Winter in Milwaukee brings a magical transformation, offering a wonderland of activities that promise to keep every member of the family entertained.
And we know that between the holiday season and time off of school, kids can get a little stir crazy (and so can their parents!).
As parents who have navigated many Milwaukee winters, we’ve discovered some of the best spots that turn the chilly season into a time of joy and wonder.
To help you out, we found plenty of fun ways to keep your kids busy and make Winter Break memorable without ever leaving the Milwaukee area.
You’ll find a mix of outdoor activities, indoor destinations and even things you can do at home. And some of them are completely FREE!
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
Minikani Winter Camp
875 Amy Belle Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033
Website
At a time of year when most kids are inside, winter campers are having a blast tromping around in the snow and meeting new friends at YMCA Camp Minikani.
Your child’s counselor will guide the experience as they gain a sense of independence by being away from home for four days and three nights.
In addition to a handful of adventures at Minikani, your child will visit Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, where they may snowboard, ski or snow-tube.
On their last night, campers and counselors celebrate “New Year’s Eve, Eve, Eve,” which is a camper-created carnival and dance party, culminating with a homemade ball drop.
Bow Wow Blizzard Camp (Wisconsin Humane Society)
4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Website
Come in from the cold and warm up with some fuzzy friends at the Wisconsin Humane Society. This one-day camp provides a wonderful way for kids (grades 1-6) to learn all about the Wisconsin Humane Society and ways that they can help critters of all different shapes and sizes.
There will be fun activities offered, including crafts, games, an Adoption Avenue tour and even a chance to meet some of the animal guests! Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $55 per camper.
Winter Break Adventure Days (Urban Ecology Center)
Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Website
School is out and it’s time to play! Join the Urban Ecology Center for fun, active days of playing in the park. You’ll take a look at what makes Wisconsin Winters special through crafts, games and so much more. You might learn about native animals or how to showshoe.
Bring a bag lunch, and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and registration is required. For grades 1-6.
More Winter Camps:
Schools Out Days at YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Ice Skating
Glide into the winter spirit at Milwaukee’s best ice-skating rinks! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just looking for a fun day out with the family, our city’s rinks offer a magical experience under the winter sky.
Grab your skates (or find a rental) and head to one of these 10 ice skating rinks in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
Sledding
Ready for some downhill thrills?
Grab your sleds and head to Milwaukee’s most exciting sledding hills. From gentle slopes for little ones to steeper hills for the daring, there’s a snowy adventure waiting for everyone!
We’ve got a list of the 25 best sledding hills around the city and suburbs.
Frosty Free Week at Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
Dec. 26-30, 2023; 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Website
Experience the magic of the zoo in winter – it’s a whole different world when the crowds are smaller and the animals are friskier in the cool air. Plus, it’s free!
The Milwaukee County Zoo will offer a week of free daytime admission to thank guests for their support.
Regular concessions and attraction rates apply, as well as admission rates for the Zoo’s Wild Lights nighttime event.
Cool Fool Kite Festival (Free!)
Veterans Park, 1010 N Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Jan. 1, 2024
Website
Soar into the New Year at the Cool Fool Kite Festival, hosted by Gift of Wings. This family-friendly event takes place every New Year’s Day at Veterans Park along Milwaukee’s downtown lakefront. Bring your own kite or purchase one from Gift of Wings, the store onsite.
Last year, there were kite-flying lessons and demonstrations in ice sculpting, as well as horse and buggy rides. Free coffee and hot chocolate are provided at the event to help you keep warm.
Sleigh Rides
A horse-drawn sleigh ride experience will make you feel like you stepped inside of a glistening winter snow globe.
Here are four places that offer sleigh rides around southeastern Wisconsin.
Tubing
Slide into fun with family tubing adventures in Milwaukee! Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages, tubing offers an exhilarating way to enjoy the winter snow.
No need for any special skills – just grab a tube, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride down Milwaukee’s best tubing hills.
It’s a fantastic way to make some laughter-filled winter memories!
Skiing & Snowboarding
Hit the slopes right here in southeastern Wisconsin!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, skiing and snowboarding offer an exhilarating way to experience the winter season. Get ready to carve out some incredible memories on the snow.
Here are 6 skiing & snowboarding hills nearby.
Winter Hiking
Who says hiking is just for summer? Winter transforms our trails into serene, snowy landscapes. Bundle up and explore the peaceful side of Milwaukee’s nature with these family-friendly winter hiking spots.
Here are some of our favorite spots for families:
Wehr Nature Center
9701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132
Website
Explore the short and flat “Family Friendly Trail” which will take you through beautiful woodlands. You’ll see lots of birds, and you may even come face to face with a wild turkey.⠀
There’s also a natural playground and a nature center to discover.
Lake Park Hike (Free!)
3233 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Truly beautiful in any season, the paved winding paths of historic Lake Park will bring you gorgeous lake vistas, rocky ravines, impressive statues, and the charming North Point Lighthouse.
Retzer Nature Center (Free!)
S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188
Website
The Retzer Nature Center‘s new Discovery Trail expands accessibility into nature for all ages and abilities. The trail includes a variety of “Exploration Stations” for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups.
Other additions include a gateway feature, a stone seat wall gathering space, a habitat free-play area, boulder scramble, and native plant observation areas.
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. There is also a nature center that is open.
Outdoor Playgrounds
Look at it this way: The colder it is, the more of the playground you’ll have to yourself!
We’ve rounded up 25 of the best Milwaukee playgrounds, all in one convenient list.
Snowshoeing (Free + Snowshoe Rental)
Step into a winter wonderland with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. These activities are perfect for families looking to enjoy the snow while getting a bit of exercise.
Not sure if your kids are old enough? If you can walk, you can snowshoe! We rounded up a list of 6 places that are great for snowshoeing with kids.
Don’t have snowshoes? You can borrow from the Urban Ecology Center if you’re a member.
Mural Tour (Free!)
Buckle your seatbelts and check out the custom MKE With Kids Mural Tour! You’ll find ten murals that will make you proud to be from Milwaukee, including this leopard on the East Side.
Ride The Hop
All aboard for a family adventure along The Hop Streetcar route in Milwaukee!
Discover ‘10 Kid-Friendly Stops Along The Hop Streetcar Route‘, where the journey isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the fun and discovery along the way.
We’ve pinpointed the best stops for families, where kids can learn, play, and explore.
From interactive museums to delightful parks and must-see attractions, each stop offers a unique experience that’s perfect for little explorers.
So, hop on and let’s take a streetcar adventure – each stop is a new opportunity for family fun and Milwaukee exploration!
INDOOR FUN
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Website
Step back in time and immerse your family in the nostalgic charm of the “Deck the Streets of Old Milwaukee” at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
This seasonal exhibit transforms the museum’s beloved turn-of-the-century streetscape into a holiday spectacle that captures the imagination of both young and old.
Plus, during Winter Break, they’ll have special programming!
MPM Educators will be on the exhibit floors where they’ll highlight cold weather animal adaptations, including topics such as the furs that cover arctic animals, how to tell horns, tusks, and antlers apart, and the differences between mammoths and mastodons—both of which called Wisconsin home before they went extinct.
Beyond King Tut
Baird Center
400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
More Info
For an engaging family outing, “Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience” at the Baird Center offers a thoughtful and stimulating foray into the mysteries of Ancient Egypt.
Holiday Show & Family Fun Fest at the Domes
524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
The Domes are all decked out for their annual holiday show with nearly a thousand festive and colorful poinsettias. Plus, Santa has been known to make the occasional appearance at this holiday floral show!
This year’s theme is “Holiday Snow Globe,” with polar animals playing in a Winter Wonderland.
There’s also a Family Fun Fest happening this year, with tropics-inspired activities like a tropical fruit tasting, scavenger hunt, and more!
Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
Did you know Discovery World is home to Wisconsin’s largest aquarium?
And, they’ll be offering extended hours for Winter Break.
The Reiman Aquarium makes the underworld of Lake Michigan come alive to visitors with hands-on and immersive exhibits. Fish swim above, below, and all around you.
Plus, visit the Innovation Station and try your hand with the flight simulator, construction truck display, and more.
There’s also a model railroading exhibit, a road race simulator and the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, where families can create make and take projects together that vary in difficulty and complexity.
Towards the back of the building, you’ll find the a huge replica of the Great Lakes, where kids can cause a rainstorm or fog with the touch of a button.
Upstairs is a replica of 19th century Great Lakes schooner that you can climb on board and explore, plus an area where kids can learn about simple machines and try their hand at a few of them!
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
Kids 12 and under are always free at the Art Museum!
Meet in Windhover Hall on Saturday mornings for “Story Time in the Gallery”, and be sure to drop in to the Kohl’s Art Studio for some family art-making activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, just a short distance from the shores of Lake Michigan.
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits designed to encourage children to learn through play, including Word Headquarters and Pocket Park for children age 4 and younger.
Our favorite exhibit is Home Town, a kid-sized city that includes a city bus, grocery store, bank, vet office, and more.
Plus, don’t miss the Be A Maker Space, where there’s always a new hands-on project to create.
Special programs, workshops and family events will be offered throughout Winter Break, including a Noon Year’s Eve party just for kids!
