A Family-Friendly Milwaukee Suburb Comes Into Its Own
Adventure knows no bounds in Wauwatosa, where whimsy and wonder intertwine along tree-lined streets. Just minutes from downtown Milwaukee, this charming suburb reveals its treasures like chapters in a storybook – each corner holding the promise of discovery for wide-eyed explorers of all ages. Here, European-inspired architecture mingles with modern delights, creating an enchanting backdrop for a family getaway that bridges generations. Let the village's historic charm and vibrant energy guide you through a weekend where every moment becomes a cherished memory.
Friday
3:00 p.m.
Start at Ruckus & Glee, a locally owned toy store that elevates play with thoughtfully curated games and puzzles. Continue your retail therapy in the Village at The Flannel Fox, where Northwoods-inspired merchandise meets urban sophistication, and Shop Privvy, showcasing Milwaukee's evolving fashion scene.
6:00 p.m.
Secure a coveted patio table at Café Hollander, where Menomonee River offers the soundtrack to a relaxed evening. The extensive beer menu caters to connoisseurs, while the kitchen serves elevated comfort food that satisfies both adults and young diners.
Saturday
9:00 a.m.
Start your day at Blue's Egg, where the signature benedicts and stuffed chicken chorizo hash browns have earned a devoted following. Arrive early – weekend waits are part of the local culture.
11:00 a.m.
Dedicate your late morning to the Milwaukee County Zoo, a 190-acre sanctuary housing 2,200 animals. Don't miss the otters' aquatic ballet, and embrace nostalgia with a stop at the vintage Mold-A-Rama machines for unique souvenirs.
3:00 p.m.
Embark on a dessert crawl through Tosa's finest confectioneries. Begin at Ultimate Confections for their famous chocolate-covered Oreos, continue to Tabal Chocolate for small-batch, bean-to-bar creations, and finish at Joy Ice Cream Social for perfectly scooped double-dip cones that evoke childhood summers.
7:00 p.m.
End your day at Maggio's Wood Fired Pizza, where 10-inch pies satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. The intimate setting and creative toppings make for a memorable family dinner.
Sunday
10:00 a.m.
Begin your final day at Eldr + Rime in the Renaissance Hotel, where a fiery Bloody Mary sets the tone for a memorable brunch. The cinnamon rolls, crowned with cream cheese frosting, offer a sweet start, while the pork belly benedict provides a heartier option. The restaurant's family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely Sunday morning.
1:00 p.m.
During summer evenings, Hart Park becomes the city's communal backyard, hosting the Tosa Tonight Concert Series. Even without scheduled events, the park offers a perfect setting for a farewell picnic or for renting a Bublr Bike to roll along the extensive trail network.
Lodging
Wauwatosa offers several hotels near Mayfair Mall, which provide convenient bases for exploration. Milwaukee's downtown hotels are also just a 15-minute drive away.
If You Go
Time your visit with signature events like ART 64®, a live painting competition that transforms the Village into an open-air gallery, or the winter Christkindlmarkt, which brings European holiday charm with heated beer tents and twinkling lights.
Remember that Wauwatosa's proximity to Milwaukee means you can easily catch a Brewers game at American Family Field, where the pregame tailgate scene and Famous Racing Sausages are as much an attraction as the baseball.
The only thing better than a Summerfest experience is a free Summerfest experience. The rare opportunity to see your favorite band just for the cost of three cans of beans or a…
Author, Journalist, raconteur, professional food taster, small-town bartender impersonator, retired pro baseball hopeful and funny man extraordinaire, Charlie Berens, is a…
Walking to the car. Grabbing the mail. Taking a lunch stroll. Somewhere along the way, something caught your eye. Maybe it was a flash of color or a shape flitting across the…
Oh my gosh! Charlie Berens is coming to the brand-new Landmark Credit Union Live in support of Christian Yelich's Home Plate Charity Concert on May 21. A man of many…
For the answers to the universe's deepest mysteries, visions of the future and the alignment of our fates, some look to the stars, others find their answers in the tea…
It’s morning in Milwaukee. The sun crests Lake Michigan’s horizon, painting the grey waters in shimmering hues of blue. Natural splendor gives way to the bustle of…
Thrifting, antiquing, vintage, call it what you want, it’s having a moment. In Milwaukee, style isn’t one-size-fits-all and nowhere is that clearer than in Bay…
Books have a habit of transporting us. Whether to distant lands, bygone eras, imagined futures or thrilling adventures, books allow us to cross continents, make new friends and…
Festival season never really stops in Milwaukee. From January all the way through December, there’s something to celebrate, but spring is when the City of Festivals…
Record collecting is for the dreamers. It’s a hobby that rewards patience, persistence, and, above all, an unbridled love of music that knows no bounds. It’s a…
