That They’ll Actually Enjoy!)
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, cool auntie/uncle, or just someone planning a family outing—Milwaukee is packed with kid-friendly activities that go way beyond the playground. From animal adventures to hands-on museums, here are 20 exciting things to do with kids in Milwaukee that’ll keep them smiling and tuckered out by bedtime.
So grab the juice boxes, pack some snacks, and let’s get into it! 👇🏽
🎨 1. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Address: 929 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Located downtown, this interactive museum is a must for young kids. Let them explore pretend play stations, creative workshops, and hands-on science fun.
Bonus: Check out the “Soap Sud City” exhibit where kids can play (and pretend clean) to their heart’s content.
🌊 2. Discovery World
Address: 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Got a future scientist or ocean lover? This lakefront science center features aquariums, robotics, and tech exhibits that entertain and educate.
🦖 3. Milwaukee Public Museum
Address: 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Dinosaurs. Butterflies. A replica of old Milwaukee. Plus, a planetarium! Perfect for rainy day adventures.
🐘 4. Milwaukee County Zoo
Address: 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
From elephants to penguins, this is a full-day adventure. Don’t forget the Sky Safari ride for some above-the-park views!
🚀 5. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Address: W229 N1420 Westwood Dr, Waukesha, WI 53186
Bounce off the walls (literally). There’s dodgeball, foam pits, and so much jumping you’ll wish you wore stretchy pants.
🎡 6. Join a Family Nature Hike at Havenwoods State Forest
Address: 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Wisconsin’s only urban state forest is right here in Milwaukee! Havenwoods offers 200+ acres of nature to explore, plus monthly guided hikes, live animals in the Nature Center, and even a 120-foot bridge.
👉 Check hike dates »
🛝 7. Slick City Action Park – Wauwatosa
Address: 1435 N 113th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
The world’s first indoor slide park – with no water! 😱 Located in Wauwatosa, Slick City is where speed meets smiles. It’s packed with giant slides, air courts, launch pads, zip rails, and crazy obstacle challenges—all indoors, all adrenaline, and all safe for kids (and grownups too 👀).
There’s no need to wait for summer—you can race down slides, jump sky-high, and zip around all year long. It’s perfect for birthday parties, weekend fun, or burning energy after school.
🎳 8. Round1 Bowling and Arcade, Southridge Mall, 5200 S 76th
Address: 5200 S 76th St, Greendale, WI 53129
One spot, endless fun! Round1 is like a mini amusement park right inside Southridge Mall. You’ve got bowling lanes, a HUGE arcade, karaoke rooms, billiards, ping pong, and even private party spots—all under one roof! 🎮🎤🎳
Kids love the bright lights, crane games, and ticket jackpots, while teens and adults can chill with games, snacks, or even a karaoke battle in a private room.
🧋 Bonus: They’ve got food, drinks, and even Japanese arcade machines you won’t find anywhere else!
Perfect for birthday parties, family fun nights, or just keeping the kids busy while you grab some mall time.
📚 9. Central Library – Children’s Area (Downtown Milwaukee)
Address: 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Step into a storybook wonderland right in the heart of downtown! The Children’s Room at Milwaukee’s Central Library is more than just books—it’s a cozy, colorful space filled with reading nooks, play areas, puzzles, games, and hands-on activities designed just for little learners. 🧸🧠
There are weekly story times, interactive exhibits, and even special events like puppet shows and craft days. It’s the perfect spot to spark imagination, meet other families, and fall in love with reading.
🎳 10. JB’s on 41
Address: 4040 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221
A family bowling favorite. Colorful lanes, arcade games, and tasty snacks make it perfect for all ages.
🎥 11. Marcus Bistroplex at Southridge
Address: 5210 S 76th St, Greendale, WI 53129
Movie night with a twist—recliner seats and dinner served to your seat? The kids will love it, and you will too.
🎭 12 . Milwaukee Youth Theatre
Looking to spark your child’s creativity? 🎨🎤 The Milwaukee Youth Theatre puts young talent center stage with affordable plays and acting workshops made just for kids! Whether they want to perform or just watch, it’s a fun and inspiring experience every time.
📍 820 E Knapp St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
👪 Perfect for ages 5+
🌿 13. Wehr Nature Center
Address: 9701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132
Hike nature trails, spot frogs, and maybe even a deer. A great place for chill outdoor time and nature exploring.
🚲 14. Rent a 4-Wheel Bike at Veterans Park
Address: 1500 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Wheel Fun Rentals has surrey bikes for families to cruise around the lakefront—guaranteed giggles.
🎨 15. Just Kiln’ Time Paint Your Own Pottery
Address: N88W16683 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Let your imagination run wild and your creativity shine! 🌈 At Just Kiln’ Time, kids (and grownups!) get to choose a piece of pottery—like a mug, plate, animal, or even a fairy house—and paint it however they want. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and good vibes.
After you paint it, they glaze and fire it in the kiln to make it shiny, bright, and ready to take home. It’s the perfect rainy-day activity, birthday outing, or bonding time with your mini artist.
🐐 16. Jo-Don Farms (Seasonal)
Address: 5907 Nicholson Rd, Caledonia, WI 53108
If your kids love animals, Jo-Don Farms is a hidden gem you have to check out! 🐴 Just a short drive from Milwaukee in Caledonia, this charming, family-run farm lets kids get up close and personal with goats, llamas, camels, ponies, cows, and even exotic animals like zebras and kangaroos (yes, really!).
They offer:
- 🚜 Hayrides
- 🍼 Bottle-feeding baby animals
- 🐪 Camel rides (depending on season)
- 🐓 And tons of photo ops!
It’s the kind of place where memories are made—perfect for school field trips, family outings, or a spontaneous “let’s go pet some goats” kind of day.
🧡 Heads up: Jo-Don Farms is seasonal, usually open late spring through early fall—so check their page before you go!
🎭 17. First Stage Children’s Theater
Address: 325 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Live performances designed for young audiences. They even feature talented local kids in the cast.
🏰 18. Little Sprouts Play Café
Address: 4606 N Wilson Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211
This is toddler heaven. Safe play zones + good coffee for adults = the perfect combo.
🚀 19. Urban Air Adventure Park
Address: 2440 E Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53186
Trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and more. Your kids will burn all the energy—and you’ll sleep good too!
👣 20. Walk the Domes at Mitchell Park Conservatory
Address: 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Let your little explorers roam through desert, tropical, and floral environments—all under three iconic glass domes.
💬 Did We Miss Your Favorite?
We want to hear from YOU! What are your go-to family spots in Milwaukee? Drop them in the comments or message us—we may feature your recommendation in our next post!
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