Ready to get outside? If you’re looking for a fun, low-stress way to explore the outdoors with your kids, Milwaukee has you covered. From stroller-friendly trails and wildlife encounters to epic nature play areas and interactive exhibits, there’s a nature center nearby that your whole family will love.
In this guide, we’re rounding up the best nature centers in and around Milwaukee to help you plan your next adventure. So grab your hiking shoes, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore Wisconsin’s natural beauty—without going far from home.
1. Wehr Nature Center
📍9701 W. College Ave., Franklin, WI 53132
Wehr Nature Center is a gem for families. This 220-acre preserve has more than 4 miles of trails through forests, wetlands, prairie, and a beautiful oak savanna. Don’t miss the waterfall, nature play space, and ADA-accessible boardwalk. Inside the Wehr Nature Center’s visitor center, you’ll find interactive exhibits and nature displays. Programming runs year-round for all ages.
2. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
📍1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI 53217
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is one of the most popular destinations in the area! Walk the 6 miles of trails through 185 acres, including a paved trail to Lake Michigan and a 60-foot tower with incredible views. Check out the boardwalk around Mystery Lake or stop inside the visitor center to see animal ambassadors like Emerson the snapping turtle. Family programs at Schlitz Audubon start as young as 6 months old.
3. Retzer Nature Center & Discovery Trail
📍S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188
Retzer Nature Center is great for kids of all ages. It features beginner-friendly trails, indoor animal exhibits, and the Discovery Trail—packed with sensory play, STEM fun, and nature learning stations. Don’t miss the Vista Trail for scenic views, and the charming Children’s Garden near the Nature Center. Retzer also houses the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium for stargazing fun.
4. Mequon Nature Preserve
📍8200 W. County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
Mequon Nature Preserve is home to a fantastic natural playground and over 400 acres of wetlands, prairie, and young forest. Follow trails to observation towers and wildlife viewing platforms. Start your visit at the PieperPower Education Center.
5. Havenwoods State Forest
📍6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
Havenwoods State Forest is Wisconsin’s only urban state forest! With over 200 acres of woods, wetlands, grasslands, and four ponds, it’s a hidden gem on Milwaukee’s north side. Explore a 120-foot bridge, hunt for geocaches, or visit the Environmental Awareness Center at Havenwoods.
6. Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center
📍1130 N. 60th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center spans 23 acres and features a little nature museum, walking trails, and a playground. The self-guided trail is open to the public on evenings and weekends. It’s a go-to for school field trips and peaceful weekend strolls.
7. Riveredge Nature Center
📍4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville, WI 53080
Riveredge Nature Center is a 402-acre sanctuary along the Milwaukee River. Explore 10 miles of scenic trails, tranquil ponds, and peaceful woodlands. Riveredge is known for its maple sugaring events, exciting tree climbing events, and its lake sturgeon rearing program—over 15,000 released into the wild!
8. Stigler Nature Preserve
📍17400 W. Liberty Ln., New Berlin, WI 53146
Stigler Nature Preserve is tucked inside a business park, but once you’re in, it’s quiet and peaceful. This small preserve features a one-mile trail loop, a shallow creek, and two charming bridges. It’s mostly covered in cedar chips—just pack boots and bug spray if it rained recently.
9. Urban Ecology Center (Three Locations)
Riverside Park
📍1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53211
The Riverside Park branch of Urban Ecology Center has it all: a sun-filled lodge with games, puzzles, hidden blue slides, a 40-foot climbing tower, and a beautiful park to stomp around in. It’s free to visit!
Washington Park
📍1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
The Washington Park branch was newly renovated in 2025. New spaces in the building include a tower, an indoor slide to get to the first floor, and an Ecology Room. Outside, families can fish in the lagoon, look for their orchard, grab an activity pack, and more!
Menomonee Valley
📍3700 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI 53215
At the Menomonee Valley branch, explore family hikes, nature crafts, playgroups, and programming that’s perfect for little ones. This branch is part of a revitalization effort in the valley.
10. Forest Exploration Center (Free!)
📍1800 Forest Exploration Dr., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
The Forest Exploration Center is a 67-acre hardwood forest with a one-mile, stroller-friendly loop trail and rotating educational exhibits. You won’t find a building here, but there’s a Story Walk, interactive double-sided trail signs, and over 150 bird species to spot. Admission is always free!
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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.
