Happy October! Here are some fun ways to spend time with your family around Milwaukee without spending a dime.
1. Free admission days
Milwaukee Public Museum: Free on Thursday, October 5th for all visitors. Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Residents of Milwaukee County receive a $2.00 discount on general admission everyday with proof of residency.)
Milwaukee Art Museum: Free to all visitors on Thursday, October 5th from 10:00-8:00. Find out about kid-friendly exhibits and activities here. The museum is always free for kids 12 and under!
Betty Brinn Children's Museum: Free to all visitors on Thursday, October 19th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for Neighborhood Night. Join in for FREE admission, enjoy access to all of the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and stop by our Be A Maker space to find tools, materials and techniques for endless ways to experiment and create. The Museum will celebrate the Muskego Way, Amani and Metcalfe Park neighborhoods in October, November and December with special entertainment and resource booths hosted by community agencies and organizations.
The Domes: All three domes are now open! Free admission to the Domes on Monday, October 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 23rd and 30th for all Milwaukee County Residents with proof of residency.
Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Saturday, October 7th
All visitors receive free admission, but the parking fees stay in effect.
2. “My Little Pony: The Movie” Kids Parties & Superfan Event (Ages 5-10)
October 7 and 8 between 10 a.m. and noon
Majestic Cinema of Brookfield, Menomonee Falls Cinema, North Shore Cinema in Mequon, and Ridge Cinema in New Berlin
(Kids' Parties are free; movie admission sold separately)
Enjoy free kids' parties during the opening weekend of the new, animated “My Little Pony: The Movie” film. Select Marcus Theatres are offering free parties the whole family will enjoy on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8 anytime between 10 a.m. and noon for face painting, horse-shoe toss, pony-and rainbow inspired crafts, free snacks and more. Stay for the movie, rated PG. Admission sold separately. The first moviegoers will also receive a commemorative certificate!
3. Piala's Annual Fall Festival
October 7th, 9am-5pm & October 8th, 10am-4pm
Come enjoy a bouncy house, giant slide and games, free for young & old! There will also be live music, local artisans, hot food and beverages. Plus, you can visit the resident animals and Peacock Palace There will be exclusive, festival-only plants specials. While you're here, you can pick a pumpkin, squash or gourds, and carve a pumpkin!
4. Go Discover Changing Seasons
Saturday, October 14th
Drop in between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209, USA
Big changes are coming to Havenwoods! How do we prepare? How do critters and plants at Havenwoods prepare for winter? Drop in to explore the signs and discover these changes. Not just what we feel (brrrrr), but what we hear and see too!
5. *Family Playtime: Make & Take Workshop Series
Every October 14th an 28th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Aurora Family Service, 3200 W. Highland Blvd. in Sallie’s Room
Create a new artproject each week to enjoy and take home. The program is run by Katie O’Connor, MS, LPC, ATR, MFT-IT, Registered Art Therapist and Marriage and Family Therapist.
6. 2017 STEM Expo
Saturday, October 21st
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
MSOE Kern Center, 1245 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
STEM Expo is a science fair style event with “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) booths set up throughout the gym at the MSOE Kern Center. At each booth is a STEM-based activity or demonstration that is designed to interactively engage kids of all ages to incite and fuel their interests for all things STEM. With a wide array of captivating modes of visual and hands-on learning exercises, both kids and parents alike get to see into the exciting world of STEM as well as socialize and network with the STEM professionals and undergrads that volunteer at the event from all over greater Milwaukee.
7. Milwaukee Babywearers Meet-up
Friday, October 27th
Well-Rounded Maternity Center (2455 S. Howell Ave.)
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Have questions on a carrier you own? Don’t know what type of carrier you should get? Just need some time out of the house with your little one? This is the perfect event for you! Moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and kids of all ages are welcome to this event.This Meetup is a combination of a social gathering and our learning library. The “B” Learning Library will be available for trying carriers. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, show carriers/carries, and help adjust fit as needed.On the 4th Fridays of the month from 2 – 4 pm!
8. There's more! All *starred events* on our calendar are free.