Spring is in full swing, and so are family-friendly festivals, activities and events! Here are our top picks for this weekend:
Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Celebrate National Public Works Week with a fleet of the City’s substantial rigs parked around Red Arrow Park. Kids will enjoy a unique opportunity to explore various trucks and meet the people who operate them!
New this year, kids will get the chance to meet and take photos with a beloved “Hero Pup,” plus enjoy hourly giveaways.
To provide a quality experience for all guests, a sensory-friendly hour will be offered from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at which time no horns or sirens will take place.
Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
May 18-October 5, 2024
Admission: $4 (regular zoo admission and parking not included)
The Milwaukee County Zoo’s novel summer exhibit opens this weekend! Stomp back in time to meet some of the most formidable predators from the past! Be astounded by full-size and scientifically-accurate animatronic displays — moving, breathing, spitting, and more.
Touch and feel what these dinosaurs were like, as you appreciate the role of predators in the ecosystem and be inspired to conserve their modern-day counterparts.
Located outside, behind the Small Mammals Building.
NOTE: Saturday is a Roar & Explore day at Dinosaur Discovery! Take part in STEM activities (read animal biofacts, learn to move like a dinosaur, create an animal with predator adaptations). Plus, the first 50 families who visit will get a $20 gift card to Sendik’s Food Market.
Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sunday, May 19, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults $27; Students / Seniors / Military $20; Kids 12 and Under / Wisconsin K-12 Teachers / Members FREE
Bring family and friends to Milwaukee Art Museum on Sunday to enjoy a lively day of contemporary dance and music performances, and talk with local artists about their art.
Ignite your original side with hands-on art projects inspired by the Museum’s contemporary art exhibitions, and view artistic creations by students from Burleigh Elementary and Indian Community School. This drop-in experience is included with museum admission.
PRO TIP: Swing by the ArtPack Station for free, fun family activities. Check out sketching materials, costumes, storybooks, and more to keep hands and minds busy in the galleries.
Family Sunday at the Milwaukee Art Museum >>
Franklin Field, 7035 S. Ballpark Dr., Franklin, WI 53132
Admission: $35 per vehicle
The Milky Way Drive-In kicks off its 2024 season this weekend! Ballpark Commons in Franklin offers a classic drive-in movie-going experience. They can accommodate 150 vehicles, and the screen technology allows movies to be shown during the day on the 40-foot LED screen.
- Friday, May 17: Back to the Future, 6:30 p.m.; Wonka, 9:15 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, 5 p.m.; Barbie, 7 p.m.; Saw X, 10 p.m.
- Sunday, May 19: Double Feature: Migration and Trolls: Band Together, 5 p.m.
NOTE: Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, but you may also bring your own food and drinks. No grilling allowed.
Movie Night at the Milky Way Drive-In >>
Hartford Municipal Airport, 4200 Airport Dr., Hartford, WI 53027
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-Noon
Admission: FREE
This FREE annual outreach event, hosted by Women in Aviation (Southeastern WI Chapter) and Kylie’s Cub Air Flight School, includes Q&A with aviation professionals, activities, and various aircraft to explore. There will be a featherlight luncheon at noon, and the EAA Chapter 1158 will be offering Young Eagle flights afterwards, weather permitting.
Girls Can Fly >>
Downtown Historic Greendale, 5600 Northway, Greendale, WI 53129
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: FREE (VIP options available)
People and pets alike are invited to Historic Downtown Greendale to spend a day full of pet-friendly fun! From agility and lure courses to a fabulous pet fashion show, heartwarming pet blessings, and even a petting zoo, there’s something for every pet lover to enjoy!
Take a stroll down Broad Street and discover a variety of local pet vendors offering everything from treats to toys. Don’t forget to swing by Adoption Alley, where you can meet and greet adorable animals in search of their forever homes. Leashed furry friends are welcome!
Pet Palooza >>
Germanton Marketplace Shopping Center, N112 W16560 Mequon Rd. (corner of Mequon Rd. & Squire Dr.), Germantown, WI
May 17-19, 2024
Admission: FREE (VIP options available)
This classic German festival celebrates the arrival of spring. There will be live music and German dance performances, classic German food, a sheepshead tournament, and more. The three-day celebration takes place at the Germantown Marketplace Shopping Center.
Maifest >>
100 Best Things To Do With Kids in Milwaukee
From quirky museums to professional sports games and cozy indoor play cafes, there are so many great things to do in MKE with your whole family.
Events Calendar
Dive into our Events Calendar for an invigorating array of daily activities perfect for kids and families, all handily sorted by location.
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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.
