Children's Imaginarium — Local services in Wausau

The Children’s Imaginarium is such a treasure for Wausau. Each exhibit was carefully researched and designed to be engaging and attractive for children of all ages. It is housed in one large open room with huge windows, so you get lots of sunlight. If you have multiple children, it’s relatively easy to keep an eye on everyone as they move from one awesome exhibit to another. The large tree created great opportunities for gross motor play and experimentation. The food truck, market, honey, and syrup exhibits provide opportunities for lots of imaginative play. The water area and wind area allow for lots of cause-and-effect experimentation. There’s an area for building forts/mazes and an area with duploes and construction. There is also a room dedicated to STEM activities. Young kids will enjoy exploring, while older children will really love reading the information and experimenting more intentionally. The staff was very engaged and helpful. This will be a great place to go this winter to get some sunlight and gross motor play! We attended on a weekday, and even though there were many visitors, it didn’t feel too overwhelmingly busy because of the open layout. They also have plans in the new year to create opportunities for inclusivity that will allow those with limited resources to access at a discounted rate, if needed.

It is a bit of a walk from the Forest Street parking garage to the entrance so bundle up but...

I would really love to give five stars, because our daughter LOVES it here. But some logistics prevent me from doing so. We have attended multiple times. I will start with the positives. Our daughter is very engaged and there are various things to do. We like that it incorporates elements of WI and various types of play. There are a few drawbacks. For a museum, my husband has commented on the size. It is quite small compared to other children's museums we have been to in the past. I am hoping they are able to add more in the future. We are a family who has purchased a year long pass prior to opening. However, we are only able to use it Saturdays- the busiest day of the week- as we are a working family (as most families are). With opening hours only running from 10-4, and some days 9-4, we work the entirety of the open hours. Would be nice for hours to differ some days to accommodate for families who have parents who work. I would think this would also help to lessen crowds on the weekends. Finally, a month in, MANY of the items are already out of order. We have gone more than 5 times in the past month, and the past three times more than four of the elements are not functioning. Due to the small size, and the large number of kids, this is really unfortunate and adds to functioning areas feeling crowded. Being new, I hope they can work out...

Do not waste your time or money. This museum falls short on so many aspects. The fact that they charge a significant amount while lacking adequate space and equipment to accommodate the number of children in the area is concerning. If your looking for a good value, it's certainly isn't here. Additionally they close off areas of the already small space well before the stated closing time at 5 p.m. which can be frustrating to families looking to get the most out of their visit. Which includes the very limited " craft area" You will be leaving your coffee and/or water in your car or cubby area away from the museum. Which don't even think about not bringing your children with you for a quick sip. Also, don't think about checking your phone. The staff will tell you to put it away. Yep, that's right. You must be engaging 100% of the time with your kids or the staff will come and rudely tell you to stop "playing" on your phone. (I literally was looking up our next spot for lunch and was told NO.)

A children's museum needs flexibility, understanding and hospitality as well as entertainment. This museum lacks in all aspects! My recommendation is to seek other children's museums. The drive will be well your time. This one is the worst I've...