Just a short drive from downtown Milwaukee, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (SANC) is a beautiful escape filled with family-friendly trails, hands-on learning, and wildlife around every corner. It’s the perfect spot for a nature-filled outing with your kids.
Quick Info for Parents:
- What: 185 acres of woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and ponds along the Lake Michigan shoreline
- Where: Bayside, WI – just 10 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee
- When: Open seven days a week (check their website for current hours)
Top Things to Do with Kids at SANC
1. Climb the Observation Tower
Start your adventure with a short, quarter-mile walk to the 60-foot tower. At the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape—great for photo ops!
2. Visit Mystery Lake
This quiet oasis is perfect for spotting frogs, turtles, and tadpoles in their natural habitat. The new boardwalk makes it stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
3. Say Hi to Emerson the Snapping Turtle
Inside the Visitor Center, meet Emerson, SANC’s resident snapping turtle who’s lived here for over 20 years. Kids love watching him swim, bask, and snack on apples.
4. Check Out the Raptor Exhibit
Outside the Visitor Center (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily), see a live bird of prey up close. Most days, you’ll meet Sky Walker, the resident Red-tailed Hawk.
5. Hike Down to Lake Michigan
For families with older kids, take the paved trail down to the water. Follow the North Lake Terrace Trail to the Milner Viewing Deck for a stunning lake view. This is also a great spot for collecting sea glass! And in the winter, you will see some amazing ice formations.
6. Explore the Nature Center Indoors
Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, live animals, and a cozy reading nook with rocking chairs make this a favorite stop for kids.
7. Meet a Bald Eagle
Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, attend Word with a Bird to see one of SANC’s resident raptors up close and learn all about them.
8. Join a Guided Hike
Professional naturalists lead seasonal hikes where families can learn about native plants, animals, and ecosystems.
9. Attend a Special Event
Don’t miss seasonal events like the Fall Festival and Maple Sugaring Festival—full of fun, nature-based activities for kids.
10. Discover the Wetlands & Try Ponding
Walk the boardwalks through rich wetland habitats and look for frogs, herons, turtles, and more. SANC also offers ponding programs where kids can get up close with pond life.
A Few Rules to Know Before You Go:
- Stay on marked trails and boardwalks
- No collecting, hunting, or fishing
- Carry out all trash
- Pets are not allowed
- No bikes or swimming (shoreline is not water-quality tested)
For details on hours, admission, and programs, visit the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center website.
You Might Also Like:
- 25 Gorgeous Kid-Friendly Hikes
- Best Nature Centers Around Milwaukee
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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.
