Photo: Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Photo: Sundown BY Karl jodlowski (Sundown)
Photo: Max T
Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
★4.5(2,476 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Younger elementary students love the hands-on experiments and sensory exhibits, while tweens and teens enjoy the more complex physics challenges, virtual reality stations, and mind-bending optical illusions.🧡 Saved by 18 families
About
The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory offers a unique hands-on science museum experience in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, featuring over 175 interactive exhibits that make learning fun for the whole family. Kids can explore everything from mirror mazes and virtual reality experiences to physics demonstrations and space exploration exhibits, all while discovering scientific principles through play.
Highlights
- ✓Mirror Maze that challenges spatial reasoning and provides endless photo opportunities
- ✓Virtual reality experiences that transport kids to different worlds
- ✓Hands-on physics experiments including anti-gravity demonstrations
- ✓Interactive space exploration exhibits
- ✓Optical illusions and mind-bending visual displays
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when they open at 10 AM to beat the afternoon crowds, especially during peak summer season when Wisconsin Dells gets busy.
- 2.Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore all the exhibits without rushing - kids often want to repeat their favorite interactive experiences.
- 3.Bring a light jacket as the air conditioning can be strong, and wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet exploring.
- 4.Don't miss the Mirror Maze - it's a hidden gem that kids request to do multiple times, so save it for mid-visit to re-energize tired explorers.
- 5.Consider combining your visit with the famous Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show (separate venue) for a full day of family entertainment.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during summer, or any time during spring or fall for the smallest crowds. The 10 AM opening is ideal for exploring exhibits before afternoon tour groups arrive.
What to Know
Admission prices are reasonable for a Wisconsin Dells attraction, and the venue is fully climate-controlled making it perfect for hot or rainy days. There's free parking on-site, and while there's no restaurant inside, you're surrounded by dining options along the Wisconsin Dells Parkway.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with daily hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, making it an excellent indoor option during Wisconsin winters or rainy summer days. Hours may vary during off-season months, so check ahead if visiting between November and March.
Nearby Eats
Head to Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Company (0.3 miles away) for family-friendly pizza and a casual atmosphere, or try Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty for all-you-can-eat lumberjack-style meals that hungry kids will love.
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