Milwaukee Family Events

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 […]

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

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, […]

Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026  Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]

🎄The Brickyard Holiday Marketplace + BrickBox are a brand-new collaborative event between handmade and your favorite art-centric brick & mortar locations! Please note: this is NOT A DESTASH EVENT. Vendors will be selling their wares at regular prices. Tickets for adults are required for entry, kids are FREE.   🎟️ $10 Ticket Includes:  $5 Admission → […]

 Soda with Santa is a fun, family friendly event! When you arrive, check in at the front desk and then wait to get your picture taken with Santa. Once you get your picture taken, you go on a brewery tour. On the tour, adults get four craft beer samples, and everyone gets unlimited soda samples. […]

Boswell Book Company and Books & Company Presents Dav Pilkey, creator of Dog Man, at the Riverside Theater Power up with Dog Man: Big Jim Believes from the global #1 bestselling author and award-winning artist Dav Pilkey. Join the journey as our heroes discover the influence of belief and find truth from within. With threads of […]

MATH, SCIENCE, HISTORY AND READING COME TO LIFE Based on the ever-popular, award-winning 1970s cartoons, this fast-paced, high energy musical teaches lessons with clever, catchy tunes. Follow Tom, a young teacher, who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing facets of his personality […]

MATH, SCIENCE, HISTORY AND READING COME TO LIFE Based on the ever-popular, award-winning 1970s cartoons, this fast-paced, high energy musical teaches lessons with clever, catchy tunes. Follow Tom, a young teacher, who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing facets of his personality […]

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026  Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]

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 […]

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.

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

Ages 1.5 - 3 years. Siblings welcome. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! No Registration required. We will meet in the Hoppe Room in the lower level of the Library.

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 […]

Shop Fresh and Local May - November The West Allis Farmers Market, located at 6501 W. National Ave., is open from the first Saturday in May through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We open […]

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

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.

Move & Groove Wednesdays from 10:00am - 10:30am Ages 5 and under. 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. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please […]

Enjoy a fun and meaningful day of giving, with opportunities to volunteer, activities, entertainment, and light refreshments. Each year, Booksgiving pays tribute to a beloved book that inspires our past, present and future generations of readers and leaders. The theme of Booksgiving 2025 is inspired by The Wizard of Oz  by L. Frank Baum. Please note: […]

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDSLearn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12. *****DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.*LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)COST: $5 per child per date (ages 4-12) REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours […]

Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026  Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]

Join us for Furry Tales Story Time at the Wisconsin Humane Society! This FREE program is designed for children ages 2-4. Furry Tales includes heartwarming animal-themed books with an extra special twist: your little ones will also meet an adorable animal at WHS! Registration is encouraged, but not required. There is a limit of 3 […]

You Build It! During the summer months (through August 27, 2025), "You Build It!" is offered from 2-3 pm on Wednesdays. During the school year "You Build It!" is offered from 4-5 pm, ie. beginning again on August 3, 2025 Central Library - 814 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI Come build with us! We'll supply […]

This 15-20 minute story time is geared toward children ages 3-7, with an adult (siblings welcome). It features stories, songs, and rhymes that foster early literacy and will be followed by a craft related to the story. Wear something that can get messy! Registration is not required. Each session will take place in the Story […]

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026  Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]

Join us for Furry Tales Story Time at the Wisconsin Humane Society! This FREE program is designed for children ages 2-4. Furry Tales includes heartwarming animal-themed books with an extra special twist: your little ones will also meet an adorable animal at WHS! Registration is encouraged, but not required. There is a limit of 3 […]

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 […]

Shop Fresh and Local May - November The West Allis Farmers Market, located at 6501 W. National Ave., is open from the first Saturday in May through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We open […]

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 […]

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 […]

Join us over the rainbow for a family-friendly Date Night! Anyone is welcome to attend this fun evening, even flying monkeys! Dinner, dessert, and more included in registration. Price for two people is $35, and $15 each additional attendee. Take your son, your daughter, your partner ... anyone you'd like!   Please note: Dates, times, […]

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. […]

The elves at Milwaukee Downtown are busy preparing for the 27th installment of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. The six-week festival will return November 20 - January 1, transforming Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park, Red Arrow Park and Zeidler Union Square into festive winter scenes. Street decorations will also adorn three downtown thoroughfares, including […]

All programs are FREE, open to the public, and inclusive for all abilities. Open Gym (Open to the Public) Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd Whitefish Bay WI   Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event […]

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

A welcoming playgroup for parents and children ages 0–5! Join us for a fun and relaxed environment where you and your child can play, explore, and connect. Meet other parents/caregivers, share experiences, and build lasting friendships - everyone is welcome, whether you're coming with friends or hoping to make new ones! Facilitated by OFS Parents […]

Family Storytime Fridays from 10:00am - 10:30am Ages 5 & under. Older siblings welcome. Join us for stories, rhymes, and more! No Registration required. We will meet in the Hoppe Room in the lower level of the Library. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check […]

Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026  Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]

Join us at Infinite Gymnastics for Family Open Gym on Fridays from 10:30am-12pm Family Open Gym is designed for ages 1-6 with a parent (all ages are welcome on no school days!).   RULES:  ​ Ages 6 & Under - Parents chaperone kids & remain within arm's reach.  Parents are not allowed on the equipment. Ages 6+ […]

Celebrate the season with magical holiday photos with Santa, available November 21 through December 24!  Capture personalized memories with your family and keep the festive spirit alive — photos will be available all season long.  Location: Lower Level, Center Court Walk-ins and reservations welcomeReserve your spot here  bookmysantavisit.com  Santa takes a short break each day from 𝟮:𝟯𝟬-𝟯𝗽𝗺. […]

Holiday Folk Fair International A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the Tanzhauz, where attendees […]

Deer District Holiday Market — New This Year! 📍1134 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (Outside Fiserv Forum) 📅 Nov. 21–30 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) 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.

