Milwaukee’s fall season is nothing short of magical—crisp lakefront air, vibrant foliage, and that perfect mix of sunshine and sweater weather. It’s the ideal time to get outside with your little ones before winter settles in. Whether you’re strolling with a toddler or taking your older kiddos on a nature adventure, we’ve rounded up 7 accessible hiking trails around Milwaukee that are perfect for family-friendly fall walks. These routes are stroller-friendly, easy to navigate, and full of scenic beauty that everyone can enjoy.
ACCESSIBLE AND STROLLER-FRIENDLY HIKES FOR KIDS IN MILWAUKEE
1. Schlitz Audobon Nature Center
Trails are open 8:30am-5:00pm daily.
Why it’s great: 6 miles of trails, portions of which consist of paved, crushed gravel, or boardwalks that are wheelchair accessible.
Stroller-friendly? Yes
Kid-friendly features: Nature sightings galore, gorgeous lakeshore views, bird sightings, and family-friendly Nature Packs to make the hike even more interactive.
2. Wehr Nature Center
Why it’s great: Wehr Nature Center strives to make its trails, facilities, exhibits, and programs accessible to all visitors regardless of age, ability, or background because everyone deserves access to nature. Mobility tools are available for visitor use. Learn more about the accessibility efforts at Wehr Nature Center HERE!
Stroller-friendly? Yes. Also wheelchair-accessible.
Kid-friendly features: Outdoor Explore Packs and Sensory Sensitive Packs are available for visitor use, free of charge. Kiddos (and the young at heart) will also enjoy a Nature Play Space, an interactive Visitor Center, and even wildlife sightings!
3. Discovery Trail at Retzer Nature Center
Why it’s great: Free to use, smooth and accessible paths with exploration stations for hands-on learning experiences.
Stroller-friendly? Yes.
Kid-friendly features: Spaces for sensory-based play experiences, STEM activities for families and school groups, pollinator garden
4. Hawthorn Glen
Why it’s great: Conveniently located, 25 acres of green space, hands-on nature center
Stroller-friendly? Yes.
Kid-friendly features: Visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk.
5. Lakeshore State Park
Why it’s great: Lakeshore State Park is in downtown Milwaukee, right on Lake Michigan, with access from the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Oak Leaf Trail.
Stroller-friendly? Yes.
Kid-friendly features: Walk along the shoreline and take in the views of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Skyline, the short grass prairies. The park is an urban oasis offering a small beach and accessible paved trails that link to Milwaukee’s other lakefront parks and the Hank Aaron State Trail.
6. Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum
Why it’s great: 40 acres of restored land featuring lovely hiking trails that wind gracefully along the Milwaukee River and the Oak Leaf Trail, seamlessly expanding into Riverside Park.
Stroller-friendly? Yes.
Kid-friendly features: Outdoor learning areas, numerous “imaginature” stations, and an iconic stone archway that makes for the perfect photo opportunity
7. Paradise Springs
Why it’s great: While located outside the city of Milwaukee in nearby Eagle, this location is truly a hidden gem that exists among the ruins of a resort which operated between 1937 and 1948. The flat, asphalt-covered 1/2-mile trail accommodates both wheelchairs and visitors with strollers.
Stroller-friendly? Yes.
Kid-friendly features: If have a kiddo with an active imagination, this is the perfect destination to let their storytelling run wild! The trail features a spring-fed trout pond that has dazzling emerald turquoise hues and hundreds of fish.
