When your kids start rolling their eyes about some of the things you used to do together as a family, it might be time to switch things up a bit.
Here are some fun ideas for things to do with tweens and teens around Milwaukee.
What would you add? Email hello@mkewithkids.com with your ideas.
1. Mini Golf
The Milwaukee area boasts a number of great miniature golfing spots that are perfect for families.
The whole family can play, and clever obstacles and water hazards offer a challenge for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time putter, these courses offer a fun and challenging experience that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Many of these miniature golf courses in the Milwaukee area also have driving ranges, making them the perfect place for you and your budding golfer to work on your swings.
Check out our full list of mini golf courses around Milwaukee.
2. Cosmic Bowling
Bowling offers the perfect blend of family fun and competition. Leave the screens behind and immerse yourselves in a dynamic atmosphere where everyone can enjoy an engaging experience together.
Many bowling alleys also have arcade areas and snack bars.
Alpine Bowling in Muskego and other local bowling alleys offer Cosmic Bowling, complete with laser lights, disco lights, black lights, haze machines, and loud music.
Plus, Kids Bowl Free offers two free games of bowling for kids – every single day of the summer!
Here are 5 bowling alleys where kids bowl free all summer long.
3. Rock Climbing
Experience a thrilling adventure with tweens and teens at an indoor rock climbing facility like Adventure Rock, with locations in Milwaukee and Brookfield.
From conquering heights to fostering teamwork, it’s an engaging and enjoyable experience that will leave lasting memories.
There are walls for climbers of all experience levels, and at Adventure Rock there’s even a free climb area.
4. Whirlyball
WhirlyBall combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars in a game of skill coupled with a touch of chance.
In this team sport, you’ll break into teams and face off on the WhirlyBall court. Use a bumper car and scoop to get the wiffle ball and shoot it into the goal. Whether you come up with a game plan or wing it, you’re sure to walk away exhilarated.
Games are timed and you’ll have a referee to tally score as you go.
There’s a location in Brookfield that is convenient to the Milwaukee area.
5. Go Karting
Go Karting is a great way to make teens and tweens feel as independent as they are.
Place like Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events gives you access to Formula 1-inspired go-karts and an exhilarating racing experience. There’s also a Virtual Reality Arena and Axe Throwing (must be 13 or older).
6. Trampoline Parks
Trampoline Parks like Urban Air and Rockin’ Jump are still popular with tweens and teens, especially during special events like Glow Nights.
Here’s a list of Indoor Playgrounds around Milwaukee.
7. Roller Skating
Is there any other tween experience more quintessential than roller skating in glow lights with today’s hits blaring from the speakers?
Check out area Skateland locations in Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Butler, and Incredi-Roll in West Allis.
8. Laser Tag
Laser tag offers an immersive and interactive gaming experience that combines physical activity, strategy, and friendly competition. It allows tweens to step into an exciting world where they can unleash their energy and engage in thrilling battles with their friends.
Laser tag also appeals to tweens’ sense of adventure and imagination. The darkened arenas, glowing lights, and futuristic themes create an atmosphere of excitement and make-believe. It’s a chance for tweens to channel their inner heroes and strategize their way to victory.
The Milwaukee area is home to several laser tag arenas including Bounce Milwaukee, Laser Tag Pro, and more.
9. Arcades
From classic arcade cabinets to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, teens and tweens can immerse themselves in a world of excitement and endless possibilities.
Plus, arcades provide a social hub where tweens can meet up with friends, form new connections, and engage in friendly competition. The multiplayer nature of many arcade games encourages collaboration and creates opportunities for tweens to bond over shared experiences.
The lively atmosphere of an arcade fosters a sense of camaraderie, laughter, and shared enjoyment.
Check out Dave & Busters, Garcade, and Family Days at Up-Down MKE.
10. Selfie Museum
Selfie museums offer an immersive and visually captivating experience that is unlike anything they have encountered before.
These museums are designed with vibrant, interactive installations, whimsical backdrops, and eye-catching props, creating a magical and photogenic environment that appeals to tweens’ sense of wonder and exploration.
Selfie museums provide tweens with a creative outlet to express themselves and showcase their individuality. The various themed rooms and installations encourage them to pose, experiment with angles, and express their personality through imaginative photography. Tweens can curate their own narratives, telling stories and capturing moments that reflect their unique style and interests.
Selfie Hop is a local selfie studio located on Milwaukee’s Eastside with over 20 different photo opportunities.
11. Skateboard Parks
Skateboard parks offer a sense of freedom and autonomy to teens and tweens.
They can express their personal style, creativity, and individuality through skateboarding tricks, maneuvers, and their choice of equipment.
Skateboarding allows them to carve their own path, pushing their boundaries and exploring their capabilities.
Check out Four Seasons Skatepark, Estabrook Skate Park, and Tosa Skatepark!
Calie Herbst
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place. In 2019, she published "Exploring Milwaukee With Kids", a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids. She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6's 'Real Milwaukee', B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News. Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
