Between the holiday season and time off of school, kids can get a little stir crazy (and so can their parents!). We found plenty of fun ways to keep your kids busy and make Winter Break memorable.
You’ll find a mix of outdoor activities, indoor destinations and even things you can do at home. And some of them are completely FREE!
MUSEUMS & SPECIAL EXHIBITS
1. Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Website
The Milwaukee Public Museum always makes for a fun time with the kids! MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass life-size dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rainforest, and a live butterfly garden, as well as the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater and Planetarium.
One of the most beloved exhibits is the immersive Streets of Old Milwaukee, originally opened in 1965, and renovated for its 50th anniversary in 2015. Through January 22, this exhibit will be decked out in holiday splendor.
After entering through an old-fashioned street car, visitors get an glimpse of what life was like in Milwaukee in the 1800’s by strolling along cobblestone streets and peering through dozens of store-front windows and residences.
2. Holiday Show at the Domes
524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Nov. 19, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
Website
The Domes are all decked out for their annual holiday show with nearly a thousand festive and colorful poinsettias. Plus, Santa has been known to make the occasional appearance at this holiday floral show!
This year’s theme is “Calm and Bright,” and the centerpiece of the floral display is a towering Christmas tree, adorned with vintage ornaments from the Domes collection.
3. Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
Discovery World is the perfect place for young curious minds to explore! Visit the Innovation Station and try your hand with the flight simulator, construction truck display, and more.
There’s also a model railroading exhibit, a road race simulator and the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, where families can create make and take projects together that vary in difficulty and complexity.
Towards the back of the building, you’ll find the a huge replica of the Great Lakes, where kids can cause a rainstorm or fog with the touch of a button. Upstairs is a replica of 19th century Great Lakes schooner that you can climb on board and explore.
Downstairs, the Reiman Aquarium makes the underworld of Lake Michigan come alive to visitors with hands-on and immersive exhibits. Fish swim above, below, and all around you.
4. Story Time in the Galleries (Milwaukee Art Museum)
700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec. 31, 2022, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Website
Meet in Windhover Hall near the admission desks at 10:30 a.m. and walk with the reader to the galleries. Then listen to a story that relates to a work of art before creating a drawing inspired by what you have seen and heard.
This event is included with Museum admission and free for Members. Admission for kids 12 and under is always free, thanks to Kohl’s.
While you’re at the museum, be sure to drop in to the Kohl’s Art Studio for some family art-making activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions.
5. Mural Tour (Free!)
Buckle your seatbelts and check out the custom MKE With Kids Mural Tour! You’ll find ten murals that will make you proud to be from Milwaukee, including this leopard on the East Side.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS
6. Wild Lights at Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 14-23, 26-31, 2022; 5:30-9 p.m.
Website
For the second year, the Zoo will transform into an illuminated destination, letting guests enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars while they stroll along a 1-mile path filled with vibrant, animal-themed light displays.
There will be hundreds of thousands of glittering lights throughout the forests and pathways – even more than in 2021! New this year: sparkling sculptures of a gorilla, gazelle, rhino, zebras, and a dazzling peacock photo op.
The carousel and Safari Train will be running (weather permitting), and festive food and drinks will be available for purchase.
7. Country Christmas at Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee, WI 53072
Dec. 2, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Website
*After* the holiday is a great time to see the lights without the line! The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. Drive through the countryside and experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of your car. Wagon rides are also available.
The Streets of Bethlehem is a building located at the end of the drive-through trail. Guests can get out of their car and walk through the collection of nearly life-size Fontanini nativity figurines. Country Christmas has the only display of this magnitude in the area, a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
Christmas Village is another warming house at the end of the trail, where guests can get out of their car and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters and a spectacular working model train display.
Pro Tip: Spend the day at Springs Water Park inside the Ingleside Hotel, then drive through the lights after the sun goes down.
8. The Corners of Brookfield (Free!)
20111 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, WI 53045
Nov. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Website
This holiday season, the Corners of Brookfield will be lighting up the night with larger-than-life light installations and displays, featuring Santa’s sleigh and throne. A light tunnel boasting over 16,000 lights will also provide ambiance for the perfect photo op or holiday stroll.
