You asked, and we answered!
Many of our readers are looking for stroller-friendly hikes in the Milwaukee area, and we found seven that fit the bill.
All of these hikes have smooth, paved trails that are perfect for an easy hike with your little one.
Want more ideas? Check out all 25 gorgeous hikes around Milwaukee.
1. Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum
1449 E Park Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53211
The Arboretum is 40 acres of urban nature used as an outdoor classroom, research site and public sanctuary. It’s free for everyone to enjoy, complete with a path accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Park at the Urban Ecology Center and take a peek at the pond outside the entrance with a people-powered fountain.
Then you can check out the huge stone archway at the entrance of the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum. (You can see the archway from the entrance of the UEC building if you look southwest.)
Take the “Walk of 3 Billion years”, a walking path marked with rock sculptures as high as seven feel tall that tell the geological past of Wisconsin.
Starting at the building, go west until you see the first cairn made of 340-million-year-old stone at the gravel drive that leads to the warehouse. Follow the winding path until you find the ninth and final stone structure that’s made from rock over 3 billion years old.
If you want to ditch the stroller, or brave rougher terrain, take a hike through Riverside Park and discover outdoor sculptures and murals (an archway make of iron and steel, a set of sculptures called “Walk like a River” behind the UEC building, a giant concrete frog and raccoon, and a large student-made mural across from the building).
Then, explore the forest and walking paths west of the footbridge. You can also play on the Habitat Playgarden with a sandbox, spider web, & otter slides. (Located at the northeast corner of Riverside Park.)
2. Lakeshore State Park
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Lakeshore State Park is a 22 acre urban oasis located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, adjacent to the Summerfest Grounds and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin.
This gem is one of 15 beautiful Wisconsin State Parks near Milwaukee.
In addition to the paved paths, there is a small beach and a link to the Hank Aaron State Trail.
Families with young kids will love the accessible trails, and you’ll all enjoy the unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
You’ll walk among short-grass prairie, flowering plants like butterfly weed, purple coneflower and native grasses. If you linger near the rocky shores, you may see some snapping and painted turtles or bullfrogs laying out in the sun.
Afterwards, visit the Northwestern Mutual Community Park, an enormous accessible playground in Henry Maier Festival Park.
Read more about a hike at Lakeshore State Park >>
3. Family-friendly Trail at Wehr Nature Center
701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132
Wehr Nature Center is located in Whitnall Park in Franklin, and presents the perfect family-friendly trail aptly named “Family Friendly Trail.” It’s a short .5 miles, mostly flat, and really beautiful.
The trail begins at the amphitheater and takes you past Mallard Lake, the Wetland, and the Woodland, before taking you back to the Visitor Center. The trail is made of woodsheds and boardwalk and can sustain a stroller.
There’s also a Nature Play Space overlooking the lake, which is a playground constructed with all natural materials.
If you want to go off-roading a bit, you can take the Lake Loop which runs along the shoreline of Mallard Lake to a beautiful waterfall that falls into the Root River.
Read more about Wehr Nature Center >>
4. Discovery Trail at Retzer Nature Center
S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188
Even for the littlest feet and stroller users, Retzer Nature Center’s recently renovated “Discovery Trail” is filled with majestic pines, picnic tables, and a variety of “Exploration Stations” for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups.
If you have a heavy duty stroller that can go off pavement and trails, you can also explore “Vista Trail” where you’ll get a good view of Waukesha, and the “Nature Trail” where there are boardwalks and babbling brooks.⠀
Explore a small nature center with fish, small animals, and educational materials, plus many beginner level nature trails perfect for hiking with kids. There’s also a Planetarium with shows that your kids will love.
Read more about Discovery Trail >>
5. Hawthorn Glen
1130 N. 60th St. Milwaukee, WI 53208
Hawthorn Glen provides the perfect length loop for little legs, and there are posts along the way to teach you about the trees and wildlife in the area.
If you can ditch the stroller to climb the steps towards the back of the property, you’ll get a pretty view of the whole place.
There’s also a playground and a Nature Center to explore.
Read more about Hawthorn Glen >>
6. Humboldt Park
3000 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Humboldt Park is one of Milwaukee’s original parks (established in 1890!) and your kids will love exploring its 73 acres.
There’s a lagoon with plenty of geese and wildlife, stroller-friendly walking trails, a pretty gazebo, a large playground, and a wine and beer garden that opens in May.
Fun fact: It was originally named South Park, and you used to be able to rent row boats! Maybe they’ll bring that back one day.
7. Scout Lake
5902 W. Loomis Road
Hidden among the hustle and bustle of Greendale’s downtown area is Scout Lake, a peaceful oasis with lots of wildlife and a paved trail surrounding the entire circumference of the lake. It’s perfect for strollers, skating, and biking. There’s also a playground there.
Up for a drive?
If you’re up for a drive, the one-mile Woodland Dunes Nature Trail at Kohler Andrae State Park is stroller accessible, and it starts and ends at the playground. Fishing Pond Trail is another quarter mile hike with a flat surface for strollers and plenty of resting spots.
For those who are not stroller-bound, the Creeping Juniper Nature Trail starts and ends at the nature center and will immerse you among the sand dunes. ⠀
One of the last remaining nature preserves along Lake Michigan, Kohler-Andrae State Park is a 45 minute drive from Milwaukee. It offers hikes along sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes, and through pine trees and wildlife. ⠀
Mall-Walking
Remember mall-walkers from when you were a kid? Here are the 11 Best Shopping Malls Around Milwaukee, WI.
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See also:
“10 Best Nature Centers Around Milwaukee“
“35 Best Activities for Three Month Olds“
“101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids“.
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.
