Looking for kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee today, this weekend, or all year? Start here. We’ve organized our most-loved guides – indoor play, parks and beaches, museums and animals, seasonal fun, day trips, and more – so you can jump straight to what you need.
Quick Start: Plan Your Family Fun
- Milwaukee Events Calendar: See the latest family-friendly events happening today and this week.
- Weekend Guide for Families: Our top 5–7 picks for kid-friendly fun every weekend.
- Interactive Map of Family Fun in Milwaukee: Discover playgrounds, museums, and activities near you.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page—it’s updated every year so you always have the 100 Best Things To Do in Milwaukee with Kids at your fingertips.
Seasonal Family Activities in Milwaukee
Winter in Milwaukee with Kids
When the temperatures drop, Milwaukee still shines with family fun. From ice rinks and sledding hills to cozy indoor playgrounds, winter is full of ways to keep kids active and entertained. Start with our full Winter in Milwaukee with Kids guide, or jump straight into these top picks.
Spring in Milwaukee with Kids
As the city thaws out, spring brings colorful festivals and family traditions. Celebrate tulip blooms, 414 Day, and plenty of egg hunts across the region. Start with our full Spring in Milwaukee with Kids guide, or jump straight into these top picks.
Summer in Milwaukee with Kids
When the days stretch long and the sun finally warms Lake Michigan, Milwaukee comes alive with family fun. Summer means splash pads, fresh-picked strawberries, lively festivals, and evenings spent under the stars. Start with our full Summer in Milwaukee with Kids guide, or jump straight into these top picks:
- Outdoor Milwaukee Summer Concerts
- Best Splash Pads
- Strawberry Picking Near Milwaukee
- Outdoor Water Parks & Pools
- Kid-Friendly Summer Festivals
- Sunflower Fields
Fall in Milwaukee With Kids
Crisp air and changing leaves make fall a magical time. Families can pick apples, wander through corn mazes, and find the perfect pumpkin patch for a day of fun. Start with our full Fall in Milwaukee with Kids guide, or jump straight into these top picks.
- Pumpkin Patches Near Milwaukee
- 2025 Milwaukee Apple Picking Guide
- Harvest Festivals Around Milwaukee
We also have an interactive Milwaukee Fall Fun Map where you can search apple orchards, haunted trails, and more by location.
Holiday Cheer
The holidays in Milwaukee are pure magic, from twinkling light displays and festive parades to cozy sleigh rides and Santa’s bright red mailboxes. Families can celebrate all season long with traditions old and new. Start with our full Milwaukee Holiday Fun Guide, or jump straight into these top picks:
Kid-Friendly Museums & Hands-On Learning
(Image: Betty Brinn Children’s Museum)
Milwaukee’s kid-friendly museums are packed with hands-on exhibits—perfect for rainy-day activities and curious learners. From toddler play spaces to STEM labs for tweens and teens, these spots make it easy to learn by doing.
A few local favorites include:
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, where kids can explore the newly updated Palermo’s Pizza Factory and Be-A-Maker space.
- Discovery World, with STEM exhibits, a touch tank, and a giant aquarium tunnel.
- Milwaukee Public Museum, featuring the beloved Streets of Old Milwaukee and live butterflies.
Plan your visit:
- See our full roundup Milwaukee Museums Your Kids Will Love
- Save money with Milwaukee’s Free Museum Days
- Plus: 5 Quirky Museums in Milwaukee you have to see to believe!
Best Playgrounds Around Milwaukee
(Image: Northwestern Mutual Community Park)
Milwaukee is filled with incredible playgrounds for kids of all ages, from inclusive spaces with sensory features to nature-inspired adventure zones.
Some local favorites include:
- Northwestern Mutual Community Park in downtown Milwaukee, with inclusive play areas and a sensory room.
- Kayla’s Playground in Franklin, a fully accessible space built for all abilities.
- Fort Cushing Playground in Delafield, a castle-themed structure that sparks the imagination.