9. The Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, 8425 WI-38, Caledonia, WI 53108
Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 (Closed Christmas Day)
wichristmascarnival.com
Just 20 minutes south of Milwaukee, the Christmas Carnival of Lights bills itself as “the Midwest’s biggest, brightest, and most dazzling brightest drive-through holiday light show,” with more than 2 million colorful lights covering a 1.6-mile path through the campground.
Enjoy the winter wonderland scenes from the comfort of your vehicle, or get even closer to the lights aboard Santa’s giant sleigh for an open-air experience (starting at $14 per person).
Shop at the Firefly Boutique, cozy up next to the outdoor fire pits with a s’mores kit, or warm up inside with snacks, coffee or hand-crafted hot cocoa.
10. Candy Cane Lane (Free + Donation)
West Allis between 92nd-96th St. and between Montana and Oklahoma Ave.
Nov. 25-Dec. 25, 2022; Monday-Thursday 6-9 p.m., Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 5-10 p.m., Sunday 5-9 p.m.
Website
See Candy Cane Lane before it goes back to the candy cane ether. Grab some hot cocoa to go, and drive over to this brightly lit West Allis neighborhood. You’ll enter to find a winter wonderland with candy-cane wrapped trees, and over 300 houses full of festive holiday lights.
You can drive or walk through. Don’t forget to leave a donation for the MACC fund!
11. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Free!)
Dates: Nov. 17, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Website
For 23 seasons, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival has made spirits bright in the city of Milwaukee with its animated sculptures, interactive displays and twinkling street décor.
Take a stroll or a drive and experience the brilliance of more than 500,000 lights throughout downtown’s parks and streets, including Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, and sparking chandeliers on E. Wisconsin Ave.
Get our guide to the Holiday Lights Festival >>
12. Jingle Bus Tours
The Avenue, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Nov. 17-Dec. 30, 2022, Thursday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m.
Advance Ticket Purchase Required
Website
Hop on the Jingle Bus to marvel at the winter wonderland scenes throughout downtown Milwaukee. It’s a 40-minute narrated tour that highlights the main attractions of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (see above).
This year, Jingle Bus tickets are $5 per person and have to be purchased in advance. You can choose you tour dates and time, and there are options for Spanish tours.
The jingle bus will depart from the Warming House at The Avenue, located at 275 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Parking there is $3 for Jingle Bus riders (get your ticket validated at the Warming House.)
There will be free treats inside the Warming House, dozens of food vendors, and free activities likes shuffleboard, bags, Jenna, classic Nintendo video game, a Selfie Museum, and more.
13. Lights on Glen Cove (Free!)
Off Janesville and Glen Cove Ct. in Muskego, WI
Facebook Page
Marvel at over 35,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music from 87.9 FM. The lights run every night starting at 5 p.m. and running through 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Check the website before you go to make sure it is still running. This is a private residence.
14. Winter Wonders at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023, 5-9 p.m. (Line opens at 4:30 p.m., Last entry at 8:45 p.m.)
Website
Gather family and friends for a spectacular drive-through holiday display with more than one million LED lights! The route is about 1.5 miles long, and you can even drive by Santa!
A snow flurry tunnel is a new feature this year, as is the Snack Pack add-on option, which includes two bottled waters with two flavoring packets and an assortment of treats (i.e., Hershey kisses, popcorn balls, cookies, Rice Krispies treats, chips, mini candy bars, hard candy, Tootsie pops, nuts, fruit snacks and more).
15. Winter Wonderland in the Garden District (Free!)
6th & Howard in Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 29, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023, Dusk-Midnight
Website
It’s Winter Wonderland at the Garden District Community Garden at 6th and Howard in Milwaukee. There is no fee, and you can walk through or drive by at any time. It runs through January 6th.
16. Kapco’s Kids2Kids Christmas Light Experience & Toy Collection (Free + Donation)
885 Badger Circle, Grafton, WI 53024
December 10-23, 2022 (closed Dec. 12-13), 5-8 p.m.
Website
Kapco is celebrating the 2022 season of giving with a new Kids2Kids experience! An all-new light display will be available to visit through December 23. Kapco has designed a more personal and interactive experience this year with this self-guided walking tour through an impressive display of lights.
Though the lights are free to walk through, Kapco asks that you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need.
