100 Milwaukee Staycation Ideas for Spring Break (2025)

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Milwaukee is packed with museums that your kids will love, so why not play Tourist-In-Your-Own-Town? Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Milwaukee Public Museum: General admission FREE for kids ages five and under, March 22-30! From March 24-27, museum educators will be on the exhibit floors with interactive experiences focused on birds, butterflies, bees, and all things spring. Don’t miss Creepy-Crawly Day on March 29th, when you can handle live critters, examine specimens under microscopes, and even taste an edible insect. Both events are free with museum admission.
• Harley Davidson Museum: Hop on a motorcycle in the Experience Gallery, explore the Kids Play Area, build and design your own bike, and more at the Harley Davidson Museum with kids.
• The Domes: Go on a Spring Break Family Fun Quest and enjoy the warm weather inside The Domes in Mitchell Park.
• Milwaukee Art Museum: The museum’s Spring Break programming includes creating kinetic flowers in Kohl’s Art Studio, sketching and designing your own zines, and getting creative with local artists—all included with Museum admission (free for Members and kids 12 and under). Plus, here are the 10 Best Things to do at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
• Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: See the new Palermo’s Pizza exhibit at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Plus, they’ll have special Spring Break program in the Maker Space every day. To manage capacity, timed entry sessions will be in place, and advance online reservations are highly recommended.
• Discovery World: Milwaukee’s favorite STEM museum will be open every day of Spring Break. Lake Michigan divers will be there March 26th, and they’ll be celebrating the Wood Turtles’ birthdays on March 28th. Travel the world (virtually), touch a stingray, and check out the new exhibits at Discovery World.
• Milwaukee County Zoo: Special animal enrichment activities happening daily March 24-28th!
• Grohmann Museum: Kids Rock Day will inspire families with a new exhibit about stones and quarries, followed by time in the stART Lab to paint colorful, decorative rocks. 
• Afternoon Tea at the Pfister: Afternoon Tea at The Pfister is an elegant yet family-friendly experience with breathtaking views, delicious treats, and even kid-friendly drink options. It’s the perfect way to add a little magic to your week!
• New! Lights of Spring: Experience a brand-new walk-through light show, Lights of Spring, from the creators of Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel. This ¾-mile outdoor trail features dazzling spring-themed displays, including animated creatures, Easter lights, blooming flowers, and butterflies.
• 3rd Street Market Hall: 3rd Street Market Hall is buzzing with a variety of local food options for the whole family, yard games like cornhole and shuffleboard, arcade games, ping pong, big screens for watching the game, a small kids play area, and more.
• Safehouse: The Safehouse is a spy-themed Milwaukee institution is welcoming to kids and families before 8:00 p.m., and they create an exciting junior spy experience perfect for kids of all ages. There’s even a disappearing booth!
• Spring Break Camps: Need a fun place to send your child during spring break? Check out these local Spring Break Camps, from Camp Minikani in Hubertus to Adventure Rock in Riverwest.
• March Milkshakes: Don’t miss your chance to indulge in over-the-top minty March milkshakes at the best local eateries, including Joy Ice Cream in Wauwatosa, Better Together Cafe, and Kopp’s.
• Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Hike to Mystery Lake and climb the observation tower.
• Wehr Nature Center: Stroll on the Family Friendly Trail and play in their nature place space.
• Urban Ecology Center: Check out the new building at Riverside Park and Washington Park!
• Retzer Nature Center: Explore the free Discovery Trail, nature center, and special programming in the Horwitz Planetarium.
• Best Local Hotels: If you’re planning a staycation, relax at Downtown Hotels with Indoor Pools or experience one of Milwaukee’s Coolest Places to Stay!
• Best Playgrounds: If the weather cooperates, check out one of these must-visit playgrounds around Milwaukee.
• Tours & Tastings: From historic buildings to tasty treats, we found Milwaukee Tours and Tastings around Milwaukee that your whole family will enjoy.
• Art & Pottery Studios: For more info, check out our post on the Top 5 Art & Pottery Studios for Creative Kids >>

INDOOR WATER PARKS

When the cold winter months hit Milwaukee, we all start dreaming about escaping to a tropical paradise. Luckily, there’s a warm climate waiting for you right in your own backyard – indoor water parks! We found 5 epic indoor water parks near Milwaukee. Up for a drive? Here are even more Wisconsin hotels with indoor water parks that will keep your kids entertained all week long.

Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel

Address: 2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee, WI 53072
Distance: 30 minutes from Milwaukee

For a family-friendly indoor water park near Milwaukee, Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel is a top choice, offering over 45,000 square feet of warm, water-filled adventures. With high-speed slides, a relaxing lazy river, and dedicated kids’ areas, this park is ideal for winter getaways and weekend family escapes.

Plus, experience a brand-new walk-through light show, Lights of Spring, from the creators of Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel. This ¾-mile outdoor trail features dazzling spring-themed displays, including animated creatures, Easter lights, blooming flowers, and butterflies.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Lake Geneva, WI

For a spring break staycation that feels like a true getaway, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has something for the whole family. Kids will love Moose Mountain Falls, the on-site indoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and a splash area. If winter lingers into spring, the resort’s ski hill offers a last chance to hit the slopes. Beyond the resort, you’re just minutes from downtown Lake Geneva, where you can stroll along the lakefront, explore charming shops, and enjoy family-friendly dining.

Breaker Bay at Blue Harbor Resort

Address: 725 Blue Harbor Dr., Sheboygan, WI 53081
Distance: 1 hour north of Milwaukee

Experience endless summer fun at Breaker Bay Waterpark located in Sheboygan’s Blue Harbor Resort, where it’s always a comfortable 84 degrees. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this 54,000-square-foot indoor water park offers everything you need for an unforgettable family getaway.

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

Address: 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Distance: 50 minutes from Milwaukee

For a family-friendly waterpark near Milwaukee, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark at Grand Geneva Resort offers Moose Mountain Falls—a 50,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor waterpark that’s fun for all ages. Less than an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, this Lake Geneva indoor waterpark is perfect for winter getaways, combining thrilling slides, warm pools, and plenty of family activities.

ONE HOUR OR LESS

Historic Cedarburg

Located just 22 miles north of Milwaukee, historic Cedarburg offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the shops in the quaint downtown area, grab a donut at Donut Monster, and browse through the shops in the Cedar Creek Settlement. Catch a movie at the Rivoli Theatre, and unwind at the social house and mercantile Art of Joy. You can also check out the General Store Museum, see one of the last covered bridge in Wisconsin in Covered Bridge Park, and take a stroll through beautiful Cedar Creek Park. There’s a nice playground along the river next to Cedar Creek Brewery.

West Bend

Just minutes from Milwaukee, West Bend is your easy-on-gasoline getaway. This charming community is nestled in the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine. West Bend offers four museums, including the Museum of Wisconsin Art, which often has kid-friendly activities and classes.

Shalom Wildlife Zoo is another must-visit destination near West Bend. Experience nature at its best on foot or rent a golf cart. Explore over three miles of gravel road on foot or in a golf cart and spot bison, deer, elk, wild sheep, along with wolves, cougar, bear, zebra, camel and much more in large natural environments. There are learning centers and educational signage posted along the way.

Kenosha

Step back into pre-historic times at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum just blocks from Lake Michigan, the Kenosha Public Museum, play laser tag and ride bumper cars at America’s Action Territory Family Fun Park, grab lunch at Mars Cheese Castle, and Kenosha’s crown jewel playground, Dream Playground at Peztke Park.

Sheboygan

Just a hop, skip, and a jump north of Milwaukee is Sheboygan, home to Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. Explore almost 10,000 square feet of exhibit space on three floors. You’ll find a giant pin screen, a community art wall, a sky crawl, a bee hive exhibit, a kid-sized lighthouse, and more.

You’ll also want to visit the Kohler Arts Center. Admission and parking are free, and there is an art space just for kids, an outdoor garden, and ever-changing exhibits. One of the highlights of your visit might actually be a trip to the restrooms! Colorful tiles and whimsical designs fill the bathrooms so there’s never a dull moment. Plus, stop by the Social STUDIO to pick up a sketchbook and pencil to write and draw as you explore the galleries.

Lake Geneva

Stroll through the historic and charming shops and restaurants, walk along the shore path, and relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva. Dan Patch Stables is located at the entrance of the Grand Geneva, and offers pony rides, a free petting farm and trail rides. Older kids may be ready for a zip line adventure with Lake Geneva Ziplines.