Milwaukee With Kids

Milwaukee Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Pabst Theater
2025-12-24 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition
For decades Wisconsinites have enjoyed A Christmas Carol as their favorite holiday tradition. Now join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary production of this Dickens’ classic. Experience the magic of this beloved tale as Ebenezer Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation inspires holiday cheer with the timeless message of peace, hope and joy. With beautiful music, lively dancing, stunning sets and eye-popping special effects, it’s a dazzling Christmas feast with enough theatrical goodies to fill any sized stocking hung by the chimney with care.
Nov. 25 – Dec. 24, 2025
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.

Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
2025-12-24 16:30 - 22:00 | Downtown Milwaukee, WI
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 the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival the highlight of your season.
View the 2025 festival guide here.
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
2025-12-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Hawthorn Glen Nature Center, 1130 N 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
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 change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Milwaukee Ballet's The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer's Imaginarium
2025-12-24 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is back and more magical than ever! After two whimsical years of record-setting audience attendance and universal critical acclaim, journey into the Imaginarium to experience the wonders of the holidays once again. Find your tickets here!
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.

Now Showing at The Daniel Soref Theater and Planetarium
2025-12-24 10:30 - 16:10 | MPM Daniel M Soref Planetarium, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, 53233, United States
NOW SHOWING AT THE DANIEL M. SOREF THEATER AND PLANETARIUM
Check out the Planetarium programs and giant films playing daily.
Now through January 22, 2026 (Wednesdays through Mondays)

10:30 a.m.
Wisconsin Stargazing

11:10 a.m.
Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa

12:10 p.m.
The First Stargazers

12:50 p.m.
Call of the Dolphins

1:50 p.m.
Wisconsin Stargazing

2:30 p.m.
Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa

3:30 p.m.
The First Stargazers

4:10 p.m.
Call of the Dolphins

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.

Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park MKE (Weather Permitting)
2025-12-24 10:00 - 20:00 | Red Arrow Park, 920 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
December through Early March 2026 (weather permitting): See website for updates
Red Arrow Park
414.289.8791 | countyparks.com
Ice skate in the heart of Downtown at the “Slice of Ice” rink while surrounded by twinkling lights and dazzling décor. Skate rentals are $11 for adults and $9 for children. Ice skating is free with your own skates.
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.

Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
2025-12-24 10:00 - 19:00 | Milwaukee Central Library, 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
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.

Move and Groove at the St Francis Library
2025-12-24 10:00 - 10:30 | St Francis Public Library, 4230 S Nicholson Ave, St Francis, WI, 53235, United States
Ages O – 5. Older siblings welcome.
Join us for songs, rhymes, and dancing!
No Registration required. We will meet in the Hoppe Room in the lower level of the Library.

Public Ice Skating at The Pettit MKE
2025-12-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Pettit National Ice Center, 500 S 84th St, Milwaukee, WI, 53214, United States
Public Ice Skating! Check The Website for additional times.
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.

Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
2025-12-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Shady Lane Greenhouse, W172N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051, United States
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 form new holiday memories.
Come see the inside workings of the gingerbread cookie factory, that has been refurbished by many passionate volunteers over the years. There are great photo opportunities, coloring pages, and more. Come visit, the house will be open daily through the holiday season, 10am to 3pm.
Shady Lane Greenhouse wishes to thank all those who have donated funds and time to the restoration of this beautiful and memorable “house!”
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.

