Milwaukee is built for family fun, no matter your kids’ ages or interests! From hands-on museums and outdoor adventures to interactive theater and one-of-a-kind attractions, there’s something for every little explorer. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for a new way to spend the day, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the best kid-approved activities by age group and start making unforgettable Milwaukee memories!
0-3 Years Old
Step into a world of wonder at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, aka "The Domes." Inside, explore three distinct environments: floral, tropical and desert, where a large koi fish pond and roaming birds will lull littles to sleep. For more interactive adventures, Betty Brinn Children's Museum lets children play pretend in fun, kid-sized stores and studios. Keep the learning going at the Milwaukee Public Library's Story Times, where various branches offer puppet shows and playtime, with older siblings welcome. Rest assured, Milwaukee truly embraces families. Whether you're rolling that stroller through the Museum of Beer and Brewing or relaxing at beer gardens like South Shore Terrace or Estabrook Beer Garden with a local craft beer, everyone's welcome. If you prefer coffee, try Wauwatosa's Little Village Play Cafe, where you can savor lattes while little ones can explore and play.
3-5 Years Old
When it comes to family entertainment, First Stage productions are perfect for the 3+ crowd. Making theater accessible to everyone, they also offer sensory-friendly kits and sign language performances so all can enjoy. For animal lovers, the Milwaukee County Zoo houses over 2,000 animals across 190 acres, from majestic elephants to playful penguins. Looking for outdoor fun? Gift of Wings at Veterans Park turns Lake Michigan's breeze into magic with beginner-friendly kites and gorgeous skyline views as a backdrop. Complete your adventure at Discovery World, a hands-on science museum where children can touch a stingray, learn how machines work or unleash their inner architect with building blocks.
6-11 Years Old
This is where Milwaukee's museum scene really shows off. At the Milwaukee Public Museum, the T-Rex and Streets of Old Milwaukee hit different when you're 4 feet tall – catch these classics before the museum moves to its new location. For an unexpected delight, visit the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, a surprisingly hypnotic experience with over 7,000 nodding heads telling stories of pop culture and sports history. Meanwhile, the Harley-Davidson Museum makes engineering cool with interactive displays and a chance to "ride" classic motorcycles. Step back in time at Old World Wisconsin, where you can feed farm animals, bake treats in wood stoves and play like a real pioneer kid from the 1800s.
11-13 Years Old
Turn Milwaukee into your urban playground with Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure, which transforms downtown into a personal escape room, mixing history lessons with Instagram-worthy discoveries. For hands-on artistic expression, visit Bay View Printing Co., where you'll hand-craft posters using vintage letterpress machines – suddenly, printing is cooler than cellphones. Looking for more visual inspiration? Black Cat Alley off East Ivanhoe Place is home to some of Milwaukee's best mural backdrops for those essential social media posts. Or take it easy and hop aboard one of Milwaukee's many boat tours. Edelweiss Cruises and the Milwaukee Boat Line offer sightseeing and themed cruises along the river and lakefront.
14+ Years Old
An unconventional workout? Kayaking the three rivers that run through downtown provides urban exploration and arm day. Rentals are available through Milwaukee Kayak Company or Brew City Kayak. For more urban adventures, Milwaukee Food & City Tours' walking routes transform visitors into instant food critics – the Brady Street tour alone might spark a future chef. Need to release some energy? Bust-N-Stuff lets you demolish everything from plates to printers (protective gear included, parent therapy complementary). For the ultimate mash-up sport, get behind the wheel of a bumper car while wielding a lacrosse-like scoop to shoot baskets in a game of WhirlyBall – which basically combines every sport into one chaotic, laugh-filled game.
