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.

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...

May

Wehr Nature Center with Kids: Waterfalls, Play Areas & Wildlife (2025)

May 27, 2024Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been feeling cooped up all winter. When the sun finally returns, there’s no better place to stretch your legs than Wehr Nature Center. Nestled in Whitnall Park, it’s Milwaukee County’s very own nature oasis—perfect for families with kids of all ages. With 220 acres of forests, wetlands, prairie, oak savanna,...

Apr

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: 10 Fun Things to Do With Kids

April 26, 2024Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Just a short drive from downtown Milwaukee, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (SANC) is a beautiful escape filled with family-friendly trails, hands-on learning, and wildlife around every corner. It’s the perfect spot for a nature-filled outing with your kids. Quick Info for Parents: What: 185 acres of woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and ponds along the Lake Michigan shoreline Where: Bayside, WI...

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...

Jun

50 Best Camping Activities Your Kids Will Love (2025)

June 16, 2023Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Camping trips provide the perfect opportunity for families to bond, unplug from technology, and immerse themselves in nature. As the warm summer breeze beckons, it’s time to start planning a memorable camping adventure for your family. But you might be wondering, “what are we going to do out there?” Can you really fill all that time...

stockades at sunset at Aztalan State Park near Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Jun

15 Beautiful Wisconsin State Parks Near Milwaukee (2025)

June 15, 2023mkewithkidsHiking & Nature

Ready for a break from city (or suburban) life? Wisconsin’s state parks are the perfect places to disconnect from the daily hustle and reconnect with nature! Whether you and the kiddos are looking to hike nature trails, swim, canoe, have a picnic or just take in some fresh air, state parks offer all that and...

Apr

Discovery Trail at Retzer Nature Center: Family Fun for the Whole Day

April 13, 2023Calie HerbstHiking & Nature

Looking for a nature outing that’s actually fun for the whole family? Just a short 30-minute drive from Milwaukee, Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha is home to the Discovery Trail—a newly renovated, kid-friendly hiking and play area that makes outdoor time both fun and educational. It’s one of our favorite easy hikes for kids near Milwaukee, and best of all—it’s free...

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