Here’s How To Do Summerfest With Kids 2019

(Article updated for 2019)Didn’t think Summerfest was kid-friendly?Think again!Summerfest has seriously stepped up their kid game in the last few years. There are family friendly activities and attractions every single day of the festival, plus amenities that make it easier for parents and kids to experience the festival.

We’ve got your one-stop shop for Summerfesting with kids, including family admission deals, what’s new this year, favorite family attractions and amenities, and a festival map.

This year’s festival runs June 26-30 and July 2 – July 7. You can plan your family’s visit at Summerfest.com/kids.

Admission Deals & More For Families

Kohl’s Family Day

June 30th, 2019 from 12 – 3 p.m.

As part of Kohl’s Family Day on June 30, 2019 from 12 – 3 p.m., the first 2,500 festivalgoers who donate three nutritious non-perishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. The Hunger Task Force will distribute the non-perishable food items to Milwaukee-area children, families and seniors. Suggested items include: canned chicken or tuna, fruits canned in 100% juice and low sodium vegetables.

Children’s Fest Day

Sentry Foods with Today’s TMJ4

Thursday, July 2 • Noon – 3:00 pm

All guests arriving between noon – 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE!

Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying Children’s Fest activities including the Map of Fun and the Family Ticket Package drawing. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food and beverage items. Pick up the Map of Fun upon entering the gates and obtain a stamp on your map at each of the locations throughout the festival grounds. Courtesy of Sentry with TMJ4.

Klement’s $1 Brat Day

Thursday, June 27 • 12:00 – 2:00 pm (while supplies last)

Enjoy a taste of summer with Klement’s. On June 27th, Klement’s brats will be available for purchase, while supplies last, at the Mid Gate for just $1 from noon to 2:00 pm. $1 brats will ONLY be for sale at the Mid Gate at the designated booth and are limited to 1 per person. All proceeds will benefit a local charity. Cash only.

New This Year

1. The Summerfest Landing with L.L. Bean, Mercury Marine, & Sea Ray

Everyday of Summerfest noon to midnight (weather permitting)

L.L.Bean will be offering FREE stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak rentals every day on a first-come, first-served basis. Not experienced on the water? No worries, L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Program instructors will be on hand to provide additional support. So grab a kayak or SUP and some friends and head out on the water!

Mercury Marine, the Official Outdoor Engine of Summerfest, and Sea Ray, the Official Boat of Summerfest, will partner together to provide FREE Lake Michigan boat rides in cooperation with SkipperBuds. Stop by the Mercury Marine Go Boldly activation to sign up for your free ride, and experience the latest innovations in marine propulsions and controls. While there, you can talk with Mercury Marine ambassadors about their newest products.

2. Summerfest Party Patio with Punch Bowl Social

Come and hang out at the new Summerfest Party Patio with Punch Bowl Social. Featuring games and activities, this is a great destination to spend time with friends, and enjoy games like cornhole and giant jenga.

3. Concordia University Concert Series

Select Days of Summerfest

The series features various artists who showcase positive, upbeat, and inspiring music that motivates fans to live life on the optimistic side, including SWITCHFOOT and Skillet. During these select performances, Concordia University will be onsite with summer fun tips. Check the schedule for the blue star icon that denotes artists in the series.

4. Cooling Station Presented by Aurora Health Care

An air-conditioned space for festival-goers to escape the outdoor elements and stay refreshed with complimentary water and sunscreen. Located at the Summerfest North Gate. Sponsored by Aurora Health Care.

Favorite Activities & Attractions

1. The Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain

A day with kids at Summerfest needs to include a stop at the Splash Pad, located right by the mid-gate. It’s the perfect way to stay cool.

2. Northwestern Mutual Children’s Theater & Playzone

Everyday of Summerfest, kids of all ages can enjoy family focused entertainment and activities in the Northwestern Mutual Children’s Theater and Playzone. It’s open daily from noon – 8:00 pm. Visit the daily lineup pages for information on performers and show times.

Stop into the Kids Activity Tent nearby, every day from noon – 5:00 p.m., for UB the Band where you can be a real rockstar, and 537 Charger Robotics demonstrations.

