10 Family Trips With Direct Flights From Milwaukee Airport (2025)

Traveling with kids can be a daunting task. And when you add the stress of navigating through multiple airports and long layovers, it can quickly turn into a nightmare.

But the good news is that you don’t have to go through the stress of multiple connecting flights to reach your dream family vacation destination. There are direct flights from the Milwaukee Airport to some of the best family destinations in the US, such as Orlando, Seattle, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Washington D.C. – and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of connecting flights and long layovers.

Looking for more family travel inspiration? While these destinations don’t have direct flights from Milwaukee, they’re well worth the extra travel:

• Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos With Kids
• Best Things to Do with Kids in Kauai
• Best Things to Do with Kids in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

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Orlando, Florida (MKE to MCO)

Orlando is packed with fun for families, from world-famous theme parks to hidden gems.

✈️ Nonstop Flights from Milwaukee: Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit fly direct to Orlando.

🎢 Must-Visit Attractions:

• Disney World – Iconic rides & character experiences
• Universal Studios – Thrills & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Sea World – Marine life & water rides
• Lego Land – Lego Fun & A Certified Autism Center
• Fun Spot America & Wonderworks – Smaller, unique parks
• ICON Park – Aquarium, wax museum & dining

🚀 Space & Sports:

• Kennedy Space Center – Meet Space Shuttle Atlantis & explore the Rocket Garden
• Sports Fans – Watch an Orlando Magic game, catch a soccer match, or visit the USTA National Campus

🍽️ Shopping & Dining Hot Spots:

• Disney Boardwalk & Universal CityWalk
• Old Town & Celebration Town Cente

🏨 Where to Stay

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Washington, D.C. (MKE to DCA)

Washington D.C. is the perfect destination for history buffs and curious kids, especially those who are school-age and ready to take it all in.

🏛Top Attractions:

• National Mall – Walk among iconic monuments and memorials.
• Tour the White House – Free tours available!
• U.S. Capitol & Botanic Garden – Don’t miss the Children’s Garden!
• Arlington National Cemetery – A moving tribute to U.S. service members.
• Smithsonian Museums – Includes the National Museum of American History.

🕵️Kid-Friendly Must-Sees:

• International Spy Museum – Test your spy skills in interactive exhibits.
• National Building Museum – Learn about engineering & build a LEGO skyscraper.
• MLK Jr. Memorial – A powerful landmark in downtown D.C.

🏞 Outdoor Fun & Parks:

• Georgetown Waterfront Park – Scenic views along the Potomac.
• Beauvoir Outdoor Playground – Open to the public on weekends.

⚾For Sports Fans:

• Nationals (Baseball) | Wizards (Basketball) | Capitals (Hockey) | Commanders (Football) | United (Soccer)

🏨 Where to Stay

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Phoenix, Arizona (MKE to PHX)

Trade the cold for sunshine! American, Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country all offer nonstop flights from Milwaukee to Phoenix.

🏕Outdoor Adventures:

• Papago Park – Hike red butte formations, visit the Phoenix Zoo & Desert Botanical Garden.
• ATV Desert Tours & Hot Air Balloon Rides – Thrills with scenic desert views.

🚂For the Kids:

• Amusement Parks – Enchanted Island, Six Flags, Golfland Sunsplash, and LegoLand Discovery Center.
• Goldfield Ghost Town – Step into the Old West with gold-mine tours & gunfight reenactments.
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Trains, a railroad museum, & model railroad clubs.
• Butterfly Wonderland – An indoor rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies.

🐆Wildlife Encounters:

• OdySea Aquarium & Sea Life Arizona – Dive into marine life exhibits.
• Out of Africa Wildlife Park & Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium – Get up close with exotic animals.

🔬Museums to Cool Off In:

• Arizona Science Center – Hands-on exhibits for curious minds.
• Phoenix Art Museum – Inspiring art collections.
• Musical Instrument Museum – Explore instruments from around the world.
• Children’s Museum – Perfect for little explorers.
• Heard Museum – Showcasing American Indian art & culture.