For even more great picks, head to our full roundup of the 25 Best Playgrounds in Milwaukee. It includes local favorites across the city and suburbs, plus insider tips for your visit.
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Cafés in Milwaukee
(Image: Little Village Play Cafe)
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Cafés in Milwaukee
Whether it’s a rainy day or a frigid winter afternoon, Milwaukee has plenty of indoor spaces where kids can burn off energy and parents can relax.
A few standouts include:
- Little Village Play Café in Wauwatosa, a cozy space perfect for toddlers with great coffee for grown-ups.
- Slick City Action Park, an indoor, slide-focused adventure park with no water and plenty of thrills for older kids and tweens.
- Bug & Goose Play Café, offering a welcoming atmosphere for young kids and parents alike.
Explore our full list of the best indoor playgrounds and play cafés in Milwaukee for more spots to play all year long.
Great for Older Kids
- Cloud 9 Workshop – Eco-art projects for kids and adults.
- Adventure Rock – Indoor climbing walls for all ages.
- Trampoline & Adventure Parks – High-energy trampoline parks around Milwaukee.
- Springs Water Park – Family-friendly water park for year-round splashing fun.
- 1st and Bowl – Unique family venue offering bowling and fun activities for all ages.
- Best Milwaukee Arcades – Top arcade spots for games, prizes, and family entertainment.
- UWM Union Rec Center – A family-friendly hidden gem with recreational activities for all ages.
- Roller Skating & Skate Parks – Guide to roller rinks and skate parks around Milwaukee.
- Ultimate Ninjas in Oak Creek – New ninja-themed gym with obstacle courses for kids, opening in April.
Animal Adventures
Milwaukee offers families plenty of ways to get up close with animals, from iconic zoos to interactive aquariums. Here are some must-visit spots for animal lovers:
- Milwaukee County Zoo – 2,000 animals across 200 acres, with a Family Farm & Safari Train.
- Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World – Dive into Wisconsin’s largest aquarium.
- Shalom Wildlife Zoo – “Wisconsin’s Wildest Zoo,” lets you roam 100+ acres.
- Bear Den Petting Zoo – Hold a baby kangaroo and meet other friendly animals.
- Petting Zoos Near Milwaukee – Get up close with friendly animals at local petting farms.
- 6 Splash-tastic Aquariums in Milwaukee – Explore the top aquariums Milwaukee has to offer.
- Concord General Store & Petting Zoo – A fun pit stop with a free petting zoo and local treats.
- Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison – A free zoo in Madison with a children’s zoo area and carousel.
Outdoor Play and Nature
(Image: Margie’s Garden)
- Lynden Sculpture Garden – Art sculptures across 40 acres of garden.
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center – Observation tower, pond exploration, and easy hiking.
- Retzer Nature Center’s Discovery Trail – Discovery Trail with sensory play and STEM activities.
- Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park – Scenic, magical trail through woods down to Lake Michigan.
- Mequon Nature Preserve – Year-round oasis with a natural playground and education center.
- Wehr Nature Center – Waterfall hike and natural playground.
- Lapham Peak – Hike this popular trail with tower views of Waukesha’s scenic landscapes.
- Havenwoods State Forest – A hidden gem with family-friendly hiking and exploration.
- Lynden Sculpture Garden – Art sculptures across 40 acres of garden.
- Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park – Urban nature center with plenty of fun for kids.
- Alice’s Garden Urban Farm – Community garden that offers labyrinth walks and programming.
- Lakeshore State Park – Kid-friendly hike in downtown Milwaukee with lake views.
- Boerner Botanical Gardens Guide – A quick overview of the gardens, perfect for family visits.
- Margie’s Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens – Enchanted Village and Flower Shop Playhouse.
- The Conservancy for Healing & Heritage – Peaceful trails with a stunning landscape in Franklin.
- Hawthorn Glen Nature Center – Family-friendly nature center with hiking trails.
