
Looking for a fun and beautiful way to welcome spring with your kids?
Tulip season is one of the most colorful times of the year in Wisconsin, and it doesn’t last long—usually just a few weeks in late April through early May. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly tulip festivals near Milwaukee to help you make the most of the season.
These spring outings are perfect for a quick weekend adventure with the kids. We’ve included all the important details—dates, costs, parking info, and what to expect—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying.
🌷 Bonus: Want even more spring inspiration? Check out our roundup of magical play gardens and flower farms around Milwaukee — perfect for your spring and summer bucket list.
☀️ Pro tip: Tulip bloom times can shift based on the weather. Warm and dry springs mean earlier blooms, while cool and wet weather can delay them. Always check the venue’s website or social media before you go.
1. Happy Day Farmhouse Tulip Fest
📍 Germantown, WI | Website
📅 Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 | ⏰ 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
🎟️ $10 per person | Kids 12 & under FREE | Parking is free (off-site)
Note: This is a ticketed event only, and it has sold out three years in a row. Don’t wait!
This small-but-mighty spring festival returns for its fifth year, celebrating the season with 12,000 hand-planted tulips. It’s not fields and fields of flowers, but it’s a vibrant, charming experience perfect for a spring outing.
🌷 Tulips for Sale
- $2 per stem
- Harvest your own from 1:00–5:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
- Friendly “Tulip Harvesting Humans” will help you pick the exact ones you want—just point and say, “That one!”
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Flour Girl & Flame – Wood-fired pizza
- Tots on the Street – Gourmet stuffed tater tots
- Joy Ice Cream Social – Old-fashioned ice cream
- Peace & Love Sourdough – Fresh-baked breads
- Vennture Brew Co. – Coffee & beer
🎶 Live Music
- 12–2 PM – TBD
- 2–5 PM – Joe Wray
🌿 Farm Vibes
- Certified Organic veggie & flower starts for your home garden
- Spring produce at the farm stand
🐾 Good to Know
- Dogs welcome (on a leash!)
- Parking is off-site (¼ mile walk); drop-off zone available but no shuttle
- Paths are grassy and “farmy” (think bumps and mud)
- Portable restrooms available
- Bring your own chairs or blankets
- Dress for the weather!
Looking for a quieter experience? They also offer a low-key Friday Preview Night without vendors or tulip sales—just calm vibes and flower viewing.
Richardson Tulip Festival
Location & Details:
- Where: 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
- When: Mid-April through Mid-May (Exact dates vary, please check updates)
- Website: Richardson Adventure Farm
A Floral Escape Just an Hour from Milwaukee:
The Richardson Tulip Festival is a scenic hour’s drive from Milwaukee. The festival typically runs mid-April to mid-May, offering a spectacle of color and nature that promises to be unforgettable.
What’s New:
- A Daffodil Delight: Alongside the tulips, they’ve introduced 50,000 daffodils to the festival. These new blooms add a splash of variety and color to the experience.
- Your First Tulip on Them: With every admission, guests are welcomed to take home a free tulip.
Stay Updated:
For the latest information and updates, check their Facebook page.
Festival Highlights:
- Tulip & Daffodil Display: Witness the grandeur of over 300,000 bulbs across more than 30 varieties, including a special area with 100,000 tulips designated for picking.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore the tulips planted near a private 36-acre lake, complete with a walking trail to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
- Adventure Farm Attractions: Delight in wine tastings, savor fresh donuts and kettle corn, and utilize indoor restrooms among other onsite amenities.
- Free Fun & Games: Play free games like giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole.
- Live Music: Enjoy the live music atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Practical Information:
- Parking: Convenient and free, with the option to walk about a half-mile from the parking area to the tulip fields or drive closer.
- Accessibility: The festival is held in a natural setting, with walkways over grass and uneven terrain. Wheelchair and stroller users should note the natural farm field conditions and plan accordingly.
- Tickets: Available for purchase both online and in person, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
Plan Your Visit:
We recommend checking the weather before your visit and dressing accordingly, as the festival embraces the beauty of the outdoors.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
📍Hales Corners, WI
📅 Season opens May 1st, 2025
Boerner Botanical Gardens is a local gem just 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. While it’s not a festival, the tulips blooming in the Annual Garden each spring are absolutely worth a visit. Add in peaceful walking paths, a serene rock garden, and the charming Margie’s Children’s Garden, and you’ve got a memorable family day out.
🕒 Hours (May 1–Aug 30)
- Weekdays: 10am–6pm (last admission at 5pm)
- Weekends: 9am–6pm (last admission at 5pm)
Related Posts You May Enjoy:
- Beautiful Waterfalls Near Milwaukee
- Simple Spring Activities For Kids
- Free Things To Do This Spring Around 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.