⚾Dining, Shopping & Sports:

• Old Town Scottsdale – A charming hub for dining & boutique shopping.
• Arizona Diamondbacks (Baseball)
• Coyotes (NHL)
• Arizona Cardinals (Football)

🌵Epic Day Trips:

• Sedona – Stunning red rock formations.
• Saguaro National Park – Home to the nation’s largest cacti.
• Grand Canyon – One of the world’s natural wonders.

🏨 Where to Stay

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Boston (MKE to BOS)

Boston is a walkable city packed with history, culture, and fun. Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to Boston on Delta, JetBlue, or Southwest.

🇺🇸Must-See Historic Sites:

• Freedom Trail – A 2.5-mile walk through 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere’s House & the Old North Church.
• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum – Explore the life and legacy of JFK.
• Boston Common & Public Garden – Ride the iconic Swan Boats & play at the Tadpole Playground.

🐧 For the Kids:

• New England Aquarium – Meet penguins, sea turtles, and a giant ocean tank.
• Fenway Park Tour – Walk through the oldest Major League Baseball stadium.
• Boston Museum of Science – Hands-on exhibits, planetarium, and a lightning show.
• Boston Children’s Museum – A dream spot for interactive play and learning.

🚢Outdoor Adventures:

• Boston Harbor Cruises – Take a whale-watching tour or ride a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands.
• Franklin Park Zoo – Lions, tigers, and giraffes in Boston’s largest park.
• USS Constitution Museum – Step aboard ‘Old Ironsides’ & experience maritime history.

🍝Food & Shopping:

• North End (Little Italy) – Indulge in famous cannoli from Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry. Do NOT miss the famous pizza at Regina’s!
• Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market – Street performers, historic charm, and legendary lobster rolls.

🏀 Sports & Entertainment:

• Celtics (NBA) & Bruins (NHL) – Catch a game at TD Garden.
• Red Sox (MLB) – See a game at the iconic Fenway Park.
• New England Patriots (NFL) – A short drive to Gillette Stadium.

Where To Stay

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San Diego, California (MKE to SAN)

Perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and endless family fun! Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to San Diego on Southwest or Sun Country.

🦁Top Attractions for Families:

San Diego Zoo – One of the world’s best zoos, home to pandas, polar bears, and more.
SeaWorld San Diego – Marine life shows, roller coasters, and up-close animal encounters.
La Jolla Cove – Watch sea lions basking on the rocks & explore tide pools.
Belmont Park – A beachfront amusement park with a historic wooden roller coaster.

🏖Outdoor Adventures:

USS Midway Museum – Tour a real aircraft carrier & experience flight simulators.
Balboa Park – Stroll through gardens, museums, and playgrounds.Coronado Beach – Soft sand and stunning views near the historic Hotel del Coronado.
Torrey Pines State Reserve – Family-friendly hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views.

🦖Kid-Friendly Museums & Activities:

Fleet Science Center – Hands-on STEM exhibits & a giant IMAX dome theater.
San Diego Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, fossils, and interactive exhibits.
Model Railroad Museum – The world’s largest operating model railroad.
The New Children’s Museum – Interactive art and play spaces for all ages.

🐬Animal Encounters:

Birch Aquarium – See sharks, seahorses, and hands-on tide pools.
San Diego Safari Park – Go on an African safari-style adventure.

🌮Dining, Shopping & Sports:

Old Town San Diego – The birthplace of California, with Mexican food & historic charm.
Seaport Village – Waterfront dining, shopping, and live music.
San Diego Padres (MLB) – Catch a game at Petco Park.

Where To Stay

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Nashville, TN (MKE to BNA)

Live music, Southern charm, and family-friendly fun! Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to Nashville on Southwest or Sun Country.

🎸 Top Attractions for Families:

• Country Music Hall of Fame – Explore exhibits on country legends & interactive displays.
• Grand Ole Opry – Catch a live show at this iconic music venue.
• Adventure Science Center – Hands-on exhibits & a planetarium perfect for curious kids.
• Nashville Zoo at Grassmere – Walk through the Kangaroo Kickabout & see clouded leopards.
• Centennial Park & The Parthenon – A full-scale replica of Greece’s Parthenon with an art museum inside.

