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Upper Peninsula Children's Museum or Local Galleries Marquette Michigan

4.7
·582 reviews·Marquette, United States

A vibrant, hands-on museum in Marquette, MI, sparking imagination and learning for kids aged 3-13 with interactive exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more play

CrowdLow
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Upper Peninsula Children's Museum or Local Galleries Marquette Michigan

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, hands-on museum in Marquette, MI, sparking imagination and learning for kids aged 3-13 with interactive exhibits.

4.7
(582 reviews)

"Kids were very well entertained for two hours and we probably could have stayed longer."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Saturday Fun! :ticket:

Saturday is often a free day! Check their schedule for special events and free admission days.

Embrace the Mess :sparkles:

It's a children's museum, so expect some mess! Staff are welcoming, and the focus is on play.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Human Head Exhibit

Human Head Exhibit

Inside the museum

Step inside a giant human head and explore its inner workings. A truly unique and memorable experience for kids!

Airplane Cockpit

Airplane Cockpit

Interactive exhibit

Let imaginations soar as kids take the controls in a realistic airplane cockpit. Budding pilots will love this!

Green Screen News Casting

Green Screen News Casting

Media exhibit

Become a news anchor for a day! Kids can create their own broadcasts with fun backdrops.

Live Reptiles

Live Reptiles

Animal exhibit

Discover fascinating reptiles up close. A hit for animal lovers and curious minds!

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Planning Your Visit

Plan for Interactive Fun

This museum is designed for hands-on exploration, perfect for kids aged 3-13. Expect a lively atmosphere where imagination and play are key. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid larger crowds and ensure more exhibit availability.

Embrace the 'Yooper' Spirit

The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum celebrates local culture and nature. While some exhibits might show wear, the interactive spirit and friendly staff create a memorable experience. It's a beloved local spot, so expect it to be a hit with families!

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more play
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for a cozy indoor adventure? The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum is the perfect place for families to have a blast this winter! 🎨🔬🛝 📹 @frommichiganwithloveblog #UPTravel #UP #UpperPeninsula #PureMichigan #MichiganBucketList #TravelMI #GreatLakes #MichigansUpperPeninsula #Vacation #Yooper #Explore #Adventure #Wander #Museum #ChildrensMuseum #CreativeKids #FamilyFun #KidsActivities
uptravel
382 likes • 13.5K views

Free Saturday Fun! :ticket:

Saturday is often a free day! Check their schedule for special events and free admission days. Reddit

Embrace the Mess :sparkles:

It's a children's museum, so expect some mess! Staff are welcoming, and the focus is on play. Reddit

Marquette Monday -> Upper Peninsula Children's Museum . #liveupnmu #sharenmu #marquettemichigan #childrenmuseum . 📸@spoongue
nmu_housing
353 likes • 0 views
@upchildrensmuseum fun! #JustJake
jimmyludwignyc
70 likes • 0 views

Check Exhibit Functionality :wrench:

Some exhibits may be worn or non-functional. Kids often don't mind, but it's good to be aware. Reddit

Imagination Station :rocket:

The museum excels at sparking creativity. Let kids lead the way and explore their interests! Instagram

a few different platings of our offering at Sundays @upchildrensmuseum906 Culinary Journey 🔪 Michigan cornmeal from @lomafarm made with DeBacker milk, Jilbert butter and Wisconsin cheddar. opposite Michigan black bean coconut curry with @partridgecreekfarm carrots, Swanzy farm potatoes and other veggies like garlic, brussels, and red pepper. topped with a ginger lime cilantro crema and a few of ...
northwoodstestkitchen
52 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Saturday Fun! :ticket:

Saturday is often a free day! Check their schedule for special events and free admission days. Reddit

Embrace the Mess :sparkles:

It's a children's museum, so expect some mess! Staff are welcoming, and the focus is on play. Reddit

Check Exhibit Functionality :wrench:

Some exhibits may be worn or non-functional. Kids often don't mind, but it's good to be aware. Reddit

Imagination Station :rocket:

The museum excels at sparking creativity. Let kids lead the way and explore their interests! Instagram

Animal Encounters :lizard:

Don't miss the live reptiles! Kids love learning about and seeing these fascinating creatures. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(582 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum for its highly interactive exhibits and ability to entertain kids for hours, sparking imagination and learning. While some exhibits show wear and may not always be functional, the welcoming staff and the sheer fun factor make it a beloved local spot and a great value for families.