17. Christmas at Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary
1901 Shalom Drive, West Bend, WI 53090
Nov. 19-Dec. 31, 2022, 1-8:30 p.m. (last car admitted at 7:30 p.m.; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Website
In the warmth of your own car, drive slow, relax and enjoy the wildlife and the unique holiday displays and decorations. The entire zoo is lit up with special LED lighting for the night time drive-thru. Wildlife viewing is good day or night. The drive-thru will take one hour.
After the Holiday drive-thru, enjoy entrance into the petting zoo and a crackling camp fire. Animal feed for the petting zoo is available for purchase in the gift shop.
18. The Lightmare Before Christmas (Free!)
N102W17515 Lone Oaks Dr., Germantown, WI 53022
Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve; Sunday-Thursday, Dusk-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, Dusk-10 p.m.
Website
The same Germantown house that hosts a not-so-spooky Halloween light show in October also does a very merry Christmas show set to music. It runs from shortly after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Songs include traditional holiday classics as well as contemporary favorites, and the playlist changes nightly throughout the holiday season. Tune your car radio to 101.5 FM, sit back and enjoy the show.
This private residence is located in the Lone Oaks subdivision, one mile north of County Line Road and just west of Division Road.
19. Enchantment in the Park
Regner Park, 800 N. Main St., West Bend, WI 53090
Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022, 5-9 p.m.
Website
This huge twinkling lights display in Regner Park is impressive for all ages. It’s made up of more than one million LED lights and staffed by over 775 volunteers who donate more than 4,600 hours to the event, making it one of the largest light shows in the state.
You can choose to walk or drive through the display (except on Christmas Eve, when you can only drive). It gets very busy on the weekends, so visit during the week if you can. This year, don’t miss the addition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Bumble.
Visitors can hear live music from local artists, and on Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a fire pit with marshmallows and horse and carriage rides available on a first come, first serve basis ($5 per adult; children under 16 ride free).
Bring a bag of non-perishable food items or $10 cash donation. Since its founding in 2009, Enchantment in the Park has collected and donated more than 18,750 pounds of non-perishable food items to local food pantries and more than $285,000 to nonprofits around Washington County.
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
20. New Year’s Eve at Noon (Betty Brinn Children’s Museum)
801 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec. 31, 2022, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Website
Celebrate the new year at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum! Families can enjoy a dance party, followed by a ball-drop ceremony at noon. Create your own DIY noisemaker in the Be A Maker space so you have something to ring in the New Year when the countdown begins.
Note: The Museum will be open from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on December 31.
21. New Year’s at Noon Balloon Drop (Sky Zone Greenfield)
4940 S. 76th St., Greenfield, WI 53220
Dec. 31, 2022, Noon-2 p.m.
Website
Five, four, three, two … NOON! Wear the kids out way before the last few minutes of 2022! For $20.23, enjoy 120 minutes of jumping and join in a grand countdown, complete with a balloon drop grand finale.
22. Kid Boogie Down’s Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party (Bavarian Bierhaus)
700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, WI 53217
Dec. 31, 2022, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Website
Ring in the “new year” at noon at the Bavarian Bierhaus. There will be live music and a video show by DJ Lukewarm, complete with lights, lasers, bubbles, and more!
The first 100 kids will receive FREE light up gear, and there will be a special guest from Fairytale Birthday Company on hand. Sugar Spun will be making fresh cotton candy on-site.
THEATER & SHOWS
23. The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle
Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Dec. 1-31, 2022 (select dates and showtimes)
Website
The Immersive Nutcracker is an ideal family outing featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers. This joyful, 30-minute immersive experience is a great way to introduce young children to the art of ballet and the captivating storytelling that often accompanies it.
Set to the sweeping music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Immersive Nutcracker encompasses visitors in 500,000 cubic feet of projections composed of over one million frames of video curating a grand immersive display that relays the tale of The Nutcracker from opening to finale.
The projection features beloved scenes set to their classical scores like “The March of the Toys,” “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and more.
24. A Jolly Holiday: Celebrating Disney’s Broadway Hits
Skylight Music Theatre, 158 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
Website
Ring in the holidays with a brand-new musical revue featuring 30 favorite songs from Disney’s biggest Broadway hits. A cast of phenomenal singers including an ensemble of talented youth performers will celebrate the season in style with a festive holiday party for the ages.
Learn more about “A Jolly Holiday” >>
25. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical (First Stage)
The Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022 (select dates and showtimes)
Website
First Stage welcomes back this live, musical rendition of the 1964 television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” with all the colorful characters audiences know and love.
