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Mother’s Day is this Sunday! Celebrate moms and mother figures by attending one of these events or visiting a favorite attraction. Here are our top picks:
Featured Event
Brunch With the Boss: A Mother’s Day Celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum (5/10) – Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch at MOTOR Restaurant, then spend the rest of the day exploring the Harley-Davidson Museum (Moms enjoy free admission!).
>> Find more Mother’s Day brunch spots.
Top Picks in Milwaukee
- Free Admission for Moms on Mother’s Day – We put together a list of fun places that are offering admission deals for moms on Mother’s Day, including Discovery World, Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Milwaukee County Zoo!
- ALICE (in wonderland) – CLOSING WEEKEND (5/1-5/10) – This weekend is your last chance to catch ALICE (in wonderland), presented by the Milwaukee Ballet at the Marcus Center. This family-friendly adventure is full of iconic characters and jaw-dropping dance, circus, theater, and puppetry.
- MPM’s Greatest Hits: Rainforest & Butterflies – OPENING WEEKEND (5/7-6/6) – Celebrate two of MPM’s groundbreaking and immersive exhibits: Rainforest and Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium, which showcase some of the planet’s most beautiful biodiversity — using recreated and real specimens.
- MKE REC’s Mother’s Day Hike at Hawthorn Glen (5/9) – Mother’s Day has always been a time to honor special caregivers, and there’s no better way to do that than to spend some time together in nature and explore the inspiring trails.
- Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves! at Miller High Life Theatre (5/10) – This exciting show will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and moving along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they dance, stretch, and play along to fan-favorite songs, including “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.”
Free Events
Looking for fun that won’t cost a thing? Start here:
- Free Admission for Moms on Mother’s Day – We put together a list of fun places that are offering admission deals for moms on Mother’s Day, including Discovery World, Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Milwaukee County Zoo!
- Story Time at Wonderland Bookshop (FREE, 5/7, 5/9, Shorewood) – Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Wonderland reads one of its favorite stories. RSVP encouraged but not required.
- Blumen Bash at Shady Lane Greenhouse (FREE, 5/9, Menomonee Falls) – Enjoy free children’s activities like games and coloring, and watching trains run on a G-scale model railroad. You can also plant some love for Mom or paint a train ornament ($5 for each craft activity).
- Lyss + Littles Grand Re-Opening (FREE, 5/9, Wauwatosa) – Lyss + Littles has moved! Come celebrate the new space, shop fresh arrivals just in time for Mother’s Day, get a complimentary professional photo, giveaways, and more.
- Kids’ Disco on 88.9 FM Radio Milwaukee (1/24)
Want more free ideas?
→ Use the FREE filter on our Events Calendar
→ Download our 250 Free Things to Do Around Milwaukee Guidep Picks ~ Special Needs
Top Picks in the ‘Burbs
Venture outside the city for more fun!
North Suburbs
- Story Time at Wonderland Bookshop (FREE, 5/7, 5/9, Shorewood) – Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Wonderland reads one of its favorite stories. RSVP encouraged but not required.
- World Migratory Bird Day Celebration at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (5/9, Bayside) – Observe and learn about ways we each can make a difference for the migratory birds that live in our communities. All ages can enjoy bird walks, interactive educational stations, a community art project, raptors, and more.
- Blumen Bash at Shady Lane Greenhouse (FREE, 5/9, Menomonee Falls) – Enjoy free children’s activities like games and coloring, and watching trains run on a G-scale model railroad. You can also plant some love for Mom or paint a train ornament ($5 for each craft activity).
South Suburbs
- Margie’s Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens – NOW OPEN (5/1-10/31, Hales Corners) – Kids love exploring this section of Boerner Botanical Gardens! Wander winding paths through larger-than-life flowers, alphabet and numbers gardens, sound makers, slides, and more.
- Moms Ride Free on East Troy Railroad (5/9, East Troy) – Mom rides FREE with the purchase of at least one additional ticket. Explore the East Troy Depot, then board a beautifully restored electric train and enjoy the scenic Wisconsin countryside on your way to the Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago.