"First time for my great grandson Archer. He happily explored most of the museum. The staff were super helpful & welcoming. The greeters by the door were holding the bearded dragons & made us feel welcomed. They were also quite informative & pleasant to chat with. We'll be back; even though it's a hundred miles from home...totally worth it for young & old alike!"

Deborah Haataja

"Okay, so Marquette's children's museum is so cool!! Designed with the assistance of 9 year olds, this interactive world was built in 1997. Surrounded by fun, creativity, and learning, the kiddos get to safely explore and play. Reptile exhibits are opened by staff so children can hold and interact woth tortoises, snakes, and more. It's so much fun for children and their adults!"

Sam Cassisi (MissImmortal)

"My 5 year old son had a wonderful time here. This place is fantastic for kids to play and use their imagination. He loved it so much that we went back the very next day!"

Kelly Moore

What People Like

Highly interactive exhibits
Sparks imagination
Great value for money

What People Dislike

Some exhibits worn/non-functional
Can be messy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Marquette, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car within the city. Parking is generally available nearby, though it can be busy on event days. Instagram

Marquette has a public transit system, but routes and schedules can vary. It's best to check the local transit authority's website for the most up-to-date information on routes serving the museum's vicinity. TikTok

Street parking is available around the museum, and there may be nearby public lots. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, can increase your chances of finding convenient parking. Reddit

Yes, Marquette offers several family-friendly spots. Consider Kitch-iti-kippi, Sugarloaf mountain for views, and the Iron Mountain Iron Mine tour for a historical adventure. Reddit

Strollers are generally permitted, but space can be limited in some exhibit areas. It's a good idea to check with the museum directly if you have concerns about stroller accessibility. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but the museum generally offers good value for the experience. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most current pricing information. Instagram

Yes, Saturday is often a free day at the museum, making it a popular choice for families. Keep an eye on their announcements for any special promotions or free admission events. Reddit

Operating hours can change seasonally and for special events. Always verify the current hours on the museum's website or social media pages before your visit. Instagram

While walk-in admissions are common, purchasing tickets in advance might be an option, especially for special events. This can save time and guarantee entry. Instagram

The museum is primarily geared towards children aged 3 to 13, but it offers engaging experiences for a wider range of ages, including toddlers and even teenagers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a wide variety of hands-on exhibits focusing on natural science, culture, history, and imaginative play. Highlights include a human head exhibit, an airplane cockpit, and a green screen for news casting. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum features live reptiles, which are a big hit with children. It's a great opportunity for kids to see and learn about different creatures. InstagramReddit

While most exhibits are engaging, some may be worn or temporarily non-functional. The staff are usually aware and appreciate feedback. The overall interactive nature of the museum still provides plenty of fun. Reddit

As a children's museum, it's naturally a lively and sometimes messy environment. While some exhibits may show wear, the staff are welcoming, and the focus is on interactive play and learning. Reddit

Absolutely! While geared towards younger children, older siblings or teens can still have a blast, especially with exhibits like the green screen, airplane cockpit, and the general interactive nature of the museum. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself typically does not have a full-service cafe. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine at nearby restaurants in Marquette. Instagram

Generally, outside food and drinks are allowed in designated areas, often outside the main exhibit halls. Check the museum's specific policy upon arrival. Instagram

Marquette offers a variety of family-friendly dining options. You'll find everything from casual pizza places to diners that cater to younger palates. Instagram

The museum occasionally hosts special events like the 'Culinary Journey,' featuring local food and chefs. These events offer a unique tasting experience. Instagram+1

