Great Lakes Children's Museum

The Great Lakes Children’s Museum offers hands-on, inquiry-based, educational FUN for all ages. Conveniently located less than 2 miles from downtown Traverse City, with plenty of free parking, captivating exhibits and activities, special programs, and nearby parks and child-friendly eateries, the Museum makes a wonderful all-season destination for families and groups.

The Museum is located on the campus of the Discovery Center ~ Great Lakes, a collaborative educational facility that offers displays of historic boats, watershed ecology, and more.

Pilot a Freighter, become a raindrop in the Water Cycle, produce a puppet show, learn about the fun and physics of sailing, engineer the aqueducts in the Water Table, dress up in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters, try your hand at arts and crafts, and more … all at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum!

Plan to spend at least an hour and a half in the Museum, or more if you’re attending a special program. Your admission fee entitles you to enjoy the Museum all day, so it’s okay with us if you leave and come back.

Waterproof smocks are provided for Water Table enthusiasts, but young water workers play with such enthusiasm that they get quite wet (bring an extra shirt). And, of course, there are changing tables in both the men’s and the women’s restrooms.

The Activity Room is available to all paying guests as an option for enjoying your own sack lunch or snack unless it is in use for a private party or meeting.