Rainy days (or cold, gloomy ones) can be tough when you have kids. As long as there’s no lightning, you might still brave the puddles – but when the weather is truly uncooperative, it helps to have a solid list of indoor activities for kids in Milwaukee ready to go.
Luckily, the Milwaukee area is full of great options for families looking for things to do inside. This guide goes beyond indoor playgrounds to include museums, libraries, indoor attractions, at-home activities, tours, and events—so whether you want to get out of the house or stay cozy at home, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.
Quick Picks: Can’t-Miss Indoor Activities in Milwaukee
Short on time? These are go-to indoor ideas Milwaukee families come back to again and again, especially on rainy or cold days.
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum – A hands-on favorite for younger kids, with imaginative play spaces and early learning exhibits that work year-round.
- Milwaukee Public Museum – Dinosaurs, live butterflies, and the iconic Streets of Old Milwaukee make this an easy win when the weather turns gray.
- Discovery World – Interactive science exhibits, a massive aquarium tunnel, and hands-on labs that really shine for elementary-age kids.
- Milwaukee Central Library – A standout downtown library with a huge children’s area, a climbable lighthouse, and plenty of space to explore beyond the stacks.
- Slick City Action Park – A high-energy indoor slide park with no water, making it a popular choice for big kids and tweens who want something thrilling.
- Avalon Atmospheric Theatre – A one-of-a-kind movie experience under a starry ceiling that feels special without being over-the-top.
- Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World – A fully indoor aquarium experience that’s calming, educational, and perfect for animal-loving kids.
- Springs Water Park (Pewaukee) – A warm, indoor water park escape that works well for rainy days, winter afternoons, or quick overnight stays.
- Manfred Olson Planetarium – An immersive indoor experience where kids can explore the night sky, no clear weather required.
- Afternoon Tea at The Pfister – A surprisingly kid-friendly “fancy” experience with tiny sandwiches, desserts, and a special-occasion feel that works beautifully on a rainy day.
- Adventure Rock – Indoor rock climbing gyms with routes for beginners through advanced climbers, making it a great rainy-day option for active kids.
- Game Show Battle Rooms – Step into a real-life game show experience where families can compete in fast-paced challenges inspired by classic TV game shows.
- WhirlyBall Brookfield – A uniquely fun indoor mashup of bumper cars, basketball, and lacrosse that works well for older kids and teens.
- Bowling – Check out Hyperbowling at The New Fashioned, or cosmic bowling options at locally owned lanes.
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Cafés (For Burning Energy Fast)
When kids need to run, climb, and move, indoor playgrounds and play cafés are a lifesaver—especially on rainy or bitterly cold days.
Milwaukee-area indoor play spaces often feature soft play zones, climbing structures, imaginative play areas, and slide-focused attractions that help kids burn off energy while parents take a breather.
Some local favorites include toddler-friendly play cafés and high-energy indoor adventure parks for older kids and tweens.
👉 Browse our full list of indoor playgrounds and play cafés around Milwaukee »
Museums & Indoor Learning Adventures
Museums are one of the best rainy day activities in Milwaukee, offering hands-on learning and indoor exploration for kids of all ages.
From interactive children’s museums to science centers and quirky specialty museums, there’s something to spark every kid’s curiosity.
Popular picks include:
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum – A hands-on favorite for younger kids
- Discovery World – STEM exhibits, labs, and a giant aquarium tunnel
- Milwaukee Public Museum – Dinosaurs, butterflies, and the Streets of Old Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Art Museum – Family-friendly programming and art studios
- National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum – A fun, unexpected stop
👉 Explore kid-friendly museums in Milwaukee »
Libraries (Free Indoor Fun & Programs)
For free, flexible indoor fun, libraries are hard to beat.
Milwaukee Public Library has 13 branches with standout children’s areas, frequent storytimes, and family programming. Several suburban libraries also offer impressive play spaces, art installations, and cozy reading nooks that make them great rainy day destinations.
👉 See our favorite libraries for kids around Milwaukee »
Indoor Water Parks (Warm Fun Year-Round)
When you’re craving warmth in the middle of winter or need a break from gray skies, indoor water parks are a great option.
These climate-controlled spaces offer lazy rivers, slides, splash zones, and pools where kids can swim and play no matter the weather outside.
Springs Water Park in Pewaukee is the closest option, with several larger indoor water parks located within a few hours of Milwaukee for easy day trips or overnights.
👉 Find indoor water parks near Milwaukee »
Art Studios & Creative Indoor Activities
Rainy days are perfect for getting creative.
Pottery painting studios, guided art classes, and open-ended art spaces give kids the chance to make something they can take home—while staying dry and warm indoors. These activities tend to work especially well for elementary-age kids and tweens.
👉 Explore art studios and creative activities for kids »
Indoor Entertainment & Theaters
Looking for something a little different? Milwaukee has several indoor entertainment options that work well for rainy afternoons or evenings.
Family-friendly theaters, planetariums, and historic movie houses offer a memorable indoor experience—especially for older kids.
Popular options include:
- Avalon Atmospheric Theatre
- Oriental Theatre
- Manfred Olson Planetarium
- Bradley Symphony Center (free family concerts on select weekends)
Tours, Tastings & Unique Indoor Experiences
Rainy days are a great excuse to try something new. Kid-friendly tours and tastings let families learn how things are made, explore local businesses, and enjoy hands-on experiences indoors. Even classic spots like Afternoon Tea at The Pfister can be surprisingly fun for kids when you’re looking for a special outing.
👉 See kid-friendly tours and tastings around Milwaukee »
Indoor Activities for Older Kids & Tweens
If playgrounds feel too young, Milwaukee still has plenty of indoor activities that appeal to older kids and tweens. High-energy and skill-based options include:
- Trampoline & adventure parks
- Ninja warrior gyms
- Arcades
- Indoor roller skating rinks
These activities are great for kids who want more independence, challenge, and excitement.
👉 Find indoor activities for older kids & tweens »
Indoor Animal Attractions
Animal lovers don’t have to wait for nice weather. Indoor aquariums and animal-focused exhibits give kids the chance to explore marine life and wildlife comfortably inside—making them a strong rainy day choice.
Top picks include:
Indoor Activities at Home (When You Don’t Want to Go Out)
Some rainy days call for staying in—and that’s okay.
At-home science experiments and simple learning activities are an easy way to keep kids engaged without leaving the house. Most use common household items and take about 30 minutes, making them perfect for filling a long afternoon.
👉 Try these easy at-home science experiments »
👉 100 Screen Free Activities To Do At Home »
Indoor Events Happening This Week
There’s always something happening indoors around Milwaukee—from storytimes and craft workshops to seasonal exhibits and family-friendly performances.
Our Events Calendar is updated regularly and is a great resource when you’re searching for indoor things to do with kids today or this week.
👉 Check the Milwaukee Events Calendar »
Looking for Even More Family Fun?
This roundup is designed to help you quickly find rainy day activities and indoor kids’ activities in Milwaukee, no matter the weather or your kids’ ages.
If you find this guide helpful, you may also enjoy subscribing to our weekly e-Newsletter, where we share family-friendly events, seasonal guides, and fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox.
Have a question or suggestion? Email us anytime at hello@mkewithkids.com.