Rudolph and his friends will flee the Abominable Snow Monster, save Christmas, and remind us that what makes us different is what makes us special.
26. A Christmas Carol
Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2022
Website
A Christmas Carol is one of the best-known and loved stories in the English language.
During the course of one memorable Christmas Eve, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future help Scrooge discover that it is never too late to change his miserly ways.
Enchanting music, dance, costumes, scenery and special effects will once again fill the theater to tell this timeless tale of love, hope and redemption.
27. The Nutcracker (Milwaukee Ballet)
Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec. 10-24, 2022
Website
Shake off the winter chill and gather again with friends and family for one of Milwaukee’s favorite holiday traditions. Dancers from around the world create a winter wonderland in this timeless story, steeped in festive cheer.
This is the 25th and final year of the current production, before an all-new Nutcracker takes the stage in 2023.
28. Bluey’s Big Play
Miller High Life Theater, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Dec. 30-31, 2022
Website
Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before.
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
29. Harlem Globetrotters
Fiserv Forum, 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Dec. 31, 2022, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Website
The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their World Tour to the Fiserv Forum on New Year’s Eve. Through their artful athleticism and unparalleled moves, this team shares the game through an inclusive gameday experience that can’t be beat!
This interactive gameday is packed with one-of-a-kind premium offerings. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team!
30. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (Marcus Theaters)
Dec. 21, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023
Website
Puss in Boots, everyone’s favorite swashbuckling, fear-defying feline, returns to the big screen in a new sequel that’s instantly a classic. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives; getting them back will send him on his grandest quest yet.
CAMPS & SPECIAL EVENTS
31. Cool Fool Kite Festival (Free!)
Veterans Park, 1010 N Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Jan. 1, 2023
Website
Soar into the New Year at the Cool Fool Kite Festival, hosted by Gift of Wings. This family-friendly event takes place every New Year’s Day at Veterans Park along Milwaukee’s downtown lakefront. Bring your own kite or purchase one from Gift of Wings, the store onsite.
Last year, there were kite-flying lessons and demonstrations in ice sculpting, as well as horse and buggy rides. Free coffee and hot chocolate are provided at the event to help you keep warm.
32. Winter Break Adventure Days (Urban Ecology Center)
Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Dec. 27-30, 2022, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Website
School is out and it’s time to play! Join the Urban Ecology Center for fun, active days of playing in the park. You’ll take a look at what makes Wisconsin Winters special through crafts, games and so much more. You might learn about native animals or how to showshoe.
Bring a bag lunch, and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and registration is required. For grades 1-6.
33. Bow Wow Blizzard Camp (Wisconsin Humane Society)
4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Dec. 28-29, 2021, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Website
Come in from the cold and warm up with some fuzzy friends at the Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus. This one-day camp provides a wonderful way for kids (grades 1-6) to learn all about the Wisconsin Humane Society and ways that they can help critters of all different shapes and sizes.
There will be fun activities offered, including crafts, games, an Adoption Avenue tour and even a chance to meet some of the animal guests! Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $55 per camper.
Note: Also available at the Racine and Ozaukee campuses (Dec. 28 only).
34. Rockin’ Jump Brown Deer
9009 N. Deerbrook Trail, Brown Deer, WI 53223
Website
Rockin’ Jump is extending its hours for Winter Break, so you can let the kids get some wiggles out. Besides trampolines, there are climbing walls, basketball hoops, a zip line, a ninja warped wall, parkour blox, and a Junior Jump Zone exclusively for kids 6 and under.
HIKES & NATURE CENTERS
35. Mequon Nature Preserve (Free!)
8200 W. County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
Website
Mequon Nature Preserve rests on over 444 acres and offers five miles of trails, an observation tower, and an observation platform. There are three parking lots to start from, like a choose-your-own-adventure book.
To climb the observation tower, park in the parking lot on Swan Rd. and follow the trail around Pat’s Pond. There’s also a new natural playground right next to the main building!
36. Wehr Nature Center
9701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132
Website
Yep, this waterfall is right here in Milwaukee County. You’ll find it at Wehr Nature Center in Franklin. Take the Lake Loop, which runs along the shoreline of Mallard Lake and right to this waterfall into the Root River.
