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Looking for fun things to do with your family in Milwaukee this March? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day fun, maple sugaring, or free access to some of Milwaukee’s favorite family attractions, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t stop here! Plan even more family fun with our Daily Events Calendar featuring activities every day, or dive into our Weekend Guide for top picks happening this weekend.
FREE EVENTS
Kohl’s Thank You Thursday at Milwaukee Public Museum
📅 March 5 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ALL visitors (excluding groups) receive FREE access to the permanent exhibits of MPM on the first Thursday of every month during Kohl’s Thank You Thursday. Advance reservations strongly recommended, as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
Family Free Day at the Zoo
📅 March 7 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Everyone receives free admission (parking and regular attraction fees still apply). Visit two of the zoo’s most popular residents, red pandas Dash and Dr. Erin, in their outdoor habitat.
Downtown Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
📅 March 14 | ⏰ Noon – 2:30 PM
This year’s parade will include more than 100 units, including Irish dancers, pipe and drum groups, decorated floats, local dignitaries and more.
Community Access Day at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
📅 March 19 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
All guests (excluding groups of 10 or more) receive free admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum on the third Thursday of every month.
Family Day at the Milwaukee County Historical Society
📅 March 21 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This year’s theme is Transportation. Come see how planes, trains, cars, and boats have shaped the city! Explore the science behind these technologies and enjoy activities and displays from the Milwaukee Fire Museum, Dream Bikes, East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, and Peine Family Lego.
Festa Sazama
📅 March 26-29 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Celebrate 50 years of Saz’s State House with live music, giveaways, swag, games, throwback specials, shuttles to Brewers Opening Day, food and drink, and more, all under a heated tent.
Maple Syrup Family Day at Richfield Historical Park
📅 March 28 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, maple sugar cotton candy, hands-on demonstrations and activities, maple sap collection, Maple Syrup Contest, and a blacksmith at work.
Barnes & Noble Bayshore in Bloom
📅 March 28 | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Raffles, crafts, and storytime, plus several local authors you can meet and greet.
Find LOTS more free events on the Events Calendar by using the “Free” filter.
MAPLE SUGARING EVENTS
Maple Sugar Days at Wehr Nature Center
📅 March 7 | ⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn the science and history behind maple syrup, try your hand at drilling a log and hammering in a spile, boil down sap and learn how to create syrup in your own backyard, sample maple sugar and pancakes topped with maple syrup, and more.
Maple Sugarin’ Festival at Riveredge Nature Center
📅 March 14 | ⏰ Noon – 4:00 PM
Choose your adventure as you hike through the maple forest. Tap a tree, trade nature items for maple candies, observe various means of syrup production through history, complete a sappy scavenger hunt, create a nature-based craft, enjoy live music, and taste the Riveredge special – pancakes and pickles!
Maple Sugar Time at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
📅 March 21 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Learn to identify maple trees, tap logs, and see how sap transforms into syrup through live demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Maple Fest at O’Malley Family Farm & Nursery
📅 March 21 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the sweet season of maple syrup with a full day of outdoor fun, hands-on learning, hayrides, maple taffy, live music, a petting zoo, farm animals, and family fun.
Maple Syrup Family Day at Richfield Historical Park
📅 March 28 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, maple sugar cotton candy, hands-on demonstrations and activities, maple sap collection, Maple Syrup Contest, and a blacksmith at work.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS
Irish Family Day: Passport to Ireland at Celtic MKE Center
📅 March 8 | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy immersive activities and entertainment and get your passport stamped along the way for a prize at the end of your journey. There will be Irish-themed arts and crafts, music and dance performances, an Irish instrument petting zoo, storytelling, and more!
Downtown Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
📅 March 14 | ⏰ Noon – 2:30 PM
This year’s parade will include more than 100 units, including Irish dancers, pipe and drum groups, decorated floats, local dignitaries and more.
MORE TOP PICKS
- Just Between Friends Sale at Wisconsin State Fair Park (3/5-3/8)
- Kid Boogie Down: Taylor Swift Party at The Cooperage (3/14) & Season Finale Dance Party at The Bavarian Bierhaus (3/28)
- Lake Geneva’s Buggin’ Out Balloon Adventure at Pier 290 (3/19)
- The Music of the Lion King Live in Concert (3/22)
- Brewers Opening Day at American Family Field (3/26)
EASTER EVENTS
Easter Season begins! We’re keeping our Easter Events page continually updated with egg hunts and Easter Bunny visits.
NATIONAL READING MONTH
Want Even More Free Family Fun?
This is just the beginning! MKE For Free is your ultimate guide to 250+ free events and activities happening year-round in Milwaukee. Organized by season, this 100-page downloadable guide is packed with the best budget-friendly experiences for families.
Start planning your next adventure—without spending a dime!
➡ Get Your Copy of MKE For Free Now!
