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Non-Drinking Activities

We may be Brew City, but there’s plenty of fun to be had if you don’t imbibe. All of our major attractions – the Milwaukee Art Museum, the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum, and Discovery World – are great places to start. Or try one of the dozens of festivals throughout the year (see our major events calendar for dates). If you’ve already enjoyed the festivals and attractions, you’ll love these totally-Milwaukee experiences, too.

  1. Adventure Rock

    Rock Climbing


    Adventure Rock

    Seeking adventure, new challenges and a driven active community to join? Adventure Rock indoor climbing gym offers exciting programs to new climbers and seasoned rock jocks of all ages for over 18 years. It’s a great place to socialize, stay fit and have fun.

    2220 N. Commerce St.
    Milwaukee, WI • 53212
    262-790-6800 ext. 2
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  2. The crown jewel of churches in Milwaukee, this became the third church in the United States honored with the title of “basilica” in 1929 and is still the largest church in the city. Self-guided tours are available all week, or stop by after Mass on Sunday for a formal tour.

    620 W. Lincoln Avenue
    Milwaukee, WI • 53215
    (414) 902-3524
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  3. The formal gardens span more than 40 acres at Milwaukee’s “Living” Museum. From the Arboretum to the Rock Garden, you can easily spend hours exploring the plants and gardens. Gardening enthusiasts will especially love a peek at the cutting edge of horticulture in the Trial Gardens; Boerner is one of only 23 All America Rose Selections trial sites, and well over 400 varieties of roses and flowers are undergoing trial and available to view.

    9400 Boerner Drive
    Hales Corners, WI • 53130
    (414) 525-5600
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  4. Boswell Books

    Bookstore


    Boswell Books

    Boswell Book Company is one of America’s great independent bookstores and is beloved by Milwaukeeans. Boswell sells new, second-hand, and bargain books, special orders, greeting cards, journals, and gifts. Be sure to check Boswell’s website to see if your favorite author is in town for a reading.

    2559 N. Downer Avenue
    Milwaukee, WI • 53211
    (414) 332-1181
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  5. Bounce Milwaukee

    Amusement Center


    Bounce Milwaukee

    Bounce Milwaukee is a locally-owned and family-tested facility, which features an inflatable sports arena, laser tag, rock climbing wall, vintage games, and obstacle courses all rated for all ages.

    2801 S 5th Ct
    Milwaukee, WI • 53207
    414-312-4357
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  6. Enjoy an interactive tour of the city in an open-air MKE Cruiser! Explore Iconic Milwaukee, Dive Bars, Breweries, and more. Your group will have a blast with games, trivia, and even cruisin' karaoke while you see the sights.

    1130 N. 9th Street
    Milwaukee, WI • 53233
    (414) 209-4808
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  7. The Domes

    Conservatory


    The Domes

    The only structure of its kind in the world, these three 85 foot-high, beehive-shaped glass domes are characterized by three distinct climates and exhibit plants in naturalistic settings. Stroll through domes exhibiting the tropical rain forest, desert oasis, and the spectacular beauty of a seasonal floral garden.

    524 S. Layton Boulevard
    Milwaukee, WI • 53215
    (414) 257-5611
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  8. Gift of Wings

    Kite Shop


    Gift of Wings

    The gentle breezes at Milwaukee’s lakefront make it a kite flyer’s delight. Gift of Wings, located in the McKinley Marina in Veterans Park, features kites of all shapes and sizes to suit your fancy. And free flying lessons help novice pilots get off the ground like pros.

    McKinley Marina
    Veterans Park (lakefront)
    Milwaukee, WI • 53202
    (414) 273-5483
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  9. Glassnote Candle Bar is a speakeasy-style space located in Walker's Point that offers custom candle-making and a variety of craft cocktails.

    524 S. 2nd Street
    Floor 2
    Milwaukee, WI • 53204
    (414) 250-7572
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  10. Koz’s is a treasure – it’s the last original duckpin bowling in the U.S. This historic landmark hidden in Milwaukee's southeast side is a guaranteed fun time. It features four mini bowling lanes, pool table, darts, and a full bar.

    2078 S 7th St
    Milwaukee, WI • 53204
    414-383-0560
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  11. Landmark Lanes

    Bowling


    Landmark Lanes

    Since 1927, Landmark Lanes has been one of Milwaukee's oldest, most popular, and longest-running bowling destinations. It has 16 lanes, automatic scoring, and cosmic bowling on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus, arcade games, pinball and more.

    2220 N Farwell Ave
    Milwaukee, WI • 53202
    414-278-8770
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  12. Bring the whole family aboard one of the vessels owned by the Milwaukee Boat Line. They offer narrated tours of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan aboard double-decker Vista King and Voyageur.

    1124 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
    Milwaukee, WI • 53203
    (414) 294-9450
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  13. Milwaukee Kayak Company was founded in 2013 after many years of adventures and exploration on our urban water trail, which includes the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers. At Milwaukee Kayak Company, you can rent a kayak or SUP and then take them up and down the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers. It’s an adventurous way to see downtown Milwaukee – and if you get hungry, be sure to look for the restaurant docks where you can tie up your kayak and pop into the restaurant for a meal.

    318 S. Water Street
    Milwaukee, WI • 53204
    (414) 301-2240
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  14. Winding alongside the Milwaukee River, the RiverWalk extends three miles through the city’s downtown district and Historic Third Ward. The charming RiverWalk features permanent and temporary public art displays in various mediums, a scenic promenade and plenty of lush green spaces. Rent a canoe or kayak, take a narrated boat tour or pop in and out of the restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops dotted along its path.

    c/o Grunau group
    101 W. Pleasant Street, Suite 204
    Milwaukee, WI • 53212
    (414) 455-3750
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  15. Urban Ecology Center

    Nature Center


    Urban Ecology Center

    Located 10 minutes from downtown and known internationally for its picturesque walking paths, ecology programs and educational outreach, the Urban Ecology Center is on 15 acres of wooded land on the east bank of the Milwaukee River. A climbing wall and canoes, kayaks, cross country skis are available to rent for a small fee.

    1500 E. Park Place
    Milwaukee, WI • 53211
    (414) 964-8505
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