Family-Friendly Day Trips From Milwaukee

Explore the best family-friendly day trips from Milwaukee! Discover fun and exciting destinations perfect for kids and parents alike, just a short drive away.

Jun

A Perfect Summer Day Trip to Madison with Kids (2025)

June 26, 2025Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee

Is there anything better than a summer day in Madison? A few weeks ago, I spent a day there with my daughters (ages 9 and 11), and I’m not sure there is. Even after living in Madison for six years as a college student – and visiting many times since – I still found new...

Jun

A Free & Easy Day Trip: Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison

June 18, 2025Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee

Looking for an easy, low-cost day trip from Milwaukee? Add Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison to your list. It’s one of the only free zoos in the country—and it’s the perfect size for little legs. Here’s everything you need to know before you go: Admission is Always Free Henry Vilas Zoo is completely free and community-supported. No admission fees,...

Jun

5 Scenic Lighthouses to Visit in Southeastern Wisconsin (2025)

June 1, 2025Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee, Family Fun Hub

The history of Milwaukee is deeply rooted in commercial traffic on the Great Lakes. These towering lighthouses have been guiding ships safely to shore for centuries, and they’re also a great place to explore with your little ones. Older kids will especially love climbing to the top of a tower to take in some spectacular...

Mar

100 Best Day Trips From Milwaukee for Families (2025)

March 24, 2025Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee

Looking to switch things up and explore beyond Milwaukee? You’re in the right place. This guide features our favorite family-friendly day trips, all within about two hours of the city. From small towns with big charm to hands-on museums, scenic parks, and hidden gems, these destinations offer something for every kind of adventure. We’ve grouped...

Sep

Bookworm Gardens: A Magical Day Trip For Milwaukee Families

September 21, 2024Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee

Bookworm Gardens, a whimsical botanic garden inspired entirely by children’s literature, offers a one-of-a-kind day trip for families. Located just off the highway in Sheboygan, it’s well worth the 50-minute drive from Milwaukee. I’ve visited Bookworm Gardens many times with my kids over the years, and every visit feels just as magical as the first....

May

Bay Beach Amusement Park: A Perfect Summer Day Trip from Milwaukee

May 20, 2024Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee, Family Fun Hub

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip from Milwaukee, Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay is an excellent choice. Just an hour and a half drive from Milwaukee, this park offers the quintessential Wisconsin summer experience for families. Photo from Visit Green Bay With free parking, free admission, and super affordable ride tickets,...

Mar

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center: An Agricultural Adventure For Kids

March 27, 2024Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee

If you’ve ever driven by Manitowoc, you may have noticed a giant, modern-looking red barn located just off the highway. It’s actually not a farm – it’s the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, a hands-on, agricultural museum for kids. Photo: Visit Manitowoc Just an hour north of Milwaukee, it’s a vibrant, interactive experience that brings the...

Mar

Fox River Park: A Natural Playground Hidden in Waukesha

March 25, 2024Calie HerbstBest Playgrounds, Day Trips From Milwaukee

With its sprawling 257 acres, Fox River Park in Waukesha is a year-round haven for families seeking a touch of wilderness and a break from the digital world. Waukesha & Pewaukee CVB At the heart of the park is a standout feature that draws families from all around: a natural playground designed to reconnect kids...

Mar

A Day in West Bend: Art, Riverwalk, and Gourmet Popcorn

March 25, 2024Calie HerbstDay Trips From Milwaukee, Family Fun Hub

West Bend is a hidden gem for families looking to enjoy a day packed with art, nature, and fun, all in a charming, walkable setting. From the renowned Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) to the newly expanded Riverwalk, this town just 40 minutes north of Milwaukee has something for everyone. I’ve been visiting West Bend with my kids...

Mar

Cedarburg Day Trip: Family Fun 30 Minutes From Milwaukee