several cafes, recycling center and also do crafts. They especially loved getting to play cashier with money. Great afternoon for kids, they want to go back!!!! read more