Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Betty Brinn Children's Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Betty Brinn Children's Museum inspires all children to wonder and explore their world through play and innovative, hands-on learning experiences. Families are invited to explore the Museum's interactive exhibit galleries, create in the makerspace and participate in weekly programming.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
257 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
80
Average
32
Poor
9
Terrible
4
Glenda R
Milwaukee, WI4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Very crowded and warn. No staff at all out on the museum floor to help monitor. Felt like a free for all. My daughter finally was able to get a golf ball by the ball ramps and she got one turn and another kid quickly took it. The art center had 3 broken crayons at it. The center for weaving had no new pieces out to do so. We walked in the same time as another family and left same time as us, also saying they probably won’t be back.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GattoViziato
United States779 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
We parked nearby, but found out they have a deck below their structure and give you a $2 voucher off the $8 price. Tickets were $8 a piece, but they do offer senior and military discounts. The museum itself is a bit worn. The activities were probably better suited for 3-8 year olds. They had a gated off area for kids <4, with slides, plastic play lawn mowers, a light peg board, wooded board games, a make believe kitchen (but you couldn't access any of the drawers or cabinets?! The other areas were a shopping market, cars, a TV station, bank, motorcycles, different golf ball mazes, and a bigger kids playground. It was good, maybe I expected more.
Written June 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MRamosDC
Washington DC, DC26 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
Our 21-month-old toddler absolutely loved this place -- and so did my wife and I. There are endless things to do for kids (under 5-ish) in this museum. The museum itself is not that big, but considering our family was only in Milwaukee for a few days, this was the highlight of our trip. This is one of those rare moments when parents can really just sit back and relax while your child is playing. The only thing to watch out for is other kids. But the toys/displays are safe, soft, enjoyable, educational, and clever. To be honest, I think every major city needs a museum just like this one. We could have spent all day at this museum simply to wear our kid out! As for the food items available for purchase, I recommend bringing your own picnic basket and simply going downstairs to eat it at the picnic tables (which are indoor) as opposed to the very limited menu options. This is probably the best $24 my wife and I have ever spent. Bottom line: 5 out of 5 stars.
Written January 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam L
Milwaukee, WI78 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
This is such an awesome place for kids, I had been once before with my great niece and nephew, I called before heading to Milwaukee to find out where to park, the young lady on the phone found an address of a parking garage that I should use and gave me the address for my GPS, when we arrived, I asked her to validate my parking receipt, the girl at the desk told me that was not a garage that they validated for. I explained to her that I had called prior to making the 60 min drive to find out where to park and I parked at the address she gave me. When I left the parking garage, I was charged $12.00 to park! I only paid $16.00 for the museum, so I was steamed about the mis information on the parking garage. If we go back, I will have to find another place to park, that is a lot of money to park your car for a few hours, if the museum does not have its own parking area, they should have some kind of deal where you are not getting ripped off by the area parking garages,
Written October 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miknet
Lake Havasu City, AZ22 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
Took my grandchildren there years ago when it first opened. Lots of fun, everything worked, clean. Just returned after a number of years with 2 year old grandchild. Most areas were quite run down, missing parts, not operational, scuzzy, even dangerous. (There is a board in the office area with a couple dozen large metal pins sticking out at toddler eye height). Areas are not labeled for age group, so it was difficult to figure out what was appropriate and what was dangerous! There is a big kid McDonalds-like climb contraption at the start, that our 2 year old ran into to play and got very frightened inside. I ended up having to rescue her. Food selections are dismal, eating area is dirty and unattractive. The museum has not weathered the test of time well :(
Written June 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry to hear that your visit was not an enjoyable one due to several activities that were closed or props that were not available for play during your visit. With 200,000 visitors annually, safety, maintenance and cleanliness of the facility are of the utmost importance to our organization. Because of the interactive nature of our exhibits, there are times when exhibit components need to be reset by our visitor assistants or need repair by a member of our exhibits staff. We always appreciate visitors letting us know if they encounter a problem so that we can follow up as soon as possible to correct it. Educational exhibit activities are developed for children age 10 and younger, and we offer a special exhibit, Pocket Park, dedicated exclusively for preschool age children. Visitors are encouraged to explore activities that meet their child’s interests, abilities and age. While the Museum offers limited beverages and healthy snacks, a separate entity manages and offers food service in the atrium of the building that the Museum is located. Additional comments are welcome and can be sent to questions@bbcmkids.org.