3. The Kohl’s Captivation Station

The Kohl’s Captivation Station, located on the south end of the grounds, is open from noon – 7 p.m. every day of Summerfest. Attendees are able to participate in all of the programs, including:

Kohl’s Color Wheels, an art-making experience presented by the Milwaukee Art Museum

Kohl’s Design It! Mobile Lab, where you can create unique hands-on projects highlighting design with Discovery World

Kohl’s Wild Theater, conservation-themed theatrical performances from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Kohl’s Building Blocks Program, a Penfield Children’s Center program that promotes the health and positive development of children and celebrates their unique abilities

MPM & Kohl’s on the Move, an interactive exhibit with real artifacts and specimens from the Milwaukee Public Museum

4. The Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks

Wednesday, June 26 • 9:30 pm (weather permitting)

Don’t miss the Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks Show live on the grounds at 9:30 pm presented by Menards. Fireworks supplied by J&M Displays. Watch WISN 12 for a taped show at 10:30 pm (Broadcast in HD).

5. Summerfest Skyglider Powered by Meijer

There’s nothing like your first ride on the sky glider. Everyday of Summerfest noon to midnight (weather permitting), this gentle ride provides passengers with a scenic view of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan, and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares are available. Presented by Meijer. Height Restriction : 48”, and must be accompanied by a responsible person. Fares per person.

6. Gruber Law Offices SportsZone

Everyday of Summerfest noon to midnight (weather permitting), The Gruber Law Offices SportsZone with 620 WTMJ is the ultimate destination for sports fans. This area offers interactive daily programming including sports demonstrations and clinics from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Admirals, and much more.

7. Summerfest Parade

Wednesday, June 26 – Friday, June 28, Tuesday, July 2, Wednesday, July 3 • 3:00 p.m

The parade will start at the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater Forecourt and complete a full lap of the grounds. Fans are encouraged to join in with participants and strut their stuff!

8. School of Rock

Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30

Check out the next generation of music superstars from School of Rock! Over 80 bands made up of talented kids from across the world will rock out on seven different stages. School of Rock teaches over 30,000 students at 230 global locations what it takes to become a world-class musician. Performance-based instruction gets students out of the lesson room and on stage, where they play real shows at authentic venues.

9. Playstation Road to Greatness

June 26 – June 30

The PlayStation Road to Greatness Tour showcases a selection of new and unreleased games to play, VR demos, giveaways, and much more! For more information please visit RoadToGreatness.com.

Amenities for families

Stroller Rentals

Limited rentals are available at the North, Mid and South Gates with proper identification. $10.00 (cash only) for manual wheelchairs and $4.00 (cash only) for single strollers. Summerfest is not responsible for strollers or their contents left unattended on the grounds. Strollers are not allowed inside the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Guest(s) must be 18 years or older to rent.

Lost Children’s Area presented by Aurora Health Care

Located near the Mid Gate, The Lost Children’s Area presented by Aurora Health Care is available for children who become separated from their parent(s)/guardian(s). To make reuniting seamless, identification wristbands are available throughout the grounds (including all gates) for parents to pair their emergency contact information with each child.

Cooling Station Presented by Aurora Health Care

An air-conditioned space for festival-goers to escape the outdoor elements and stay refreshed with complimentary water and sunscreen. Located at the Summerfest North Gate. Sponsored by Aurora Health Care.

Nursing Stations

There will be Mother’s Nursing Room station located with the Children’s area (noon – 9:00 pm) and a Mother’s Nursing Suite on the South ends of the Grounds near the Kohl’s Activation Station (noon – midnight). Mother’s Nursing Room stations are being provided by Aurora Health Care and provide a comfortable, private and convenient space for moms to nurse their children.

First Aid Station

The First Aid station is located at the Mid Gate. Milwaukee Fire Department units are also present on the Summerfest grounds. See the Grounds Map for more details.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found articles are turned into and can be claimed at the Lost and Found area located just south of the Harley-Davidson® Roadhouse.

Checking Items

Visit one of the Information Booths located near each gate for more information on checking in items. There is a small fee of $2 (cash only) to check each item.

What To Bring (And What Not To Bring)

Strollers are allowed. (Yes!)

Small bags, totes, or cinch bags, 9″x10″x12″ or smaller are allowed.

If you need to bring nursing equipment, medication, medical equipment, diapers, or other personal care items to Summerfest, put those items in a separate clear bag.

Large backpacks, bags, and coolers are not allowed.

Happy Summerfesting, Milwaukee! Find out more at summerfest.com/kids.