Looking for a fun little outing with the kids and a great place to snap a family photo? Milwaukee is full of eye-catching public art and whimsical landmarks that make the perfect backdrop for a frame-worthy memory—and the best part is, they’re all free to visit.
Here are five of our favorite photo opps around the city that your kids will love just as much as your camera roll will.
📍 1. The Giant Troll in Wauwatosa
1900 N 116th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Wauwatosa’s newest park, Firefly Grove, is welcoming a larger-than-life visitor this spring: a giant troll sculpture by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo! Debuting May 28, the whimsical figure will stand 25 feet tall and weigh over a ton, crafted from recycled materials—including wood from local Wauwatosa trees.
Location Tip: Firefly Grove Park is at the corner of Gilbert Avenue and 116th Street. Park features include walking trails, a sledding hill, a natural play area, and one of the area’s only bicycle pump tracks (opening July 2025).
Photo Tip: Capture the troll from a low angle to really show off its towering size—and don’t forget a silly pose or two with the kids!
🦩 2. The Pink Birds by the Milwaukee Public Market
These oversized flamingo statues outside the Milwaukee Public Market in the Third Ward are delightfully unexpected and a guaranteed kid favorite. There’s a small riverside plaza nearby if you need a picnic spot.
Make it a Mini Adventure: After your photo, pop into the Public Market for a treat, or walk a block over to ride The Hop with kids—it’s free and fun!
Photo Tip: Snap a wide shot with the Market in the background for that classic Milwaukee flair.
🪨 3. The Rock Archway at the Urban Ecology Center
Tucked near the Urban Ecology Center and Riverside Park is a natural rock archway that feels like a portal to another world. Kids can climb around, explore nearby trails, and enjoy the surrounding nature. It marks the entrance to the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum
Bonus Activity: Head inside the Urban Ecology Center to find board games, crafts, and giant puzzles.
😎 4. The Bronze Fonz
Say “ayyy!” to Milwaukee’s most famous statue—the Bronze Fonz, standing proudly along the Riverwalk downtown. It’s a quick stop, but one that always gets a laugh.
Make it a Mission: Pair this stop with a walk along the Riverwalk and a visit to The SafeHouse with kids just around the corner. Spy-themed fun and secret passageways await!
❤️ 5. The “LOVE” Sculpture by the Milwaukee Art Museum
A perfect spot to snap a family pic filled with actual love, this iconic sculpture is just outside the Milwaukee Art Museum with sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
Plan a Full Day: Start at the sculpture, then head inside to explore the museum’s kid-friendly exhibits. We’ve got a whole post on how to visit the Art Museum with kids to help you plan.
Photo Tip: Aim for early morning or late afternoon light for the most magical shots.
🎨 6. Black Cat Alley
Located between Kenilworth and Ivanhoe near the East Side, Black Cat Alley is Milwaukee’s outdoor mural gallery, filled with vibrant, ever-changing street art. It’s colorful, creative, and packed with spots your kids will love to explore.
Make it a Mini Adventure: After wandering through the alley, grab a treat at a nearby coffee shop or head over to the Urban Ecology Center for more outdoor fun.
Photo Tip: Let your kids pick their favorite mural and snap a few playful shots. (And if you want even more mural inspiration, check out our full list of Milwaukee Murals Kids Will Love!).
These spots are easy to reach, free to enjoy, and just plain fun. They’re perfect for:
- Family photo books and holiday cards
- Memory-making on a weekend afternoon
- A scavenger hunt-style adventure for out-of-town visitors
You could even turn it into a little challenge: How many can you visit in one day?
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.