You can also explore the short and flat “Family Friendly Trail” which will take you through beautiful woodlands. You’ll see lots of birds, and you may even come face to face with a wild turkey.⠀
On Dec. 31, 2022 (12:30-2 p.m.), there will be a Winter Walk. Join a naturalist for a guided hike through Wehr’s winter wonderland. Discover the amazing adaptations of plants and animals and how they survive Wisconsin’s wild winter. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
37. Lake Park Hike (Free!)
3233 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Truly beautiful in any season, the paved winding paths of historic Lake Park will bring you gorgeous lake vistas, rocky ravines, impressive statues, and the charming North Point Lighthouse.
38. Retzer Nature Center (Free!)
S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188
Website
The Retzer Nature Center‘s new Discovery Trail expands accessibility into nature for all ages and abilities. The trail includes a variety of “Exploration Stations” for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups.
Other additions include a gateway feature, a stone seat wall gathering space, a habitat free-play area, boulder scramble, and native plant observation areas.
You can also explore “Vista Trail,” where you’ll get a good view of Waukesha, and the “Nature Trail,” where there are boardwalks and babbling brooks. There is also a nature center that is open.
39. Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53186
Dec. 10-28, 2022 (select dates and times)
Website
Set aside some time this December to visit the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium for their seasonal holiday shows. Fun for all ages, each show will be paired with a “Star Talk” by one of the planetarium’s knowledgeable educators.
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Dec. 10, 17, 27, 2022
Journey back over 2000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find baby Jesus.
Season of Light
Dec. 14, 21, 28, 2022
Come explore the astronomical meanings behind seasonal traditions, including the “Star over Bethlehem” as well as the reasons people are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the holiday season.
40. Snowshoeing (Free + Snowshoe Rental)
If you can walk, you can snowshoe! We rounded up a list of places that are great for snowshoeing with kids. Don’t have snowshoes? You can borrow from the Urban Ecology Center if you’re a member.
MORE OUTDOOR FUN
41. Ice Skating at Red Arrow Park (Free + Skate Rental)
920 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
Grab your skates and head to Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park! Downtown Milwaukee’s outdoor ice rink is free to use when you bring your own skates. Affordable skate rentals are also available. Other rentals include penguin and polar bear pals for kids just learning to skate, and ice sleds for those with mobility impairments.
If the kiddos get cold, step inside the warming house on site. Warm up by the fireplace and grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa from Starbucks.
To find other ice skating locations in and around Milwaukee, click here.
42. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Apple Holler
5006 S. Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177
Website
The horse-drawn sleigh ride experience at Apple Holler’s family farm will make you feel like you stepped inside of a glistening winter snow globe. Enjoy the snow-covered orchards and 100-year-old hardwoods while you listen to the clopping of the Amish Haflinger horses (reservations required).
Afterward, enjoy s’mores around a campfire and a cup of hot cocoa or warm apple cider.
43. The Rock
7900 Crystal Ridge Dr., Greendale, WI 53129
Website
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, The Rock allows guests to ski, snowboard, or just slide down the tubing runs.
44. Wilmot Mountain
11931 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192
Website
Grab a tube and let gravity do the rest! Wilmot Mountain provides tubes to go down the hill and two surface conveyor lifts to take you back up. There are 22 tubing lanes, each more than 1,000 feet long.
You can also ski, snowboard, and more at Wilmot Mountain. When you need to take a break and warm up a bit, head to the tubing lodge for refreshments.
45. Sunburst
8355 Prospect Dr., Kewaskum, WI 53040
Website
Just 30 minutes northwest of Milwaukee, Sunburst offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in three terrain parks. Their claim to fame is that it is the world’s largest tubing park with over 45 lanes. It was even recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten tubing parks in the entire country!
After a long day on the slopes, you’ll appreciate their fresh food café serving up artisan sandwiches and salads, plus Starbucks coffee and espresso drinks to help you warm up.
46. Sledding (Free!)
Hit your favorite sledding hill, or switch up your regular routine! We have a comprehensive list of the best sledding hills around. Check it out!
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
47. Bug & Goose Play Café
13448 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove, WI 53122
2850 Heritage Dr., Delafield, WI 53018
Website
Sisters Lindsay and Laura opened the first Bug and Goose Play Cafe in Elm Grove in 2020 as a place for parents to spend time together while their kids play in an imaginative and stimulating setting. It quickly became a Milwaukee With Kids reader favorite.
