As a parent of young children, finding outdoor activities that are both fun and educational can be a challenge.
Luckily, Milwaukee offers a variety of nature centers and parks that are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
One such place is Hawthorn Glen Nature Center, a 23-acre nature preserve located in the heart of the city.
With its wooded trails, babbling brook, and diverse wildlife, Hawthorn Glen offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
In this quick guide, we’ll explore some of the highlights of this kid-friendly nature center and give you some tips for making the most of your visit.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a fun family outing, Hawthorn Glen is sure to delight both you and your little ones.
Hawthorn Glen, located at 1130 N. 60th Street in Milwaukee (near Wauwatosa), is an outdoor education center owned by Milwaukee Public Schools.
It is perfect for young kids because the terrain is flat and the hikes are short.
During the day, it’s used mostly for field trips for Milwaukee Public Schools, but families are welcome there on the weekends and in the afternoons.
Before you begin your hike, you can spend some time on the playground sets near the parking lot. The structures are not new, but they did the trick.
My daughter loved the tire swing.
You can also visit the Little Nature Museum to see native Wisconsin inhabitants. The building was actually built in 1938 as part of the Works Progress Administration. They used salvaged material from the old 27th street viaduct!
Just behind the Little Nature Museum, follow the path to a flat and easy nature loop, perfect for young kids.
There are educational posts along the way to learn about the plants you encounter.
We found hollowed out logs that acted as telescopes for my kids, Hawthorn trees that look like giant rose bushes, and lots of little critters getting ready for Spring.
As you emerge from the nature loop, you’ll find a large hill that your kids can climb. It used to be a gravel pit, but now it’s perfect for mini-explorers.
Up ahead near the watertower, you’ll find a big flight of stairs. It will lead you to a nice lookout that gives you a clear view of the whole park.
But the best part is running back down, of course.
Hawthorn Glen was a nice little place to spend the morning outdoors. There is plenty of wildlife and space for kids to run and play, and its location in the city makes it unique among the concrete.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