Christmas at the Zoo at Shalom Wildlife Zoo West Bend
2025-12-23 09:00 - 15:30 | Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, 1901 Shalom Dr, West Bend, WI, 53090, United States
Christmas at the Zoo is a daytime event that’s open daily from November 23rd through December 31st.
Walk or drive through in the comfort of your own car, relax, and enjoy the wildlife along with the unique holiday displays and decorations. The drive-through experience takes approximately one hour.
After your journey through the zoo, enjoy access to the petting zoo and a cozy, crackling campfire. Animal feed for the petting zoo is available for purchase in the gift shop.
The hours are from 9am-3:30pm. $15 per adult, $10 per child (ages 2 & under are FREE). No reservations needed, you can pay at the drive-up ticket booth. Last cars or walkers admitted at 3pm.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Ninja Open Gym at Altius Gymnastics Academy Franklin (Ages 6+ Including Adults)
2025-12-22 19:05 - 20:05 | Altius Gymnastics Academy, 9670 S Franklin Dr, Franklin, WI, 53132, United States
Ninja Open Gym

Ages 6+ (Including Adults!)
Mondays 7:05-8:05 pm
Fridays 6:00-7:00 pm
Come practice in our dedicated Ninja Space at the 9650 Entrance.

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.

Illuminate Ozaukee at Zeunert Park Cedarburg
2025-12-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Herman A. Zeunert Park, WI, United States
Experience the magic of the holidays!
Each December, the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center partners with local businesses and nonprofits to transform Zeunert Park in Cedarburg into a glowing drive-thru winter wonderland. Families can wind through the park and take in dazzling light displays, festive music, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Keep an eye out for Santa or other fun holiday characters appearing throughout the season. They love surprising guests along the route!
Every display is created and sponsored by a local organization, each one adding its own sparkle and creativity. Visitors can cast their vote for a favorite display when they arrive, helping crown this year’s Holiday Design Champion. Enter the light show from Lincoln Blvd and exit onto Hamilton Road. Zeunert Park is located just a few minutes from downtown Cedarburg, making it easy to enjoy a full night of holiday fun, from shopping and dining to festive events.
This event is free, however there is a suggested minimum $20 donation. Your cash or credit donation helps strengthen our community! All proceeds support the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center and our network of local nonprofit agencies.
Illuminate Ozaukee celebrates community, creativity, and connection, all while supporting the programs and partners of the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center.

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Santa Days at Cedarburg Santa's Workshop
2025-12-22 16:00 - 19:00 | WI
Thanks to generous grants from the Greater Cedarburg Foundation and Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc., a charming 15′ x 15′ gingerbread house graces Cedarburg’s Washington Avenue for the entire Christmas season; located just outside of the Cedarburg Community Gym:
W63N645 Washington Ave
Cedarburg, WI 53012
Santa and Mrs. Claus often stop by in the days leading up to Christmas. When Santa’s not in to greet guests, you can peek in the windows to see his charming fireplace and the toys he and the elves have been working on!
Santa and Mrs. Claus are excited to meet with as many families as possible this year. Please note – there is high demand and we can’t always accommodate every family. We encourage you to arrive early as we schedule families into time slots the day of each event, and there are a limited number of time slots each day. Once you are on the list, we encourage you to walk around and enjoy our lovely town while you’re waiting for your reservation. We begin taking walk-up reservations 15 minutes BEFORE the workshop opens. Please note, some families do come well before the workshop opens to stand in line to make their walk-up reservations.
We appreciate your patience and kindness. Our volunteers work very hard to try to get every family in, and are just as upset to have to turn families away. Please don’t make their jobs more difficult than it already is!

2025 Santa Days:

Friday, November 21 (Santa and Mrs. Claus will be walking through Cedarburg, 5-8p)

