Go For a Hike
Hiking is one of many kid-friendly activities for families in Milwaukee. There are numerous options in the Milwaukee area.
Be sure to visit the famous Ice Age Trail and see which color-coded route suits your kids the best. Check out the Scuppernong Trail System in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest if your family seeks an extended outing.
Ice Skating
Cold temperatures don’t have to delay family fun! Take your kids ice skating! There are many places to choose from, but we’d suggest Red Arrow Park for those balling on a budget.
Do you have your own ice skates? Even better, admission is free when you bring your own skates to Red Arrow!
Read about other December activities in Milwaukee!
Go to Bradford Beach
Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, Bradford Beach stands out as Milwaukee’s premier beach destination. Its popularity is attributed to various events, such as beach volleyball tournaments and music festivals.
Families particularly appreciate the beach for its frequent family day events, establishing it as one of Wisconsin’s top public beaches. Lifeguard supervision is provided during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for visitors.
Convenient facilities, including restrooms and concessions, are available at the beach. Notably, Bradford Beach is home to the Bradford Beach Buoy (B3), a collaborative effort between the University of Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee Health Department.
The buoy is a real-time monitor, relaying water quality and offshore weather conditions to visitors about the ideal times for swimming. Bradford Beach is an excellent day trip.
Lake Michigan
Getting out on Lake Michigan is one of the most enjoyable kid-friendly Milwaukee activities. Boat MKE provides a variety of vessels, ranging from Retro Boats and Donut Boats to Classic Cruisers, allowing you and your family to embark on a water adventure.
If you’re 34 or older, all that’s required is a valid driver’s license to captain the craft. For those under 34, completing an online safety exam is necessary to take the helm.
Enter an Escape Room
Embarking on a quest to break free from an escape room is a fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon with your family. In Wisconsin, numerous escape rooms await but Escape the Room in downtown Milwaukee stands out as one of the best.
The establishment offers a variety of family-friendly rooms where kids can immerse themselves in adventures like playing Indiana Jones or stepping into the shoes of a secret agent. Once inside the chosen room, the objective is to strategize and find a way to escape within 60 minutes.
Utilizing puzzles and various elements within the space becomes crucial in achieving this goal. Success hinges on effective teamwork as you and your kids collaborate to solve puzzles and uncover clues leading to liberation.
The excitement of Escape the Room is one of the most engaging, kid-friendly activities in Milwaukee. Additionally, it stands out as one of the most fun after-work activities in Milwaukee for families.
Walk the Line at the Harley-Davidson Museum
Milwaukee boasts an impressive collection of iconic motorcycles, and a visit to the museum provides an opportunity to delve into the history of these remarkable bikes through engaging stories and interactive exhibits.
Located in the heart of downtown on a 20-acre, park-like campus, the museum showcases an unparalleled assortment of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and memorabilia. Whether you prefer to explore the museum independently or opt for one of the available tours, there are various ways to experience the rich history on display.
The museum operates daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, offering a fascinating activity for Milwaukee families, even those who may not consider themselves motorcycle enthusiasts. General admission prices range from $8 for children (ages 5–17) to $22 for adults.
Visit American Family Field
For sports enthusiasts, visiting the impressive American Family Field is a must. This outstanding stadium is home to the renowned Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
Named in connection with the city’s brewing industry, the Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a National League (NL) Central Division member club. With a passionately loyal local fan base, attending a game at this stadium is an unforgettable experience. For those in Milwaukee during the off-season, a tour of this remarkable venue is available for $15.
Mountain Biking
We’ve already covered the fantastic hiking opportunities along the Scuppernong Trail System, but there’s more to explore on two wheels! Within this area, you’ll find two central trail systems—the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems—connected by various connector trails.
Like the hiking trails mentioned earlier, the biking trails consist of various loop options, each color-coded to indicate its difficulty level. It’s worth noting that the routes within the Emma Carlin trail system are generally considered more challenging than those in the John Muir system, so be prepared accordingly.
Located just 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee, the Scuppernong Trail System is an ideal destination for a day trip. With over 60 miles of purpose-built single-track mountain bike trails, this area is a haven for those who find joy on two wheels.
While some trails cater to more advanced riders, there are plenty of options for those seeking a more leisurely biking experience on one of the more advanced Milwaukee bike trails. Also, check out the 15 Best Bike Trails in Milwaukee!
Visit Movie and TV Show Locations
Milwaukee is home to countless movies and TV shows. Likewise, many motion pictures were filmed in Downtown Milwaukee.
The most known include Bridesmaids, Love Actually, Wayne’s World, That ’70s Show, and Happy Days. Grab your phone and Google “TV shows and movies filmed in Milwaukee.” You and your kids will have plenty of options!
Halloween in Milwaukee
Halloween in Milwaukee is extraordinary! The entire city eagerly awaits Halloween, and there are tons of kid-friendly activities. Get your tickets to Boo at the Zoo or sign up for one of several spooky tours!
Visit a Museum
Milwaukee is home to incredible museums. Don’t let the rain stop your parade; take it indoors!
Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and discover natural and human history, explore the Streets of Old Milwaukee, and witness over four million objects (it will take a few days to see everything in the Milwaukee Public Museum)!
If your children are more interested in art, take them to the Milwaukee Art Museum! There are tons of museums to explore and pass the rainy days. Read about Milwaukee’s Top 5 Museums.
Wisconsin State Fair
Each August, the Wisconsin State Fair unfolds on the extensive grounds of Wisconsin State Fair Park, presenting one of the most exciting activities for families in Milwaukee! With its roots dating back to 1892 (having relocated from its earlier site in 1851), this historic fair predominantly features agricultural exhibits but offers diverse attractions.
Beyond the agricultural focus, attendees can enjoy rides, various interests, and more than 30 free stages showcasing a wide range of entertainment, including music, comedy, and interactive educational shows suitable for families.
Even if your visit to Milwaukee doesn’t coincide with August, the fairgrounds at Wisconsin State Fair Park remain open year-round, hosting various events. The site is home to the renowned Milwaukee Mile, the world’s oldest continuously operating motor racetrack. Catching a race at this iconic venue is a must-do experience.
Find more kid-friendly Milwaukee activities in our blog!
Also read:
Outdoor Activities in Downtown Milwaukee