Want more ideas?
- 15 Beautiful Wisconsin State Parks Near Milwaukee – Must-see state parks for family outings.
- Enchanting Labyrinths in Milwaukee – Three unique labyrinths perfect for a family day out.
- 10 Best Gardens & Flower Farms – Scenic gardens and flower farms ideal for family visits.
- 10 Inspiring Nature Centers Around Milwaukee – Top nature centers for family visits.
- Stroller-Friendly Hikes Around Milwaukee – Seven trails perfect for younger kids.
- 15 Easy Hikes for Kids Around Milwaukee – Trails that are manageable and fun for younger kids.
Milwaukee Sports
(Image: Milwaukee Bucks Game)
- Milwaukee Bucks Game at Fiserv Forum – High-energy entertainment from World Champions.
- Milwaukee Milkmen Game – Free parking and family-friendly promotions.
- Milwaukee Brewers Game – Player autographs, play areas, and kids run the bases.
- Milwaukee Wave Game – Pro soccer with fun for all ages.
- Milwaukee Admirals Game – Hockey with kids’ zones and post-game skating.
- Lakeshore Chinooks Game – Baseball games along Lake Michigan.
- Wisconsin Badger Game – Pre-game family festivities, what to wear, and more.
- Green Bay’s Titletown District – Lively football district with playgrounds and ice skating.
- March Madness with Your Kids – Family-friendly venues to catch the games with your kids.
Unique Experiences
(Image: Avalon Atmospheric Theatre)
- The Hop Streetcar – Hop on and off at 10 stops around downtown Milwaukee.
- Manfred Olson Planetarium – Interactive night sky shows for all ages.
- Avalon Atmospheric Theatre – Movie theater under a starry night sky.
- Pabst Mansion – Family tours with hidden details in historic rooms.
- Milwaukee Fire Museum – Vintage trucks and fire department memorabilia.
- National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum – Scavenger hunts and souvenirs.
- Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee – Free entry to a historical model train exhibit.
Water Adventures
(Image: Springs Water Park)
- Springs Water Park – Raft slides, lazy river, and whirlpools.
- Public Beaches – Explore nine Lake Michigan beaches.
- Boat Tours – Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan skyline views.
Art, Culture, and Theater
(Image: Milwaukee Art Museum)
- Milwaukee Art Museum – Interactive art-making studio for kids.
- Oriental Theatre – Historic theater with unique architecture.
- Marcus Performing Arts Center – Kid-friendly productions year-round.
- Black Cat Alley – Outdoor alley filled with vibrant murals.
- Milwaukee Mural Tour – Explore murals across the city.
- Bradley Symphony Center – Free Saturday concerts for families.
Kid-Friendly Dining and Treats
(Image: Safe House)
Milwaukee is filled with family-friendly dining options that both kids and parents will love, from playful pizza spots to cozy coffee shops and everything in between. Whether you’re planning a family brunch or looking for restaurants with kid-friendly menus, our guides have you covered.
Browse the 25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Milwaukee (2024) for the best family-friendly dining around the city, or check out the 25 Best Brunch Spots in Milwaukee (2024) for top weekend brunch spots,
Need more ideas?
- 25 Best Brunch Spots in Milwaukee (2024) – Discover top brunch destinations around the city.
- Custard MKE – Discover daily flavors of classic Milwaukee-style custard.
- Local Donut Shops – Must-visit donut spots that kids (and adults) will love.
- Best Tacos in Milwaukee – Reader favorites for the best tacos around town.
Accessibility & Special Needs Resources
Looking for inclusive family fun? Milwaukee offers events and attractions designed with all kids in mind, including sensory-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, and adaptive programs.
Day Trips from Milwaukee
Ready for a family adventure? Here’s an epic list of day trips from Milwaukee, filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences.
Chicago Highlights
- Color Factory Chicago – Interactive, vibrant world of color.
