Building For Kids

Imagine a place where curiosity is the main engine, and every exhibit invites you to take action. The Building For Kids Children’s Museum is the largest play-based learning center in Wisconsin, located in the heart of downtown Appleton, USA. This non-profit center spans two floors and offers over 30,000 square feet of space for creativity and discovery.

The heart of the museum is the famous Discovery Tree — a two-story tree with forts, suspension bridges, and hidden nooks that never fails to thrill young explorers. It creates an environment for intergenerational learning, where parents and children can build, experiment, and discover together, strengthening family bonds.

The museum is divided into themed zones suitable for different ages: from soft play areas for toddlers to complex STEM labs for older children. Each year, it welcomes about 120,000 visitors seeking to develop their imagination, confidence, and creativity in a friendly and safe atmosphere.

For those planning a visit, we’ve gathered the museum’s current contact details. This will help you clarify visit details in advance or book a time for your group.

At this museum, children are allowed (and even encouraged!) to touch everything. Begin your adventure at the Discovery Tree, where you can scramble across mesh bridges and search for hidden toy animals. Then, head to the role-playing zones: at the Fox Communities Credit Union mini-branch, kids can learn about money, and at BFK Convenience, they can try on the role of a cashier or a pizza delivery driver.

For young engineers, there is the Construction Junction section featuring a real mini-crane and a vast number of building blocks. On the second floor, the Innovation Lab awaits, where STEM challenges are held weekly. Here, you can examine insects under a microscope, build marble runs, or marvel at a giant kaleidoscope.

If you want to add a creative touch, sign up for the Messy Makers program, where children create unique mobiles and crafts. For the littlest ones (ages 0 to 3), there is a safe, enclosed area with soft mats and tunnels, allowing toddlers to actively crawl and explore the world around them.

Getting to this center for children’s creativity and science is a breeze, as it is located right in the heart of the city at 100 W College Ave. If you are traveling by private car, numerous parking options are available in the City Center West area and on adjacent streets.

For those who prefer public transport, Fox Cities Transit buses stop nearby, connecting the city's main districts. If you are coming from out of state, Appleton International Airport (ATW) is just a 15–20 minute taxi ride away.

A walk from popular downtown hotels will take no more than 5–10 minutes, making the museum extremely accessible for tourists. Please note that the entrance to the building is at ground level, which is very convenient for families with strollers.

The history of this amazing place began on November 2, 1992. Originally, the project was called the Fox Cities Children's Museum and occupied part of the former Prange’s department store building. Its founders, Paula Meyer and Rochelle Lamm, aimed to breathe new life into the city center and create a space where children could develop through play.

The museum became an instant hit: more than 50,000 people visited in the first ten weeks alone. Over time, the exhibits grew, and in 2006, the center underwent a major renovation. It was then that it received its current name, and its area expanded to an impressive 30,000 square feet, with children themselves actively participating in the design of the new zones.

Over the years, the museum has become a true symbol of the Appleton community. In 2022, Building For Kids celebrated its 30th anniversary. Today, it prides itself on the fact that many original exhibits, such as the fire truck, have been carefully preserved and continue to delight new generations of visitors.

To fully enjoy all the interactive zones, we recommend setting aside about 3 hours. The museum usually operates on a session-based schedule, and this amount of time is plenty for kids to both "build" a house and take part in science experiments.

For families with very young visitors or those planning to attend special workshops like Messy Makers, the visit may last up to 4 hours. Don't forget to take short breaks — the museum provides comfortable rest areas for parents.

Please note that the museum operates with fixed time sessions, and advance booking is recommended. The typical schedule is: Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 (sessions begin at 09:00 and 13:00). On Friday, the museum is open longer — until 18:00.

Monday is a day off. As rules and opening hours may change, we strongly advise checking the museum's official website for the most current information before your trip.

Exploring the area around the Building For Kids Children’s Museum can significantly enhance your experience. The surrounding area features many historical markers and interesting architectural sites that provide a deeper look into the region's heritage.

Below are some attractions located within walking distance: