There’s tons of FREE kid-friendly fun going on in the Milwaukee area this weekend! Check out these events:
East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy, WI 53120
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Adults $16; Seniors / Military $13.50; Children Ages 3-14 $10; Members / Children 2 and Under FREE
Celebrate Chicago’s railway history with a revival of the Chicago, South Shore & South Bend railroad of 90 years ago. The East Troy Railroad will have five operating South Shore cars, originally built in the 1920s, plus two 1924 Chicago Elevated Cars and a newly restored Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Car.
National Park Rangers from Indiana Dunes National Park will be on hand to explain the history of the South Shore Line and the connection to these cars. Trains run on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chicago Day at East Troy Railroad >>
Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Also: July 16-20)
Admission: FREE
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.
To find out why the Milwaukee Art Museum is a great place for kids, click here.
Cathedral Square Park, 825 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
July 11-14, 2024
Admission: FREE
Join the excitement and get into the festive spirit at Bastille Days, happening just weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympics. Bastille Days offers a feast for the senses with French food, music, and performances. Roaming street performers will entertain along the Madison Medical Bastille Days Marketplace.
Kids Day, sponsored by Educators Credit Union, is set for July 13 and is packed with family-friendly activities, like a Beignet Breakfast, arts and crafts, French lessons, and performances from the Milwaukee Ballet and other kid-focused entertainment.
Ruckus & Glee, 805 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Ruckus & Glee Wauwatosa is celebrating its 9th birthday with this free family event! There will be a massive sidewalk sale (50%-90% off select toys), magic show, scavenger hunt, face painting, photo booth, game and craft demos, ice cream while supplies last, and more!
The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall, 4511 S. 6th St., Milwaukee WI 53221
July 13-14, 2024
Admission: FREE
At this 5th annual celebration of the Mexican painting icon Frida Kahlo, there will be live music, food trucks, local art vendors, dance performances, art classes, and interactive art installations!
Don’t forget about the famous Frida Kahlo look-alike contest! This year, there will be a kids category and an adults category, with cash prizes for both!
6. Outdoor Movies
FREE outdoor movies are happening all over the Milwaukee area this weekend! Here’s where:
- Menomonee Falls (Village Park): Space Jam – July 12, 2024, 6 p.m.
Live music, beer garden, food trucks, followed by snuggles and a favorite family movie on the lawn. - Oconomowoc (Fowler Park): Trolls Band Together – July 11, 2024, 6-10:30 p.m.
Fun and games begin at 6 p.m., waterski show at 7 p.m., movie starts at dusk - Greendale (Gazebo Park): Trolls Band Together – July 12, 2024, 8 p.m.
Gift of Wings will be on hand selling food, soda and water, ice cream and popcorn for only $1. - West Allis (Athletic Complex): TBD – July 12, 2024, 8 p.m.
Operation Rec begins at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 8 p.m. - Elm Grove (Village Park): Elemental – July 12, 2024, 8:30 p.m.
100 Best Things To Do With Kids in Milwaukee
From fresh farmer’s markets and must-visit 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.
Subscribe
It’s absolutely free to join our community. Get your personal Weekend Guide delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday. Plus, you’ll always be in the loop with the latest news and updates.
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.