- Museum of Ice Cream – Sweet treats and photo ops galore!
- Sloomoo Institute – Get messy with Chicago’s slime museum.
- 100 Best Family Attractions in Chicago – Top sites for kids and families.
- 35 Best Things to Do in Chicago Suburbs – Great options outside the city.
Living History & Museums
- Old World Wisconsin – Step back in time with historic farmsteads and costumed interpreters.
- Wade House – Open-air museum on 240 acres with 19th-century history.
- Dinosaur Discovery Museum – Explore impressive dinosaur skeletons in Kenosha (Free!)
- East Troy Electric Railroad – Ride vintage railcars and explore the depot museum.
- Cedarburg Historic District – Stroll historic shops, museums, and Wisconsin’s last covered bridge.
- Holy Hill – Stunning views from the scenic church tower.
Gardens & Outdoor Spaces
- Bookworm Gardens – Children’s garden based on beloved stories in Sheboygan.
- Apostle Islands – Gorgeous lakeshore national park for coastal adventures.
- Wisconsin State Parks – Hiking, picnicking, and views at these nearby parks.
Family-Friendly Attractions
- EAA Aviation Museum – 200 historic airplanes and engaging kids’ exhibits in Oshkosh.
- Bay Beach Amusement Park – Classic rides, ferris wheel, and bumper cars in Green Bay.
- Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame – Home of the famous giant musky sculpture in Hayward.
Getaways & Water Parks
- Great Wolf Lodge – 80,000 sq. ft. of water fun near the Illinois border.
- Wisconsin Dells – Known as the Water Park Capital, with tons of family-friendly options.
- Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock – Indoor water park and mini-golf at Starved Rock State Park.
Unique Wisconsin Stops
- Musky Museum in Hayward – See the world’s largest musky sculpture.
- Camping – Family campgrounds with water parks for the perfect getaway.
- Aztalan State Park – Learn about an ancient village at this National Historic Landmark.
For a full list of the 100 Best Day Trips from Milwaukee, click here and start planning your next family outing!
Family Travel
Planning a family getaway? Whether you’re looking for Midwest road trips or international adventures, here are some top destinations and helpful travel guides:
Direct Flights from Milwaukee (MKE)
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport offers direct flights to popular family destinations, simplifying your journey. Fly non-stop from MKE to:
- Orlando – Theme parks, beaches, and year-round sun.
- Seattle – Explore the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and surrounding nature.
- Phoenix – Enjoy sunny weather, hiking, and family-friendly attractions.
- Washington D.C. – Take in the history with free museums, the National Zoo, and iconic monuments.
Midwest Travel
- St. Louis – Iconic Gateway Arch, free museums, and rich history make St. Louis a perfect road trip destination. Check out our list of 15 free family activities and more itinerary ideas.
- Chicago – Just a train or car ride away, Chicago offers family-friendly attractions like the Museum of Ice Cream, Navy Pier, and the Field Museum.
International Adventures
- Kauai – Discover the family-friendly side of this lush Hawaiian island, with tips on kid-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Explore the charm of medieval Germany in this storybook town, with family-friendly walking tours, museums, and enchanting festivals.
For a full list of family travel ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide and start planning your next unforgettable adventure!
Giving Back
While it may be difficult to squeeze one more thing into your busy schedule, doing community service sure knocks out a lot of things on a parent’s “to-do list for raising a good person.”
Besides positively impacting the people and organizations that you help, the service can help your own child in many ways.
First, it helps them to develop empathy and compassion, learn more about their community and the people who live in it, and feel more connected to their world.
Besides that, it’s a great way to bond with friends and family in a new way. You may even discover or develop new skills and talents that you didn’t know about before.
Finally, it can help them learn the importance of responsibility, keeping commitments, and get them in the habit of using their free time productively.
With all this in mind, some projects are better suited to kids than others.
Here are 7 fun ways to volunteer with kids around Milwaukee >>
What did we miss? Email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.
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.
