When your kids start rolling their eyes at the things you used to do together, it might be time to switch things up. If you’re parenting tweens and teens, you know the challenge: finding activities that are cool enough to keep them engaged and fun enough for the whole family.
Here are some fun, teen-approved things to do around Milwaukee that go beyond the usual family outing:
Arts & Creativity
Bay View Printing Company
Drink & Ink Nights
Bay View Printing Company offers hands-on letterpress workshops for teens (ages 12+) and adults to create custom posters using antique wood type and printing presses. It’s BYO drinks and snacks, and each attendee leaves with a few copies of their own handmade 11×17 print. Classes are small, fun, and often sell out fast.
Candlelight Concerts
These magical Candlelight Concerts at The Abbey at St. James 1868 feature music by artists like Taylor Swift and Adele performed by string musicians in a historic church lit by thousands of candles.
- Location: The Abbey at St. James 1868
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Age: 8+, under 16 with adult
- Note: No food, but drinks available; ADA accessible
Paint Your Own Pottery
Let your teen explore their creative side at a paint-your-own pottery studio. Vibez Creative Arts even hosts special teen nights. [Find pottery and art studios around Milwaukee here.]
ComedySportz Milwaukee
If your teen thinks they’re too cool for family night, ComedySportz might just prove them wrong. This fast-paced, family-friendly improv show pits two teams of comedians against each other in hilarious games based on audience suggestions. The energy is high, the jokes are clean, and the interactive format keeps teens engaged (and maybe even laughing at your suggestions). Bonus: It’s right in Walker’s Point, so you can make a full night of it with nearby dinner spots.
Game & VR Experiences
RSVR Virtual Reality Arcade
Located in Milwaukee, RSVR is a cutting-edge VR arcade where tweens and teens can immerse themselves in high-definition gaming experiences. Each station has access to the full library of games and experiences, with multiplayer options available for larger groups.
Game Show Battle!
Step into a real-life game show! At Game Show Battle Room in Brookfield or Game Show MKE, families can compete in challenges inspired by classics like Family Feud and Minute to Win It. A lively host keeps the energy up and the laughs coming. Perfect for groups with tweens and teens.
Amped MKE + True Echo VR
Amped is Milwaukee’s first private suite karaoke bar – and yes, it’s teen-friendly before 9:00 PM. Reserve your own room, cue up your playlist, and sing your heart out. For an even more immersive experience, pair karaoke with True Echo VR, a cutting-edge virtual reality experience right on site.
📍 Downtown Milwaukee | Under 16 welcome before 9PM
Slingshot Bar – West Allis (Family-Friendly During the Day)
Yes, it’s real—and yes, teens can try it (during the day). Slingshot Bar is a first-of-its-kind concept where guests shoot real slingshots at a dynamic open range. While the vibe turns 21+ at night, daytime hours are designed for families, birthday parties, and adventurous groups looking for something totally different. Expect safety training, all equipment included, and plenty of target-hitting fun.
📍 6325 West National Avenue, West Allis
Arcades
Old-school pinball or cutting-edge VR? Milwaukee arcades have it all. Arcades are also great social spaces for tweens and teens. Check out these 5 must-visit Arcades around Milwaukee.
Explore Tabletop Gaming at Old Guard Games
Located on Downer Ave., Old Guard Games is a haven for teens into board games, D&D, and trading cards. With weekly events, friendly staff, and space to play, it’s a favorite among local gaming enthusiasts.
Active & Competitive Fun
Whirlyball
This fast-paced game mixes bumper cars with basketball, lacrosse, and hockey. Available in Brookfield, WhirlyBall is great for groups who want to laugh, compete, and try something new.
UWM Union Rec Center
Located in the UWM Student Union, the recently updated UWM Union Rec Center offers bowling, billiards, table tennis, and even an Esports arena. A fun, affordable way to hang out as a family.
Luxe Golf Bays (Franklin)
Luxe Golf Bays is an upscale entertainment complex features a three-story, high-tech driving range with 57 climate-controlled bays powered by Trackman technology.
