10 Things to do in Milwaukee with Kids!

Milwaukee is a city that blends culture, history, and fun activities, making it a great place for families traveling with children. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, the city offers plenty of options that keep kids entertained while also teaching them something new. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best things to do in Milwaukee with kids, explain each experience in detail, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.

1. Discovery World

The Discovery World is a hands‑on museum that focuses on science, technology, and freshwater studies. Families enjoy exploring exhibits that highlight engineering and innovation in ways that are interactive. One of the main attractions is the Reiman Aquarium, where guests can see aquatic life from the Great Lakes and beyond. Another important exhibit is the Great Lakes Future, which teaches about water conservation and explains why protecting nature is so important. Through Les Paul’s House of Sound, visitors can explore displays about sound technology and the life of the legendary musician and inventor.

2. Milwaukee County Zoo

Covering 190 acres, Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions, housing more than 3,000 animals from around 350 species. One of its most famous residents was Samson the gorilla, who lived at the zoo from 1950 until 1981. Families can explore different areas like the Aquatic & Reptile Center, Big Cat Country, and Primates of the World, each offering a closer look at unique species. Interactive experiences such as giraffe feeding and guided tours make the visit even more engaging, giving adults and kids a chance to connect with animals in a fun and memorable way.

3. American Family Insurance Amphitheater

The American Family Insurance Amphitheater is a large concert venue on Milwaukee’s lakefront that gives visitors clear views of the city skyline. It is best known as the main stage for Summerfest, the world’s biggest music festival, but it also hosts shows by famous artists all year. Over the years, legendary performers like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Metallica have played here, making it a place filled with music history. The amphitheater recently went through a renovation worth more than $51 million, which added a raised stage, bigger concourses, and production systems.

4. Boating Tours

Milwaukee offers plenty of ways to enjoy the water, and boating tours are among the most memorable. Visitors can join cruises that travel along Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, giving fresh views of the skyline. Companies like Edelweiss Cruises & Boat Tours and RiverWalk Boat Tours Tours provide scenic trips, private charters, and pontoon rentals, which are perfect for groups who want to explore at their own pace. The Milwaukee Paddle Tavern offers a social experience where guests pedal together while cruising along the river, often bringing their own drinks to make the ride even more fun.

5. Marcus Performing Arts Center

Opened in 1969, Marcus Performing Arts Center is one of Milwaukee’s leading cultural venues, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and community events. The center has several performance spaces, with Uihlein Hall being the largest, seating more than 2,300 people. It is also home to respected groups such as the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Florentine Opera, making it a hub for both local and regional talent. Families and visitors enjoy the variety of performances, from classical music and opera to modern dance and Broadway productions.

6. Wisconsin State Fair Park

The Wisconsin State Fair Park is one of the most recognized event spaces in the state, serving as the home of the Wisconsin State Fair since 1892. The fairgrounds are open throughout the year and host a wide range of activities, from agricultural shows and food festivals to outdoor concerts. Visitors can enjoy livestock competitions, carnival rides, and live entertainment, making it a lively place for families. Seasonal events bring people together for celebrations and exhibits that highlight Wisconsin’s traditions. The park is not only about fun but also about learning, as it showcases the state’s farming and cultural heritage.

7. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is designed to inspire children through play‑based learning, offering interactive exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. One highlight is the makerspace, where children can use tools and materials to build, experiment, and create their own projects. Weekly programs add even more variety, with activities like storytelling, music sessions, and hands‑on workshops that encourage kids to think and solve problems. Each display is designed to let children learn by doing, helping them grow skills while having fun with themed activities and interactive play.

8. National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is a one‑of‑a‑kind place dedicated to bobbleheads from sports, entertainment, politics, and pop culture. It holds the world’s largest bobblehead collection, with more than 10,000 figures on display for visitors to see. Exhibits share the history of bobbleheads, explain how they are made, and tell the stories behind some of the most unique pieces. Inside, guests can find bobbleheads of famous athletes, movie and TV characters, musicians, and even historical figures. It’s a fun stop that mixes nostalgia, creativity, and culture, making it enjoyable for families.

9. Fiserv Forum

Opened in 2018, Fiserv Forum is a multi-purpose arena that serves as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks and hosts concerts, sports events, and community gatherings. The arena seats about 17,385 people for basketball games and can hold up to 18,000 guests for concerts. Designed as a multi‑purpose venue, and its location makes it lively, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and outdoor gathering areas that make it a fun place to visit even before or after events. Inside, the space is built to give audiences a great view and experience, whether they are watching NBA games, NCAA basketball, or live performances.

10. Henry Maier Festival Park by Milwaukee World Festival

The Henry Maier Festival Park is a well‑known lakefront venue in Milwaukee and most famous as the home of Summerfest, recognized as the largest music festival in the world, but it also welcomes cultural celebrations such as Polish Fest, Pride Fest, German Fest, Irish Fest, and Mexican Fiesta. Named after Henry Maier, Milwaukee’s longest‑serving mayor, the park includes multiple stages, open‑air seating areas, and wide waterfront views that make it a perfect spot for live entertainment. Each year, more than a million people visit the grounds to enjoy concerts, food festivals, and community events.

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