Summer is heating up, and July is filled with fresh new family-friendly events and activities. Here are our top picks for this month.
1. Lakefront Fireworks
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of excitement and celebration as Milwaukee lights up the sky with a dazzling display of fireworks at the July 3rd Lakefront Fireworks.
The air will be buzzing with anticipation, the scent of delicious food, and the sounds of laughter and joy in the atmosphere.
This annual tradition is a must-attend event for families and friends looking to make lasting memories together along the Milwaukee lakefront.
2. Family Day at ‘Evanescent’
Downtown Milwaukee will welcome a new immersive public art installation to the Marcus Performing Arts Center Outdoor Grounds in July 2023 with the return of Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT featuring Evanescent.
As part of Milwaukee Downtown’s public art initiatives, this inflatable, large-scale art display will feature three sets of four bubbles each, which will have a total footprint of over 1,400 square yards – encompassing the majority of the lawn on the MPAC Outdoor Grounds.
Versiti Family Day on Saturday, July 22 will include a Kid Boogie Down Dance Party from 3:00-6:00pm, with an interactive bubble station beginning at 4:00pm and a meet & greet with the new Little Mermaid provided by Friends Like Me Parties & Entertainment from 5:00-7:00pm.
3. Summer Spinz
On the third Friday of June, July and August, Red Arrow Park’s “Slice of Ice” rink will be reimagined as a community roller skating rink, complete with with DJ sets, free lessons, and food trucks.
These authentic roller skating events will celebrate the local skating culture, while also inviting new skaters, both young and young-at-heart alike, to give roller skating a spin!
Come early for free lessons, presented by Roll Train MKE, from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a Family Skate hour from 6 to 7 p.m. Then the House DJ, Chicago’s DJ Bam, will spin hits for your skating delight.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details: (It’s Time To Skate MKE!)
4. Chill on the Hill
Chill on the Hill is the quintessential summer experience in Milwaukee’s eclectic Bay View neighborhood.
Head to the bandshell in beautiful Humboldt Park and enjoy local bands from your favorite spot on the hill. It feels like a neighborhood party with food trucks, activities for kids, pets, picnickers, and a generally festive vibe.
Helpful hint: The playground and beer garden are just steps away, as well as a picturesque lagoon and walking paths.
See all 5 Best Summer Concerts for Kids & Families >>
5. Berry & Sunflower Picking
Strawberry season may be over, but local farms also offer u-pick blueberries, raspberries, and even cherries!
Plus, don’t miss Sunflower season in late July and early August.
Here’s a list of the 10 best places to go berry picking >>
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.
