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Each month, we round up the latest and greatest additions to the Milwaukee area that are perfect for families with kids. From exciting park reopenings to fun infrastructure updates, here’s what’s new around town this month.
Bookmark this page – we’ll keep it updated all month long!
What’s New Around Milwaukee
Can-D Shop at 3rd Street Market Hall
Can-D Shop is a new chocolate and candy store now open at 3rd Street Market Hall. The shop focuses on high-quality sweets, novelty candies, and chocolate sourced exclusively from Wisconsin. Shoppers can expect a mix of classic treats and fun, unique finds. Online ordering is listed as coming soon.
New in Brookfield: Claw Frenzy, a claw machine–only arcade
Claw Frenzy recently opened in Brookfield, offering a unique arcade experience focused entirely on claw machines. The space features more than two dozen machines stocked with plush toys and novelty prizes, from animals to character-themed items. Each attempt costs about $1, and players use a simple joystick-and-button setup. The machines are similar in difficulty to traditional claw games, making wins a fun challenge. This new spot may appeal to families with older kids, teens, and anyone who enjoys the classic thrill of claw machines.
True Echo VR at 3rd Street Market Hall
True Echo VR is a new group virtual reality experience located inside 3rd Street Market Hall. The venue focuses on multiplayer VR games designed for shared play, making it a potential option for team-building activities, birthday parties, friend gatherings, and group outings. Experiences are designed for teens and adults, with players participating together in immersive, interactive environments. Bookings are available for private events and group sessions.
Neon Mini in Hartland
Neon Mini, a new children’s boutique, is now open in Hartland. The shop offers clothing, gifts, and accessories for girls, tweens, teens, and boys, with sizing ranging from approximately 4–10 for younger kids and 7–16 for older kids and teens. Shoppers will find a mix of everyday wear, seasonal items, accessories, toys, and small gifts. Neon Mini is located at 303 Cottonwood Ave. in downtown Hartland.
Two Eastern Black Rhinos Arrive at Milwaukee County Zoo
The Zoo welcomes 16-year-old Zuri from the Cincinnati Zoo and 22-year-old Kianga from the Racine Zoo to the brand-new $22.6 million Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center, the final phase of the Adventure Africa project. The pair will complete quarantine before guests can visit their new habitat later this year.
A Bold New Chapter for the Martin Luther King Branch Library
The Martin Luther King Branch has been a community cornerstone since 1971, and now it’s opening a brand-new 17,400-square-foot building—the greenest library in Southeast Wisconsin. Part of a mixed-use development with 42 new apartments, the $11 million project features a makerspace, study rooms, community meeting space, and an updated collection, all powered by sustainable energy systems.
👉See all 10 of the best libraries for kids in Metro Milwaukee.
Slingshot Bar – West Allis (Family-Friendly During the Day)
Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s the only slingshot bar experience in the world. Kids & 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
Find more info in our post about the best things to do with teens around Milwaukee.
Coming Soon & Redevelopments
Stella’s Playground
Milwaukee’s first universally accessible and inclusive playground is coming to Reservoir Park. Inspired by Stella, a courageous nine-year-old girl, the project aims to raise $2 million to break ground by summer 2026. This special playground will be a place where all kids can play together.
👉 Learn more and support Stella’s Playground
Browning Playfield Redevelopment
Milwaukee Recreation broke ground on a brand-new community center and playfield on the northwest side (76th & Silver Spring). Families can look forward to an indoor pool, basketball courts, a splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, and more. Completion is expected in early 2027.
👉 Check out our roundup of the best Milwaukee playgrounds.
New Indoor Playgrounds Coming Soon
Several indoor adventure parks are opening across the area: Lava Island, Fun City Adventure Park, and Astroland Oak Creek. Perfect for burning off energy once the weather turns chilly.
👉 Browse more indoor playgrounds around Milwaukee
Check back here each month for more updates on new spots, upcoming openings, and fun changes around Milwaukee for families. Got a tip? Let us know!
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.
