Kid-friendly Fun in Downtown Milwaukee
Downtown Milwaukee is generally divided into three main areas – East Town, West Town, and the Third Ward. Each has its own unique personality and attractions that families should definitely check out with their kids. Here are 5 fun kid-friendly activities to try out with your kiddos!
See a Show at First Stage Children’s Theater
- 325 W Walnut St
- firststage.org
Milwaukee is blessed to have one of the best children’s theaters in the country in First Stage! In addition to the incredible performances, First Stage offers theater academies during the school year and the summertime, story dramas, and so much more. First Stage is dedicated to transforming lives through theater and works tirelessly to instill a love of the performing arts from an early age.
The 2024-2025 season will feature kid-pleasing performances such as Pete the Cat, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Finding Nemo, and Esperanza Rising.
Celebrate Holidays in Downtown Milwaukee
- Location varies
Think the winter is the only time there are fun holiday activities in Milwaukee? Think again! Here’s just a few to try out:
- Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee – October, Red Arrow Park
- Holiday Lights Festival – November to January
- Ornament Trail – November to January
- Jingle Bus Tours – November to December
… and of course, if you want to celebrate the 4th of July, the best way to do that in Downtown Milwaukee is at…
SUMMERFEST!
- June 20-22, June 27-29, and July 4-6
- Free Admission Days:
- Friday, June 21 • 12:00 – 3:00 p.m (Children’s Fest Day)
- Thursday, July 4 • 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m (4th of July)
- 200 N. Harbor Drive
Nothing, and we mean nothing, is more iconic to Downtown Milwaukee than Summerfest. And yes, it can be very kid-friendly! The dates we listed above are two of the FREE admission days you will definitely want to take advantage of, but there are other options as well where you can get free admission with donations to local charities. As for what to do with your kids once you are in the Summerfest gates, the sky’s the limit!
Obviously, you need to boogie down to live music, try some awesome new foods, and ride the Sky Glider … but don’t miss The Lil Gig, the new Summerfest experience just for kids! The Lil Gig is the ultimate Summerfest experience for kids, with a family-friendly lineup of music, performers, and activities. Plus, each evening, the Lil Gig will close out with the Kids Boogie Down Family Fun Dance Party.
The Lil Gig takes place at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park, which offers inclusive and accessible play for children of all abilities, ages 2-12 years. The amenities at the Park include enhanced play equipment, permanent restrooms, sensory rooms, nursing mothers stations, and more.
Play at Northwestern Mutual Community Park
- Henry Maier Festival Park at Summerfest | 200 N Harbor Dr.
Northwestern Mutual Community Park, the same one that will be rocking with The Lil Gig during Summerfest, is an awesome park to visit even when it’s not festival time. During the summer, it is open daily from 10am-7pm
*days/times vary depending on events and subject to change (check hours here before venturing out)
Learn more about the enhanced play equipment, nursing stations, permanent family restrooms, sensory friendly rooms, and more HERE.
Visit 3rd Street Market Hall
- 275 W Wisconsin Ave
- Park at InterPark The Avenue Garage – 615 N 2nd St
With a wide variety of food to choose from and a bunch of games and activities for kids of all ages (and the young at heart) to choose from, there is truly something for everyone at 3rd Street Market Hall. Check out Kristen’s recap of her visit HERE! Challenge the family to a bags (corn hole) competition or try out shuffleboard. Just stopping for a sweet treat? We highly recommend Mr. Dye’s Pies. If you haven’t tried their Purple Monster Pie yet, it’s a must. Be sure to come back with the grown-ups to try out the self-serve tap beer wall at City Fountain!