Friday, November 28, 4-7pm

Saturday, November 29, 11am-2pm

Saturday, December 6, 11am-2pm

Friday, December 12, 4-7pm

Saturday, December 13, 11am-2pm

Friday, December 19, 4-7pm

Saturday, December 20, 11-2pm

Monday, December 22, 4-7pm

*Santa is at the Cedar Creek Settlement on Friday, December 5!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Winter Break at The Milwaukee Public Museum
2025-12-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, 53233, United States
WINTER BREAK
December 22, December 29-January 2
10 a.m. – Noon; 1 – 3 p.m.
Join MPM Educators as we highlight some of our favorite frozen topics during winter break! Feel the furs that cover Arctic animals, discover how to tell apart horns, tusks, and antlers, and explore the differences between the mammoths and mastodons that both called ancient Wisconsin home.
Furs and Footprints: Test your zoology skills by matching the furs and footprints of Arctic animals as you learn what helps animals survive and thrive in extreme cold!
Mammoths and Mastodons: Is that a mastodon? A mammoth? Learn how to tell the differences between these ancient animals and what each can tell us about Wisconsin’s past.
Points of Emphasis: What exactly is growing out of that animal’s head? What is it used for? Explore the differences between antlers, horns, tusks, and teeth and the many roles they play throughout the animal kingdom.
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.

H2GRoW at Betty Brinn Children's Museum
2025-12-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
H2GR0W

July 14 & 21 2025 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn how to grow food plants like lettuce and basil with no soil and no digging! Our hydroponic Fork Farms garden can grow plants with only water and light. Join us for h2gr0w programs every Monday at 1 p.m. to plant seeds, keep the water healthy and pick plants that are ready to eat.

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.

Disney's Newsies at Greendale Community Theatre
2025-12-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Greendale High School, 6801 Southway, Greendale, WI, 53129, United States
July 24 – August 2, 2025 For Times and Ticketing Info, Look Here.
Performance Location: Greendale High School Auditorium, 6801 Southway Greendale, WI
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.

Glow Ice Skating at Eble Park Ice Arena (Brookfield)
2025-12-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Eble Park Ice Arena, 19400 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53045, United States
Glow Skate at Eble Park Ice Arena Skate under the glow lights for a festive twist on a favorite winter activity. This fun-filled event is open to all ages and skating abilities.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, December 26, 2025 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 27, 2025 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 2:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Friday, January 2, 2026 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
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.

Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Brown Deer Park
2025-12-21 17:00 - 21:00 | Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Drive into the magic of the Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, a radiant journey filled with hundreds of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday displays that sparkle with festive wonder. From the comfort of a cozy car, sip a favorite drink, snack on treats, and let the synchronized lights dance in harmony with holiday tunes. Stretching over a mile, this glowing adventure transforms the season into a spectacular celebration of light and joy.

Highlights
✨ Explore hundreds of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday light displays
🚗 Cruise over 1 mile of magical scenery from the comfort of your car
🎶 Tune in to festive music synced perfectly with the sparkling lights
🍿 Pack your favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy along the glowing journey
General Info
📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
📍 Location: Brown Deer Park
👤 Age requirement: all ages are welcome!
♿ Accessibility: this is a drive-through experience
❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here

Get your tickets today for the Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show in Milwaukee!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Milwaukee Jazz Institute Student Ensemble Performance at Sam's Place Jazz Cafe
2025-12-21 10:30 - 13:30 | Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe, 3338 N Doctor MLK Jr Dr, Milwaukee, 53212, United States
Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe 3338 N Doctor MLK Jr Dr Milwaukee WI

We are excited about the MJI ensemble performances at Sam’s Place Jazz Café on Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21. This is an opportunity for our ensembles to play the music they’ve been working on this term and for family, friends, and the community to come to hear some great jazz at Milwaukee’s jazziest coffeehouse and cafe.
Sam’s Place offers delicious food and coffee.

Saturday, December 20, 2025
11:00 AM – Maiden Voyage Ensemble
11:30 AM – Footprints Ensemble
Noon – Misterioso Ensemble

Sunday, December 21, 2025
10:30 AM – Blue Note Ensemble
11:00 AM – Sidewinder Ensemble
11:30 AM – Giant Steps Ensemble
Noon – Yardbird Ensemble
12:30 – So What Ensemble

Milwaukee Makers Market at Discovery World
2025-12-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Discovery World, 500 North Harbor, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Milwaukee Makers Market

October 19th – Discovery World / November 29th – Discovery World / December 21st – Discovery World
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Celebrate Shop Small Saturday with amazing handmade items while supporting local businesses as the Milwaukee Makers Market returns to Discovery World!
Milwaukee Makers Market is a celebration of the city’s creators and our local community. Creator Ryan Laessig curates each market to create a perfect opportunity for small business owners to sell their wares and make connections with fans and other makers.
*The market is free to attend! General admission applies if you plan to visit the exhibits.
*Vendors are selected by Milwaukee Makers Market. Vendor information and applications can be found at milwaukeemakersmarket.com
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.

