40 Things To Do in Milwaukee With Kids (Parent Reviews)
This interactive Milwaukee family fun list isn't curated by an editor...it's crowdsourced from regular parents adding the best Milwaukee family attractions they've tried with their kids.
Zoom in on the map to see fun kids activities near you in Milwaukee and the suburbs, read parent reviews, and remember to chime in to share your own favorites.
This is only the beginning of the Milwaukee family activities you'll find on Upparent. Set your location at the top of the screen, check out our family event calendar, and browse Upparent for many more things to do in Milwaukee with kids!
Laurel Clark Fountain Splash Pad
This interactive water feature offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and sits at the end of Sam Johnson Parkway. The Pershing Boat Launch, just a few yards away, has a concession stand open to the public.
Racine Zoo
The Racine Zoo is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, and cares for approximately 75 different species of animals. It is dedicated to promoting awareness of conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining zoo experiences, and the easy walk makes it a great way to spend time outdoors with everyone in the family.
Georgie Porgie's Treefort Restaurant
Georgie Porgie's Treefort Restaurant has been a community mainstay since 1991, serving delicious burgers and frozen custard in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
Despite being named a Strawberry Farm, Thompson has strawberries and more - raspberries and pumpkins. They also offer pre-picked items sold on the farm while supplies last. They will supply the baskets for you to pick the berries and take them home in. Customers are encouraged to call for daily picking information before they come out to the farm.
Grant Park
Located in South Milwaukee, Grant Park is most known for its beautiful hiking trails, specifically the Seven Bridges Trail. In addition to swimming they also have sand volleyball courts and a concession stand.
Bradford Beach
Bradford Beach is the place to be on a hot summer day. Bradford Beach has much to offer with a beautiful view and plenty of activities, including sand volleyball courts - you can even sign up for a sand volleyball league!
North Point Lighthouse
The North Point Lighthouse is an historic tower located between two ravines in lovely Lake Park. It’s one of the oldest structures in the area, offering a beautiful view from the top. There are 84 steps and a ladder to climb up to the lantern room at the top of the tower, and guests must be at least five years old and 38 inches tall to climb it.
Discovery World
Discovery World is a science and technology center located on Milwaukee's lakefront, with interactive exhibits & learning labs focusing on the Great Lakes, sound, physics, innovation, energy and machines. There is also the Kohl's Design It lab, where kids can see their idea come to life in 3D!
The Reiman Aquarium, which is part of the museum, features weird, wild, and colorful freshwater species from around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the rivers of the Amazon Basin, African Rift Lakes, and right here in the Great Lakes. Kids will especially love the touch tank.
Betty Brinn Children's Museum
There is so much to love about the Betty Brinn Children's Museum as a go-to place for family fun. In addition to numerous learning and play spaces, the museum offers a fully outfitted "Maker Space" workshop with a wide array of classes and events. Traveling exhibits mean there is always something new to see.
Milwaukee Kayak Company
For outdoor sports enthusiasts, you can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to explore the city by river. Tandem kayaks work well for parents with children under 12.
Manfred Olson Planetarium
From the top of the UWM Physics building, families can view the Moon, planets, star clusters, & other available astronomical objects throughout the year. There are also special stargazing events throughout the year, including free events and events specifically tailored for families!
Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park
A tower complete with a 40 foot climbing wall is just one of the amazing outdoor features at Riverside Park. A habitat themed play garden with otter slides, a sandbox, and a spider web for climbing. The center is also a fantastic place to visit for learning and adventure, with its solar power station, and a wheel-chair accessible nature bridge.
Urban Ecology Center
The Urban Ecology Center wants to help get people outside! The three branches provide outdoor science education and nature-based programs and events for kids and families, and lend out nature-based sports equipment like skis, bikes, canoes, garden tools & more.
SafeHouse
Your mission: Enjoy a fun time at this family-friendly Milwaukee restaurant and enjoy the best food in Milwaukee. While they’re waiting for their food, junior spies are welcome to investigate each room of SafeHouse on their spy mission.
Harley-Davidson Museum
This 20-acre museum campus houses more than 450 motorcycles and artifacts. Families will enjoy the many kid-friendly activities, including the imagination station and Build-a-Bike interactive station. The Motor® Bar & Restaurant also serves up classic American fare.
Primary photo: Milwaukee County Zoo
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.