Family Friendly Festivals and Events Around Milwaukee

Shila:  The Sugar Maple and history of maple sugaring is an important part of Wisconsin’s heritage. Participants will experience through hands-on activities the arts and traditions of tapping a maple tree. The visit provides a history of Native American traditions and techniques for capturing, collecting and cooking of maple syrup. Keep in mind that this is a 2 hour outdoor program, so dress for the weather! Registration required.

Cost: $10 for kids and $5 for kids

Shila:  It's time for maple syrup! Join in for one of three hikes in Petrifying Springs County Park. Meet at Pavilion #6.

Cost: free, donations accepted

Shila:  River Bend Nature Center will once again host the spring time tradition of Sugarin’ Off pancake breakfasts to celebrate the maple sugar harvest. Pancakes with 100% Wisconsin maple syrup, sausage, orange juice, coffee, tea, or milk are on the menu. Following your breakfast, hike through the woods to observe and learn the process of maple sap collection and syrup production. Volunteers will tap 70 maple trees on the nature center grounds and collect sap to make the syrup.

Cost: $8 for adults, and $5 for kids (3-10)

Lisa R:  Witness the downtown of South Milwaukee come alive every week with an eclectic mix of vendors, live entertainment, and special events that keep local businesses open a bit later than usual. Kids groups often perform.

Shila:  This family event provides a unique opportunity for kids to explore & learn about all types of vehicles—emergency, construction, transportation, utility, delivery, & many more all in one area. Kids will be allowed to touch, climb, sit in the driver’s seat, pose for photos, & ask questions about their favorite trucks in a safe, supervised environment. The 'Kids Fun Zone' will include food, face painting, coloring contests & more.

Shila:  Established in 2004, the Bay View Bash is a community festival of food, art, music, crafts, books, and community organizations. The Bash features 30+ acts, bands, and entertainers throughout the day on their five stages, including a children's area.

This annual event will feature food vendors cooking authentic Puero Rican dishes and fried foods. Music and dancing will also take place at this fun family event in Humboldt Park!

Shila:  In parks throughout the city, families and friends gather for picnics, games, bicycle and doll buggy parades and talent contests. At night the sky is filled with fireworks bursting all over town. Each park has a unique schedule so you can pick the one that is right for your family!

Erynn:  A "Fiesta of Pride and Heritage," the annual Mexican Independence Parade & Festival features Mexican music, clowns, pinatas, games, face painting, a community resources exhibit, crafts, food, and merchandise. Immerse yourself in Mexican culture, sample delicious food, and take home candy and crafts!

This Fall Festival promises both family fun and the chance for active families to enjoy a fun run together! Expect games, face painting, a bouncy house, live music, a fire pit for s'mores, and much more to keep everyone entertained! If you decide to participate in the 5k there is a chance to win a season lift ticket for this winter for winners in each category of the race!

Lisa R:  If you've been meaning to take your little one to some of the museums in Milwaukee, but weren't sure if they'd last long enough to justify the sticker price, then Milwaukee Museum Mile Day is for you! For one day, get free admission to the Charles Allis Art Museum, Jewish Milwaukee Museum, Museum of Wisconsin Art at Saint John's On The Lake, and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. The North Point Lighthouse is free for kids & $5 for adults. In addition to special exhibits, each museum will have a special children's activity and raffles.

Shila:  The Milwaukee Air & Water Show is a free event for the general public to attend. There are many free areas along the Milwaukee lakefront, from North to South, to take in the air and water show. The best free viewing location is located at Bradford Beach. The air show also has reserved seating available for purchase.

Vanessa M.:  The Lakefront Festival of Art features world class art, food, drink, music, and activities for children at the Milwaukee Art Museum campus. Milwaukee's most art-filled festival is annually awarded one of the top art festivals in the country, and features handmade works for sale by more than 170 artists. Children's activities are in abundance during this 3-day festival, including: face painting, jugglers, magicians & a create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece workshop in the Children’s Art Tent.

Erynn:  An exclusive dining experience plus a stellar view of fireworks makes MAM's "explosive" July 3rd experience a winner. They'll be a cocktail reception on the Baumgartner Terrace, followed by a seated dinner. Then after dinner, you'll be able to roam the galleries until it's time to come outside again for a champagne toast and fireworks!

Head to Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee to enjoy a day of family fun that makes a positive environmental difference for Lake Sturgeon. This unique festival will have games and activities for kids, kayak demonstrations, prairie tours, educational booths, delicious local food trucks, and more to enjoy a nice fall day with your family.