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Glow tubing at Crystal Ridge in Franklin is one of Milwaukee’s most unique winter experiences—a colorful, late-night tubing session under glowing lights and upbeat music. Families love it because it’s easy, exciting, and totally unforgettable. Here’s everything to know before you go, plus helpful tips for planning your night on the hill.
Looking for even more nighttime fun? Check out our roundup of glow-in-the-dark activities around Milwaukee.
What Is Glow Tubing?
Glow tubing is a special after-dark tubing event with illuminated lanes, music, and an energetic party-style atmosphere. At Crystal Ridge, you’ll slide down 19 groomed lanes, then ride the Magic Carpet conveyor back to the top—no hiking required.
It’s fun for older kids, teens, and adults, and it’s a great way to break up the winter months with something different.
Want more winter thrills? Check out our guide to the Best Snow Tubing Hills Near Milwaukee )for even more places to explore this seaso
Location
Crystal Ridge
7011 S Ballpark Dr
Franklin, WI 53132
Parking is on-site, and weekends can fill up quickly for glow tubing nights.
Height Requirement
✔ 36 inches minimum
✔ One person per tube
✔ Linked tubes allowed only when conditions permit
Glow Tubing Schedule (Evergreen)
Glow tubing typically runs on select Saturdays in January from 9:15–11:00 PM each winter.
(New dates are posted on Crystal Ridge’s website each season.)
Pricing
Prices vary season to season, but here is Crystal Ridge’s general structure:
Weeknight Tubing
- Monday–Thursday, 4–8 PM
- Online pricing usually starts lower than window pricing
Weekend Tubing
- Friday–Sunday & holidays
- 2-hour sessions
Glow Tubing
- Saturdays in January
- Online tickets typically sell out fast
- Online pricing is often discounted compared to the window price
(Always double-check Crystal Ridge’s website for each year’s rates.)
What to Expect
- Colorful LED lighting across the tubing lanes
- Upbeat music and a more energetic vibe than daytime tubing
- A steady Magic Carpet ride to return tubes uphill
- Crisp night air—layer up!
- Tickets are limited and usually sell out in advance
Want more outdoor winter ideas? Explore our list of the best sledding hills around Milwaukee.
Tips for Families
- Arrive early to park, grab tubes, and settle in.
- Wear snow pants, waterproof gloves, and warm boots.
- Tubing is fast—remind kids to keep space between tubes.
- For younger kids, consider daytime tubing instead of glow tubing.
- Grab online tickets as soon as the season calendar opens.
For even more seasonal inspiration, don’t miss our Milwaukee winter activities guide.
More Winter Fun Near Milwaukee
Learn More
Get the latest updates and ticket availability from Crystal Ridge here:
➡️ crystalridge.com/tubing/overview
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.