Cosmic Bowling
Under the disco lights, bowling becomes a party. Places like Alpine Lanes in Muskego offer Cosmic Bowling with lights, music, and lots of fun. Plus, programs like Kids Bowl Free run all summer long. Here are 5 bowling alleys where kids bowl free all summer long.
Rock Climbing
Try indoor climbing at Adventure Rock (Milwaukee & Brookfield). It’s active, exciting, and a great workout. They offer walls for all levels and even a free climb area.
Go Karting
Let your teens put the pedal to the metal at K1 Indoor Speedway. In addition to go-karts, there’s also axe throwing and virtual reality experiences. (Axe throwing is for ages 13+.)
Trampoline Parks
Urban Air and Rockin’ Jump are still go-to spots for tweens and teens. Check out special events like Glow Nights for an extra cool experience. [Browse Indoor Playgrounds around Milwaukee]
Roller Skating
Cue the neon lights and your favorite hits. Skating at these local Milwaukee roller skating rinks (Butler, Waukesha, and Ozaukee) is a classic teen experience.
Laser Tag
Dark arenas, glowing lights, and futuristic vibes make laser tag a teen favorite. Places like Battle House Laser Tag provide the perfect mix of physical activity and strategy.
Glow Skate
These fun and festive skate night features glowing lights, upbeat music, and a party atmosphere your tween or teen will love. Held occasionally throughout the year at Wilson Ice Arena in Milwaukee and Eble Ice Arena in Brookfield, these events offer a unique twist on a classic activity. Be sure to check our Milwaukee Family Events Calendar for upcoming Glow Skate dates!
Skateboard Parks
Let your teen carve their own path at top skate parks around Milwaukee like Four Seasons Skatepark, Estabrook, and Tosa Skatepark. Skateboarding is a great mix of creativity and independence.
1st & Bowl
If your tweens and teens are up for some friendly competition, head to 1st and Bowl in Wauwatosa. This indoor action center features football bowling (yes, it’s a thing!), cornhole, pickleball, wiffle ball, and more. A guaranteed hit with tweens and teens looking for something different.
Billiards
A reader favorite! Romine’s High Pockets in Greenfield is a family-friendly pool hall that’s great for teaching your teen how to play billiards. It’s Milwaukee’s go-to spot for all things pool since 1991.
Outdoor & Seasonal Adventures
Mini Golf
Mini golf is still a win with tweens and teens. Many courses have tricky obstacles and water features, plus some offer driving ranges to practice their swing. [See the full list of local Milwaukee area mini golf spots.]
Kayaking Milwaukee
Explore the city from the water! Teens can enjoy a paddling adventure on the Milwaukee River or Lake Michigan through local outfitters like Milwaukee Kayak Company, Lakeshore Paddle Sports, or Wheel Fun Rentals at Veterans Park. It’s an active way to explore the city’s architecture, nature, and skyline.
📍 Various locations | Seasonal
Cheer on Milwaukee Sports
Cheer on our World Champion Milwaukee Bucks, or opt for a Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Brewers, or Milwaukee Wave game. If you head north for a Packer game, be sure to check out the best things to do in the Titletown District, or catch a Badger Game at Camp Randall as a family.
Just Plain Different
Milwaukee Food & City Tours
For foodie teens and families, Milwaukee Food & City Tours offers tasty and educational outings around the city’s most delicious spots. Learn about the city’s brewing roots, cultural communities, and iconic eats while sampling your way through the neighborhoods.
📍 Multiple routes | Tour Calendar
Bust-N-Stuff
Sometimes, you just need to break something. This one-of-a-kind rage room lets teens (12+) gear up and smash bottles, electronics, furniture, and more in a private setting. Protective gear is provided, music is encouraged, and stress relief is guaranteed.
📍 Walker’s Point | Ages 12+ | Appointment only
Book your bust session
What other events and activities around Milwaukee are perfect for teens tweens? Email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.
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.
