Step back in time, experience hands-on activities, explore art, science, technology and history – and much more – during Milwaukee Museum Week, which returns for a second year, Jan. 18-26, 2020, to celebrate the wonders of 17 marvelous Milwaukee museums.

“Milwaukee has a variety of wonderful museums, and there’s plenty for people to do year-round,” says Mame McCully, the executive director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, which is one of the participating museums.

Whether you’re hoping to rediscover your favorite museum from childhood or planning to introduce your own children to these local landmarks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities during this nine-day event.

Participating museums include:

• • Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

• • Charles Allis Art Museum

• • Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

• • Discovery World

• • Grohmann Museum at MSOE

• • Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University

• • Harley-Davidson Museum

• • Jewish Museum Milwaukee

• • Milwaukee Art Museum

• • Milwaukee County Historical Society

• • Milwaukee Public Museum

• • Mitchell Park Domes

• • North Point Lighthouse

• • The Pabst Mansion

• • The Warehouse

• • Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

• • Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum

During this week, McCully says, each museum provides special programming, some offer free admission, others provide behind-the-scenes tours and more. When it comes to family musts, McCully offers five things to do.

5 must-dos for families

1. Fossil Challenge at the Milwaukee Public Museum 

When: Jan. 18

Oftentimes, paleontologists need to quickly and accurately identify objects out in the field. Think you’ve got what it takes to correctly identify a fossil – or something that’s not? Take the challenge during this event, which is free with museum admission.

2. Milwaukee Museum Week Family Sunday at Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

When: Jan. 19

Scavenger hunts, movies, coloring pages and more – don’t miss an interactive tour of the 150-year-old Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear. During this family-friendly event, stop by the ice cream parlor and Grafman Grocery Store to see if you and your kiddos can find the hidden speakeasy.

3. Youth Free Day at all museums

When: Jan. 20

Kids ages 18 and under are invited to visit any of the 17 Milwaukee museums for free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Monday, Jan. 20 (parents must pay admission). There are loads of special events and programs happening. View the calendar of events at MKEMuseumWeek.com for more information.

4. Kids’ Day at North Point Lighthouse

When: Jan. 20

Get the best view in town – from the top of the light tower – at the North Point Lighthouse museum, where kids get to make and decorate their very own lighthouse as a part of their special visit.

5. Be a Maker Space at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

When: Happens throughout the event

Explore simple machines, tools and building materials in a variety of hands-on activities and collaborative projects.

No matter what you and your family choose to do this during Milwaukee Museum Week, there’s one thing that’s certain, McCully says: “The museums are really welcoming to people of all ages, so this event is for anyone and everyone.”