May has arrived, bringing spring weather and fun along with it! Here are our top picks for the weekend:
Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI 53130
May 1-October 31, 2024, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $9 (Milwaukee County resident $8); Juniors (3-12) / Students / Military / Disability $6; Children 2 and Under FREE
Margie’s Garden opened for the season on May 1. This enchanted children’s garden is located at Boerner Botanical Gardens (included with paid admission). Perennials are already visible in the gardens, and annual flowers will arrive in early June.
Features include alphabet and numbers gardens; interactive musical instruments and sound makers; a potting shed where kids can play in the dirt; play houses, slides, a giant caterpillar and birds nest to play on, and accessible paths that are wheelchair and stroller friendly.
May 4-5, 2024
Admission: FREE for participating museum members
It’s Milwaukee’s museum Member Swap Weekend! For this weekend May 4-5) only, If you’re a member at one participating museum, you can use your membership card to get into a different participating museum for FREE!
Participating museums include Milwaukee Public Museum, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, and Charles Allis Art Museum. Please check each organization’s website for hours of operation.
Not a member? Member Swap Weekend is the perfect time to sign up!
3. May the Fourth Activities
Celebrate this special Star Wars day (May 4th) at one of these events:
“May the Fourth Be With You” Star Wars Art Class
Creative Chaos, 3127 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Admission: $20
In this thrilling class, participants will embark on an artistic journey through the galaxy far, far away as they create Star Wars-themed artwork. From iconic characters like Darth Vader and Princess Leia to legendary starships like the Millennium Falcon, participants will have the opportunity to let their imaginations soar as they bring their favorite elements of the Star Wars universe to life on canvas.
Milwaukee Festival Brass Presents “May the Fourth Be With You”
Carney Performing Arts Center, Pius XI High School, 135 N. 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53213
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $15; Seniors $12; Children Under 18 FREE
This all-Star Wars themed concert will be filled with the iconic music of John Williams and other composers who have lent their craft to the Star Wars saga. The program will feature music from each of the Star Wars trilogies, as well as music from the more recent streaming programs within the Star Wars canon. There may even be a surprising mash-up of a very familiar Star Wars melody and an iconic big band tune!
May the Fourth Star Wars Spelling Bee
American Science and Surplus, 6901 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53219
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 7-9:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE
May the Fourth be with you … because that’s the only way you’ll be able to spell “Paodok’Draba’Takat Sap’De’Rekti Nik’Linke’Ti’ Ki’Vef’Nik’NeSevef’Li’Kek” during the Annual Star Wars Spelling Bee at American Science and Surplus! This free public event is fun for casual fans and super nerds of all ages. Prizes will be awarded, and costumes/roleplay is encouraged. The store will close at 6:00 p.m., and then re-open at 7:00 p.m. for this event.
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Friday, May 3, 2024, 7-8 p.m.
Admission: Orchestra $15; Balcony $12
Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte.
Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman.
She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.
Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center, 1130 N. 60th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Saturday, May 4, 2024, Noon-2 p.m.
Admission: Milwaukee residents $6; Non-residents $9
All community members are invited to join Milwaukee Recreation at their inaugural May Day Celebration at Hawthorn Glen! Celebrate spring by learning about plants that are native to the area, exploring nature trails throughout the Glen, and seeking out treasures left by the fabled Hawthorn Fairy.
Participants will also craft a handmade flower crown to take home, and can join in the traditional maypole celebration. All ages are welcome. Parents/guardians must register and attend with their child.
Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove, IL 60081
Mid-April through mid-May (see website for updates)
Admission: Adults $19, Kids 4-12 $16 (Saturday-Sunday); $16 Tues-Fri (all ages); Children 3 and Under FREE
Up for a drive? Head south to Spring Grove, Illinois, for the Richardson Tulip Festival! Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty and grandeur of more than 300,000 bulbs across more than 30 varieties, including a special area with 100,000 tulips designated for picking.
The tulips are planted near a private 36-acre lake, complete with a walking trail to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. They’ve also added 50,000 daffodils this year.
Other festival attractions include wine tastings; fresh donuts and kettle corn; free games like giant checkers; Jenga, and cornhole; and live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
100 Best Things To Do With Kids in Milwaukee
From quirky museums to professional sports games and cozy indoor play cafes, there are so many great things to do in MKE with your whole family.
Events Calendar
Dive into our Events Calendar for an exciting array of daily activities perfect for kids and families, all handily sorted by location.
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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.