Betty Brinn Children's Museum

We took our granddaughter there today, and were very disappointed. She's almost 3 and found almost nothing interesting to her. She did like the sandbox, which unfortunately had hardy any sand in it. Most of the exhibits were things kids would be better off doing with their parents in a real environment. Instead of playing with fake vegetables, go to the grocery and let them pick out fresh vegetables that you will fix into a platter together. Instead of fake coffee grinding, let them participate in real grinding at the store. Buy some scraps of wood and actually let them nail some pieces together. We would have been better off taking a walk on the Lake Michigan shoreline, or doing almost anything that is "real". I was also annoyed that a 2 year old would be charged a higher price than her grandparents. I suppose if I had found the experience more worthwhile, I wouldn't have been as bothered by that. more

What's an uncle to do? Take your neices and nephews here and you will be a hero for the day. Thats what an uncle is to do. Tons of fun for the kids. And it takes hours to get out of here. more

Betty Brinn Children's Museum 929 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI 53202 414-390-5437 http://www.bbcmkids.org/ I've been to the Betty Brinn several times and though I enjoy it for the most part, there are too many negatives to make me want to come back for more. While I agree with everyone's comments how great this place is - I always hesitate when someone asks me to join them there. Parking. Yup - it's a big one. I can park in the structure - sometimes. Street parking is fine - but not when your child won't sit in a stroller. Plus, having to feed the meters is out of the question. The days that I have gone have been way too crowded. Sick children, inattentive parents, child vomit in the sand area - all too much for our enjoyment. I know that I will go back, but I can't tell you when. Thought about joining, but . . . I don't know. Maybe someday . . . . . . . . . more

I love this museum. I just wish my daughter wasn't getting bigger. It is great for the smaller kids but can be uneventful once they turn 7 or so. BIG plus, if you are low income, receive W-2, food stamps, medical, etc and some others (indian, etc) you can get a free year membership with parking passes for the attached parking structure. Simply check their website or call them and they will tell you what days you can come and take a tour and get your membership activated! more

Hands on entertainment intertwined with a great learning atmosphere. There is so much here for the kids to do, I really do not think they realize they are learning something! It is facinating here. So many things for the children to do. From sensory development activities to imaginative play. It is HERE! Rainy day or not, this is a MUST DO for the munchin in your life. And you will have fun too! The most excitement seems to be happening where the real life scenarios are played out in the imagination area. You can *jack* up a car on a lift and pretend to rotate the tires or give an oil change. You can run a bakery, or any of the other activities in this area of the museum. For a few extra dollars your children can get involved and make a craft that is instructed by one of the staff. Truly an awesome place to take that special child in your life. They also offer memberships to the museum. Would be a perfect gift too. more

The BBCM is again one of the best values for membership that I've found, in addition to wonderful hands-on exhibits which are engaging and promote creativity and imaginative play they also offer classes and special programs nearly every day. SAHM's and other caregivers can take advantage of the fact that the Museum offers classes every day which are included in the price of admission/membership. If you truly took advantage of all the offerings you would save a fortune in art classes (and now even a ballet class!). If membership is out of reach, they offer one-year memberships to families in need and I believe military families. The downside I hear lots of friends talk about is the parking -- to be expected I suppose with their downtown/lakeside location. I think it's worth a few laps around the block. Oh. And the third thursday of every month from 5:00 on it's Jewel-Osco Family Night with special programs, and FREE admission to one and all. (Regular admission is $5 for anyone 12 months and up and I believe memberships start around $55). Enjoy! more

I also have really enjoyed this museum and my 16 month old son ADORES going here. The activities are fun and there is lots to do. We usually spend most of our time in the toddler's area which is simply adorable. The only real complaints that I have is that parking is NOT fun! On a lovely sunny day, it's no big deal parking several blocks away. But we often go on those dreary rainy days and downtown parking with a little one is not a big plus. (Not to mention that the parking is metered! Ugh!) Yes - there is a parking lot close by, but I'm too cheap to park there! Another negative is that there are many doors that lead into this building. Not all of the doors lead to the museum. Better signage would help tremendously for the first time visitor. The museum gets a 5 star - the parking and signage problems 1 star. My son would give it a 6 star if he could! more

This is definitely a great place for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. A safe environment. There are tons of activities and kids can go at their own pace. I know my kids find it to be a place they always look forward to going to. The price is reasonable. The people working there are very friendly. Great idea for a family outing, or a rainy day activity. more

This is one of the best children's museums I have had the chance to go to. Everything is hands on for kids of all ages. You child can be a weather person on the daily news, learn about kinetic energy with golf balls, or play in the giant sandbox. Watch yourself closely at the museum, you might just become a kid again yourself. more

This museum is for children with lots of hands on activities for them to do. There is an exhibit or two that changes about every 6 months. You can do birthday parties here too. Once a month, on a Thursday, it is free to get in. They have areas for babies and toddlers. The rest of the museum is for 4 and up in my opinion. more

This is such an interesting place to take your children or grandchildren. Hands on activities and learning experiences. Your children can play in a bakery/grocery store, a automobile shop, and so much more. Great for the imaginative play that they need. Get involved..get on your knees and join the fun! So much to do! So much to see! So much to touch! For a few bucks more your child can engage into a craft activity too. Great for a rainy day...or even a sunshine filled one! more

My daughter is 4 years old, and she loves the museum, which proves how much there is to do here! There is a bunch of personalized things to do, and the parents can have fun as well! This is a great place to go on a rainy day, or even a day you just need to get out of the house. The staff is great and always willing to answer any questions. The programs are very good for children's learning and I can only say good things about the things they teach! I liked the selection of activites! Check it out! more

There are a lot of things for the kids to do here and they do not even realize that they are learning something. This is a great family activity for a rainy day. Or when you get stuck babysitting. LOL Kids learn from sight, sound, touch. They even have crafts for an additional fee. more