The clock's ticking down on summer. School supplies shopping is already underway, and class is almost in session. Almost. Before the bell tolls, you and the fam can make the most of the final summer days in the Village of Wauwatosa. The charming suburb has everything you need to make memories that'll last a lifetime (or a school year), with eats, shows and family fun on the go. Here are just some ideas to make those final summer days pay in Tosa.
Dining
Cranky Al’s
Make sure you and the fam don’t start the day cranky at this Tosa staple, with a hand-cut doughnut and a cup of fresh coffee in hand. Baked fresh each day and topped with a wide array of flavors, this local favorite never disappoints. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, making it an easy choice for every kind of sweet tooth.
Maggio’s Wood Fire Pizza
It’s a crowd-pleasing family classic. Maggio’s Wood Fired Pizza serves a warm and welcoming dining experience, focused on fresh flavors and quality ingredients. Known for their scratch-made, wood-fired pizzas, each pie is crafted with house-made dough and locally-sourced toppings. The laid-back, family-friendly vibe includes a kids’ play area and a special Kids’ Night every Wednesday, where little ones can enjoy a one-topping pizza and a small gelato for just $10!
Joy Ice Cream Social
As Tosa’s go-to spot for family-friendly delights, Joy Ice Cream Social is the cherry on top of a perfect day on the town. Their delightfully rich ice cream is crafted in Madison and incorporates ingredients from all over the state, earning them over 100 award-winning flavors. Bring the whole family to try local favorites like the “Exhausted Parent” or “Zanzibar Chocolate” and savor every scoop on their outdoor patio or take it on the go as you stroll through the village.
Wauwatosa Parks and Outdoor Entertainment
Firefly Grove Park
Tosa’s newest park is full of activities for the whole family to love. Their larger-than-life park resident, Mama Rosa, greets you as you enter and lights the way toward an afternoon of adventure. Firefly Grove Park features accessible play equipment, a pump track for bikes and a living willow hut, creating an imaginative and inclusive space where kids can explore, create and play for hours. Pack a snack and stay awhile.
Hoyt Park
The pool is still open for another couple of weeks at least, but the Hoyt Park Beer Garden is open into the fall, offering good food, drinks and live music. Tuesdays are The Landing’s Family Nights from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and activities featuring Tosa Block Party, who will be bringing LEGO building projects and family fun for all ages.
Hart Park
For even more fun in the sun, make your way to Hart Park and dive into a little friendly competition! Spanning 52 acres, this park features a skate park, turf football field, tennis courts, a soccer field and plenty more. It’s the perfect place to burn off energy or try something new.
TosaFest
TosaFest returns September 5–6, bringing two days packed with even more food, drinks, activities, and live music for the whole family to enjoy. This beloved community tradition transforms the heart of Wauwatosa into a lively celebration of local flavor, talent, and fun. Be sure to swing by KidsFest, a dedicated area designed just for little ones, featuring inflatables, cornhole boards, a balance bike track, and plenty of space to play. With something for everyone, from craft vendors and food trucks to beer tents and live bands, Tosa Fest is the ultimate way to kick off fall in the city.
Indoor Entertainment
1st and Bowl
If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back night out with the fam, 1st and Bowl is the perfect spot to be. This isn’t your average bowling alley; it's a hybrid of football and bowling, creating a skills challenge of strength and accuracy as you heave the pigskin across the lane to knock down as many pins as you can. First to clear the board wins! The space also offers Connect 4 basketball, cornhole and whiffle ball, all under one roof.
Slick City Action Park
Wisconsin’s first “dry slide” park is the action-packed adventure that’ll tucker out even the most energetic kid. Slick City offers endless activities for all ages, including multiple different high-energy slides, a zip line and even a trapeze and jungle gym.
Discover the magic of Wauwatosa, map your getaway and book your stay in this enchanting suburb today!
