Wanderlust doesn’t have an age limit, and an inspired sense of awe doesn’t have an expiration date. In The Village of Wauwatosa, you can uncover the magic of this suburb and create family memories that’ll last a lifetime. With something for all ages, here’s what you need to plan your Fresh Coast Tosa adventure.
Where to Stay
Find the family-friendly host with the most in Wauwatosa! Staying in Tosa puts you close to all the action. Whether you and the fam are looking for a cozy escape to the enchanting suburb or a night on the town at a Milwaukee Brewers game at American Family Field, there’s a Tosa stay close to everything you want to do. For a place where you and the family can spread out in, book your stay at the spacious SpringHill Suites Milwaukee West/Wauwatosa. Less than three miles from the Milwaukee County Zoo and the boutique shops of The Village, the spacious accommodations, free breakfast and close proximity to nearby attractions will help you make the most of your family's Tosa trip.
A Place to Play
There’s something special about watching the pure joy and excitement of your kids as they learn and play. Now, how about a little something for you, too? This is where the Little Village Play Café comes in with a real win-win. The play place for kids ages six months to six years old has tons of space for kids to rove and let their imaginations run wild with daily enrichment classes. But the in-house café also offers a full menu of coffee drinks, cold brew flights, smoothies and craft beer and wine alongside snack plates and bakery. Bring the kiddos to play while you kick back with a sip and a snack.
For families with kids that are a bit older, keeping the kids entertained can be as easy as a walk in the park. Hart Park features 52 acres of wide-open spaces just steps from The Village, including playgrounds, a turf football and soccer field with a track, winding nature trails, tennis courts, a skate park and a curling pavilion (reservations required). In the summer, the concert stage is also home to a weekly music series, Tosa Tonight, bringing a festival atmosphere to the heart of Wauwatosa. No matter if you’re planning some fun at a playground or flying a kite high in the sky, Hart Park is the place to be.
Where to Eat
You don’t have to choose between family-friendly eats and a high-quality dining experience in Wauwatosa. With a wide selection of mouthwatering meals that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eater in your family, your inner foodie will be well-pleased with the selection of Tosa restaurants.
Breakfast
Starting with breakfast, take a short trip across the border to Milwaukee for a bite at Blue’s Egg. The popular brunch spot offers a menu of classic breakfast staples—eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, pancakes, that kind of thing—alongside some culinary delights like the Blue’s classic benedict (poached eggs and pulled ham on a homemade English muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce) and the chicken chorizo stuffed hashbrowns.
Lunch
Soup for you! Tucked away in The Village is the local soup and sandwich shop, Loup. The restaurant serves delicious sandwiches, but the real star of the show is the soup, alongside freshly baked French bread and butter that is just on another level of deliciousness. Loup rotates its soups of the day daily, but rest assured, everyone from the vegetarian to the borderline carnivore will find something sure to satisfy their hunger.
Dinner
Pizza may feel like the inevitable suggestion for a family night out, but Maggio’s Wood Fired Pizzas elevate this classic staple. The menu of 10” ‘zas includes crowd-pleasing favorites like pepperoni, cheese and veggie but also includes more adventurous selections featuring ingredients like jerk chicken, fig and prosciutto, and local raclette cheese. All pies are made to order and baked over the piping-hot embers of a wood-fired stove.
Pick Up a Little Treat
Looking for something that’ll satiate your crew’s sweet tooth? What about a little something sweet after you eat? Wauwatosa is a haven for small sweets stores, crafting excellence in every bite. Here’s where to go:
- For hand-dipped chocolate creations like a chocolate-covered Oreo: Ultimate Confections
- For fresh baked cookies, pound cakes, cheesecake jars and more: Delicious Bites
- For delicious donuts ranging from classics to one-of-a-kind: Cranky Al’s
- For a nostalgic double scoop of ice cream: Joy Ice Cream Social
Things to Do
There are so many attractions and events close to Tosa that it can be hard to pair them down. You can’t go wrong, but here are a few must-dos while the fam is in town.
Milwaukee County Zoo
What family can resist a day at the zoo? The roar of the lions, the playful splash of the otters, the ever-present squawk of the peacocks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Located near Wauwatosa in Milwaukee, the zoo boasts more than 2,200 animals, spanning 340+ species on the 190-acre campus. Take a walk on the wild side, see your kids’ favorite animals and take in the magic of the Mold-A-Rama in action as it creates a souvenir figurine just for you.
Milwaukee Brewers Baseball
American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, is also just a quick drive from Wauwatosa. Create major league memories for years to come as you and your crew watch the Brew Crew. Festivities begin two hours before each home game as tailgaters fill up the parking lots, grilling up brats, playing bags and creating a fun and approachable atmosphere for fans. Inside, there’s plenty to do for kids of all ages, from a Racing Sausage experience to speed pitch (100-level right field), an indoor kids zone (400-level first base line) and an outdoor playground (Right field outside the stadium at Helfer Field), whether your kids are into the game or need a little break from the action, there’s a space that’s perfect for them.
While you’re in town, be sure to check out the Milwaukee Event Calendar to find the latest festivals and happenings.
Something for You
Okay, you’ve earned it. You’ve planned and booked a vacation that your whole family is sure to remember for years to come. Maybe you’ve even weathered a tantrum or two. Now, it’s time for something for you.
Wauwatosa is an elite boutique shopping destination. It takes little more than wandering the streets of The Village to find a small local shop to catch your eye. One to try for a little Northwoods-inspired shopping would be The Flannel Fox. The Flannel Fox features a wide selection of unique goods and apparel, with statement pieces that you can’t wait to take back home. The shop also offers a slate of souvenirs, including Wauwatosa maps, water bottles and a stretching labrador bookend set (which isn’t Wauwatosa-themed, but we wanted to include it anyway because, well, look at it!).
Retail therapy is one thing, but what about the relaxation of a spa day? Elie Blue Threading & Spa has everything you need to melt stress away, with facials personalized for your complexion and tons of other spa treatments designed to leave you feeling your best.
Something to Take Home
Take a little Tosa home with you! While we previewed some of the shops for you, take the kids to find a little something for them, too.
Explore the charms of a locally owned toy store at Ruckus & Glee. The shop is home to a massive collection of games, toys and puzzles for kids of all ages, from preschoolers all the way to aspiring STEM majors. Stop in to find your kid the perfect thing to keep your kids occupied on the return trip or a puzzle to keep the memories rolling when you get back home.
Want more family fun in Wauwatosa? Make the most of your Tosa adventures. Plan your stay today!
