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Each month, we round up the latest and greatest additions to the Milwaukee area that are perfect for families with kids. From exciting park reopenings to fun infrastructure updates, here’s what’s new around town this month.
Bookmark this page – we’ll keep it updated all month long!
What’s New Around Milwaukee
Mobilab at Discovery World
Mobilab lets young builders explore the science of motion through trial, error, and tons of hands‑on fun. Kids can craft different toy vehicles and put them through some wild challenges. This traveling exhibit is rolling into Discovery World on May 16th and will be here until September 6th.
City of Milwaukee residents can also enjoy $15 admission to Discovery World for the entire month of May!
Lava Island
Lava Island is now open in Brookfield – a 30,000+ sq. ft. screen-free play oasis where kids can climb, jump, and explore to their heart’s content.
New Entry & Parking System Now Open at Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo has rolled out a new entry and parking system designed to make visits faster and easier. Guests can now drive straight into the parking lots without stopping at booths. Parking is fully digital and license plate-based. After parking, visitors scan a QR code to pay or activate free parking for Zoo Pass members.
Zoo entry has also shifted. Tickets are now scanned at the U.S. Bank Gathering Place instead of at the gate.
New Playground, Plaza & Helfaer Field Renovation at American Family Field
The Brewers have announced a complete reimagining of the right-field playground, now called The Glove Playground, featuring refreshed interactive games, seating near kid-friendly concessions, fun photo spots, and a field-level sensory room.
Outside the stadium, the UW Credit Union Plaza will be a free, family-friendly area outside the outfield with seating, food options, live entertainment, and dedicated play spaces for kids, including a large, climbable cow structure and a separate area for older children.
Helfaer Field is also getting a major refresh, including a full synthetic turf playing surface, an updated modern scoreboard, and additional cosmetic upgrades.
Afternoon Tea at the Pfister
Afternoon Tea at The Pfister Hotel just got an upgrade. Due to growing demand, the iconic Milwaukee hotel now offers its signature tea service seven days a week inside Blu, the 23rd-floor lounge with sweeping views of downtown and Lake Michigan. Along with expanded daily seatings, the Pfister is also rolling out more themed tea times, seasonal experiences, and educational classes throughout the year.
Astros Playland and Cafe
A new space-themed indoor playground and café has opened in Oak Creek, designed for kids ages 1–12. The colorful play space includes multiple large slides, climbing structures, and imaginative play areas, plus a dedicated toddler section with a ball pit and pretend-play stations. There’s also a mini soccer field (availability may vary). Families can stay as long as they’d like with unlimited daily play, and the on-site café offers a full menu with coffee, donuts, ice cream, and made-to-order food.
Little Moon Children’s Boutique
Little Moon Children’s Boutique offers children’s clothing, toys, blankets, accessories and more. Little Moon carries wooden toys, linen clothes, and eco-friendly options that are easier on humans and the planet. Founder Paige Pichler Giddings also focuses on healing the mother with books, teas, and self-care products that support women through pregnancy and postpartum. From Flamingo Estate to Earth Mama Organics, you’ll find high-quality, thoughtful gifts that support the wellbeing of the whole family at Little Moon.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Planning Future Move
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum has announced plans to relocate to a new, larger space in Milwaukee. The museum, which opened in 1995 and welcomes about 170,000 visitors each year, has outgrown its current lakefront location on East Wisconsin Avenue. Leaders say the future museum could be roughly twice the size and may include outdoor exhibits and additional rotating exhibits. A site has not yet been announced, but the museum expects to finalize a location as part of its master planning process in 2026.
Rhino Care Center at the Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo is opening a brand-new indoor animal habitat just in time for winter. The Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center opens to the public on Tuesday, December 9, giving families a warm, year-round place to see rhinos and hippos up close.
The new 61,000-square-foot space includes indoor viewing areas for Eastern black rhinos Zuri and Kianga and the Robert Dohmen Hippo Indoor Haven, where guests can see hippo Happy at eye level in a pool. Surrounding outdoor yards also house zebras and red river hogs. The habitat was designed with animal comfort in mind, using soft flooring, natural rock features, and flexible spaces that support animal care and conservation efforts.
For families, the biggest takeaway is simple: this adds a major new indoor attraction at the zoo, making winter visits more engaging and giving kids a closer look at some incredible animals while learning about conservation.
Can-D Shop at 3rd Street Market Hall
Can-D Shop is a new chocolate and candy store now open at 3rd Street Market Hall. The shop focuses on high-quality sweets, novelty candies, and chocolate sourced exclusively from Wisconsin. Shoppers can expect a mix of classic treats and fun, unique finds. Online ordering is listed as coming soon.
New in Brookfield: Claw Frenzy, a claw machine–only arcade
Claw Frenzy recently opened in Brookfield, offering a unique arcade experience focused entirely on claw machines. The space features more than two dozen machines stocked with plush toys and novelty prizes, from animals to character-themed items. Each attempt costs about $1, and players use a simple joystick-and-button setup. The machines are similar in difficulty to traditional claw games, making wins a fun challenge. This new spot may appeal to families with older kids, teens, and anyone who enjoys the classic thrill of claw machines.
True Echo VR at 3rd Street Market Hall
True Echo VR is a new group virtual reality experience located inside 3rd Street Market Hall. The venue focuses on multiplayer VR games designed for shared play, making it a potential option for team-building activities, birthday parties, friend gatherings, and group outings. Experiences are designed for teens and adults, with players participating together in immersive, interactive environments. Bookings are available for private events and group sessions.
Coming Soon & Redevelopments
New Deer District Farmer’s Market Launching This Summer
Deer District will host a new farmer’s market every Sunday from June 7 through Oct. 25, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market, managed by Lauryn Wynter Company and supported by Deer District BID 53, will feature more than 100 vendors each week.
Shoppers can expect farmers and food producers offering fresh and organic meats, eggs, fruits, cheeses, and vegetables, along with bakery items, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The market will also include free live music, seating areas, ready-to-eat foods, a weekly “Taste It Tent” with samples, and a kids’ area with games and activities. Deer District tenants will be open during market hours for brunch or lunch.
The market will be closed on July 19, Aug. 16, and Aug. 23 due to previously scheduled events. SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Senior Nutritional Vouchers will be accepted.
Little Diggers
Little Diggers is bringing its signature indoor sandbox to Milwaukee. The space will feature 1,200 square feet of clean, soft sand designed for kids 7 and under to dig, build, and imagine. Plus, hundreds of construction-themed toys and plenty of room for constructive play. Parents will enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a front-row view of all the fun. Sign up for email updates to stay updated!
Stella’s Playground
Milwaukee’s first universally accessible and inclusive playground is coming to Reservoir Park. Inspired by Stella, a courageous nine-year-old girl, the project aims to raise $2 million to break ground by summer 2026. This special playground will be a place where all kids can play together.
👉 Learn more and support Stella’s Playground
Browning Playfield Redevelopment
Milwaukee Recreation broke ground on a brand-new community center and playfield on the northwest side (76th & Silver Spring). Families can look forward to an indoor pool, basketball courts, a splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, and more. Completion is expected in early 2027.
👉 Check out our roundup of the best Milwaukee playgrounds.
Check back here each month for more updates on new spots, upcoming openings, and fun changes around Milwaukee for families. Got a tip? Let us know!
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.
