WonderTrek Approach

Play + Explore = Discover + Learn

Parent Approved

Irresistible to Children

WonderTrek Children’s Museum celebrates children’s joy of play and the wonder of learning. In a world where free play and exploration are disappearing, WonderTrek inspires learning through hands-on adventures. Designed for children 12 and under, their families, caregivers, and educators, it’s a place where children lead, parents recharge, and families reconnect.

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Sparks curiosity

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Builds confidence

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Grows problem solving skills

Through playful exploration and interactive learning, WonderTrek shines a bright light on children’s limitless potential.

Big skills, small hands

Where Play Leads the Way

WonderTrek is on a mission to bring back everyday play! Play is a vital part of healthy development and a vibrant community. WonderTrek’s creative spaces let kids imagine, experiment, and grow essential life skills like problem solving, empathy, decision making, and teamwork – all the while having a blast.

Find our Play Lab

we’re on a mission

Explore, Wonder, Repeat

Exploration sparks kids’ understanding of themselves and the world around them. At WonderTrek, curiosity leads every adventure, opening the door to hands-on experiences that create wonder, ignite questions, and build confidence. By nurturing curiosity and fearless exploration, WonderTrek helps kids grow into capable, connected citizens.

Play + Exploration

Discovering a Lifetime of Learning

Play and exploration are the twin engines of childhood learning, helping children discover their interests and capabilities. Learning and discovery take shape through children’s freedom to experiment, solve problems, and nurture the lifelong skills they need to thrive. At WonderTrek, these elements come together in immersive environments where curiosity is celebrated, ideas take flight, and families learn side by side.

By celebrating the natural connection between play and exploration, WonderTrek helps children discover their love of learning.

Adventure to-go

WonderTrek on Wheels

WonderTrek on Wheels brings the joy of play and learning to children and families across North Central Minnesota! From community parks to classrooms, corporate events to summer festivals, we deliver hands-on fun and unforgettable adventures. Whether at your event or out in the community, WonderTrek is here to bring laughter, creativity, and the thrill of learning.

Where will we be next?

Request a WonderTrek on Wheels

Center for Play and Interactive Learning

Play Lab

WonderTrek’s Play Lab is our creative playground, where we use research and evaluation to strengthen our exhibits and programs, uncover how play inspires discovery, and develop workshops that serve museum staff, volunteers, parents, caregivers and teachers.

At its heart is a simple belief: play is powerful. It helps kids and grown-ups alike explore, connect, and unlock new ways of seeing the world. With every playful moment—whether with people, materials, or spaces— the Play Lab turns fun into an adventure in learning. We’re dedicated to making sure every child can join in, with no barriers standing in the way of their participation.

View our guiding frameworks

“So exciting to see this new museum come to life

We love the community events and Studio Explorations!”

– Mary

“I’ve been able to attend and observe at several of WonderTrek’s Studio Explorations.

Each time, I saw children across a range of ages discover something fascinating to explore, sometimes giant blue blocks, colorful scarves, balls, or wobbly worlds. This kind of play—child-directed, social, physical, and joyful—is not only fun, but also critical to children’s well-being.”

– Jeanne

We're ready for you

After ten years of dreaming up a children's museum like no other, we’re gearing up to open WonderTrek’s Outdoor Adventure in early 2026.

But first, we need you. More than $6,000,000 has been raised thanks to visionary donors and lots of grant writing. Now, we’re in the final push and WonderTrek needs everyone who cares for kids and the vitality of our region to join the campaign. With $1 million to go, every donation counts!

I'm ready to help