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Children's Museum of La Crosse

About

If you are looking for a place where children's curiosity meets boundless fun, then the Children's Museum of La Crosse is a spot on the map you shouldn't miss. Located in the cozy city of La Crosse, this interactive center in the USA is designed specifically for children to learn through play.

Children's Museum of La Crosse. Source: Kupi.com AI

This is not just an exhibition of items behind glass, but a dynamic space where every corner calls for action. The museum's concept is based on interactive learning: the desire to touch, disassemble, and explore everything firsthand is encouraged here, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation.

Inside, young visitors will find themed zones that mimic the real world, science labs, and creative workshops. The Children's Museum of La Crosse is rightfully considered one of the cultural and educational anchors of the region, offering high-quality leisure that develops the imagination and cognitive abilities of young explorers.

Contacts

To plan your visit and find more details, you can use the official contact information below. The museum actively communicates with visitors through its website and by phone.

Address 207 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
Phone +1 608-784-2652
Website funmuseum.org
Google Maps View on map

What to Do

In this museum, the main rule is "Please touch everything!". Young visitors can try their hand at various roles: from a builder and doctor to a riverboat captain. Each exhibit is designed to stimulate creative thinking and fine motor skills.

Children can construct unusual mechanisms, conduct experiments with water and light, or create their own masterpieces in the art zone. This is a great opportunity for kids to show independence in decision-making while exploring the environment in a safe and inspiring setting.

For families, it's a chance to spend time together on a shared activity. Parents are often just as involved as their children, helping to build towers or solve puzzles. Shared experimentation and the joy of new discoveries make a visit to the museum a truly memorable event.

Getting There

The Children's Museum of La Crosse is located in the heart of the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, at 207 5th Ave S. Its central location makes it easily accessible for both residents and tourists traveling through the Mississippi River valley.

If you are traveling by private or rental car, parking spaces are available near the museum. The city's road network is intuitive, and a GPS will easily lead you to your destination. For those who prefer public transport, city bus routes pass in the immediate vicinity of the museum building.

You can also always use a taxi or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city center. The trip takes only a few minutes, which is very convenient when traveling with small children where time and comfort are paramount.

History & Facts

The idea behind such spaces has deep roots. Although this specific museum is a modern center, the movement itself began in Brooklyn in 1899, when the world's first children's museum opened. This event revolutionized the concept of what education outside of school could look like.

A special boost to the development of interactive sites in the USA came in the 1950s and 1960s. The concept was based on Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development. The famous psychologist proved that manipulating objects and active exploration of the environment are the foundation for a child's full development.

The first museum to fully implement Piaget's ideas in practice appeared in Boston in 1961. This "learning by doing" approach became the gold standard for the Children's Museum of La Crosse. Here, every exhibit is designed to be touched, turned, and studied, turning theory into exciting practice.

Today, the museum continues to follow the traditions of interactive education, updating its programs and exhibits annually to match the interests of new generations of young explorers.

Time Needed

To ensure your child has enough time to play and explore all the interactive zones, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is the optimal amount of time to explore all the floors without rushing and to linger at your favorite exhibits.

If you plan to participate in special educational programs or workshops that are sometimes held at the museum, your visit time may increase. Families with very active children often need a little more time, as the variety of activities often draws them back to the same games over and over again.

Working Hours

When planning your visit to the Children's Museum of La Crosse, please pay attention to the opening hours. The museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except for Mondays, when the halls are closed for maintenance.

From Tuesday to Sunday, the museum is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a convenient window that allows you to arrive early in the morning while the children are full of energy, or drop by in the afternoon for a relaxing end to your city stroll.

Nearby

After an action-packed time at the museum, it’s a great idea to take a stroll around the area. The city offers many interesting locations to further explore the local atmosphere and the nature of the Mississippi River valley.

Near the museum, you will find scenic trails, historical markers, and rest areas that are perfect for a peaceful end to the day. Below is a list of some nearby attractions:

Attraction Name Distance (km)
Riverside Fountain 0.6
Wisconsin State Historical Marker 242: Spence Park 0.6
Old La Crosse Railroad Bridge 1.0
Vietnam Veterans Trail 1.6
Jim Asfoor Trail 1.7
West Channel Island, La Crosse, WI 1.7
Minnesota Welcome Sign - Downtown La Crescent 2.3
Grand Crossing Trail 3.0
Water Park 3.1
Ellen Hixon Statue 3.1

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