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 […]

What better way to end the week than by making friends with other animal enthusiasts and meeting animal guests? Kids Night Out is for kids in grades 1-6 and provides an opportunity for parents to enjoy a Friday evening to themselves while the kids have an awesome time at WHS. Themes and crafts are always […]

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 […]

Mayor Johnson to Tip Off Milwaukee’s Holiday Season at 2025 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting at Cheer District, Presented by the We Energies Foundation  112th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration will be held Friday, November 21 from 5-7 p.m. Deer District will transform into Cheer District, presented by the We Energies Foundation, for the seventh […]

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. […]

November 21 - December 31 / 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.) Nov. 21-29, Dec. 3-31; except closed Nov. 24-27, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25 Wild Lights and frosty nights! Experience the magic of the Zoo after dark, walking through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights throughout the forest […]

Wicked: For Good  Rating: PG, for action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. Synopsis: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about […]

First Stage’s The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! November 21 – December 28 Saturday, December 6 – 3:30 PM (Sensory Friendly Performance)  When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will […]

Join us for an evening filled with laughter, wonder and endless surprises as renowned magician Bill Blagg presents Family Magic! With over 60 minutes of non-stop magical fun, Family Magic is specifically designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Bill Blagg’s unique blend of comedy, audience participation, and mind-bending magic will keep you […]

November 14 - December 28, 2025 Get ready for a vibrant holiday treat! Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat is a dazzling, family-fun musical adventure. Follow biblical superstar Joseph, blessed with prophetic dreams, through his trials, tribulations, and triumphs, after his jealous brothers sell him into slavery. From outcast […]

Explore gorgeous clouds that give birth to stars. In this live, interactive show, witness the birth and death of stars and the breathtaking beauty of these interstellar clouds. The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions., This event is open to the public. Not […]

Santa's Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!  Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way. Santa’s Mailbox November 10 – December 14 Cathedral Square Park Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and […]

November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026 Show Dome Theme: Holiday Show Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday: 9am-4pm Closed: Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day 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.

Holiday Folk Fair International A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the Tanzhauz, where attendees […]

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, […]

Deck the Streets and Village...There's no place like MPM for the holidays! November 16, 2025 - January 25, 2026  Wednesdays through Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed […]

Join us at BlackBear Children's Boutique on Saturday, November 22nd at 10AM for Magical Mornings, our FREE  storytelling and craft series! We'll be reading "How to Catch a Turkey" and doing a matching craft & coloring activity to follow. Best-suited for ages 1-4 years. Hope to see you there!   Please note: Dates, times, and […]

ABC Academy Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 am Central Library - 814 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI 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! Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, […]

The holiday season officially begins at 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹 — and Santa’s on his way!  Gather the family and join us in 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 as we welcome Santa when he arrives aboard the 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟰𝟱 𝗔𝗠!  Santa begins photos at 12 PM — be among the first in line for your holiday picture […]

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 […]

Celebrate the season with magical holiday photos with Santa, available November 21 through December 24!  Capture personalized memories with your family and keep the festive spirit alive — photos will be available all season long.  Location: Lower Level, Center Court Walk-ins and reservations welcomeReserve your spot here  bookmysantavisit.com  Santa takes a short break each day from 𝟮:𝟯𝟬-𝟯𝗽𝗺. […]

Deer District Holiday Market — New This Year! 📍1134 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (Outside Fiserv Forum) 📅 Nov. 21–30 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) 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.

Join us at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls for lots of fun! Holiday trains will be running, plus there will be food, music, children's crafts + activities, and games. Santa visits will be from 11am-2pm.   Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check […]

Wicked: For Good  Rating: PG, for action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. Synopsis: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about […]

Join us at Infinite Gymnastics for All Ages Open Gym on Saturdays from 4-5:30pm. RULES:  ​ Ages 6 & Under - Parents chaperone kids & remain within arm's reach.  Parents are not allowed on the equipment. Ages 6+ Drop Off - Parents sign kids in and then leave. ​ Yellow Trampolines:   Only ONE person is allowed to jump at […]

Holiday Town Tree Lighting at the Corners of Brookfield Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Location: The Corners of Brookfield This lively event has carolers, live music (Ocean Rush), light displays, crafts, cocoa, Santa – and this year features a drone show! The holiday magic is BACK — and bigger […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

November 21 - December 31 / 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.) Nov. 21-29, Dec. 3-31; except closed Nov. 24-27, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25 Wild Lights and frosty nights! Experience the magic of the Zoo after dark, walking through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights throughout the forest […]