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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 in Milwaukee
Two Eastern Black Rhinos Arrive at Milwaukee County Zoo
The Zoo welcomes 16-year-old Zuri from the Cincinnati Zoo and 22-year-old Kianga from the Racine Zoo to the brand-new $22.6 million Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center, the final phase of the Adventure Africa project. The pair will complete quarantine before guests can visit their new habitat later this year.
What’s New for the Holidays in 2025:
This season brings plenty of new magic across Milwaukee:
- Winter Glow at Brown Deer Park debuts as a dazzling drive-through light show set to music
- Christmas Carnival of Lights adds a snowless tube slide, skating, and a glowing walking path.
- Friday Night Holiday Lights at the Villa debuts for two nights only (Dec. 5 & 12)
- Breakfast with Santa at Old World Wisconsin is back after a 10-year hiatus.
- Families can also catch festive shows like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza
- Enjoy holiday films at the new Argo in Whitefish Bay
- While the Tosa Holiday Market takes a break due to flooding, a brand-new holiday market is lighting up the Deer District.
- The Jingle Bus returns Nov. 20, offering a 40-minute narrated tour of Downtown Milwaukee’s holiday lights, departing from the new Warming House at Red Arrow Park with complimentary cocoa and cookies from Biggby Coffee.
👉 Explore the full 2025 Milwaukee Holiday Guide »
A Bold New Chapter for the Martin Luther King Branch Library
The Martin Luther King Branch has been a community cornerstone since 1971, and now it’s opening a brand-new 17,400-square-foot building—the greenest library in Southeast Wisconsin. Part of a mixed-use development with 42 new apartments, the $11 million project features a makerspace, study rooms, community meeting space, and an updated collection, all powered by sustainable energy systems.
👉See all 10 of the best libraries for kids in Metro Milwaukee.
Slingshot Bar – West Allis (Family-Friendly During the Day)
Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s the only slingshot bar experience in the world. Kids & teens can try it during the day! Slingshot Bar is a first-of-its-kind concept where guests shoot real slingshots at a dynamic open range. While the vibe turns 21+ at night, daytime hours are designed for families, birthday parties, and adventurous groups looking for something totally different. Expect safety training, all equipment included, and plenty of target-hitting fun.
📍 6325 West National Avenue, West Allis
Find more info in our post about the best things to do with teens around Milwaukee.
New Frogs at the Domes!
The Education Center at the Domes has some new residents you won’t want to miss. Thanks to Rainforest Rick, a brand-new vivarium is now home to five beautiful dart frogs, including:
- 2 Santa Isabels
- 1 Fine-Spot Leucamelas
- 1 Blue Azureus
- 1 Marquette-Colored Hybrid
These rare frogs were bred by Rainforest Rick specifically for educational purposes and will remain in the vivarium—not the Tropical Dome. Visitors can look forward to seeing them up close and learning more as they settle into their new home.
👉See all the latest updates and best things to do at the Domes in our Family Guide to the Milwaukee Domes!
New Train at the Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo just added a brand-new train engine to its beloved Safari Train fleet for the first time in more than 30 years. Engine No. 2025, a Tier 4 diesel hydraulic locomotive, brings cleaner emissions, a modern cab design, and even room for two riders inside to support engineer training.
👉See all the latest updates and best things to do at the Zoo in our Family Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo!
Discovery World’s New Block Party Exhibit
Unleash Your Inner Architect at “Block Party”
Discovery World invites families to build, play, and explore at their brand-new Block Party exhibit. From towering structures to intricate ball drops, kids can test their creativity and engineering skills with just a few blocks. It’s hands-on fun that’s all about imagination, design, and discovery.
👉See all the latest updates and best things to do at the Zoo in our Family Guide to Discovery World!
Coming Soon & Redevelopments
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.
Pocket Park at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
The Pocket Park exhibit at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum — designed just for kids 4 and under — is getting a magical tooth fairy garden theme refresh. Families will find a brand-new treehouse, an expanded soft crawl area, and a larger nursing room with a changing table for caregivers. Thanks to support from MHS Health Wisconsin, the updated exhibit is set to reopen on September 17.
👉Read our Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Review
New Indoor Playgrounds Coming Soon
Several indoor adventure parks are opening across the area: Lava Island, Fun City Adventure Park, and Astroland Oak Creek. Perfect for burning off energy once the weather turns chilly.
👉 Browse more indoor playgrounds around Milwaukee
Openings & Closings
Bebe Zito at 3rd Street Market Hall
Minneapolis favorite Bebe Zito has officially opened inside 3rd Street Market Hall downtown. Families can try their famous burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, cheese curds, and of course—house-made ice cream.
👉 See more kid-friendly restaurants in Milwaukee
Big Putts Waukesha
Mini golf fans—there’s a new 18-hole indoor course in Waukesha. Big Putts features a colorful, custom-built layout perfect for kids, teens, and families looking for a fun outing.
👉 Check out more of our favorite mini-golf spots around Milwaukee
Fawn & Friends in Delafield
A brand-new children’s boutique just opened in Delafield. Fawn & Friends offers thoughtfully curated clothing, toys, books, and gifts for babies through size 5—all in a charming, community-minded space.
👉 Check out our full Milwaukee Shopping Guide for Kids
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.
