Every parent knows that awkward gap between the end of summer programs and the first start of the school year. When your carefully orchestrated summer schedule suddenly becomes a blank calendar begging for one last push of excitement and family fun. With the sun setting on summer and the minutes to the first school bell ticking down, Visit Milwaukee staffer Kathryn Lavey went straight to the source, her daughter, for a few final adventures. Will they tackle everything on their ambitious list? Time will tell. But as any parent knows, it's not about checking every box, it's about making the most of summer in Milwaukee. 

Bounce Away the Energy at SkyZone 

SkyZone in Waukesha is near the top of the must-do list. While the kids bounce themselves into happy exhaustion, you can relax with a good book or catch up on that podcast you've been meaning to finish. Sometimes the best parenting hack is finding a place where everyone wins. 

Sweet Treats at Purple Door Ice Cream 

Nothing says summer like trying a new ice cream flavor, and Purple Door never disappoints. Grab your cone and take a leisurely stroll through Reed Street Yards, where downtown views and glimpses of the Harley-Davidson Museum make even the stickiest hands worth it. Pro tip: order a split cone with salted caramel and chocolate.  

Paddle the Milwaukee River 

A family kayak adventure along the Milwaukee River offers those picture-perfect moments you'll actually want to post. The sunny views are Instagram-worthy, but the real bonus comes at the turnaround. Tie up the kayaks at Lakefront Brewery and place an order for cheese curds and a well-deserved beer. Because paddling with kids definitely counts as exercise. 

Festival Season is Peak Milwaukee 

August is prime festival time. With Wisconsin Highland Games, India Fest and Third Ward Art Fest, the City of Festivals certainly knows how to celebrate just about anything. Let the kids pick their adventure and embrace the stickiest summer treat with a favorite of kiddos across the land, cotton candy. 

Breakfast Done Right at Miss Ruby's 

Miss Ruby's Bagels recently opened a brick-and-mortar location in the Uptown Crossing neighborhood and has quickly become a new family favorite. The rosemary sea salt with cream cheese is a hit with kids, while parents can indulge in the BEC:  thick-cut bacon, two eggs, cheese and your choice of bagel. Don't even think about skipping the large cold brew. You'll need it. 

Milwaukee County Zoo Adventures 

No Milwaukee summer is complete without a zoo visit. Hit the favorites: Otter Passage for the guaranteed "awws," Hippo Haven for a glimpse of underwater views, playgrounds for burning energy and, if time allows, the goat feeding experience somehow never gets old. Pack snacks and embrace the chaos. Before you leave, don’t forget to enjoy a train ride around the grounds.  

Brewers Baseball with Grandparents 

There's something magical about three generations sharing peanuts and popcorn at American Family Field. Wednesday games offer half-price tickets for seniors and kids, plus they offer Senior Strolls after the game. A chance to walk the warning track. It's a Milwaukee summer tradition that creates memories worth far more than the price of admission.  

Ian's Pizza: The Ultimate Kid Pleaser 

When you need to satisfy picky eaters, a slice of Ian's mac and cheese delivers the best of both worlds.  Sometimes the simplest pleasures, melted cheese on more melted cheese, are exactly what summer days call for. Multiple locations through the Milwaukee area make it an easy stop on your way to the next adventure.  

Farmers Market Adventures 

Has your little one discovered the joy of shopping? Farmers markets are weekend gold. Whether you choose the Fondy, South Shore or West Allis Farmers Market, there's something satisfying about letting kids pick out produce and snag a treat. Try setting a budget and help add up the items to ease back into the fall math homework.  

Discovery World with Curious George 

The Curious George exhibit at Discovery World revisits the classic book that was once a staple in the story time rotation. Let your little ones channel their inner George while exploring interactive exhibits that make science feel like play. It's the perfect blend of entertainment and education that somehow tricks kids into having fun while actually learning something. Note, they do close for annual maintenance September 1-5.  

Take Flight with a Kite at the Lakefront 

The IKEA Frank Mots International Kite Festival offers the simple joy of watching colorful shapes dance across Milwaukee's sky. There's something timeless about watching kids chase kites across an open field, it's free entertainment at its finest. But really, any windy day at the lakefront will do to fly your own kite. And Gift of Wings sells a rainbow array of kite options.  

Rainy Day Thrills at Slick City 

When Milwaukee weather throws you a curveball, Slick City Action Park in Wauwatosa saves the day. Indoor go-karts, laser tag and arcade games mean rainy afternoons don't have to derail summer fun. The slides are giant and fun for kids and adults alike. 

Seven Bridges Trail Adventure 

Grant Park's Seven Bridges Trail offers the perfect family hike with payoff views that make the effort worthwhile. The tree-lined path provides natural shade and serenity, while kids can count bridges and spot wildlife. Close enough for a quick adventure, beautiful enough to feel like a real escape. 

The beauty of Milwaukee summers isn't in the perfect execution of elaborate plans, it's in the ice cream-sticky fingers, the tired smiles after a day at the zoo and the way our city offers endless possibilities for making memories. Will Kathryn and her daughter check off every item on their expanded list? You never know. But they'll have stories to tell when that first school bell rings, and really, that's what these last weeks of summer are all about.  

Map your own family fun, plan your stay and book your getaway today!