Milwaukee Family Events
Welcome to the MKE With Kids Events Calendar — your go-to guide for family-friendly events in the Milwaukee area. From free storytimes and hands-on workshops to can’t-miss festivals and seasonal celebrations, we round up the best local happenings for kids and families all in one place.
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Visit the Midwest’s Largest G-Scale Train in Menomonee Falls
Shady Lane Greenhouse W172N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
Shady Lane Greenhouse W172N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Milwaukee Central Library 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Fox and Branch Family Concert at Anodyne Coffee (Walker’s Point MKE)
Anodyne - Walkers Point 224 W Bruce St, Milwaukee
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Hawthorn Glen Nature Center 1130 N 60th Street, Milwaukee
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Hawthorn Glen Nature Center 1130 N 60th Street, Milwaukee
Week of Events
Sunday, December 28, 2025
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December 28, 2025 -Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
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December 28, 2025 -Visit the Midwest’s Largest G-Scale Train in Menomonee Falls
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December 28, 2025 -Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
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December 28, 2025 -Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
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December 28, 2025 -Fox and Branch Family Concert at Anodyne Coffee (Walker’s Point MKE)
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December 28, 2025 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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December 28, 2025 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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December 28, 2025 -Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
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December 28, 2025 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
Frosty Free Week at the Zoo 📅December 26-30 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (open until 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday) It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo is offering free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Regular parking and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s […]
Visit the Midwest’s Largest G-Scale Train in Menomonee Falls
This remarkable attraction began in 1998 when proprietor Karl Hornung was inspired by a magazine article about garden-scale railroads. What started as a small 6′ x 24′ Christmas setup quickly grew in size and popularity, eventually taking over half a greenhouse by its third year. From 2011 to 2013, the railroad underwent further expansion, […]
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Fox and Branch Family Concert at Anodyne Coffee (Walker’s Point MKE)
November 30th, 2025 Anodyne Coffee (Will Branch with guests)11:00 am Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | Walker’s Point, 224 W Bruce St, Milwaukee, WI December 28th, 2025 Anodyne Coffee (Will Branch with guests)11:00 am Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | Walker’s Point, 224 W Bruce St, Milwaukee, WI Starts at 11 AM sharp! Fox & Branch's Will Branch will perform […]
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Monday, December 29, 2025
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December 29, 2025 -Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
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December 29, 2025 -Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
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December 29, 2025 -Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
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December 29, 2025 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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December 29, 2025 -Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
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December 29, 2025 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
Frosty Free Week at the Zoo 📅December 26-30 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (open until 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday) It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo is offering free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Regular parking and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s […]
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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December 30, 2025 -Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
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December 30, 2025 -Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
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December 30, 2025 -Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
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December 30, 2025 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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December 30, 2025 -Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
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December 30, 2025 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
Frosty Free Week at the Zoo 📅December 26-30 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (open until 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday) It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo is offering free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Regular parking and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s […]
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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December 31, 2025 -Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
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December 31, 2025 -Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
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December 31, 2025 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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December 31, 2025 -Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
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December 31, 2025 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
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December 31, 2025 -Milwaukee Downtown New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the Cheer District
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Milwaukee Downtown New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the Cheer District
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Wed, December 31 | 10pm Cheer District Ring in the new year with a fireworks display, following the Milwaukee Bucks game! Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Thursday, January 1, 2026
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January 1, 2026 -Free Admission to the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Thank You Thursdays
