The best family memories are made with a snack in hand and a view worth savoring. Whether you’re sipping tea high above the city or digging into cheese curds by Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some truly unique spots where the scenery is as good as the snacks. And yes, these places are all kid-friendly!
Here are five of our favorite scenic spots to grab a bite with the kids in tow:
1. Afternoon Tea at Blu (The Pfister Hotel)
If you’ve ever wondered whether Afternoon Tea at The Pfister is kid-friendly, the answer is a resounding yes!
Set on the 23rd floor of The Pfister Hotel, Blu offers sweeping views of the Milwaukee skyline and Lake Michigan. Kids are treated to hot cocoa or apple cider served in a teapot, mini turkey sandwiches, hot dog wraps, and plenty of pastries to go around. There’s even a tea demonstration to kick things off.
It’s fancy, but not fussy – and totally doable with kids ages 6 and up.
👉 Read our full post about Afternoon Tea at Blu here.
2. South Shore Terrace
Lake views, playgrounds, and cheese curds? Yes, please.
South Shore Terrace is one of those rare gems where adults and kids are equally happy. It’s located in South Shore Park, where you’ll find a playground, a small sandy beach for digging and splashing, and one of the best skyline views in town.
You can grab brats, burgers, pretzels, and even fish fry – plus local beer for grown-ups – and eat at picnic tables while the kids play nearby.
👉 Check out our full guide to Milwaukee’s most family-friendly beer gardens.
3. Barnacle Buds
For a totally different vibe, head to this quirky riverside hideaway tucked away near Bay View.
Barnacle Buds has a relaxed, coastal feel that might make you forget you’re still in Milwaukee. There’s often live music, and the dockside seating makes it feel like a mini vacation in Key West.
The menu includes casual seafood options (hello, shrimp baskets) and classic kids’ fare, and there’s plenty of space for them to move around while you sip something tropical.
4. Colectivo on the Lake
This isn’t your average coffee stop. Housed in an old historic water pumping station, Colectivo on the Lake offers gorgeous lake views and plenty of things for kids to explore.
Grab a smoothie or bakery treat and then head across the street to look at the boats in McKinley Marina, burn off energy at the playground, or stroll over to Veterans Park for a ride on the swan boats. It’s a perfect stop on a sunny day.
5. Hubbard Park Lodge
Tucked along the Oak Leaf Trail in Shorewood, Hubbard Park Lodge feels like a forest escape right in the city. To get there, you’ll walk a short wooded trail under a train trestle and along the Milwaukee River—a fun adventure in itself.
On weekends, they offer a cozy family-style brunch inside the lodge, and in warmer months you can enjoy the outdoor beer garden with brats, burgers, and root beer. There’s a big grassy area where kids can run and play, and the trail is stroller-friendly, too.
Did we miss your favorite snack-with-a-view spot? Let us know!
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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.
