Have you been to 3rd Street Market Hall yet?
What used to be the first Gimbel’s Department Store and later the Schlitz Palm Garden is now a renovated food hall, buzzing with Milwaukeeans of all ages who come for the food and stay for the fun and games.
Let’s dive into the who, what, where, when, and why 3rd Street Market Hall is a must-visit for families and kids.
Who Will Love It?
From toddlers to teens and everyone in between, 3rd Street Market Hall is designed to entertain. With a wide variety of games and activities like corn hole and Giant Jenga, there’s something for everyone.
For parents, it’s a chance to relax and enjoy some of Milwaukee’s finest eats while the kids scurry around and play.
What’s On Offer?
We love food halls for families because everyone is more likely to find something they like.
With vendors like Make Waves for smoothie lovers, Road & MaKK for cheese aficionados, and Dawg City for the ultimate hot dog experience, picky eaters don’t stand a chance.
Don’t forget to check out Dairy Land for a classic burger and custard, Paper Plane Pizza for pizza-lovers, and for dessert, Mr Dye’s Pies (their tagline: What will grandmas do now?) and Mid-Way Bakery will surely sweeten your day.
For entertainment, free games like custom-made shuffleboard courts, corn hole, giant Jenga, and a gaming lounge await.
And for the golf enthusiasts or those looking to try something new, Top Golf Suites offers an immersive experience with reservations available for all family sizes and age groups.
And for little kids, there’s a small play area with toys and interactive features.
Where Is This Place?
Located in the bustling heart of our city, you’ll find 3rd Street Market Hall at The Avenue MKE (275 W. Wisconsin Avenue).
No need to worry about where to leave your car. Parking is available in the attached garage located at 615 N 2nd St. Any vendor will validate you with your purchase, and your parking will be $3 for three hours.
To ensure your visit is as smooth as possible, you can pre-purchase your parking here.
They’re open every day of the week, with special rates for Topgolf Swing Suite reservations on weekdays ($40 per hour/bay) and weekends ($50 per hour/bay). (Remember, these can be booked up to two weeks in advance, so planning ahead is a good idea!)
Why It’s Perfect for Kids and Families
3rd Street Market Hall offers a unique blend of dining and entertainment options that cater to the diverse tastes and interests of a family.
With the variety of games and play areas designed specifically for kids, alongside a selection of food vendors that appeal to young palates and food enthusiasts alike, it promises a couple hours of exploration and enjoyment.
The casual, first-come, first-served approach to games means there’s always something new to try without the need for a structured schedule. It’s the perfect place to let kids be kids while adults get to indulge in some of the city’s finest offerings.
See you at the Market Hall!
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.