While the holiday season may be slowing down, January is revving up with many events for kids and families! Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, creative indoor activities, or one-of-a-kind experiences, this list has you covered.
Looking for more ways to fill your calendar? Check out our Daily Events Calendar for all the happenings around Milwaukee, or explore our Weekend Guide for the best family-friendly activities this weekend!
1. Monster Jam
📍
Fiserv Forum, 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Monster Jam showcases massive 12,000lb trucks that stand on two wheels and fly through the air. Catch all of the monster truck fan favorites as you are spectating right in the middle of their stunts and tricks!
- When: January 10th and 11th 2025
- Cost: $18-$80
- More Info: Monster Jam – how to get Monster Jam tickets for free
2. Jurassic Quest
📍Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Grounds, 8200 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
Jurassic Quest is the largest & most realistic traveling dinosaur experience in North America. Experience true to size and detail dinosaurs, as well as “Tricera-tots”- a soft play space for the littlest of dino lovers!
- When: January 3rd-5th 2025
- Cost: $22 general admission ticket, ages 2 and up require ticket
- More Info: Jurassic Quest
3. Unicorn World
📍Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Grounds, 8200 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
Transport you and your family into the magical world of unicorns with family friendly activities and exhibits. Enjoy unicorn themed arts and crafts, explore the enchanted forest, and come face to face with animatronic unicorns.
- When: January 11th and 12th 2025 9:00am-5:30pm
- Cost: $26 adult, $36 children
- More Info: Unicorn World
4. Mitchell Park Domes Train Show
📍Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI, 53215
Every winter the Show Dome is transformed into a miniature train show with 600 feet of train tracks looping the exhibit. A new theme each year ensures for a memorable experience for the train lovers!
- When: January- March (Opening day TBD)
- Cost: Free with paid admission
- More Info: Mitchell Park Domes Train Show
5. Kids Dream Family Film Series
📍Participating Marcus Theaters
Movie night out! Take the whole family to a movie with Kids Dream Family Film Series. Snuggle up and enjoy some family favorites while snacking on some movie theater concessions, at a special reduced price.
- When: January 24th-March 16th
- Cost: $3 per movie, buy a passport to see all 8 films for $12
- More Info: Kids Dream Family Film Series
6. Brewers Winter Warm Up
📍Locations for 2025 TBD
Brewers fans unite! At the Brewers Winter Warm up you will have a chance to hang out with the Brew Crew while they offer autograph sessions and a 90 minute stage show. The following day they will host a kids clinic open to young ballplayers of all ability levels.
- When: Dates for 2025 TBD
- Cost: TBD
- More Info: TBD
7. The Dinosaur Play
📍Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W Walnut St Milwaukee WI
Step back in time, millions and millions of years ago. During your adventure, you will befriend a surly Triceratops, help protect a newly formed dinosaur family, and defeat the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- When: January 18th-Febuary 2025 run time approximately 1 hour
- Cost: $25
- More Info: The Dinosaur Play
8. Museum Days
📍Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53233
Immerse yourself in some of Milwaukee’s incredible museums. Over 20 museums in the Milwaukee area will offer admission discounts over the 11 days. Enjoy Milwaukee Public Museum’s three floors of exhibits and special programming.
- When: January 18th-28th
- Cost: Free-$15
- More Info: Museum Days
9. Milwaukee Public Museum Family Night
📍Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53233
Grab your magnifying glass and detective hat to follow a series of family-friendly clues that lead you through the twisting corridors and shadowy corners of the Museum’s exhibit halls.
- When: January 25th, 2025
- Cost: $15 per person for members, $20 non-members
- More Info: Museum Family Night
10. Free Events for Families
Free Winter Festivals
📍Location varies
Grab your winter gear and head out with the family to one of the following destinations for their free winter festivals: New Berlin, Waukesha Janboree, West Allis Winter Week, Winterfest at Boerner (TBD), Cedarburg, and the Lynden Sculpture Garden.
- When: Dates and times vary depending on festival
- Cost: Free!
- More Info: Check our Daily Events Calendar for more information on specific festivals
Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
📍Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Roar, moo, and splash into the new year at family free day at the Milwaukee Zoo! Make sure to check out Penguins of the Pacific, the newly renovated habitat for the Humboldt penguins.
- When: January 4th, 2025
- Cost: Free!
- More Info: Family Free Day
Cool Fool Kite Festival
📍Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202
This event is a “Fun Fly” so bring your kite or pick up a kite at Gift of Wings at the park. This event will include free hot chocolate, free coffee and snacks, and Grand Launch of 500 kites.
- When: January 1st, 2025 11am-5pm
- Cost: Free!
- More Info: Cool Fool Kite Festival
41st Annual MLK Birthday Celebration
📍Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St Milwaukee, WI 53202
The Marcus Performing Arts Center has celebrated Dr. King’s birthday since 1984. Celebration programming highlights the youth in our community who interpret Dr. King’s words through student contests.
More Info: MLK Birthday Celebration
When: January 20th, 2025 4:00pm
Cost: Free!
MLK National Day of Service
📍Congregation Shalom, Fox Point 7630 N Santa Monica Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an all-ages, family friendly morning of learning and service. There will be story time with a guest speaker, music, movement, and opportunities for on-site service projects.
- When: January 20th 10-11:30 am
- Cost: Free!
- More Info: MLK National Day of Service
January is jam packed with fun filled, seasonally intentional family events. Bookmark this post, share it with friends and family, and enjoy all that the Milwaukee area has to offer in these winter months!
Don’t stop here! Plan even more family fun with our Daily Events Calendar featuring activities every day, or dive into our Weekend Guide for top picks happening this weekend.
