It’s harvest and haunt time! Here are our top picks for kid-friendly events happening this weekend:
Jack-O-Lantern Nights at Racine Zoo
September 26-November 3, 2024
Meander through a dedicated pathway, admiring more than 1,000 intricately hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, impressive pumpkin sculptures in animal shapes, and bewitching light displays. Vote for your favorite decorated spot, too!
Haunts & Harvest in the Streets of Old Milwaukee at MPM
September 19-November 4 , 2024
Experience Halloween as it was celebrated in the early 1900s! Vintage decorations and seasonal props include Granny’s House decorated for a haunted party, vintage Halloween postcards in the Print Shop, and traditional orange-and-black rattles in the Toy Store.
2. Harvest Festival at Milwaukee Public Market
Riverwalk Commons, 423 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
October 12, 2024, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This annual festival is a celebration of the public market’s anniversary. It is a free event that is fun for the whole family with food, music, and autumn-inspired activities.
Taste hand-cranked apple cider, build your own scarecrow, roast a s’more, carve a pumpkin, enjoy live music and more.
Attendees 21 years of age or older can take part in a fan-favorite tradition of sampling Lakefront Brewery Pumpkin Lager tapped from the market’s giant pumpkin.
New this year is a mini-harvest market featuring local producers with unique products like basil pesto, boozy cider, Wisconsin cheese, and more.
The festival is located at the Riverwalk Commons space, located across the street from the Milwaukee Public Market along the river.
3. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
Fiserv Forum, 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
October 12-13, 2024
Admission: $25-$65
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party is coming to Fiserv Forum for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 for three epic performances. Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the dark at this one-of-a-kind, action-packed live show.
4. Future Voters Fest
Little Village Play Cafe, 6505 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Friday, October 11, 2024, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This event is a celebration of community, democracy, and — most importantly — the power of voting! Little ones will have the chance to learn what it means to vote through hands-on, engaging activities in a fun, family-friendly environment. There will be kid-friendly voting ballots, DIY art stations, inspiring speakers, local food vendors, and more.
5. World Oddities Expo
Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
October 12, 2024, Noon-8 p.m.
Admission: $20
The World Oddities Expo is a traveling oddities festival- a peculiar paradise where weird thrives! It’s an all-inclusive artisan and small business-fueled mega-convention.
Shop the showroom floor packed with peculiar pleasures and treasures from artists and small businesses. You’ll find everything in the Lost Curio Marketplace from taxidermy, insects, macabre art, jewelry, home décor, and more!
Sign up for a hands-on workshop at WOE Labs, and listen to guest speakers at WOE Theater showcase their vast knowledge on a variety of interesting topics! Enjoy live performances, burlesque, and more!
6. HKE MKE at Urban Ecology Center
Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Sunday, October 13, 2024, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Pay what you can (Suggested pricing is $15 for adults and $5 for children)
This family-friendly, 2.5-mile hike follows beautiful nature trails along the Milwaukee River through Riverside Park, the neighborhood, and the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum. Self-guided, “hike at your own pace” send-off times include 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Noon, and 12:30 p.m.
Hikers will encounter interactive stations along the way en,ding at a finish line gathering of various vendors, food trucks, and fun!
Proceeds preserve urban nature and support the Urban Ecology Center’s mission of connecting people in cities to nature and each other. Pay what you can to participate!
Ready for More Family Fun?
Milwaukee is packed with even more exciting activities and hidden gems for you to explore with your family this season. Whether you’re looking for spontaneous outings or planning ahead, we’ve got you covered!
📅 Explore Our Events Calendar
From seasonal celebrations to ongoing attractions, our Events Calendar is your go-to guide for family-friendly happenings in and around Milwaukee. Discover new experiences every day, tailored just for you.
🍂 Find Your Fall Adventure
Check out our Fall Fun Map to uncover the best places for apple picking, pumpkin patches, Halloween happenings, and scenic hikes. It’s the perfect tool to help you make the most of autumn’s beauty.
🎡 Don’t Miss Our Top Picks!
Looking for more must-visit spots? Dive into our guides on:
- Milwaukee’s Best Playgrounds – Discover the most fun and unique play areas for kids of all ages.
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants – Enjoy a meal where the whole family is welcome.
- Indoor Playgrounds – Perfect for those rainy or chilly days.
- Top Museums for Kids – Unleash your child’s curiosity with engaging exhibits.
- Free & Affordable Activities – Have a blast without breaking the bank.
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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.
