If traveling to a tropical paradise is not in your future this Spring Break, an epic Milwaukee staycation still can be. To keep your kids entertained and engaged during Spring Break, look no further than your own backyard!
Whether you want to splash around at indoor water parks, explore local museums, or take a day trip your kids will love, there’s something for everyone in and around Southeastern Wisconsin. Here are 100 ideas to make your family’s staycation memorable:
Explore What’s New
Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to explore what’s new around town. Here are our favorite new additions:
- Rhino Care Center at the Milwaukee County Zoo – Brand new indoor facility to observe rhinos and hippos up close.
- Big League Fun at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum – A brand new exhibit with a batting cage, jumbotron, press box, design-your-own baseball cards, and more!
- Astros Playland & Cafe – A new indoor play area in Franklin with large slides, climbing structures, imaginative play areas, plus a dedicated toddler section with a ball pit and pretend-play stations.
- Slingshot Bar – Reserve a 75 minute private bay to sim at targets in the jungle junkyard. Available daily from Noon to 5 PM, Sling & Slice includes 60 minutes of slingshot shooting on the Jungle Junkyard Range, followed by a classic pizza-and-drink combo that keeps the energy going.
- Lava Island – This new action-packed indoor playground in Brookfield is set to open this Spring!
- Family Friendly Game Room at Camp Bar in Wauwatosa – Skeeball, pinball, arcade games, and more.
- Can-D Shop at 3rd Street Market Hall – A colorful wonderland of Wisconsin-source candy
- Claw Frenzy in Brookfield – A claw-machine only arcade.
Milwaukee Public Museum Diorama-Rama
The Milwaukee Public Museum is celebrating its iconic exhibits with Diorama-RAMA, a series of special events and activities this spring. Programs throughout March and April include a spring break diorama workshop (March 30–April 3), a community diorama contest, and a closing celebration on April 11. Most activities are included with regular museum admission!
Explore the Harley Davidson Museum & Campus
The Harley-Davidson Museum offers an interactive stop for the whole family. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits in the Experience Gallery, see historic motorcycles in the Engine Room, and families can grab a bite from the kid-friendly menu at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant.
The museum will also host Brunch with the Bunny on Sunday, April 5 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.), featuring a festive buffet with made-to-order omelets, carving stations, desserts, and family activities like cookie decorating and Easter egg candy filling. Guests can also take photos with the Bunny during the celebration. Reservations are recommended.
Discovery World
Open seven days a week during spring break! Families can explore hands-on exhibits throughout Discovery World, including favorites like the Drive Simulator, Bernoulli Table, and the Dream Machine. Other highlights include Run the City and Light Energy in the Power On exhibit, and interactive experiences in the Les Paul House of Sound, where visitors can explore how sound works. The aquarium side also features some of our favorite engaging exhibits like Great Lakes Future, The Challenge, and the creative Doodle Studio.
Easter Bunny Photos at Southridge
Families can take Photos with the Bunny at Southridge Mall from March 20 through April 4. The spring photo experience welcomes both walk-ins and reservations, with photo sessions available Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with short afternoon breaks each day). Photos are provided by Snaptastic.
Springs Water Park
Over 45,000 square feet of warm, water-filled adventures, Springs Water Park offers high-speed slides, a relaxing lazy river, and dedicated kids’ areas. This park is ideal for spring break getaways, offering day passes and overnight accommodations at the Ingleside Hotel.
- On-Site Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, and dining at Didi’s Restaurant.
- Water Park Access: Book an overnight stay or grab a limited day pass (available online, often sells out).
- Private Cabanas: Reserve a dedicated space near the indoor/outdoor hot tub for a more relaxed visit.
- Eggbert’s Pop-Up Arcade (March 23–April 3): 75+ games including retro arcade classics, pinball, and Japanese rhythm games Open daily from 9:00 AM to midnight in the Oakton Ballroom
- Daily Activities: Family-friendly programming through the “Experience Ingleside” schedule.
- All-You-Can-Eat Lunch Buffet: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM on select dates (March 23–27 & March 30–April 3) Includes kid-friendly favorites like pizza, mac and cheese, fruit, and more
Spring Break Camps
Need a fun place to send your child during spring break? Check out these local Spring Break Camps, from Camp Minikani in Hubertus to Adventure Rock in Riverwest.
Close To Home
Milwaukee is packed with museums that your kids will love, so why not play Tourist-In-Your-Own-Town? Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Best Local Hotels: If you’re planning a staycation, relax at Downtown Hotels with Indoor Pools or experience one of Milwaukee’s Coolest Places to Stay!
- The Domes: Go on a Spring Break Family Fun Quest and enjoy the warm weather inside The Domes in Mitchell Park.
- Milwaukee Art Museum: The art museum is always free for kids 12 and under! Plus, here are the 10 Best Things to do at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: See the new Big League exhibit at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum!
