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Aquariums

Discovery World

πŸ“ Veterans Park, WI

β˜…4.6(4,607 Google reviews)

Discovery World on Milwaukee's lakefront combines an aquarium with tech and science exhibits across two sides - Aqua Side features a Caribbean tank, Lake Michigan tank, touch tank, and stingray encounter; Tech Side offers flight simulators,

βœ“ touch tankβœ“ stingray encounterβœ“ science museumβœ“ aquariumβœ“ summer campsβœ“ hands-on exhibits

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for kids ages 4-12 who engage with interactive science stations and animal encounters. The stingray touch tank is the most memorable hands-on moment. Some exhibits lean toward wall text over hands-on interaction, which suits older kids and curious adults more than toddlers.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘The stingray touch tank is the top draw - head there early before it gets crowded
⏰Buy tickets online in advance to save over door pricing
🎟️Combine with the lakefront walk outside for a full half-day outing
πŸš—Check the events calendar for summer camp registration and special programming dates

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
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4,607 Google reviews

G Reviews from Google

A

Alexander Clark

5 months ago

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β€œI touched a sting ray!! :)”

E

E G

5 months ago

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β€œThe staff here were genuinely kind and helpful - a real highlight of the visit. Unfortunately the exhibits didn’t quite live up to that. A lot of the displays were heavy on wall text and light on actual hands-on interaction, which made it tough to keep the little ones engaged. For a science museum, we expected more interactive experiences. It’s also on the smaller side compared to other science museums we’ve been to - we were done in about an hour. Not a bad visit, just not particularly memorable. Worth a stop if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t make a special trip for it.”

πŸ’¬ What parents mention

Touch tank highlightStaff praisedGood for younger kidsThin for adult visits

Overview

Discovery World sits on Milwaukee's Harbor Drive and splits into Aqua Side and Tech Side. Aqua Side includes a Caribbean tank, Lake Michigan tank, stingray touch tank, and exhibits on freshwater science. Tech Side houses hands-on stations including a drive simulator, Les Paul sound exhibit, block-building zones, and an Innovation Station. Summer camps and school field trips run throughout the year. A Caribbean Tunnel construction project was underway in 2025, with new features expected.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday09:00-16:00
Tuesday09:00-16:00
Wednesday09:00-16:00
Thursday09:00-16:00
Friday09:00-16:00
Saturday09:00-16:00
Sunday09:00-16:00

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