Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Baird, the Milwaukee Art Museum is offering free admission on Sunday, July 14, and from Tuesday to Saturday, July 16–20.
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to explore one of Milwaukee’s cultural gems without spending a dime.
Remember, kids 12 and under and Wisconsin K–12 teachers always enjoy free general admission, and Bank of America cardholders get free admission on the first full weekend of each month thanks to the Museums on Us® program.
Why the Milwaukee Art Museum is Perfect for Kids
The Milwaukee Art Museum is a fantastic place to visit with kids. Here’s why:
ArtPack Station
Located on the Entrance Level, the ArtPack Station offers free Family Guides and Museum Moments Cards to help families explore the art and architecture. You can borrow picture books, SketchPacks for drawing in the galleries, costumes, and ArtPacks designed to help kids engage with the textures, shapes, and colors in the exhibits.
Kohl’s Art Studio
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Kohl’s Art Studio is a vibrant space where kids can participate in hands-on art projects and create their own masterpieces.
Special Kid-Friendly Events
Check out upcoming events like Storytime in the Gallery, specifically designed for children on the Museum’s website to plan a visit that will be both fun and educational.
Want more ideas? Here are the top 10 Things To Do With Kids at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Dining at the Museum
Visitors can find a variety of food and beverages at the Museum Café, which offers coffee, tea, salads, snacks, and more. The café opens with the Museum and closes 30 minutes before the Museum closes, ensuring you have plenty of time to grab a bite.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Free Admission: Kids ages 12 and under always get in free.
- Changing Tables: Available in restrooms on the Café Level and in the East End.
- Strollers: Permitted in the galleries, but wagons must be stored in the coatroom on the Café Level.
Must-Do Activities with Kids at the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Watch the Wings & Light Show: The wings of the iconic Quadracci Pavilion open and close daily and flap at noon. In the evenings, they light up, creating a stunning visual experience.
- Stomp Around Windhover Hall: This grand, light-filled hall with its 90-foot high glass ceiling and white marble floors offers a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and is open to the public for free during regular museum hours.
- Visit the Kohl’s Art Generation Open Studio: Open on weekends, this studio allows kids to explore various art materials and techniques. Themes change monthly, so check the website for updates.
- Check Out an ArtPack: These packs, available at the ArtPack Station, are filled with activities for all ages and attention spans, including sketch pads, picture books, custom puzzles, puppets, and more.
- Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays: Enjoy hands-on art activities, interactive performances, family tours, and more, five times a year.
- Play Date with Art: A monthly drop-in program for young children featuring Singing Time and stroller tours.
- Story Time in the Galleries: Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m., hear a story related to a work of art in the galleries, and create your own story or drawing to take home.
- Take an Art Class for Kids: The Museum offers Youth Studio Classes and Summer Art Camp classes for ages 6–15, with scholarships available.
- Enjoy Lakeside at MAM: This free outdoor event series features art-making, lawn games, local musicians, classes, and more.
- Read “A is for Art”: This book by Marjorie Nelson Moon features art for each letter of the alphabet housed in the Milwaukee Art Museum, making it easy to spot pieces when you visit.
The Milwaukee Art Museum offers a rich and engaging experience for families. From the interactive ArtPacks to the mesmerizing light show of the Quadracci Pavilion, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit on the free admission days, and make the most of this cultural treasure with your kids!
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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.