- Milwaukee County Zoo: Special animal enrichment activities happening daily.
- March Milkshakes: Don’t miss your chance to indulge in over-the-top minty March milkshakes at the best local eateries, including Joy Ice Cream in Wauwatosa, Better Together Cafe, and Kopp’s.
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Hike to Mystery Lake and climb the observation tower.
- Wehr Nature Center: Stroll on the Family Friendly Trail and play in their nature place space.
- Urban Ecology Center: Find the secret slides at Riverside Park and Menomonee Valley, and check out the brand new building at Washington Park!
- Retzer Nature Center: Explore the free Discovery Trail, nature center, and special programming in the Horwitz Planetarium.
- Best Playgrounds: If the weather cooperates, check out one of these must-visit playgrounds around Milwaukee.
- Tours & Tastings: From historic buildings to tasty treats, we found Milwaukee Tours and Tastings around Milwaukee that your whole family will enjoy.
- Art & Pottery Studios: For more info, check out our post on the Top 5 Art & Pottery Studios for Creative Kids >>
Only in Milwaukee
These uniquely Milwaukee ideas celebrate our city’s special personality and creative local businesses:
- Afternoon Tea at the Pfister: Afternoon Tea at The Pfister is an elegant yet family-friendly experience with breathtaking views, delicious treats, and even kid-friendly drink options. It’s the perfect way to add a little magic to your week!
- Safehouse: The Safehouse is a spy-themed Milwaukee institution is welcoming to kids and families before 8:00 p.m., and they create an exciting junior spy experience perfect for kids of all ages. There’s even a disappearing booth!
- Bay View Printing Company: Sign up for a family workshop to create colorful hand-made posters on their 100-year-old letterpress machines.
- Ride the Hop: Have you ever actually ridden the Hop? There are some extra family-friendly destinations along the route.
- North Point Lighthouse: Climb the tower at the historic North Point Lighthouse for a great view of Lake Michigan and Lake Park.
More Indoor Water Parks (One Hour or Less)
- Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (Lake Geneva): Kids will love Moose Mountain Falls, inside Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, the on-site indoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and a splash area. Their new “Yes Day” package includes an overnight stay, waterpark passes, and a $100 resort credit that can be used for activities like mini golf, arcade games, mini bowling, pizza, or ice cream. Young guests can also try the new Jr. VIP check-in experience, meet Bruce the Moose during select check-in times, and celebrate the resort’s 25th anniversary with themed activities and a Friday night dance party.
- Breaker Bay at Blue Harbor Resort (Sheboygan): 54,000-square-foot indoor water park with the Riptide Surf Simulator, Molly’s Moat lazy river and the popular Lily Hopper.
Day Trips (One Hour Or Less)
The Balloon Adventure: Buggin’ Out! (Williams Bay, WI)
Head to Williams Bay for a colorful, larger-than-life balloon experience at PIER 290. The Balloon Adventure: Buggin’ Out! invites families to explore a whimsical world of giant balloon insects, including butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees, along with interactive displays and photo-friendly installations. The immersive exhibit runs March 20–29, 2026, with daytime admission available most days and special themed events like a family dance party and movie night on select evenings. Proceeds benefit Camp Timber-lee, a year-round youth camp serving kids and teens.
Historic Cedarburg
Located just 22 miles north of Milwaukee, historic Cedarburg offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the shops in the quaint downtown area, grab a donut at Donut Monster, and browse through the shops in the Cedar Creek Settlement. Catch a movie at the Rivoli Theatre, and unwind at the social house and mercantile Art of Joy. You can also check out the General Store Museum, see one of the last covered bridge in Wisconsin in Covered Bridge Park, and take a stroll through beautiful Cedar Creek Park. There’s a nice playground along the river next to Cedar Creek Brewery.
West Bend
Just minutes from Milwaukee, West Bend is your easy-on-gasoline getaway. This charming community is nestled in the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine. West Bend offers four museums, including the Museum of Wisconsin Art, which often has kid-friendly activities and classes.
Shalom Wildlife Zoo is another must-visit destination near West Bend. Experience nature at its best on foot or rent a golf cart. Explore over three miles of gravel road on foot or in a golf cart and spot bison, deer, elk, wild sheep, along with wolves, cougar, bear, zebra, camel and much more in large natural environments. There are learning centers and educational signage posted along the way.
Kenosha
Step back into pre-historic times at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum just blocks from Lake Michigan, the Kenosha Public Museum, play laser tag and ride bumper cars at America’s Action Territory Family Fun Park, grab lunch at Mars Cheese Castle, and Kenosha’s crown jewel playground, Dream Playground at Peztke Park.
Sheboygan
Just a hop, skip, and a jump north of Milwaukee is Sheboygan, home to Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. Explore almost 10,000 square feet of exhibit space on three floors. You’ll find a giant pin screen, a community art wall, a sky crawl, a bee hive exhibit, a kid-sized lighthouse, and more.