West Suburbs
- Jurassic Journey at Waukesha County Expo Center (5/8-5/25 weekends, Waukesha) – Step into the Midwest’s largest animatronic dinosaur collection and wander through breathtaking prehistoric landscapes. From fossil digs to live presentations and unforgettable encounters with ancient giants, there’s something for explorers of all ages.
- Lyss + Littles Grand Re-Opening (FREE, 5/9, Wauwatosa) – Lyss + Littles has moved! Come celebrate the new space, shop fresh arrivals just in time for Mother’s Day, get a complimentary professional photo, giveaways, and more.
Want more nearby ideas?
Explore fun by location on our Family Fun Map →
Top Picks By Age
Find something that fits your kid’s age:
Babies, Toddlers & Little Kids
- MPM’s Greatest Hits: Rainforest & Butterflies – OPENING WEEKEND (5/7-6/6) – Celebrate two of MPM’s groundbreaking and immersive exhibits: Rainforest and Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium, which showcase some of the planet’s most beautiful biodiversity — using recreated and real specimens.
- Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves! at Miller High Life Theatre (5/10) – This exciting show will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and moving along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they dance, stretch, and play along to fan-favorite songs, including “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.”
- Explore our full guide: Best Things to Do With Toddlers Around Milwaukee
School Age
- ALICE (in wonderland) – CLOSING WEEKEND (5/1-5/10) – This weekend is your last chance to catch ALICE (in wonderland), presented by the Milwaukee Ballet at the Marcus Center. This family-friendly adventure is full of iconic characters and jaw-dropping dance, circus, theater, and puppetry.
- Jurassic Journey at Waukesha County Expo Center (5/8-5/25, Waukesha) – Step into the Midwest’s largest animatronic dinosaur collection and wander through breathtaking prehistoric landscapes. From fossil digs to live presentations and unforgettable encounters with ancient giants, there’s something for explorers of all ages.
- MKE REC’s Mother’s Day Hike at Hawthorn Glen (5/9) – Mother’s Day has always been a time to honor special caregivers, and there’s no better way to do that than to spend some time together in nature and explore the inspiring trails.
Teens & Tweens
- Paint With Mom at Splash Studio (5/9-5/10) – Each ticket includes a joy-filled painting session with step-by-step instruction, a refreshing white sangria welcome cocktail (for guests 21+), a beautifully curated charcuterie grazing table, and a special photo opportunity to capture the moment.
- Afternoon Tea at the Pfister Hotel (Daily) – Enjoy panoramic views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan during tableside tea. Learn about the flavors and origins, effects on mood and health, blending options, and perfect pairings for each tea. Fresh scones, sandwiches, and pastries are also served.
- Explore our full guide: Best Things to Do With Tweens & Teens Around Milwaukee
Uniquely Milwaukee
These are the kinds of things that make Milwaukee… Milwaukee.
- Afternoon Tea at the Pfister
- Koz’s Mini Bowl
- Ride the Hop
- Bay View Printing Company
- UWM Bowling at the Rec Center
- Safehouse Spy Restaurant
- Milwaukee Bucks Game With Kids
- Slick City Action Park
- Mama Rosa Troll
- Avalon Atmospheric Theatre
- Pabst Mansion
- National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum
- Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee
- North Point Lighthouse (Climb the tower!)
Day Trip Ideas
Want to get out of the city for the day? These family-friendly trips are worth the drive.
More Family Fun Ideas
Looking for something beyond this weekend?
- Full Events Calendar
- Best Playgrounds
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks
- Top Museums for Kids
- Water Parks Near Milwaukee
- Free & Affordable Activities
- Milwaukee Minor League Sports
- Best Libraries
- STEM Activities
- Ninja Courses
- Glow-in-the-Dark Activities
- Art Studios
- Nature Centers
- Milwaukee Planetariums
- Must-Visit Arcades
- Roller Skating Rinks
- Train Lovers Guide to Milwaukee & Beyond
Staying Home?
Easy, low-pressure fun you can do right at home.
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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.
