Our Favorite Nature Hikes with Playgrounds in and around Milwaukee
There’s something special about spending a gorgeous afternoon in the Milwaukee area on a hike outdoors, but if there are just a few more wiggles to get out, a playground can really come in handy. Cultivate a love for nature and ensure a solid naptime with our favorite area nature hikes with playgrounds in the Milwaukee area.
Looking for Milwaukee Area nature centers instead? We’ve got a list of those too!
MEQUON NATURE PRESERVE – Mequon
8200 W. County Line Rd., Mequon
Mequon Nature Preserve boasts over six miles of trails across 510 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies, and agricultural fields. The trails are FREE and open from sunup to sundown every day of the year. Check out their family friendly events on their website before your visit. The playground, Marty’s Playspace, is a natural play area located behind the Education Center. Plus, there is a 40 ft. observation tower to climb for the adventure seekers! Dog friendly.
FOX RIVER PARK – Waukesha
W264S4500 River Rd, Waukesha
These hiking trails are a local favorite! Fox River Park is full of mature woodlands, wetlands, and wildflowers. A combination of forest trails and paved pathways offer something for everyone, from the novice hiker to the biker and everything in between. The playground is also rooted in nature, featuring twin 33-foot slides built right into the hill, a rope-climbing feature, and more.
SOUTH SHORE PARK – Milwaukee
2900 South Shore Dr, Milwaukee
The playground at South Shore Park in Milwaukee is truly one of the most beloved in the city of Milwaukee and it just so happens to be just one aspect of this amazing park, featuring a beer garden, a beach AND the Oak Park Trail swings right through. Oak Park Trail is a multi-use trail system with over 135 miles of trial for cycling, skating, walking, and more, with nearly a quarter of the trail hugs the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. This special experience is a unique nature hike for families to enjoy for an entire day of fun!
RIVERSIDE PARK – Milwaukee
1500 East Riverside Place, Milwaukee
Riverside Park is home to one of the Urban Ecology Center locations, so you know the nature trail is going to be top notch. Riverside Park includes 15 acres of wooded land and native plant habitats on the east bank of the Milwaukee River and an imaginative habitat-themed playground.
WEHR NATURE CENTER
9701 W. College Ave., Franklin
Wehr Nature Center’s highlight for little learners is their Early Childhood Nature Play Space. The outdoor classroom features rocks to climb, a sand and rock area, a sensory garden, a prairie grass maze and even a little log cabin. The exploration area has a variety of natural history displays and an indoor beehive. Just outside the native stone and wood Visitor Center are labeled gardens featuring prairie, woodland, and other plant varieties.