You’ll also want to visit the Kohler Arts Center. Admission and parking are free, and there is an art space just for kids, an outdoor garden, and ever-changing exhibits. One of the highlights of your visit might actually be a trip to the restrooms! Colorful tiles and whimsical designs fill the bathrooms so there’s never a dull moment. Plus, stop by the Social STUDIO to pick up a sketchbook and pencil to write and draw as you explore the galleries.
Lake Geneva
Stroll through the historic and charming shops and restaurants, walk along the shore path, and relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva. Dan Patch Stables is located at the entrance of the Grand Geneva, and offers pony rides, a free petting farm and trail rides. Older kids may be ready for a zip line adventure with Lake Geneva Ziplines.
Weekend Getaways (Under Two Hours)
Chicago
Beyond the traditional galleries and historic sites, these 5 quirky Chicago museums promise a day of fun for your kids. From the colorful Slime Museum and Color Factory to the delicious Museum of Ice Cream, your kids will have a feast for the eyes!
Madison
Stroll down State Street, marvel at the Wisconsin State Capitol (tours have been canceled), pop into the Madison Children’s Museum, and visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, a 28-acre free public zoo that is home to an African lion, chimpanzees, a red panda and more!
The Children’s Zoo featured gibbons, red pandas, goats, meerkats, and more. There is also a carousel, Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, a train and a playground. (The train and playground are currently closed.)
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark
Visit the premier cave in the upper Midwest and the jewel box of America’s major show caves. Guided tours of this geologic wonder follow paved, lighted walkways departing regularly every day of the year. Tours pass a stunning array of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted walkways.
Visitors also enjoy a gemstone mine, fossil dig, butterfly gardens, hiking trails, snack bar and picnic area. Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark is located in southwest Wisconsin just 20 minutes west of Madison, off U.S. Highways 18/151. Visit their website for more information.
House on the Rock
Marvel at the House On the Rock, an engineering and artistic masterpiece, and check out the eclectic, exotic and whimsical collections and displays.
On your self-guided tour you will explore The Infinity Room, extending an unsupported length of 218 feet and soaring 156 above the valley floor, The World’s Largest Carousel featuring 269 handcrafted animals, 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers, an enormous sea creature longer than the Statue of Liberty is tall, and a Japanese Garden including 14 foot quadruple waterfalls cascading into a garden pond.
Green Bay
Check out the beautiful Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, a 600 acre urban wildlife refuge featuring live animal exhibits, educational displays, waterfalls and boardwalk area, miles of hiking/skiing trails and various wildlife viewing opportunities. For sports fans, take an up-close tour of Lambeau Field!
Wisconsin Dells
Spring Break may be your perfect opportunity to visit The Water Park Capital of America. But where to even begin exploring this water park and family fun haven? Here are the Best Wisconsin Dells Hotels With Indoor Water Parks.
EAA Airventure Museum
Your kids will love the historic aircrafts and memorabilia on display and the giant Eagle hangar at the EAA Airventure Museum in Oshkosh. Upstairs, the KidVenture Gallery is packed with exciting opportunities to learn about aviation, like flight simulators, an observation deck, and a cockpit experience.
Don’t miss the space section on the second floor where you’ll see a real meteorite and rocket launcher. Find out more at their website.
Legoland
From the LegoLand Discovery Center in the suburbs to the Shedd Aquarium in the heart of downtown, Chicagoland is jam-packed with family-friendly adventures. You can drive down for the day, or make a weekend getaway out of it! For more ideas around chicago, check out the Best Family Attractions Around Chicago.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
Head to the Land O’ Lakes Birthing Barn to see a calf being born, and explore interactive exhibits that help teach about Wisconsin agriculture including a tractor simulator the kids can drive, kinetic sand for learning about soil, bison, sheep, and mink fur, a butter churner, and a magnetic word wall.
Want more day trip ideas? See all of our favorite Day Trips From Milwaukee >
Free Fun
You don’t have to break the bank for a fun staycation. We rounded up the best 25 Free Things To Do In Spring, including:
- Say hi to the Bronze Fonz on the Riverwalk
- Take a stroll through Lynden Sculpture Garden
- Explore Black Cat Alley and our Milwaukee Mural Tour
…and much more!
Family Travel from Milwaukee
Direct Flights From MKE
If you want to plan a last minute trip, you can find direct flights from MKE to family-friendly destinations including Orlando, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and more.
St. Louis
Up for a Midwest road trip? St. Louis is packed with fun for the whole family that won’t break the bank. Check out these Free Family Activities in St. Louis.
Fun At Home
- Stay in and snuggle with one of our reader-recommended Best Family Movies.
- Unleash your inner mad scientist with these Easy Science Experiments For Kids To Do At Home
- Staying home? Here are 100 Fun, Easy Activities For Kids
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
