Looking for a fun, low-stress way to explore downtown Milwaukee with your kids? Hop on The Hop!
Milwaukee’s The Hop Streetcar is a free and family-friendly option to get around the city, and kids love the experience of climbing aboard.
With bright, spacious cars, accessible platforms, and stops near some of Milwaukee’s top attractions, The Hop is a perfect mini adventure for families.
In this guide, we’re sharing 10 of the best kid-friendly stops along The Hop’s route—plus practical tips to help you plan your ride.
Quick Hop Facts for Parents
🕐 Hours
- Mon–Fri: 5 AM – Midnight
- Sat: 7 AM – Midnight
- Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
🚋 Frequency
- Every 15 minutes during peak hours
- Every 20 minutes during evenings/weekends
💰 Cost
- Free!
🚏 Starting Points
- Northbound: Intermodal Station (St. Paul Ave)
- Southbound: Burns Commons (East Side)
🗺️ For the full route map and service alerts, visit thehopmke.com
10 Family-Friendly Stops on The Hop Streetcar
1. Cathedral Square Park
📍 Cathedral Square Stop
Perfect for a picnic or some playtime. Kids can climb on the playground, explore seasonal art installations, or dance to live music during summer festivals like Jazz in the Park or Bastille Days.
In the winter, the park is home to a bright red Santa’s Mailbox, a giant Christmas tree, and festive holiday decorations.
☕️ Nearby: Stop by Discourse: A Liquid Workshop for creative drinks a few blocks north.
2. Classy Girl Cupcakes
📍 Across from Cathedral Square Park
Sweet tooth? This charming bakery offers beautifully crafted cupcakes in fun, rotating flavors. A fun treat stop that’s sure to win some smiles.
3. City Hall
📍 City Hall Stop
More than a government building, this historic gem has a 393-foot clock tower and fascinating architectural details.
👀 Did you know? It took 8 million bricks to build and was once the tallest building in the world! And, the Solomon Juneau Bell weighs over 22,000 pounds! Free public tours are available.
🔗 Explore more Milwaukee Tours & Tastings »
4. Grohmann Rooftop Garden
📍 3 Blocks North of City Hall
Located atop the Grohmann Museum (MSOE campus), this rooftop garden is a serene hidden gem with sculptures and city views. The museum’s theme—“Man at Work”—is surprisingly fun for kids, with lots to look at and talk about.
🔗 See more gardens and flower farms around Milwaukee »
5. Bronze Fonz
📍 Wells & Water Streets (.4 miles from City Hall)
Snap a thumbs-up photo with the Fonz! This Happy Days statue is a quirky Milwaukee icon and a must-see along the RiverWalk.
🔗 5 Tips for Exploring the Milwaukee RiverWalk with Kids »
6. Safehouse
📍 Near the Bronze Fonz
Shhh… this spy-themed restaurant is hidden in plain sight. Kids can enter the Safehouse through a secret passage, solve puzzles, and explore interactive spy gear. The food is kid-approved, too.
🔗 See 25 Kid-Friendly Milwaukee Restaurants »
7. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum / Art Museum
📍 Hop off at Wisconsin Avenue, walk east
Hands-on learning and open-ended play are the name of the game at this award-winning museum. The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is perfect for toddlers to early elementary.
🎨 Bonus: The Milwaukee Art Museum is nearby! Watch the wings open, attend Storytime in the Gallery, or get creative in the Kohl’s Art Studio.
8. Sculpture Milwaukee
📍 Wisconsin Avenue
This outdoor art exhibit features bold, large-scale sculptures that are fun to explore with kids. Many are interactive or great for photo ops.
9. Milwaukee Public Market
📍 Public Market Stop
Refuel with tacos, smoothies, and bakery treats. The market also hosts a variety of events and workshops throughout the year, from cooking classes to live music performances, and a gingerbread house competition! In the Winter, check out the Dinky Rink, the city’s smallest ice skating rink.
☕ Grab hot cocoa from Anodyne Coffee and relax upstairs for great people-watching.
10. Stone Creek Coffee Tour
📍 Intermodal Station Stop (south end)
Older kids and tweens may enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how coffee is roasted and brewed. The Sunday factory tour includes samples and stories inside a historic 1880s building.
🕛 Tours run Sundays at 12 PM & 2 PM. Reserve ahead online.
Final Tips for Riding The Hop with Kids
- Bring a stroller—platforms and cars are accessible.
- Make a scavenger hunt out of what you see along the way.
- Pair it with a seasonal event: Check our Weekend Guide »
- Keep snacks and water handy—many stops have nearby cafes.
The Hop makes exploring Milwaukee easy, fun, and free. Whether you’re visiting a favorite museum, hunting for public art, or just riding for the joy of it, the streetcar can turn an ordinary day into an adventure.
🔗 Plan your ride at TheHopMKE.com
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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.