Don’t miss the coffee shop inside where you can take a break with a snack.
Pro Tip: Free admission is offered on the third Thursday of every month.
Glow Skate at Wilson Ice Arena
4001 S 20th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Website
Get ready to light up the ice at Wilson Ice Arena’s special Glow Skate event.
Your admission includes not just the skate rentals, but also a unique glow-in-the-dark necklace and a raffle ticket for some cool surprises. No need to book in advance; just glide in and enjoy the glow!
They also have regular 90-minute public skate sessions.
Indoor Water Parks & Pools
It’s always 80 degrees at these nearby water parks!
Plus, you can swim all year round at Noyes Pool or Pulaski Pool.
Indoor Playgrounds & Cafes
In Milwaukee, you just never know what the weather will do.
These fun and exciting spots offer the perfect solution for parents and guardians looking to help their kids burn off energy and beat Milwaukee weather woes.
Get the list of 25 local indoor playgrounds >>
Milwaukee County Sports Complex
6000 W Ryan Rd, Franklin, WI 53132
Website
This year-round sports hub boasts a 55,000-square-foot fieldhouse, perfect for a variety of indoor sports. It’s an ideal place for families to stay active and engaged during the chilly season.
There’s a baseball batting cage, basketball and volleyball courts, soccer fields, pickle ball, and open gym opportunities!
Bring your own equipment. Adults must supervise children.
Must-Visit Libraries
Uncover the hidden gems and little-known facts of Milwaukee’s best libraries!
From historical archives to modern marvels, Milwaukee’s libraries are not just about books; they’re treasure troves of knowledge, culture, and community.
We’ve explored the nooks and crannies of the city’s best libraries to bring you a guide that reveals their unique charms and secrets.
Whether you’re a bookworm, a history buff, or just looking for a quiet escape, you’ll be amazed at what these libraries have to offer.
Bucks Family Nights
Experience the thrill of championship basketball with Milwaukee Bucks Family Nights!
Perfect for sports-loving families, this package offers not just edge-of-your-seat excitement but also a taste of family-friendly fun. Each ticket includes more than just a seat to watch the Bucks in action; you’ll also receive a box of popcorn and a refreshing Sprite to complete your game night experience.
Whether you’re a die-hard Bucks fan or looking for a lively night out with the kids, Bucks Family Night promises a memorable time for everyone.
Grab your tickets now and join in on the excitement – it’s more than a game, it’s a family adventure!
Planetariums
Apollo, we have a great idea for you.
Whether you’re looking to explore the stars, learn about our solar system, or discover the latest discoveries in space exploration, these three local planetariums have something for everyone.
Art & Pottery Studios
Looking for something to get your creative juices flowing? Here’s a quick guide to some top spots for pottery and art in the area:
- Cloud 9 Workshop: Art studio for kids and adults with weekly rotating projects.
- Vibez Creative Art Space: Community art space offering open studio time, private parties, events, and more.
- Creative License Art Studio, Hartford: A family-friendly space for walk-in art creation, offering diverse projects like pottery painting and glass fusing.
- Glaze! Art & Ice Cream, Thiensville: Combines art projects with delicious treats, featuring paint-your-own pottery and an in-studio ice cream parlor.
- Just Kiln Time, Menomonee Falls: Offers a wide range of artistic activities, from pottery painting to glass fusing, perfect for artists of all ages.
- La Terraza, Wauwatosa: A vibrant walk-in pottery painting studio with a wide selection of pieces and special party options for groups.
- Soul Fire Art Studio, Lake Country: Provides a variety of art projects and classes, accommodating all skill levels in a flexible, fun atmosphere.
For more info, check out our post on the Top 5 Art & Pottery Studios for Creative Kids >>
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Holiday Lights
*After* the holiday is a great time to see the lights without the line, and many of them run through January!
Here are 17 of the best holiday lights displays around Milwaukee. (Many of them are free!)
Some of our favorites include Candy Cane Lane in West Allis, Zeidler Square in downtown Milwaukee, Country Christmas in Pewaukee, the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights, and Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo!
Jingle Bus Tours
The Avenue, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Through December 30th, 2023
Advance Ticket Purchase Required
Website
Hop on the Jingle Bus to marvel at the winter wonderland scenes throughout downtown Milwaukee. It’s a 40-minute narrated tour that highlights the main attractions of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (see above).
This year, Jingle Bus tickets are $5 per person and have to be purchased in advance. You can choose you tour dates and time, and there are options for Spanish tours.
The jingle bus will depart from the Warming House at The Avenue, located at 275 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Parking there is $3 for Jingle Bus riders (get your ticket validated at the Warming House.)
