Doors Open Milwaukee is an annual event that opens the doors to over 140 sites across the city, giving the public a chance to explore Milwaukee’s rich history, architecture, and culture—all for free.
This year, 49 of those sites are marked family-friendly, and we’ve gone through all of them to select the ones that offer something extra special for kids and families.
Whether it’s rare behind-the-scenes access or unique, hands-on experiences, these 10 tours stand out because they are typically closed to the public or offer activities that can’t be found anywhere else.
Be sure to check out the rest of the family-friendly options on the Doors Open Milwaukee website for even more exciting choices.
1. Milwaukee PBS
Address: 1036 N 8th St | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM | Fully wheelchair accessible
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Milwaukee’s most iconic broadcasters—Milwaukee PBS! Since 1957, Milwaukee PBS has been educating, informing, and entertaining Southeast Wisconsin. Located at the downtown Milwaukee campus of MATC, this station not only airs 24/7 across multiple channels, but also helps train future media professionals.
Visitors will enjoy a tour of the studio, explore the remote broadcast trucks, and even get a chance to be on camera! Plus, the first 100 guests receive a free copy of “Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods” by local historian John Gurda. For a special treat, visitors can also record a message about why they love Milwaukee PBS.
Why Kids Will Love It: The chance to be on camera and explore real TV equipment makes this tour an exciting, interactive experience for little future stars.
2. Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee, Inc.
Address: 215 E National Ave | Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Wheelchair accessibility not available
Step back in time and explore one of the oldest model railroad layouts in the country at the Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee. Housed in a former Milwaukee Road Station that’s over 100 years old, this club has been running trains in the same spot since 1936.
Visitors can marvel at intricate model trains built to a ¼-inch scale, some dating back to before World War II. The current layout, completed in 1950, is a true piece of history, showcasing a size of model trains that has since become rare.
Why Kids Will Love It: Watching the model trains zoom along the tracks and exploring the detailed landscape is sure to captivate train enthusiasts of all ages.
3. Firehouse Stations & MPS Survive Alive House
Multiple Locations | Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday: Closed | Wheelchair accessible on the 1st floor
For young firefighting enthusiasts, Milwaukee’s historic firehouses are a must-see! During Doors Open Milwaukee, several stations will be open to the public, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a firefighter and their vital equipment. Here are three stations to visit:
- Firehouse Station 1 (784 N Broadway): Milwaukee’s oldest fire company, founded in 1839, with historic photos and modern equipment to explore.
- Firehouse Station 21 (2050 N Palmer St): Built in 1894, this station allows kids to learn from firefighters and see classic firefighting tools.
- Firehouse Station 27 (2647 N Bartlett Ave): Located on the East Side, this 1903 firehouse offers another opportunity to meet firefighters and learn about their important work.
For an interactive fire safety experience, don’t miss the MPS Survive Alive House (2059 S 20th St). Kids can practice escaping from a simulated house fire and learn how to create an escape plan for their own home. Over 13,000 children visit this unique facility each year, and during Doors Open, families can watch safety videos, explore a street scene, and practice crucial fire safety skills.
Why Kids Will Love It: Meeting real-life firefighters, touring fire trucks, and practicing fire escape drills are both fun and educational for young adventurers.
4. Davidson Park
Address: 3725 W Juneau Ave | Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Fully wheelchair accessible
Explore the newly opened Davidson Park, located on Harley-Davidson’s historic campus! This 4.8-acre urban oasis was created with community input, making it a wonderful place for families to relax, play, and enjoy nature. Kids can burn off some energy at the on-site playground, while parents appreciate the park’s thoughtful design and sustainability features.
The self-guided tour allows you to discover the park’s unique elements at your own pace. Live music and food trucks round out the experience, making it a fun family outing.
Why Kids Will Love It: A brand-new playground, live music, and tasty food trucks guarantee smiles all around!
