When you think of the Harley-Davidson Museum, you probably picture roaring engines, legendary motorcycles, and a rich history of two-wheeled adventure. But did you know that the museum and its campus are also incredibly kid-friendly? From interactive exhibits to hands-on fun, family-friendly dining, and even outdoor play areas, this Milwaukee gem offers something for kids of all ages—including toddlers, teens, and everyone in between!
Here’s why the Harley-Davidson Museum should be at the top of your family’s adventure list:
1. Hands-On Fun
The Harley-Davidson Museum isn’t just about looking at bikes—it’s about experiencing them!
Your kids can explore rows upon rows of gleaming motorcycles on the 1st and 2nd floors, where you can see how classic bikes from the 1940s evolved into today’s sleek, modern machines. At the heart of the museum is “Serial Number One,” the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle—a must-see for little history buffs.
Here are more can’t miss features for kids and families:
🚲 Experience Gallery – Kids (and grown-ups!) can climb up and pretend to ride a real Harley, making for the ultimate photo op.
🔊 Engine Room – Let the little ones press buttons and hear the roar of a Harley engine or crank up a speedometer.
🎨 Design Lab Exhibit – Kids can use tracing paper & colored pencils to create their own motorcycle designs.
🏍 Build-A-Bike Exhibit – They can also digitally customize their own motorcycle by choosing the paint color, seat, handlebars, and more, then email their creation home.
🧒 Kids’ Play Area – Younger kids can dress up in a leather vest and pose on a pint-sized motorcycle just their size. This kid-centric zone is located on the 1st floor, with books, puzzles, and games.
📸 Tank Wall – Perfect for teen selfies, this colorful backdrop is one of the museum’s most Instagrammable spots!
2. Explore the Outdoor Campus
After you’ve explored inside, head outdoors for even more fun! I recommend heading there on a sunny day so you and your kids can stomp around the 20-acre park-like campus along the river. Water surrounds it on three sides, and there’s a beautiful Riverwalk to enjoy on a nice day.
🌿 Riverfront Walking Paths – Stroll the Hank Aaron Trail along the Menomonee River, perfect for little explorers (or parents with strollers).
🚲 Bike & Rollerblade-Friendly – The smooth, spacious pathways are great for kids to ride their bikes, rollerblade, or run freely.
🌳 Davidson Park – A nature-based playground with slides, climbing walls, ropes, and more, plus free WiFi and plenty of stroller-friendly paths.
🚶♂️ Take a stroll to The Shed, a replica of the historic 1903 workshop where Harley-Davidson began, and don’t miss the Rivet Walls, a striking monument filled with funny and heartfelt motorcycle messages engraved in solid stainless steel.
🏍️ Don’t miss the Hill Climber Statue, a 16-foot-tall (and 5,000-pound) bronze statue honoring motorcycle competition by sculptor Jeff Decker.
3. Kid-Friendly Eats at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant
Dining out with kids? MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant makes it easy and fun:
🍽 Kids Eat for $2 on Mondays – A super budget-friendly night out for families.
🎯 Picky-Eater Approved – A simple, classic kids’ menu makes ordering a breeze.
🥏 Fun Plates! – Kids’ meals are served on a MOTOR frisbee they get to take home.
🎮 Games Galore – Stop by the Can Room for video games and basketball pop-a-shot!
🌞 Outdoor Dining with Giant Games – In the summer, enjoy the patio by the river, complete with jumbo Jenga, cornhole, and plenty of space for restless toddlers to run.
🍽 Seasonal Family-Friendly Events – MOTOR® hosts special meals and activities for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Breakfast with Santa, and more!
4. Family-Friendly Events Year-Round
There’s always something exciting happening at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Mark your calendar for:
🐰 Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch (April) – A festive hunt across the expansive campus, complete with a photo op with the Easter Bunny!
🎖 Armed Forces Day (May) – Kids who love tanks, military gear, and history will be fascinated.
🎶 Thursday Bike Nights (Summer) – Hang out, listen to live music, and grab a burger while checking out awesome motorcycles.
🏍 Wild Ones Vintage Bike Show (June) – A free, family-friendly event featuring vintage motorcycles and a fun picnic atmosphere.
🚗 LoLo Blvd (June) – A car show, perfect for kids who love Hot Wheels or teens looking forward to getting their license!
🐶 Bark & BBQ (October) – A dog-friendly event where families can bring their four-legged friends along for the fun.
🎅 Breakfast with Santa (December) – Meet Santa who arrives on a motorcycle, enjoy a holiday brunch, and take part in winter activities.
5. Shop & Customize at the H-D Store
Before you leave, stop by the Harley-Davidson Shop & Factory Outlet for kid-friendly souvenirs:
🧸 Stuffed animals, kids’ books, and pint-sized H-D apparel for little riders.
🧢 Teens will love the cool t-shirts, hats, patches, and stickers.
👕 Personalize your gear at the Custom Station—perfect for creating matching family nicknames on shirts!
6. PTO Factory Tours – Perfect for Teens!
Looking for a unique experience for your teenager? The Harley-Davidson Factory Tours in Menomonee Falls offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Harley-Davidson motorcycles are built. It’s ideal for teens interested in engineering, technology, and mechanics!
Ready to Ride? Plan Your Visit.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is an unexpectedly perfect destination for families—whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, an educational experience, or just a cool place to eat and explore.
📍 Location: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI
🕘 Hours & Tickets: Check the latest info here
🛑 Easy & Free Parking – No need to worry about parking, even if you’re bringing a stroller or little ones—there’s plenty of space!
🎟 Affordable Entry & Free Passes – Kids under 5 get in FREE, and tickets for ages 5-17 are just $11. Check your local library—many offer free museum passes you can check out!
🎧 Teen-Friendly Audio Tours – For just $6, older kids can check out an audio tour, giving them the freedom to explore at their own pace.
🚲 Family Membership – For $75 per year, families (2 adults + all kids under 18) get unlimited entry, making it a great deal for locals.
🏅 Bonus for Scout Families! Cub Scouts can visit with their pack and earn a badge during their trip.
More Milwaukee Museum Ideas
- Discovery World: Must-See Attractions and Pro Tips
- Pabst Mansion: Family Friendly Tours Combine History & Fun
- Milwaukee Public Museum: Must-See Exhibits & Pro Tips
- 10 Best Things To Do at the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: A Family’s Guide To Visiting
- 100 Best Things To Do With Kids in Milwaukee
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.
