Are you looking to get out and try something new? My kids and I love to explore Milwaukee and the surrounding areas, and I’ve put together a quick overview of my favorite things to do in Milwaukee with kids. All are tested and tried out by me and my own four kiddos! My kids range in age from 2 to 7, so most of these will be directed toward that age. However, many of them also would be so fun to do with older kids as well, or don’t have an age limit! I hope you find some inspiration, and that it encourages you to get out and explore something new! So, without further ado, here are a few of my top recommendations!
My favorite thing to do in Milwaukee with kids – Hit the trails!
I’ve got 4 kids (three are boys), so naturally, getting out energy is a pretty high priority when we are thinking about an activity as a family. Not to mention, Milwaukee has some of the most beautiful scenery and trails – especially in the summer!
A few of our favorites are:
Seven Bridges Trail at Grant Park
Retzer Nature Center (also one of my favorite photo locations!)
Jacobus Park in Tosa – we love that this one also has a playground that you can hike to!
Scout Lake in Greendale – This one has a playground separate from the trails, and is a smaller loop that is great for strollers. We also bring out scooters or bikes at times!
Our younger ones love to do a scavenger hunt on the trails. Of course, don’t forget the snacks 😉
Make use of local libraries
Local libraries are a WEALTH of resources. Not only are the libraries themselves fun to visit with kids, but they have something called an “explorer pass” that you can check out which gets you access to all of the local museums and attractions! Our local library has storytimes, arts/crafts, kids toys, and explorer passes to the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Milwaukee Domes, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, and Discovery world. Between all of these options, there are so many things to do in Milwaukee with kids at the local library!
Seasonal Favorites
WINTER
Favorite Sledding location: Whitnall Park
Free ice skating rink at Konkel Park is our FAVORITE winter activity! We love that you don’t have to own skates, and they even have the skate-assists for kids who need something to hold onto. We bring some extra cash and share a hot cocoa after. It’s the perfect winter activity.
SPRING
I won’t lie, I actually struggle more with spring than winter! We try and get outside on trails as much as possible, or use this season to visit the zoo frequently. It’s the perfect time since it’s warming up, but also isn’t overcrowded.
SUMMER
Summer in Milwaukee is glorious and there are a ton of things to do with kids! Splash pads, playgrounds (I wrote a blog post all about our favorites), trails, BEACHES, and of course…Kopps Ice cream! 😉
FALL
We LOVE going to apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall! Our favorite is Swan’s Pumpkin Farm, and Basse’s Farm in Colgate
I hope this gives you a few ideas of fun things to do in Milwaukee with kids! If you have any favorites, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
