Children's Museums

Building For Kids

Name: Building For Kids
Address: 100 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, Appleton, WI, US
Telephone: (920) 734-3226
Rating: 4.4

★★★★☆ 4.4 (305 reviews)

📍 100 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911

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🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

Type: Children's Museum
Location: Appleton, Wisconsin
Best For: Toddlers and young children (18 months to school age)
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Key Programs: Memberships, birthday parties, field trips, summer camps, sensory programs

⭐Building for Kids operates on a donation-based admission model, making it an accessible play-based learning space for families regardless of financial constraints
⭐The museum offers an 'Access for All Initiative' program, demonstrating commitment to inclusive accessibility for children with diverse needs
⭐The Early Explorers program provides weekly programming specifically designed for infants and toddlers ages 18-36 months, a specialized age group often underserved by children's museums
🏛️The museum features a 'Power Up Exhibit' in development, indicating ongoing expansion and commitment to introducing new STEM-focused learning experiences

💬Plan to stay 2+ hours to fully explore both stories of exhibits. Visitors report they could have easily spent longer, with favorites including the rope treehouse, heart slide, outer space room, fire truck, and water room across multiple floors.
💡Actively participate in exhibits with your children—staff observations and the museum's research show that families playing together significantly increase quality of play and enhance learning outcomes across all interactive stations.
🕐Visit on weekday mornings or non-peak times. Saturday visitors reported never feeling crowded even during birthday parties, and staff consistently reset play areas, suggesting quieter weekdays may offer even more uninterrupted playtime.
💡If bringing infants alongside toddlers, note that nursing/lactation spaces are currently limited. Plan accordingly or contact ahead to ask about accommodations, as this is an identified gap compared to nearby regional children's museums.
💬Building for Kids offers donation-based admission and free entrance options, making it an affordable choice. Consider membership if visiting frequently, and explore special programs like Early Explorers (weekly for 18-36 month olds) and Summer Explorer Camps for added value.