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.
Jet engines roar overhead. Sunlight glints off the lake. Crowds line the shore, eyes on the sky and feet in the sand. The Milwaukee Air & Water Show is back. This splashy…
Every destination says it, but Milwaukee means it: we’re a city with something for everyone. We don’t just mean every interest, palate or age, though. We mean for…
When the sun sets, the curtain rises, and August is packed with can't-miss shows in the Milwaukee Theater District. Looking to keep things cool while turning up the fun?…
The Tour de France is off and running, and that can only mean two things: Bicycling bedlam. Pedal pandemonium. Freewheeling fever. All that, and a bike-centric blog post that…
Milwaukee’s dining scene is buzzing. With fresh flavors, new vibes and bold ideas, it’s the perfect time to eat your way through the city. We’ve combed…
School’s out for summer, math is hard and there are so many shows we want to see around Milwaukee this month. So, instead of our usual nine shows, here’s our list…
Following an out-of-this-world ArtBlaze in 2024 that featured the striking extraterrestrial-inspired cosmopods, a 12-foot-long dragon sand sculpture and over 600 toasted…
The soundcheck is over. The stage is set. Summerfest 2025 has almost arrived, and they’re ready to turn it up to 11. That’s right, the world’s largest music…
Each year, thousands of motorcyclists, motoculture enthusiasts and music lovers make their pilgrimage to Milwaukee to experience the motorcycle mecca at its finest during the…
Summer in the City of Festivals continues with a bang in July. While fireworks are typically reserved for the Fourth of July, this month, these festivals will light up the night…
We want to see all the fun you're having. Share your adventure with us!