While there might not be dedicated lockers for food, you can usually keep your belongings with you or find a quiet corner to enjoy snacks. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed for personal use. It's a great way to capture your kids' fun moments! Instagram+1

Avoid using flash photography that might disturb other visitors or the animals. Also, be mindful of other families' privacy when taking pictures. Instagram

The human head, the airplane cockpit, the green screen news studio, and the live reptiles are all highly photogenic and popular spots for capturing memories. Instagram+1

For personal social media sharing, it's usually fine. If you plan on professional filming or extensive vlogging, it's best to contact the museum in advance to inquire about their policies. Instagram

Encourage your kids to interact with the exhibits for dynamic photos – pretending to fly the plane, reporting the news, or exploring the human head. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum is a dream for families with young children, especially those aged 3-7. The exhibits are designed for easy interaction and sensory exploration, making them perfect for little hands and curious minds. The live animal encounters with reptiles are a particular hit, offering a safe way for kids to see and learn about creatures. InstagramReddit

While some exhibits might be geared towards slightly older kids, there are plenty of opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers to engage. The grocery store play area and simple building blocks are always popular. Remember that it can get busy, so weekday mornings are often the best bet for a more relaxed experience with younger ones. Instagram

🎒 Budget-Conscious Travelers

For families looking for affordable fun, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum is a great option. Saturday is often a free day, making it an excellent opportunity to visit without an admission fee. Reddit Even on paid days, the value for money is considered good, with children often entertained for several hours. Reddit

Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save on food costs, as the museum typically allows outside food in designated areas. Instagram This makes it easier to manage your budget while ensuring the kids have fuel for their adventures. Instagram

🚗 Day-Trippers from Nearby Areas

If you're visiting Marquette for the day, the Children's Museum is a fantastic stop, especially if you have kids in tow. It's centrally located and offers a solid 2-3 hours of entertainment, making it easy to fit into a packed itinerary. InstagramReddit

Combine your visit with other local attractions like Sugarloaf mountain for scenic views or explore the charming downtown area. The museum provides a perfect indoor activity, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Interactive Learning for Young Minds

The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum is a haven for interactive learning, designed to engage children aged 3 to 13. Its exhibits are crafted to encourage hands-on exploration and foster a sense of wonder. From pretending to be a pilot in an airplane cockpit to stepping inside a giant human head, the museum offers a diverse range of experiences that stimulate curiosity and creativity. The focus is on learning through play, allowing children to touch, experiment, and discover at their own pace. Instagram+1

Visitors often highlight the variety of exhibits, which cover themes from natural science and local culture to imaginative play scenarios like a grocery store or a news casting studio. While some reviews mention that certain exhibits might be a bit worn or not fully functional, the overall consensus is that the museum provides a highly engaging and fun experience for kids. The staff are frequently described as welcoming and friendly, contributing to a positive atmosphere. Reddit+1

For parents and guardians, it's a fantastic opportunity to witness their children's engagement and learning unfold. The museum's design encourages imaginative play and problem-solving, making it more than just a place to pass the time, but a valuable educational resource. It's a place where kids can truly be kids, exploring and learning in a safe and stimulating environment. InstagramReddit

Community Hub and Special Events

Beyond its daily exhibits, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting various special events throughout the year. These events often aim to support the museum's programming and provide unique experiences for visitors. For instance, the Annual Celebrity Art Auction has been a significant fundraiser, raising substantial amounts to support future initiatives. Instagram

The museum also hosts events like the 'Culinary Journey,' which showcases local food and chefs, offering attendees a taste of regional flavors. These events not only provide entertainment but also highlight the museum's connection to the local community and its commitment to diverse programming. Instagram+1

Keep an eye on their schedule for events like 'School's Out Dance Parties' or other seasonal celebrations. These gatherings often feature music, activities, and a chance for families to connect and enjoy the museum in a festive setting. Participating in these events is a great way to support the museum and create lasting memories. Instagram

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