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Summer 2026, here we come! Summer in Milwaukee is short, but blissful – and it’s packed with special and unique things for families to do together.
From once-a-year events to outings that only work in the warm weather, this list is filled with ideas that are distinctly summer-only. Use it as your go-to summer checklist!
Summer Highlights
- Sunday Family Fun Days at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park on the lakefront
- Fly kites at the Gift of Wings Family Kite Festival over Memorial Day weekend
- Visit Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum when it opens for the season on June 7, 2026
- Explore the whimsical Margie’s Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens (now open!)
- Make a last visit to Milwaukee Public Museum before it moves in early 2027.
- Watch part of the America’s Dairyland Bike Tour as it races through towns throughout the Milwaukee area.
- Take your kids to the Ed Sheeran concert on June 25th at Summerfest.
- Make and browse art at the Lakefront Festival of Art
- Watch hot air balloons at Waterford Balloonfest (with helicopter candy drop!)
Festivals, Culture & Community Events
- Explore the Lil’ Gig at Summerfest (a festival within a festival!)
- Experience the medieval flair of Bristol Renaissance Faire
- Visit the Eiffel Tower at Bastille Days Milwaukee Kids Day, Saturday July 11th.
- Make art at Frida Fest MKE
- Enjoy Rainbow Summer at Marcus Performing Arts Center
- Watch artists create at MOWA Art & Chalk Festival in August
- Wander Leprechaun Village at Milwaukee Irish Fest
- Ride the trolley during Bronzeville Week
- Watch races at the Dragon Boat Festival
- Roast s’mores and dance at the Art Blaze Beach Party
- Run through the Bo Black Family Fountain splash pad
- Visit the new Deer District Farmers Market (Sundays, June–October)
- Find the perfect spot to watch the Milwaukee Air & Water Show
Sports & Stadium Fun
- See the Brewers play at American Family Field: Paw Patrol Day is July 19th, 2026. Plus, there’s a brand new playground near right field, a new plaza outside the stadium. Go on Sunday Funday to get autographs before the game and run the bases after the game
- Catch the Banana Ball World Tour at American Family Field in early June (like the Harlem Globetrotters for baseball)
- Enjoy Inflatables in the Outfield events May 23, 2026 at the Wisconsin Brewing Company Park home of the Lake Country DockHounds
- Watch fireworks at a Milwaukee Milkmen game at Franklin Field
Outdoor Adventures & Nature
- Walk to the waterfall at Wehr Nature Center
- Spend a beach day at Klode Park
- Swim at Fox Brook Park
- Visit Lakefront Park in Pewaukee where you can swim in the lake and stroll down the shops of Main Street.
- Find wildlife at Mystery Lake at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
- Go strawberry picking (Here’s our Strawberry Picking Guide for 2026)
- Pick peaches at Apple Holler
- Wander through a sunflower maze
- Feed giraffes at Milwaukee County Zoo – this opportunity is only available in summer
Hands-On & Active Fun
- Try Kids Bowl Free at local bowling alleys
- Explore the Mobilab exhibit at Discovery World (limited-time)
- Climb the tower at North Point Lighthouse for a great view of Lake Park and Lake Michigan
- Ride miniature trains with Milwaukee Light Engineering Society
- Jump around and cool off at Bear Paw Adventure Park, the largest Aqua Park in the Midwest
- Step back in time at Old World Wisconsin
Summer Nights & Unique Experiences
- Watch a family movie at the Milky Way Drive-In Theatre
- Catch outdoor movies around the city’s parks and green spaces
- Listen to live music at Chill on the Hill in Bay View
- Enjoy Wonderful Wednesdays in Lake Park, a music series just for kids!
- Eat at South Shore Terrace and check out the brand new playground and beach area
- Decorate a lantern at the peaceful and beautiful Water Lantern Festival
- Take a boat tour on Lake Michigan
- Eat inside a bus at Transfer Pizzeria Café
More Summer Fun
- Find our top ideas for 50 Free Things To Do This Summer With Kids in Milwaukee
- Use the 2026 Patio Dining Guide to find family-friendly outdoor dining
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.