A long-awaited second location was recently opened in Delafield, and it features a large climbing structure with slides, market, dress-up area, play kitchen, “Animal Care Center” for kids to practice their veterinary skills, town table, magnet wall, and colorful stepping stones to skip around.
The on-site, fully loaded café offers Colectivo coffee and espresso, seasonal drinks, hot cocoa and other kids’ beverages, plus a variety of snack options.
Parents can reserve a spot at Open Play or Mini Open Play online. There’s an option to buy a 10-pack at a discounted rate for the open play sessions. You can also reserve a Private Play Session for just you and your friends.
48. Other Indoor Playgrounds
In Southeast Wisconsin, you just never know what the weather will do. But even if it’s freezing cold, the kids will still need to get their energy out.
These indoor play places will do just that. They offer the perfect place to enjoy a coffee with your mom friends, and many also make great solutions for winter birthday parties!
Get the list of local indoor playgrounds >>
49. Kayla’s Playground (Free!)
Franklin Woods Nature Park, 3723 W. Puetz Rd., Franklin, WI
Website
Look at it this way: The colder it is, the more of the playground you’ll have to yourself! Kayla’s Playground is a must-visit. Check out the full review here.
50. Imagination Station (Free!)
100 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Website
Imagination Station is a huge, universally accessible playground in Oconomowoc. It is located in Roosevelt Park and features rubberized surfacing, therapeutic swings, multi-sensory activity structures, musical components, one entrance and exit for added safety, and more!
51. Possibility Playground (Free!)
554 N. Lake St., Port Washington, WI 53074
Website
Possibility Playground is a huge playground that blends the line between learning, therapy and playtime. It sits in Upper Lake Park in Port Washington with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. You can enjoy the charming downtown of Port Washington and visit the marina or lighthouse while you’re there.
52. Harbor View Plaza (Free!)
Great Lakes Research Facility, 600 E Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Website
Check out the play area and tower at Harbor View Plaza. It’s all decked out at this time of year!
53. “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park (Free!)
520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Nov. 18, 2021-Jan. 1, 2022
Website
Over 100 evergreens have sprung up on the square. Wind your way through the forest of trees and pay close attention to each tree’s décor. More than 50 area schools and businesses share their wish for the season with handmade ornaments and garlands.
Plus, check out the park’s Singing Tree, which blinks to singing, music and clapping in real time.
DAY TRIPS
54. Dream Park in Kenosha (Free!)
3100 14th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140
Website
Bundle up and head to the 15,000-square-foot Dream Playground, Kenosha’s first fully accessible playground. More than 3,000 volunteers worked to raise support and construct this amazing playground. It’s fun in all seasons!
55. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (Free!)
1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay, WI 54302
Website
The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay is open every day for hiking and wildlife viewing – and it’s free! If you’re in the Green Bay area, you can also check out Wequiock Falls, a waterfall that actually freezes in the winter!
56. Henry Vilas Zoo (Free!)
702 S. Randall Ave., Madison, WI 53715
Website
This is a 28-acre free public zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. Owned by the city of Madison, the zoo charges no admission or parking fees. It receives over 750,000 visitors annually. The zoo houses an African lion, chimpanzees, a red panda and more!
AT-HOME ACTIVITIES
57. Holiday Cooking With Kids
Have you checked out Milwaukee’s very own food blogger and cook book author, Philia Kelnhofer? Her website sweetphi.com is packed with seasonal ideas that your kids will love, including a hot cocoa recipe, sugar cookies that won’t lose their shape, and iced Bailey’s coffee for the adults in the house.
58. Easy Science Experiments
Do you have a budding scientist living in the house with you? Luckily, even simple science experiments done at home can be super educational and fun for kids of all ages.
Each of these easy science experiments will take about 30 minutes to complete from start to finish, and they each use simple ingredients from around the house.
59. Shape Activities for Preschoolers
Passing the time with a busy toddler or preschooler can be exhausting, and we can all use some fresh inspiration every now and then, especially on a rainy day!
For a variety of simple, fun preschool shape activities, click here.
There’s more!
Magical Holiday Experiences
Holiday Light Displays
Winter Hikes
Sleigh Rides
Best Sledding Hills
Places to Ice Skate
Skiing & Snowboarding Hills
Places to Go Snowshoeing
Did you like this article?
Check out “101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids“.
