Camps at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

Camps at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire take place within the museum’s interactive exhibit spaces, which include Water Works, the Imagination Playground “Big Blue Blocks,” and outdoor areas such as “Under the Wisconsin Sky” and “Our Family Farm.” The museum also has a multipurpose space that can be used for programs and special events connected to the camps. Families using the camps have access to a Family Lunch Space in the lobby where visitors may bring a cooler, as long as they do not bring peanut butter or other nut products.

• Ages: 1–12 years old
• Schedule: Summer hours run Sunday through Saturday from 9:00am–5:00pm, with special member hours from 8:00am–9:00am on Saturdays and Sundays
• Price: Admission is $11 per person ages 1–100 (under age 1 is free), with a $4 reduced rate for guests on WIC, Medicaid, or free or reduced lunch who show proof at the desk

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire states that it offers non-traditional learning opportunities where children can see, touch, learn, and grow through important developmental milestones, and that its interactive exhibits foster social and academic growth. The museum’s mission is to bring learning and play together in a safe and inclusive environment through interactive exhibits. Daily admission passes are valid all day, and visitors may leave and return the same day with their receipt. Coffee and water bottles are allowed, food is not allowed on the exhibit floor, and light snacks are available for $1 each at the front desk.

The leadership team for the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire includes Mike Lee, Chief Executive Officer; Maegan Moore, Membership Coordinator; Grace Clardy, STEM Educator & Outreach Manager; Tami Syverson, Guest Experience Manager; and Lydia Ekenstedt, Owner of Peace Tree. Mike Lee graduated from UW–Stout with an Ed.D. in Career and Technical Education in 2018. Maegan Moore graduated from UW–Eau Claire in 2017 and worked as an elementary educator for seven years. Grace Clardy graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2022 with an M.S. in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. Tami Syverson has more than 15 years of experience working for non-profit organizations, and Lydia Ekenstedt graduated from UW–La Crosse in 2013. The museum is also supported by a board of directors and CMEC Foundation board members in roles such as chair, vice president, treasurer, and other professional positions.

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire began in December 2000 when paperwork was filed to create the organization, and it received tax-exempt status in March 2001. The museum started renting the old Woolworth’s building in November 2001, began building exhibits in February 2004, and opened to the public on December 9, 2004. The completed lower level opened in August 2007, Water Works opened in April 2009, and the top and final floor opened in 2014. The museum opened its first dedicated science exhibit in June 2015 and celebrated its 10th birthday in October 2015. The Imagination Playground “Big Blue Blocks” were added to the top floor, and an outdoor exhibit area now includes “Under the Wisconsin Sky” and “Our Family Farm.”

Through the Play-for-All program, offered in partnership with the Pablo Center, the museum provides reduced-priced annual memberships, reduced daily admission rates, and reduced tickets for shows at the Pablo Center for families on WIC, Medicaid, or the Free and Reduced Lunch program. Scholarship programs are available for schools to take field trips. One testimonial from CEO Michael McHorney states that volunteers at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire inspire children through educational play. Another testimonial from volunteer Caroline Hehir describes volunteering at the museum as a highlight of her college career and notes that she helped prep daily activities for children, assisted with special events, and observed children in what she describes as a safe, clean, and uplifting environment.

Last updated June 21, 2026.