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Looking for the best summer things to do in Milwaukee with kids? You’re in the right place. Summer is when the city truly comes alive – from splash pads and sandy beaches to vibrant festivals and free outdoor concerts, Milwaukee is buzzing with family fun. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or creating your whole summer bucket list, this guide pulls together the very best summer activities, events, and experiences for families in 2025.
Looking for more ideas? Start with our master list of the 100 Best Things To Do in Milwaukee With Kids. You can also explore our other seasonal hubs:
Free & Affordable Summer Fun in Milwaukee
Looking for budget-friendly adventures? Summer in Milwaukee is packed with free concerts, festivals, movies, and more. We’ve rounded up the very best ways to enjoy the season without spending a dime.
👉 50 Free Things To Do This Summer With Kids – Your ultimate guide to free and affordable summer fun around Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Splash Pads, Pools & Water Fun
When the heat rises, Milwaukee families cool off at splash pads, pools, and sandy beaches. From splash pads to lazy rivers to swan boats in Veterans Park, here are the best places to enjoy summer water fun.
- Splash Pads & Wading Pools Around Milwaukee
- Best Milwaukee Outdoor Water Parks & Pools
- Swimming Ponds & Lakes Around Southeastern Wisconsin
- Best Milwaukee Beaches
- Boat Tours in Milwaukee & Wisconsin
Milwaukee Summer Festivals & Family Events
Summer in Milwaukee means festivals every weekend. From kid-friendly cultural celebrations to fireworks, hot air balloons, and the world’s largest music festival, these events are must-dos for families.
- Kid-Friendly Summer Festivals Around Milwaukee
- Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Milwaukee
- Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Wisconsin
Outdoor Adventures & Nature Near Milwaukee
Get outside and explore Milwaukee’s natural side. Families can pick berries, hike scenic trails, visit sunflower fields, or spend the day at a local state park or nature center.
- Milwaukee Berry Picking Guide
- Play Gardens and Flower Farms Around Milwaukee
- Must-Visit Milwaukee Playgrounds
- Gorgeous Hikes Around Milwaukee
- Wisconsin State Parks Near Milwaukee
- Waterfalls in Milwaukee County
- Scenic Lighthouses to Visit in Southeastern Wisconsin
- Sunflower Farms Near Milwaukee
- Best Beer Gardens for Families
- Enchanting Labyrinths Around Milwaukee
- Petting Farms & Zoos
- Best Milwaukee Area Nature Centers
Family-Friendly Summer Exhibits in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s museums and gardens come alive with special exhibits each summer. From dinosaur adventures to storybook playlands, here are this year’s family favorites.
- Milwaukee County Zoo: Dinosaur Exhibit
- Discovery World Curious George
- Storyland at Betty Brinn
- Summer Floral Show at The Domes
Kid-Friendly Dining & Summer Treats in Milwaukee
Summer is the season for ice cream cones, Pete’s Pops, rooftop patios, and farmer’s markets. These family-friendly dining spots make eating out part of the adventure.
- Best Milwaukee Ice Cream & Frozen Custard Stands
- Rooftop Patios in Milwaukee for Families
- Best Beer Gardens for Families
- Milwaukee Snack Spots With a View
- Best Farmer’s Market’s For Kids Around Milwaukee
Summer Sports Fun in Milwaukee
Summer in Milwaukee isn’t complete without cheering on a local team. Baseball games and family-friendly sporting events are a great way to spend a sunny afternoon or warm evening together.
- Milwaukee Brewers Game: 10 Tips for Families – From kids’ play areas to Sunday Fun-Day bundles, here’s how to make the most of a trip to American Family Field.
- Lakeshore Chinooks Game: 10 Things Your Kids Will Love – Affordable baseball fun along Lake Michigan, with special promotions for families.
- Milwaukee Milkmen – This independent league team offers a laid-back, affordable game experience at Franklin Field with lots of kid-friendly extras.
- Lake Country DockHounds – Based in Oconomowoc, the DockHounds combine a fun, high-energy game with family entertainment and a community feel.
Tip: Check each team’s schedule for family promotion days, theme nights, and opportunities for kids to run the bases.
Summer Day Trips & Weekend Getaways From Milwaukee
Want to escape the city for a day? These quick trips — from campgrounds with water parks to family-friendly Wisconsin towns — make it easy to plan a summer getaway with kids.
- Best Day Trips From Milwaukee
- Wisconsin Campgrounds With Water Parks
- Top Wisconsin Weekend Getaways
- Top Wisconsin Vacation Destinations for Families
Unique Things To Do in Milwaukee With Kids
Milwaukee is full of one-of-a-kind attractions. Whether you’re exploring murals, hopping on The Hop, or checking out outdoor art, these unique experiences make the city unforgettable for families.
- Explore the Milwaukee Riverwalk With Kids
- Family-Friendly Stops Along The Hop Streetcar Route
- Living History Parks to Explore
- Milwaukee Mural Tour With Kids
- Sculpture Milwaukee With Kids
- Coming Soon: 5 Drive-In Theaters Around Milwaukee
Summer Fun at Home for Kids
Not every summer day needs to be a big outing. Sometimes the best memories are made right in your own backyard. These activities are simple, fun, and perfect for keeping kids busy at home all season long:
- 25 Fun Water Balloon Games for Kids – Cool off with creative twists on this classic summer favorite.
- Easy Tie Dye Patterns for Kids – Bright, colorful designs kids can make with simple supplies.
- Homemade Crafts Kids Can Make & Sell – Fun DIY projects that spark creativity and entrepreneurship.
- Best Backyard Activities for Kids – Ideas for turning your yard into the ultimate play space.
Related Post: Back-to-School Guide for Parents
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.
