article by Kara Schwalbe | photos courtesy of Wise Wonders

Step into Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum and you’ll immediately feel the energy. You’ll see children deeply engrossed in exhibits, while others giggle and bounce from one discovery to the next.

At Wise Wonders, the mission is simple yet powerful: To engage curious, creative, and scientific minds in a playful learning environment for all children and families. They take the "play" part seriously. Associate Executive Director Dana Andersson notes that in a world of structured schedules and performance pressure, Wise Wonders serves as a vital "third space" where families can slow down, connect, and learn together.

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

Playful learning is essential here. Wise Wonders stands out by encouraging many forms of play. While many museums offer hands-on stations, Wise Wonders also invites children to launch into dramatic or pretend play in Mission Control, master mathematical puzzles in the Math Room, or test their physical limits on the climber. They can engineer their own creations at the Rig-Ama-Jig station or create enrichment items for animals at ZooMontana. Each exhibit encourages children to learn through play.

"MUSEUMS AND INFORMAL LEARNING SPACES LIKE OURS ARE ESSENTIAL BECAUSE THEY ADDRESS GAPS THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEM CANNOT FILL ON ITS OWN"

-DANA ANDERSSON

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH STEAM

While it’s a place of fun, the museum’s core is built on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. Andersson highlights a critical workforce gap in the U.S., noting that many students struggle to reach proficiency in math and science.

"Positive early experiences can prevent the 'I’m bad at math/ science' mindset," Andersson says.

NEW EXHIBITS & A MINI “MAGIC” CITY

There is always something new to discover. The team rotates exhibits regularly, leveraging sponsorships and grants to keep the experience fresh. Thanks to sponsorship from First Interstate Bank, a new dramatic play area, the Mini Bank, is due to open in March 2026. The vision is to consolidate the dramatic play spaces, such as the well-loved Grocery Store and Children’s Clinic, into a single location within the building, creating a “mini city.” This will also open up other areas of the building for exciting exhibits we haven’t seen yet, including:

The Light Lab: explore the properties of light with shadow walls, holograms, and laser guitars

Kids Pod Listening Station: relax and listen to STEAM-related podcasts

PROGRAMMING FOR EVERY LEARNER

Education continues beyond the exhibits with evolving, relevant programming. Many are free with admission:

• Story and STEAM [Thursdays 11:30am]: A guided experience where an educator reads a picture book, followed by a hands-on activity.
• Investigation Station [Wednesdays 3-5pm]: Facilitator-led pop-up experiments on Wednesday afternoons.
• The Mathroom [First Fridays 2-5pm and Saturdays 11-2pm]: A dedicated space for rich, hands-on mathematical discovery.

In addition to the free-with-admission programs, they offer

homeschool classes, summer camps, and LEGO Robotics clubs. Wise Wonders also remains a favorite destination for school field trips across the Montana/Wyoming region. Finally, keep an eye out for more ticketed events like the favorite Little STEAMers Thanksgiving Party and the Noon Year’s Eve bubble party.

IMPACT BEYOND THE WALLS

The museum’s reach extends well beyond its front doors. Through partnerships with MSUB and ZooMontana, Wise Wonders is expanding its community footprint. The Science in the Summer Series, which utilizes MSUB facilities and students to bring STEAM to summer camps, aims to reach 400 participants this year. You’ll also find Wise Wonders hosting pop-up exhibits at Billings’ favorites like the Strawberry Festival and Harvest Fest.

A BRIGHT FUTURE

Wise Wonders is at an exciting inflection point. After five years under a volunteer Executive Director to ensure financial stability post-pandemic, the museum has officially entered a growth phase. With the additions of Dana Andersson as soon-to-be Executive Director and Kaylinn Swaim (formerly of Monkey Around Play Cafe) as Operations Manager, the leadership team is dedicated to expansion and growth.

"It’s clear that our community wants [the museum] here," says Andersson. "I’m excited for this next phase as we evolve to meet the learning needs of our community in a fun and playful way."

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Billings Public Library has a Wise Wonders pass that can be checked out for free entry into the museum for up to 4 individuals.

• The Math Room is one of only 18 in the country, supported by MathHappens, an organization dedicated to helping bring math to life.

• Wise Wonders is available for fun and affordable birthday parties for members and non-members

• Every first Friday of the month is free from 5-7pm

• The museum is attached to The Bearded Bean Coffee Shop, which has great caffeinated beverages as well as smoothies and snacks for kiddos

At Wise Wonders,

it's more than a museum;

it’s a space where families connect, and curious minds thrive.

Explore the endless possibilities of purposeful play and discover

new exhibits coming in 2026.

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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