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Free Admission • 25¢ Tickets • Perfect for All Ages
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable summer day trip from Milwaukee, Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay is one of the best family destinations in Wisconsin. With free admission, free parking, and rides that cost just 25¢ each, it’s an easy, budget-friendly getaway that families return to year after year.
While there are no full-scale amusement parks located in Milwaukee, Bay Beach is one of the closest options for families — and also one of the most affordable in Wisconsin.
Located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Milwaukee, Bay Beach offers classic amusement park charm, kid-friendly rides, and big thrills, all right on the shores of Green Bay.
💡 Planning a Summer Day Trip from Milwaukee? Many families visit Bay Beach as part of a larger Wisconsin summer adventure. If you’re exploring more ideas, check out 100 Best Day Trips From Milwaukee For Families.
Quick Look: Why Families Love Bay Beach
- Free admission & parking
- Ride tickets just 25¢ (most rides 1–4 tickets)
- Kiddie rides, family rides & thrill rides
- Lakeside location with beautiful views
- Picnic tables + bring-your-own food
- Great for toddlers, big kids & teens
What to Expect at Bay Beach Amusement Park
Bay Beach has a nostalgic, old-fashioned feel — think classic rides, simple fun, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for younger kids.
Ride Tickets: How Much to Buy
- Tickets are 25 cents each
- Rides take 1–4 tickets
- Great starting point: $5 per person (20 tickets)
- Tickets do not expire, so unused tickets can be saved for next time
Can’t-Miss Rides at Bay Beach
The Big Wheel (Ferris Wheel)
One of the park’s highlights: sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding shoreline.
- Up to 6 people per car
- Must be 36 inches to ride with an adult
- 48 inches to ride alone (no single riders)
Kiddie Rides
These are perfect for toddlers and young kids who can sit up independently and are under 50 inches:
- Boats
- Granny Bugs
- Jeeps
- Lady Bugs
- Race Cars
- Sky Fighters
Short lines, gentle motion, and lots of independence for little ones.
Family Rides
Great for mixed ages — adults can ride alongside smaller kids:
- Big Wheel
- Bumper Cars (48” with adult, 54” to drive)
- Ferris Wheel
- Helicopters
- Train
- Merry-Go-Round
- Rockin’ Tug
- Scrambler
- Giant Slide
- Tilt-A-Whirl
Height requirements vary, but most allow parent + child riding together.
Thrill Rides for Bigger Kids & Teens
- Bay Beast (44″)
- NebulaZ (42″)
- Scat (48″)
- Sea Dragon (48″)
- Yo-Yo (42″, under 210 lbs)
- Zippin Pippin (48″) — a classic wooden coaster and the park’s biggest thrill
Tip: Zippin Pippin is a must-do for coaster fans. It’s fast, smooth, and surprisingly intense for such an affordable ride.
💡Making a full day of it? Bay Beach is just a few minutes from Green Bay’s Titletown District — a family-friendly hotspot with playgrounds, activities, and seasonal fun. Explore our guide: 10 Best Things To Do With Kids at the Titletown District→
Tips for Your Visit
Parking & Admission
Both are completely free.
Ride Tickets
Buy tickets at booths throughout the park. Cash and card accepted.
Strollers & Wheelchairs
Bring your own — none are available to rent.
Restrooms
Located inside the main building near the parking lot.
Food Options
You can absolutely bring your own picnic!
- Picnic tables are first-come, first-served
- Concession stands sell classic snacks and lunch options
Nearby Attractions
If you’re making a full day of it, consider adding one of these family-friendly stops in Green Bay:
TItletown & Lambeau Field: Fun for the whole family at an iconic landmark.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary: Across the street from the amusement park.
Green Bay Botanical Garden: Check out Bell Children’s Garden!
Why We Recommend Bay Beach for Milwaukee Families
Bay Beach is one of those rare Wisconsin gems that has stayed simple, affordable, and genuinely fun for all ages. The combination of:
- low-cost rides
- a beautiful lakeside setting
- a wide range of rides
- close proximity to Milwaukee
makes it a great option for a full-day outing or summer weekend adventure.
Families with toddlers can easily fill a morning with gentle rides, and older kids will love the larger coasters and family classics.
Related Posts You Might Like
- 100 Best Day Trips From Milwaukee For Families
- 10 Best Things To Do With Kids at the Titletown District
- Farm Wisconsin Discovery center: An Agricultural Adventure For Kids
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.
