
Winter in Milwaukee can be a season of adventure for families. From the joy of building snowmen to the coziness of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, there’s something special about this time of year.
But for parents, winter can also bring the challenge of keeping kids entertained without relying on screens.
That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to winter activities in Milwaukee. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, indoor creativity, or unique family outings, you’ll find over 100 ideas to make the season unforgettable.
✨Explore What’s New in Town
Discover fresh destinations and activities to make your winter extra special:
- Slick City Action Park – Our kids loved the slides, swings, and play areas, though the space is still settling in.
- Kidcadia – An enchanting door indoor playground for kids in Franklin.
- Epilogue Books – Enjoy a charming bookshop experience in Menomonee Falls.
- Biggby Cafe at Red Arrow Park – Sip on warm beverages while enjoying the cozy atmosphere by the Slice of Ice Rink.
- Brown Deer Ice Rink – Skate in a picturesque outdoor setting perfect for family outings.
- Joyosity – Unleash creativity with DIY projects and interactive workshops for all ages in Brookfield.
- Wonderland Books – Dive into a magical world of stories and unique finds at this new local favorite in Shorewood.
🏛️ Local Attractions with Winter Fun
Milwaukee’s top attractions are pulling out all the stops this winter with special exhibits and unique programming for families. Plus, be sure to take advantage of free admission days around Milwaukee. Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Discovery World: Explore Wisconsin’s largest aquarium, the brand new Exploration Station and Doodle Studio, hands-on exhibits, and the Innovation Station.
- Milwaukee Public Museum: This winter, they’ll host Mystery at MPM: Family Edition, Museum Days, CANNstruction Milwaukee, and more!
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: Enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops.
- The Domes: The annual train show is back this winter, and be sure to stop by the Education Center – included with admission!
- Milwaukee Art Museum: Kids 12 and under are forever free! Drop by for Story Time in the Gallery or create masterpieces in the Kohl’s Art Studio.
- Milwaukee County Parks Indoor Pools: Pulaski and Noyes indoor pools, the Sports Complex, and Wilson Ice Arena offer hours for families throughout the winter.
- The Hop Streetcar Adventure: Explore Milwaukee aboard The Hop! Discover 10 Kid-Friendly Stops Along The Hop Streetcar Route, including museums, parks, and attractions for the whole family.
❄️Outdoor Adventures
- Ice Skating: Glide into winter fun at top spots like Red Arrow Park, the new Brown Deer Ice Rink, or indoor options like the Pettit Center and Kern Center. check out our full guide to Milwaukee’s best ice skating rinks.
- Sledding & Tubing: Find thrills at the best Milwaukee sledding hills or tube your way to fun at local tubing destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for glow tubing adventures!
- Winter Hiking: Bundle up and explore Wehr Nature Center, Lake Park, or Retzer Nature Center for stunning winter landscapes.
- Snowshoeing: Borrow snowshoes from the Urban Ecology Center and explore snowshoeing trails around Milwaukee.
- Sleigh Rides: For a unique experience, book a sleigh ride for the whole family at Apple Holler (Sturtevant), Dan Patch Stables (Lake Geneva), and more.
- Candlelight Hikes: Candlelight hikes are a unique way to enjoy the winter wonderland. There are several offered throughout the year at local nature centers and state parks.
🎉 Winter & Ice Festivals
Winter in Milwaukee is packed with exciting festivals and dazzling ice sculptures that bring the season to life.
From free family celebrations to stunning outdoor displays, explore our guide to Milwaukee’s top winter festivals and ice sculpture events and plan your next adventure!
🏠 Cozy Indoor Activities
- Libraries & Storytime: Cozy up with books, climb a lighthouse, and join free family activities at Milwaukee’s top libraries.
- Indoor Playgrounds & Play Cafes: Burn off energy at local indoor play spaces that offer climbing, jumping, and more.
- Art & Pottery Studios: Get creative at art studios around Milwaukee like Cloud 9 Workshop, Glaze! Art & Ice Cream, or Soul Fire Art Studio.
- Indoor Water Parks: Escape to warm, splash-filled fun at nearby Milwaukee water parks like Country Springs or Blue Harbor.