Milwaukee Makers Market at the Discovery World Pavilion
2025-12-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Discovery World, 500 North Harbor, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Milwaukee Makers Market
Sunday, July 20 from 10am to 4pm at the Discovery World Pavilion
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 Midwest's Largest G-Scale Train in Menomonee Falls
2025-12-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Shady Lane Greenhouse, W172N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051, United States
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, moving into a 4,800-square-foot space located in The House of Blooms. Today, with 16 tracks stretching over 2,000 feet, the display features a stunning collection of passenger, freight, diesel, steam, and cogwheel mountain trains.

Train enthusiasts of all ages come from far & wide to experience this engaging display. Surrounded by table & chair settings, you can enjoy hours perusing all the details of the trains, the track and the landscape, by yourself or with your family.

Visit us on weekends to witness this incredible, ever-evolving masterpiece in action. Trains run every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm. Everyone is welcome, and it’s FREE.

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Santa at the North Point Lighthouse Museum
2025-12-21 10:00 - 13:00 | North Point Lighthouse Museum, 2650 N Wahl Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States
Have your photo taken with Santa in the gallery at the North Point Lighthouse Museum! Climb the tower, browse the gift shop and take home a coloring sheet. Regular admission rates apply. The lighthouse is located at 2650 N. Wahl Ave. in Milwaukee County’s Lake Park.
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.

Kohl’s Design It! Lab Open at Discovery World
2025-12-21 09:00 - 15:30 | Discovery World, 500 North Harbor, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Kohl’s Design It! Lab Open

Saturdays & Sundays
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Bring the whole family to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab to make wonderfully creative projects that you can take home. You’ll choose a project from our rotating menu and we’ll guide you through the creation process. Projects can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes.

Included with General Admission
Last call at 3:15 pm

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.

Milwaukee Railroad Club's Toy Train and Collectible Show at The New Berlin Ale House
2025-12-21 08:00 - 12:00 | New Berlin Ale House, 16000 W Cleveland Ave, New Berlin, WI, 53151, United States
Toy Train and Collectible Show. Buy, Sell , and Trade Toy Trains and other Collectibles. New and Used . Our parts dealer has O gauge parts, mostly Lionel, post war and some pre war and some late model parts.Admission $4.00 Kids 12 and under Free with AdultEntrance on East side building off west Cleveland Ave
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.

Santa at the Pebble House Port Washington
2025-12-20 12:00 - 15:00 | WI
Come to the Pebble House in Port Washington from 12-3pm to visit with Santa! Kids of all ages are welcome.
There will be cookies and treats and, of course, Santa. Bring your letters as Santa will have is mailbox placed at the Pebble House from November 29th to December 20th.
These are the dates Santa will be at Pebble House from 12-3pm:

Saturday November 29
Sunday December 7
Saturday December 13
Saturday December 20

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Lunch with Santa at North Shore Boulangerie in Shorewood
2025-12-20 11:00 - 13:30 | WI
Bring the kids to Lunch with Santa, Dec. 13 and 20, and enjoy savory and sweet North Shore Boulangerie delicacies.
$30 per adult, $15 per child.

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Story Time at Wonderland Bookshop
2025-12-20 11:00 - 11:30 | Wonderland Bookshop, 4001 N Downer Avenue, Shorewood, Wisconsin, 53211
Join us for a story time! We will be reading one of our favorite stories every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. RSVP encouraged but not required. We hope to see you there!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.