Written June 14, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JohnnyLarue7
Milwaukee, WI13 contributions
Mar 2011
My rating for Betty Brinn will probably go up as my kids get older, but right now there's not much for my 3.5 and 1.5 olds to do there. The facility is very nice and many of the exhibits are interesting, but for those "hands on" activities, kids being kids...a lot of them are never reset or are a mess by the time your kid gets to it. (The Sendik's indoor play market...really?...when do those things get restocked. I always see that the first wave of kids drops their "purchases" at the register and there they remain. By the time my kids get there it looks like a Winn-Dixie prior to a hurricane landfall.) Also, a good number of the permanent activities were broken or in out of order; not the majority mind you...but enough to be annoying. I'll be back...but I can't see going more the once a year or so.
Written April 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maxanddrew
Kenosha, WI226 contributions
Apr 2011
We had an enjoyable visit to the Betty Brinn with our 2-year-old daughter. Given her age, the museum was a fascinating indoor playground with lots of other playmates, rather than a purely educational experience. She was thoroughly entertained for hours wandering from exhibit to exhibit. The museum is contained on one floor in a circular pattern, very easy to navigate and for your little one to set the pace and discover. There are perches and benches available for grown-ups to rest in every area. The Betty’s Backyard area for kids age 3 and under is a great respite for little ones from the hustle and bustle of the main exhibits. The city streets portion of the museum was great fun. Our daughter was thrilled with the grocery store and the Milwaukee County Transit system bus. It’s on the opposite end of the museum entrance, so be sure to save time for some major exploration and play in this area.
We were disappointed by broken displays in each exhibit, a problem that seems to plague even the best children’s museums. It was also unfortunate that the balcony that overlooks the lake was closed. But the kids didn’t seem to notice; a fun time was had by all. Admission is modest at $6 per person. Discounted parking is available at the nearby US Bank parking ramp. A true Milwaukee gem.
We were disappointed by broken displays in each exhibit, a problem that seems to plague even the best children’s museums. It was also unfortunate that the balcony that overlooks the lake was closed. But the kids didn’t seem to notice; a fun time was had by all. Admission is modest at $6 per person. Discounted parking is available at the nearby US Bank parking ramp. A true Milwaukee gem.
Written April 26, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ELKW
United States11,824 contributions
Nov 2019
Just like other children museum, have different area for kids to play, they can spend a few hours there, it's good for young kids,
But they charge admission fee for adult, I think they should only charge kids, not adults, we went there in Nov last year, but now due to COVID, they are closed, not sure when will open again.
But they charge admission fee for adult, I think they should only charge kids, not adults, we went there in Nov last year, but now due to COVID, they are closed, not sure when will open again.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlys S
Tucson, AZ114 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
We spent a very cold Sunday afternoon here with our grandkids, ages 5 and 7. We easily spent two hours checking out the various hands-on activities. We only left because they were hungry and there aren't any restaurants nearby. The youngest kids seemed to particularly enjoy shopping in the grocery store. There are car repair rooms, simple machines, and tv newsrooms for older kids, among many other things. My guess is you could do this once or twice a year without the kids getting bored. We arrived just as it opened at noon and pretty much had the place to ourselves. When we left about two it was busy but still not crowded. At $9 a person it was very reasonable.
Written November 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BryonyFD
Canton, MI43 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Let me begin by saying that my family and I did not enter the museum and cannot comment on the content of the exhibits.
My husband and I, along with our 2 sons ages 4 and 7 attempted to visit this museum. We have a membership to an ASTC museum in our home state of Michigan. This membership provides reciprocal benefits to a variety of other museums across the country specifically listed on the ASTC website. The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is included on this list, which I checked when planning this trip.
When I provided my membership card at the ticket counter, the cashier informed me that this museum does not honor patrons with this card. She went on the explain that the the exhibits are part of ASTC but we still could not get in. We went back and forth for a bit because what she was saying made no sense. She offered for us to speak to a manager. We then spoke with Amanda S., who basically said the same thing. She offered us a BOGO ticket but at that point we were done (can get tickets on Groupon for about the same prices). While Amanda was polite, it was apparent that she did not care.