5. Jones Island Water Reclamation Plant
Address: 700 E Jones St | Saturday: Ticketed tours only | Wheelchair accessibility not available
For a fascinating look at how Milwaukee leads the way in water reclamation technology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Jones Island Water Reclamation Plant. This facility, which opened in 1926, treats over 300 million gallons of wastewater daily and was a pioneer in producing Milorganite® fertilizer as a byproduct. Designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, it offers a rare glimpse into the science behind water treatment and environmental sustainability.
Important: This year, visits are by ticketed reservation only, so be sure to secure your spot online starting September 11.
Why Kids Will Love It: Learning how water is cleaned and turned into fertilizer is both fascinating and educational for curious young minds.
6. Reflo
Address: 3536 W Fond Du Lac Ave | Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Fully wheelchair accessible
Reflo combines art, technology, and environmental education to create a space where kids and families can learn about Milwaukee’s water systems and urban sustainability. Step inside and explore the Virtual Water Table, an interactive Augmented Reality sandbox that lets kids experiment with water flow and landscapes. Don’t miss the Outdoor Discovery Cart, which promotes outdoor learning and was crafted by MPS high school interns in collaboration with Reflo.
Why Kids Will Love It: Hands-on activities with water, nature, and games will make learning about the environment fun and exciting.
7. Carma Laboratories, Inc. (Carmex)
Address: 9750 S Franklin Dr | Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Wheelchair accessible on the 1st floor
Ever wondered how Carmex, the beloved lip balm, is made? Now’s your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look! While the building itself may seem like a standard warehouse, the real treat is inside—the world’s largest theater pipe organ, featuring 6,500 pipes, a grand piano, percussion instruments, and more.
Families can stop by to listen to live music on the incredible organ, with a mix of popular and classical tunes played throughout the day. It’s a one-of-a-kind auditory experience that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Why Kids Will Love It: Listening to the booming sound of the massive organ is sure to amaze music-loving kids (and maybe inspire future musicians!).
8. WUWM 89.7 Milwaukee’s NPR – Chase Tower
Address: 111 E Wisconsin Ave (7th Floor) | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM | Fully wheelchair accessible
Celebrate 60 years of public radio with WUWM 89.7, Milwaukee’s NPR! Visitors can tour the station, meet the reporters and hosts behind the shows, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite programs like Lake Effect are produced. With guided tours every 30 minutes, you’ll explore the recording studios, newsroom, and enjoy stunning views of downtown Milwaukee.
For the kids (and kids at heart), there will be coloring activities and a chance to snap a selfie at the WUWM wall. Plus, there’s a chance to win some fun prizes!
Why Kids Will Love It: Exploring recording studios, meeting radio hosts, and participating in birthday celebrations make this tour both educational and entertaining.
9. Milwaukee Police Department District 2
Address: 245 W Lincoln Ave | Sunday: 12 PM – 3 PM | Fully wheelchair accessible
Join the Milwaukee Police Department at District 2 for an afternoon of fun and learning! Built in 1952, this historic police station will be open to the public for tours, complete with family-friendly activities. Kids can enjoy free haircuts (for those 12 and under), explore police specialty units, and participate in a variety of activities designed to engage and educate.
With food, music, and resources available, this is a great opportunity to meet local officers and learn about the important work they do in the community.
Why Kids Will Love It: Exploring a real police station, meeting officers, and checking out specialty police units makes for an exciting and interactive experience!
10. Alice’s Garden Urban Farm
Address: 2136 N 21 St | Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Fully wheelchair accessible
Step into the beautiful world of Alice’s Garden, an urban farm with a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. This unique green space celebrates 52 years of providing a peaceful escape and teaching the community about gardening, sustainability, and the land’s storied past.
Families can wander through the herbal labyrinth, participate in farm tours with Venice Williams (at 2 PM and 4 PM each day), and enjoy an artisan market offering food and handcrafted goods. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day outdoors while learning about Milwaukee’s connection to the Underground Railroad and more.
Why Kids Will Love It: Walking through the scent-filled labyrinth and exploring the market makes this tour interactive and fun.
Be sure to check out the rest of the family-friendly options on the Doors Open Milwaukee website for even more exciting choices.
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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.