This weekend is jam-packed with family-friendly fun! The hardest part will be choosing how to make the most of those last, sweet summer days. Here are our top picks:
Daniel W. Hoan Memorial Bridge and Pere Marquette Park
Saturday, August 17, 2-10 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Hoancoming is this Saturday, and it will be a party on land and water! This fundraiser benefits Light the Hoan, and it will include riverwalk activities, live music, a boat parade, drone show and fireworks.
For some good, family-friendly fun, head to the MKE With Kids Stage at Pere Marquette Park from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a dance party with Kid Boogie Down at the Pavilion, a coloring contest with prizes, and a kayak parade in the Milwaukee River. Pete’s Pops and Sugar Spun Cotton Candy will be on hand, too, serving up sweet treats for purchase.
Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
August 15-18, 2024
Admission: General $27 (Thursday $10); Children 12 & Under FREE
You don’t have to be even a wee bit Irish to have a good time at Milwaukee Irish Fest this weekend. Full of Irish culture, music, dance and food, Irish Fest is fun for all! From searching for gold in the tiny Leprechaun Village to collecting stamps in Pirate Paddy Passports, here are our favorite things to do there with kids.
Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
August 15-18, 2024
Admission: Adults $21; Seniors $20; Children 3-12 $18; Infants 2 & Under FREE (Note: There’s a parking fee of $15 per vehicle)
This popular food and music festival has become a summer tradition for Zoo fans. Stroll through the Zoo to enjoy delicious dishes from well-known restaurants, and groove to local and national entertainment performing on five stages throughout the park. Kids will love the arts and crafts projects (Thursday and Friday) and special animal exhibits.
Museum of Wisconsin Art, 205 Veterans Ave., West Bend, WI 53095
August 17-18, 2024
Admission: FREE
This outdoor fine arts and crafts festival features artist booths as well as chalk artists, art activities for all ages, live entertainment and music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.
Watch artists demo their craft right before your eyes, or walk away with a henna tattoo, caricature drawing, tintype portrait, or flower crown. Perhaps encounter a live poetry reading. Kids will flock to the balloon artist and kids activity area.
Milwaukee Intermodal Station, 433 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Sunday, August 18, 2024, 4-6 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Climb aboard Milwaukee’s FREE streetcar and enjoy live jazz music from local pianist JL Russell and his Smoothwalk jazz group. “Hopsicles” from Pete’s Pops will be free to all riders, while supplies last. Look for the Hop Summer Nights decals in the windows of the featured M-Line streetcar.
Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sunday, August 18, 2024, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: General $12; Children 13 & Under FREE
Celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Puerto Rico as the community comes together to experience the best of live music, dance, delicious food, cultural exhibits and family fun. There will even be a kids area with inflatables. Enjoy the island’s vibrant culture, and celebrate its bright future!
Cathedral Square Park, 825 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sunday, August 18, 2024, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This Sunday is Kids Day at Cathedral Square Market, and there will be a whole slew of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Plus, browse market vendors, and enjoy live music from Holly Haebig.
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.
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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.