There will be free treats inside the Warming House, dozens of food vendors, and free activities likes shuffleboard, bags, Jenna, classic Nintendo video game, a Selfie Museum, and more.
New Year’s Eve Parties
If you’re hunting for fun, family-friendly ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve without keeping the kids up past bedtime, you’re in luck! Milwaukee has a lineup of fantastic “Noon Year’s Eve” events tailored just for families.
From dance parties to balloon drops, there’s something for every pint-sized party animal.
Here are 5 local New Year’s celebrations for kids >>
THEATER & SHOWS
Whether you’re a fan of the classic Nutcracker ballet, love the powerful notes of a symphony, or enjoy a heartwarming holiday play, there’s something for everyone in our vibrant local theaters and concert halls.
We rounded up a list of 5 holiday shows your kids will love over winter break.
This year, First Stage presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, and annual traditions like “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker” continue. Now in its 25th year, “The Nutcracker” is completely reimagined with new choreography, sets, and costumes.
New this year, Turner Hall presents a rock concert just for kids on the last day of the year. “The Rock & Roll Playhouse” will be rocking out to the music of the Grateful Dead in its new family concert series.
For music and film lovers, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will be playing right along to “Back to the Future” at the gorgeous Bradley Symphony Center.
FOOD & DRINK
Hot Cocoa Heaven
Get ready to warm up this winter with our guide to the 15 best places for hot cocoa around Milwaukee!
There’s nothing quite like a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate to beat the chilly weather. We’ve scoured the city to find the coziest spots and the most delicious cocoa concoctions, from classic creamy delights to gourmet twists that will surprise your taste buds.
Whether you’re after a post-sledding warm-up or a sweet treat to brighten a gray day, our hot cocoa list has got you covered.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Dining out with the family?
Discover 30 kid-friendly restaurants around Milwaukee where delicious meals and a welcoming atmosphere come together.
Our guide is packed with local eateries that not only satisfy your taste buds but also cater to the little ones, making dining out a fun and stress-free experience for everyone.
From spots with creative kids’ menus to restaurants with play areas, we’ve got a variety of choices that will delight both kids and parents alike.
Check out our kid-friendly restaurants list and get ready to explore Milwaukee’s most family-friendly food spots!
DAY TRIPS
Looking for the perfect day out with your kids? Discover the top 100 day trips that are sure to delight the whole family!
From the hands-on fun at the Farm Discovery Center to the wild wonders of Henry Vilas Zoo, and the vibrant charm of Madison, our guide covers it all. Each destination is packed with adventure and learning opportunities, making every trip a memorable experience.
Whether you’re seeking educational outings, outdoor fun, or just a change of scenery, these day trips have something for everyone.
Dive into our comprehensive article and start planning your next family adventure today!⠀
Wisconsin Children’s Museums
Ready for an adventure that’s both fun and educational?
Here are 25 Wisconsin’s Children’s Museums that are just a drive away and offer a world of wonder for your little explorers!
From interactive exhibits to hands-on activities, these museums provide the perfect blend of learning and play.
While they’re a bit of a journey from Milwaukee, the memories and experiences are well worth the trip.
AT-HOME ACTIVITIES
Family Movies
Movie night just got a whole lot better!
Discover the ’50 Best Family Movies According to Our Readers’, where our readers have spoken, and we’ve compiled a list of films that are sure to bring smiles, laughter, and a bit of magic to your family evenings.
From timeless classics to modern favorites, these movies have been handpicked by parents like you for their heartwarming stories, positive messages, and family-friendly fun.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect weekend flick or a new addition to your movie marathon, our list has something for everyone in the family.
Pop some popcorn, grab a cozy blanket, and dive into our reader-curated collection of the best family movies!
Easy Science Experiments
Do you have a budding scientist living in the house with you? Luckily, even simple science experiments done at home can be super educational and fun for kids of all ages.
Each of these easy science experiments will take about 30 minutes to complete from start to finish, and they each use simple ingredients from around the house.
Cold Weather Science Experiments
Embrace the chill of the season with our roundup of cold weather science experiments!
Perfect for curious minds, these activities turn the winter weather into a fun, educational playground.
From frosty experiments that sparkle to indoor projects that explore the science of cold, there’s a world of discovery waiting right at your fingertips.
Check out our full list of cold-weather experiments and start your scientific adventure today!
100 Boredom Busters
Banish boredom with our epic list of 100 fun boredom-busters for kids!
Our carefully curated list is packed with creative, engaging, and downright enjoyable activities that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
From imaginative indoor games to exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for every mood and interest.
Did you like this article?
Check out “101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids“.
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