🎠 Outdoor Fun & Parks:

• Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge – Scenic views & perfect for a family stroll.
• Radnor Lake State Park – Easy hikes & wildlife spotting.
• Fannie Mae Dees Park – The famous Dragon Park with mosaic sculptures for kids to climb.

🎶Music & Culture:

• Ryman Auditorium – Take a tour of the ‘Mother Church of Country Music.’
• Musicians Hall of Fame – Showcasing the musicians behind legendary recordings.
• Johnny Cash Museum – A must-visit for fans of The Man in Black.

🎨Kid-Friendly Attractions:

• Gray Fossil Site & Museum – Learn about prehistoric creatures & fossils.
• Frist Art Museum – Interactive art exhibits for all ages.
• Lane Motor Museum – A collection of rare and vintage cars.

🍗 Food, Shopping & Sports:

• Hot Chicken & BBQ – Try Prince’s Hot Chicken or Martin’s BBQ Joint.
• 12 South & The Gulch – Trendy shopping, murals, and dining.
• Nashville Predators (NHL) & Tennessee Titans (NFL) – Catch a game!

🏞 Easy Day Trips:

• Mammoth Cave National Park (KY) – Explore the world’s longest cave system.
• Dollywood (Pigeon Forge) – A theme park packed with rides & entertainment

Where To Stay

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Philadelphia, PA (MKE to PHL)

A city rich in history, culture, and family fun! Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to Philadelphia on American Airlines.

🏛 Historic Landmarks

• Liberty Bell & Independence Hall – See where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
• Betsy Ross House – Visit the home of the woman who sewed the first American flag.
• Elfreth’s Alley – Walk through the oldest residential street in the U.S.

🧒 Kid-Friendly Attractions

• Please Touch Museum – Interactive exhibits designed just for kids.
• The Franklin Institute – Hands-on science museum with a giant heart to walk through.
• Philadelphia Zoo – America’s first zoo, home to over 1,300 animals.

🌳 Outdoor Fun & Parks

• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – A whimsical outdoor art space filled with mosaics.
• Spruce Street Harbor Park – A vibrant waterfront park with hammocks and floating gardens.
• Franklin Square – Mini golf, a carousel, and playgrounds in a historic park.

🎨 Museums & Culture

• The Philadelphia Museum of Art – Run up the famous “Rocky Steps.”
• The Academy of Natural Sciences – Dinosaur fossils and live animal exhibits.
• Museum of the American Revolution – A deep dive into the founding of the U.S.

🍽 Food, Shopping & Sports

• Reading Terminal Market – A must-visit for Philly cheesesteaks and local eats.
• Italian Market – One of the oldest open-air markets in the country.
• Sports Teams – Catch a game with the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), Flyers (NHL), or 76ers (NBA).

🚗 Easy Day Trips

• Valley Forge National Historical Park – Walk the grounds where George Washington’s army camped.
• Longwood Gardens – Stunning botanical gardens with fountains and seasonal displays.

Where To Stay

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Atlanta, Georgia (MKE to ATL)

A vibrant city packed with history, attractions, and family fun! Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to Atlanta on Delta or Southwest.

🏆 Iconic Attractions

• Centennial Olympic Park – Ride the Ferris wheel for stunning skyline views.
• World of Coca-Cola– Discover the history of the world’s most famous soda.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – Pay tribute to the civil rights leader.

🐠 Kid-Friendly & Sensory-Friendly Attractions

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, also a Certified Autism Center.
• Zoo Atlanta – Home to giant pandas, plus sensory-friendly accommodations.
• Legoland Discovery Center – Build, play, and explore interactive LEGO exhibits.
• Six Flags Over Georgia – Thrilling rides and entertainment for all ages.
• Wild Animal Safari – A drive-through adventure with exotic animals.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Interactive exhibits designed for young kids.
• Center for Puppetry Arts – Home to Jim Henson’s Muppets and live puppet shows.

🏛 Museums & Historic Sites

• Atlanta History Center – Step back in time through Georgia’s rich history.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Explore dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits.
• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum – Learn about the life of the 39th U.S. president.

