Family-Friendly Hiking & Nature in Milwaukee | Best Trails & Outdoor Spots

Discover the best family-friendly hiking trails and nature spots in and around Milwaukee.

Whether you’re looking for stroller-friendly paths, scenic trails, or nature centers with kid-friendly activities, our guide covers it all.

Explore beautiful parks, forests, and outdoor adventures that are perfect for families seeking to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors together.

Apr

3 Enchanting Labyrinths in Milwaukee for a Family Day Out (2026)

April 3, 2025Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Many families treat a walk through a labyrinth as a chance to pause, breathe, and reflect. If you’re looking for a peaceful family outing that feels a little magical, Milwaukee has a handful of beautiful labyrinths worth exploring. These winding paths create a calming, screen-free moment for kids and grown-ups alike—perfect for slow weekends, after-school...

Apr

Top 10+ Nature Centers in Milwaukee for Kids & Families (2025)

April 1, 2025Calie HerbstFamily Fun Hub, Hiking & Nature

Ready to get outside? If you’re looking for a fun, low-stress way to explore the outdoors with your kids, Milwaukee has you covered. From stroller-friendly trails and wildlife encounters to epic nature play areas and interactive exhibits, there’s a nature center nearby that your whole family will love. In this guide, we’re rounding up the...

Mar

Healing Gardens & Peaceful Nature Spots Near Milwaukee (2026 Guide)

March 29, 2025Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

The stunning A-frame healing chapel sits quietly among the summer trees at the Conservancy for Healing & Heritage. Sometimes you just need a quiet moment – a place where the kids can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Thankfully, Milwaukee and its surrounding communities are home to several peaceful gardens, reflective spaces, and...

archway at Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum in Riverside Park near Urban Ecology Center Milwaukee Wisconsin

Mar

5 Spring Hikes Your Kids Will Love (2026)

March 24, 2025Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Spring in Milwaukee is muddy, sunny, unpredictable — and perfect for short, kid-friendly hikes. This roundup is all about trails that shine specifically in spring: spots with early wildflowers, boardwalks when the ground is soft, and easy loops for little legs. If you’re looking for a full list of year-round hikes, head to our 25 Gorgeous Hikes...

Mar

Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park: A Family Guide to Things To Do With Kids (2026)

March 6, 2025Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

The Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park offers kids hands-on nature exploration in a beautiful, eco-friendly setting. The Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park is an absolute gem in the middle of the city. You can spend an entire day here with your children exploring the building, nearby trails, and fun outdoor features. This guide...

Feb

Where to See Frozen Waterfalls & Ice Formations Near Milwaukee (When Conditions Allow)

February 14, 2025Calie HerbstHiking & Nature, Winter

You’re unlikely to find a dramatic frozen waterfall at Schlitz Audubon Center, but you’ll be amazed at the ice shelves of Lake Michigan. Photo Credit: Instagram, @bauerbach24 When winter really settles in, the Lake Michigan shoreline transforms into one of the most magical spots in southeastern Wisconsin. Ice shelves, frozen waves, frosty trees, and even...

Jan

Mequon Nature Preserve: Trails, Tower, & Family Activities (2026 Guide)

January 9, 2025Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Mequon Nature Preserve boasts 510 acres of natural beauty and 6 miles of trails. Mequon Nature Preserve boasts 510 acres of natural beauty and 6 miles of trails. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to get outside with your family, Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP) is one of the best outdoor escapes in southeastern Wisconsin....

Aug

Seven Bridges Trail with Kids: A Magical Day in Grant Park

August 29, 2024Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

For a family adventure that feels like a step into a storybook, look no further than the Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park, Milwaukee. This enchanting trail along the shores of Lake Michigan is the perfect spot to enjoy the wonders of nature with your kids. With its scenic bridges, winding paths, and serene atmosphere,...

autumn at Havenwoods State Forest entrance Milwaukee Wisconsin

Jul

Discover Havenwoods State Forest: Milwaukee’s Hidden Gem

July 18, 2024Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Havenwoods State Forest is a treasure right in the heart of Milwaukee. Nestled on the city’s north side, it’s the only state forest within Milwaukee and offers 237 acres of natural beauty, including hiking trails, vibrant wildflowers, and peaceful ponds. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., it’s a perfect spot for families to...

Apr

7 Stroller-Friendly Hikes Around Milwaukee

April 17, 2024Calie HerbstFamily Fun Hub, Hiking & Nature

You asked, and we answered! Many of our readers are looking for stroller-friendly hikes in the Milwaukee area, and we found seven that fit the bill. All of these hikes have smooth, paved trails that are perfect for an easy hike with your little one. Want more ideas? Check out all 25 gorgeous hikes around...

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