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January 1, 2026 -Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
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January 1, 2026 -Cool Fool Kite Festival at Veterans Park MKE
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January 1, 2026 -Polar Bear Plunge 2026: Milwaukee Lakefront at Bradford Beach and Shorewood at Atwater Park
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January 1, 2026 -Family Yoga Fest at Beulah Brixton Community Center (Bay View)
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January 1, 2026 -Friends and Family Game Night at the Urban Ecology Center Washington Park
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January 1, 2026 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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January 1, 2026 -Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
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January 1, 2026 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
Free Admission to the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Thank You Thursdays
FREE ADMISSION to the Milwaukee Public Museum! 2026 DATES AND TIMES from 10:00am to 5:00pm *Ticket will be accepted for entry anytime between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Visit length is not limited. Free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month. FREE admission for Kohl's Thank You Thursdays. ALL visitors* (excluding groups) receive FREE access to […]
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Cool Fool Kite Festival at Veterans Park MKE
Cool Fool Kite Festival (Free!) Jan. 1, 2026 | Veterans Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Start the new year with kite-flying fun at this free festival along Milwaukee’s lakefront. Watch expert kite flyers, enjoy ice sculpting demonstrations, and warm up with free coffee and hot chocolate. Bring your own kite or buy one on-site! Please note: […]
Polar Bear Plunge 2026: Milwaukee Lakefront at Bradford Beach and Shorewood at Atwater Park
Ring in 2026 by jumping into frigid Lake Michigan with thousands of fellow Wisconsinites—or simply cheer from the shore with hot cocoa in hand. The greater Milwaukee area offers multiple polar plunge opportunities, from the legendary Bradford Beach tradition to charity-focused events supporting Special Olympics athletes. Bradford Beach: Milwaukee's biggest polar plunge The Bradford Beach […]
Family Yoga Fest at Beulah Brixton Community Center (Bay View)
Let's kick off the new year with our free, fun, and fantastic yoga event! On Jan. 1, join us at Beulah Brinton Community Center for an active start to 2026! Please bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Event Information When: Jan. 1, 2026 Where: Beulah Brinton Community Center (2555 S. Bay St.) Register […]
Friends and Family Game Night at the Urban Ecology Center Washington Park
Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Washington Park - NEW Location! 1859 N 40th St Milwaukee WI Calling everyone for an unforgettable evening of laughter and friendly competition at Washington Park! Bring your favorite board games or choose from our selection. Come for popcorn and more! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026 It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Friday, January 2, 2026
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January 2, 2026 -Community Free Day at The Jewish Museum Milwaukee
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January 2, 2026 -Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
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January 2, 2026 -Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
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January 2, 2026 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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January 2, 2026 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
Community Free Day at The Jewish Museum Milwaukee
COMMUNITY FREE DAY FOR VIOLINS OF HOPE: STRINGS OF JEWISH RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE DATE: January 2, 2026 TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: Jewish Museum Milwaukee COST: FREE for MKE County Residents We invite all Milwaukee County residents to experience the powerful Violins of Hope exhibit free of charge during this special Community Free […]
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Saturday, January 3, 2026
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January 3, 2026 -Sherman Park Neighborhood’s Winter Farmer’s Market at The Table
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January 3, 2026 -Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day
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January 3, 2026 -Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
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January 3, 2026 -ABC Academy at MKE Central Downtown Library
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January 3, 2026 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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January 3, 2026 -Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
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January 3, 2026 -Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
Sherman Park Neighborhood’s Winter Farmer’s Market at The Table
Saturdays through the end of March: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm The Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market has returned to The Table every Saturday this winter. Its dual goals are to provide a venue for the community to access local and regional produce, meats, bread, honey and other value-added products, and to support local family businesses […]
Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day
Enjoy a family day at the Zoo — outdoors or in! On this day, all guests receive free admission (parking and regular attraction fees still apply). See Eastern black rhinos Kianga and Zuri in the new Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center, and say hello to hippo Happy. Please note: Dates and times are subject […]
Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls. Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to […]
ABC Academy at MKE Central Downtown Library
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter! Ages 4-6. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to […]
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
Little Nature Museum Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk. Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Attendance is FREE! Please note: Dates and times are subject to […]
Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
November 22 - January 31* *Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25) *Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm November 24 - December 11 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm December 12 - December 20 Sunday - Thursday: 5pm to […]
Want to share an event? Submit it here for consideration.