🌿 Outdoor & Nature Escapes

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Stunning gardens with interactive kids’ areas.
• Callaway Gardens – A breathtaking retreat with butterfly houses and outdoor activities.
• Stone Mountain Park – Ride the scenic railroad and take in mountain views.

⚾ Sports & Entertainment

• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Catch a game at Truist Park.
• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Experience a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Watch basketball action at State Farm Arena.
• Atlanta United (MLS) – Cheer on the city’s soccer team.
• College Football Hall of Fame – A must-visit for football fans.

Where to Stay

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Seattle, Washington (MKE to SEA)

A stunning mix of city life, nature, and adventure! Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to Seattle on Alaska Airlines.

🌟 Must-See Attractions

• Space Needle – Enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond.
• Pike Place Market – Watch the famous fish toss & visit the quirky Gum Wall.
• The Great Wheel – Take in breathtaking waterfront views from this giant Ferris wheel.
• Theo’s Chocolate Factory – Tour a real chocolate factory (with tastings included!).

🏛 Museums & Family-Friendly Stops

• Pacific Science Center – Hands-on science exhibits & a planetarium.
• Seattle Children’s Museum – A perfect place for interactive play.
• Museum of Flight – Explore real aircraft, from historic planes to space exhibits.
• Seattle Art Museum – Inspiring exhibits for all ages.

🐠 Animal Encounters

• Woodland Park Zoo – Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world.
• Seattle Aquarium – Discover sea otters, jellyfish, and touch tanks.

⛵ Water & Outdoor Adventures

• Boat Tours – Explore Lake Washington, Puget Sound, or Ballard Locks.
• Washington State Ferry – A scenic ride with unbeatable views.
• Discovery Park Loop Trail – A family-friendly 2.8-mile trail with stunning scenery.
• Evans Creek Preserve & Centennial Trail – Accessible paths for strollers & wheelchairs.

⚾ Sports & Entertainment

• Seattle Seahawks (NFL) – Catch a game at Lumen Field.
• Seattle Mariners (MLB) – Watch baseball at T-Mobile Park.
• Seattle Sounders (MLS) – Experience the city’s passionate soccer fans.

Where to Stay

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New York City (MKE to LGA)

The Big Apple is packed with family-friendly fun! Fly nonstop from Milwaukee to NYC on Delta, American, or JetBlue.

🗽 Iconic Landmarks

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – A must-see symbol of America.
• Empire State Building – Take in the skyline from the 86th-floor observatory.
• Times Square – Dazzling lights, street performers, and the world’s biggest toy stores.

🎭 Entertainment & Broadway

• Broadway Shows – Kid-friendly options include The Lion King, Aladdin, and Wicked.
• Radio City Music Hall – Catch the famous Rockettes during the holidays.
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – Pose with lifelike celebrity figures.

🏞 Outdoor Fun & Parks

• Central Park – Enjoy the playgrounds, boat rentals, and the Central Park Zoo.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – A waterfront park with carousels and skyline views.
• High Line – Walk this elevated park built on an old railway track.

🏛 Museums & Kid-Friendly Attractions

• American Museum of Natural History – See the giant blue whale and T. rex fossils.
• Children’s Museum of Manhattan – Interactive exhibits for young explorers.
• Museum of Ice Cream – A fun, colorful experience with sweet treats.
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – Tour a real aircraft carrier and space shuttle.

🐠 Animal Encounters & Unique Experiences

• Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the world.
• New York Aquarium – Explore marine life at Coney Island.
• FAO Schwarz – Visit the famous toy store and dance on the giant piano.

🍕 Food, Shopping & Sports

• Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Singing waitstaff entertain the whole family.
• Katz’s Delicatessen – Legendary sandwiches in a historic setting.
• Sports Teams – Catch a game with the Yankees (MLB), Mets (MLB), Knicks (NBA), Nets (NBA), Giants (NFL), or Rangers (NHL).

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Staycation Ideas

If a staycation if more your speed this year, be sure to check out these tried-and-true ideas:

• Indoor Water Parks Near Milwaukee
• Coolest Places to Stay in Milwaukee
• Wisconsin Hotels With Water Parks
• Must-Visit Chicago Museums for Kids