Above & Beyond Children's Museum

If you're looking for a place where a child's imagination knows no bounds, be sure to visit the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. Located in the heart of Sheboygan, USA, this non-profit center for learning and play occupies a magnificent three-story historic building spanning approximately 10,000 square feet.

The museum is a unique space where education harmoniously intertwines with entertainment. Its interactive exhibits are aimed at developing early literacy, mathematical abilities, and social skills. This is not just an exhibition of objects, but a living playground for exploration where every child can feel like a scientist, builder, or artist.

Special mention goes to the museum's outdoor area with its famous Purple Octopus Playground, as well as the museum's commitment to inclusivity — all conditions have been created here for children with special needs. Every year, this place attracts over 50,000 tourists and locals, confirming its status as one of the best family attractions in the region.

To inquire about special events, book group tours, or hold parties, you can contact the museum administration using the details provided below.

Inside the museum, young guests will find an exciting journey across three themed floors. On the first floor, the focus is on nature and STEAM disciplines: children can explore a cozy treehouse, conduct experiments in a wind tunnel, or create patterns on a giant pin screen. It is an ideal zone for those who love science and technology.

The second floor is dedicated to art and culture. Here you'll find the Wonder Workshop studio hosting creative masterclasses, as well as the "Story Tree" and musical exhibits. Don't miss the cultural exchange zone, which introduces traditions of different nations, including a new display dedicated to Mexican-American culture.

On the third floor, kids can try out different professions: climb into a real fire truck, set sail on the ship U.S.S. Efroymson or go "shopping" at the farmer's market. Connecting the floors are the exciting Sky Crawl tunnels, and the Music Mezzanine is located on the mezzanine level, where you can explore the world of sounds and rhythms.

Finding the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum is easy, as it is conveniently located in the heart of the city at 902 N 8th St. If you are staying downtown, it is easily reachable on foot, allowing you to admire the architecture and stop by local shops along the way.

For those traveling by car, for example from Milwaukee (the trip takes about an hour), take highway I-43 N, then turn onto WIS-42 toward the city and exit onto 8th Street. Free parking is available near the museum, making the visit much easier for families with private vehicles.

If you prefer public transport, use the Sheboygan Transit Connect local bus network, which has stops within walking distance of the entrance. Taxis can also be ordered from anywhere in the city, and in summer, a walk from the Lake Michigan shore to the museum makes a pleasant addition to the itinerary.

The history of this amazing place began in 1993, but back then it didn't look like today's large-scale complex. At that time, it was a traveling "road show" with a set of interactive exhibits that opened its doors to children just one day a month. However, the popularity of the idea grew so rapidly that by 1999, the museum found a permanent home in a three-story historic building in the city center.

Over more than 25 years of existence, the museum has evolved from a modest initiative by a group of enthusiasts into a major cultural and educational center for the region. Today, it welcomes more than 50,000 visitors annually and continues to expand. One of the bright stages of development was the opening of the unique outdoor Purple Octopus Playground and the constant updating of exhibits, such as the Rhythm and Rainbows project launched in 2025.

As a non-profit organization, the museum thrives thanks to the support of the community, volunteers, and educators. Its mission remains unchanged: to create a safe and inspiring environment where children can make their first scientific and creative discoveries through play. This place is recognized as a true "treasure" of the county and is included in many Wisconsin travel guides.

To explore all three floors at a leisurely pace, peek into the mezzanine, and play to your heart's content on the outdoor Purple Octopus playground, we recommend setting aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This time is usually enough for children to interact with the main interactive zones.

However, if your visit coincides with special educational programs, creative workshops, or themed parties, the visit may extend to 4 hours. Plan your time so that little explorers have the opportunity to return to their favorite exhibits, of which there are many.

The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Usually, the doors are open from 09:00 to 16:00; however, on Wednesdays, the museum often extends its hours until 19:00, which is convenient for evening family outings. Monday is the traditional day off.

Please note that the schedule may change on holidays or during special private events. Before your trip, we strongly recommend checking the museum's official website to confirm the current schedule for the date of your visit.

A visit to the children's museum can easily be combined with sightseeing at other interesting spots in the city. Sheboygan offers many options for cultural leisure, waterfront walks, and family entertainment located in close proximity.

Exploring the surroundings will help you better feel the atmosphere of this cozy American city and make your day even more fulfilling.