- Bowling Alleys: Go old-school with a fun family outing to Koz’s Mini-Bowl.
- Planetariums: Explore the universe at these local Milwaukee planetariums.
🏀Catch The Action
Winter break is the perfect time to cheer on Milwaukee’s top teams and experience the excitement of live sports! Whether your family loves basketball, hockey, or indoor soccer, there’s a game to suit every fan:
- 🏀 Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum
Catch the champs in action and enjoy the electrifying energy of an NBA game. Family Night packages often include tickets, popcorn, and drinks—making it an unforgettable outing for kids and parents alike. - ⚽ Milwaukee Wave at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
The Wave’s indoor soccer games are fast-paced and family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities for fan interaction. Kids will love the high-energy atmosphere and cheering on Milwaukee’s beloved soccer team! - 🏒 Milwaukee Admirals at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Take the family to see the Admirals, Milwaukee’s professional hockey team. With thrilling games and fun promotions like bobblehead giveaways and themed nights, a hockey game is an action-packed way to spend a winter evening.
Check Ticketmaster for upcoming dates & times.
🍴 Foodie Fun
- Hot Cocoa Heaven: Warm up with a cup of Milwaukee’s best hot chocolate—check out our list of 10 must-visit spots or our roundup of 5 Hot Cocoa Stops Along The Hop Streetcar Route for a sweet sip during your city adventure.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Enjoy a meal out with our guide to 25+ kid-approved restaurants in Milwaukee.
🚗 Day Trips & Nearby Adventures
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Alpine Valley or Sunburst Winter Sports Park.
- Wisconsin Children’s Museums: Take a short drive to Wisconsin Children’s Museum like the Madison Children’s Museum or Building for Kids in Appleton.
- Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center: A short drive from Milwaukee is a big red barn that offers an agricultural adventure for kids!
- Ah, Chicago!: Just a 90-minute drive away, Chicago offers quirky museums that kids will love, like the Museum of Ice Cream, Sloomoo Institute, and Museum of Illusions. Plus, don’t miss free options like the Chicago Fed’s Money Museum.
🐾 Animal Adventures in Winter
- Milwaukee County Zoo: Open year-round, the zoo features winter-ready animals like polar bears, snow leopards, and red pandas. Don’t miss their Family Free Days during colder months.
- Shalom Wildlife Zoo: Located in West Bend, this 100-acre zoo offers tranquil winter trails and the option to drive through for a unique experience. Spot elk, wolves, and more in their natural habitats.
- Milwaukee Public Museum – Butterfly Exhibit: Step into a tropical escape with free-flying butterflies and vibrant plants, even in the heart of winter.
Other nearby zoos to explore:
- Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison)
- Racine Zoo (Racine)
- Irvine Park & Zoo (Chippewa Falls)
🌲 Nature Centers & Winter Playgrounds
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Explore a 185-acre sanctuary along Lake Michigan. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, birdwatching opportunities, and scenic winter trails.
- Wehr Nature Center: Enjoy over five miles of trails, a frozen waterfall, and a dedicated nature play area for children.
- Retzer Nature Center: Home to the stunning Discovery Trail and a cozy indoor nature center with interactive exhibits.
- Urban Ecology Center: With three Milwaukee locations, this center offers snowshoe rentals, family programs, and outdoor play areas.
- Winter Playgrounds: Here are some of our absolute favorite playgrounds that are accessible during the winter.
🌟 At-Home Fun
- Easy Science Experiments: Make slime, grow crystals, or create a volcano— These 100 easy science experiments are perfect for curious little scientists.
- 100 Boredom Busters: Banish boredom with our epic list of 100 fun boredom-busters for kids, including fort-building, card houses, and more.
- Cold Weather Science Experiments: Embrace the chill of the season with our roundup of cold weather science experiments!
- Movie Nights: Check out our 50 best family movies and cozy up for a fun night in.
- Baking Together: Whip up cookies, make popcorn balls, or try your hand at a hot cocoa bar.
Stay up-to-date with the latest family-friendly events, activities, and insider tips by signing up for our Milwaukee With Kids Newsletter. You’ll get weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, so you never miss out on the best ways to make the most of your Milwaukee winters.
👉Sign Up for the Newsletter Today!
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.