We ended up going across the street to the Discovery World Museum which DOES HONOR ASTC Memberships! It was awesome and I believe way better than Betty Brinn.
Again, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum does NOT honor ASTC memberships despite being listed on the ASTC website.
My husband and I, along with our 2 sons ages 4 and 7 attempted to visit this museum. We have a membership to an ASTC museum in our home state of Michigan. This membership provides reciprocal benefits to a variety of other museums across the country specifically listed on the ASTC website. The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is included on this list, which I checked when planning this trip.
When I provided my membership card at the ticket counter, the cashier informed me that this museum does not honor patrons with this card. She went on the explain that the the exhibits are part of ASTC but we still could not get in. We went back and forth for a bit because what she was saying made no sense. She offered for us to speak to a manager. We then spoke with Amanda S., who basically said the same thing. She offered us a BOGO ticket but at that point we were done (can get tickets on Groupon for about the same prices). While Amanda was polite, it was apparent that she did not care.
We ended up going across the street to the Discovery World Museum which DOES HONOR ASTC Memberships! It was awesome and I believe way better than Betty Brinn.
Again, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum does NOT honor ASTC memberships despite being listed on the ASTC website.
Written August 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for making the decision to visit our Museum during your family’s trip to Milwaukee and for reaching out to us. We are always happy to welcome out-of-state visitors and were sorry to hear that we missed an opportunity for you to experience our facility. While our Museum does not currently participate in the ASTC Passport Travel Program, we are association members and can certainly understand where there may have been confusion when reviewing their website. We apologize that we did not accommodate your request to address an honest misunderstanding and that your family was not able to stay and enjoy our Museum. We look forward to being in touch with the hopes that you can visit us again soon as our guest. Thank you for your feedback.
Written August 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi - would a precocious 8-year-old enjoy this museum or is it more geared towards younger children?
Written December 21, 2017
I think this place was designed specially FOR precocious children! My grandson can be, and he has a great time when he goes!
Written March 2, 2019
Can I purchase gift certificates for classes for a gift?
Written December 11, 2017
BBCM_Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Thank you for reaching out to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum and thank you for inquiring about our Museum gift certificates. You may purchase a certificate at the Museum’s Information Desk or over the phone at 414-390-5437. Museum gift certificates may be used for Museum admission, classes and workshops, gift shop purchases, or concessions. Please let me know if you have additional questions and thank you for giving the gift of play!
Best,
Amanda Sobczak
Communications Manager
Written December 12, 2017
bozo7626
Pennsylvania
Hello there so I work at the children's museum of Pgh and we are getting your motorcycle exhibit and I was wondering what kind of things can you do thanks Lori
Written May 4, 2017
BBCM_Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hello and thank you for reaching out to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. We are so pleased to share our exhibit with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, it's certainly sure to be a family favorite! Hands-On Harley-Davidson invites children to explore a pretend motorcycle dealership while learning about the people, places and processes that make a community work. The exhibit’s pretend retail setting features two kid-sized motorcycles inspired by a Harley-Davidson Road King® and opportunities to “Dream It!,” Build It!” and “Ride It!” using activities that promote science, technology, engineering and math education.
Children can work together to create a motorcycle using interchangeable custom motor parts and accessories, including seats, saddle bags, mirrors, and a variety of engine components. Once their bike is built, children can gear-up, climb on and select interactive videos that provide a first-person riding experience, including U.S. and international touring routes and a ride through the streets of Milwaukee. Working turn signals, audio and wind effects, and a throttle that controls the speed of the ride complete the experience.
Please feel free to contact us if you should have additional questions!
Written May 16, 2017
jenna3365
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Is there an age limit for going on the exhibits?
Written January 23, 2017
BBCM_Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hello Jenna,
Thank you for reaching out to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. The Museum exhibits are available to all families, but our primary audience are children under the age of 10. For our youngest visitors, we have our Pocket Park exhibit which provides a safe environment with dedicated activities for preschool age children. Please let us know if you have additional questions.
Written February 17, 2017
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