Weekend Family Itinerary for Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee, WI

Quick Answer

Explore Milwaukee with your family this weekend by visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo, enjoying the Milwaukee Art Museum, and exploring local parks. This itinerary offers a mix of educational and fun activities suitable for all ages.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is designed for families looking to enjoy a fun-filled weekend in Milwaukee, WI. Whether you are locals or visiting from out of town, you'll find activities that engage children and adults alike. Our itinerary includes a mix of educational, cultural, and outdoor experiences.

Neighborhoods Mentioned in This Guide

Milwaukee is a city rich in diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique attractions. In this guide, we will explore:

• Bay View
• Third Ward
• Riverwest
• South Side
• East Side
• Downtown
• North Side
• West Side

Day 1: Saturday Adventure

Morning: Milwaukee County Zoo

Start your weekend at the Milwaukee County Zoo, a beloved family destination that houses over 2,000 animals across 350 species. The zoo covers 200 acres, allowing for plenty of walking and exploration.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (check seasonal hours)
• Admission: Adults $16, Children (3-12) $14, under 3 free

#### Highlights:

• Penguin Exhibit: Watch these adorable birds waddle and swim.
• Africa in Milwaukee: Encounter lions, giraffes, and zebras.
• Children's Zoo: Interactive exhibits where kids can pet farm animals.

Lunch: Picnic at the Zoo

Pack a picnic to enjoy in designated areas at the zoo. Alternatively, the zoo offers several dining options, including:

• The Zootique: A café with kid-friendly meals and snacks.
• The Safari Grill: Offers burgers and sandwiches.

Afternoon: Milwaukee Art Museum

After lunch, head to the Milwaukee Art Museum, known for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of over 30,000 works of art. The museum is family-friendly, with programs tailored for children.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Admission: Adults $19, Children (under 18) free on Family Sundays

#### Highlights:

• Collections: Explore American art, contemporary pieces, and decorative arts.
• Family Programs: Participate in art-making sessions designed for kids.

Evening: Dinner in the Third Ward

Wrap up your day with dinner in the Third Ward, a vibrant neighborhood with various dining options. Consider:

• The Capital Grille: Offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids' menu.
• Cafe Benelux: Known for its hearty Belgian fare and great craft beer selection.

Day 2: Sunday Exploration

Morning: Discovery World

On Sunday, visit Discovery World, an interactive science and technology museum located along the lakefront. This is perfect for curious minds and offers engaging exhibits for all ages.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Admission: Adults $17, Children (3-17) $14, under 3 free

#### Highlights:

• The Reiman Aquarium: Home to various aquatic life, including sharks and turtles.
• Hands-On Exhibits: Engage in science experiments and engineering challenges.

Lunch: South Side Dining

After exploring, head to the South Side for lunch. This neighborhood is known for its diverse culinary scene. Recommended spots include:

• La Fuente: A family-friendly Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos.
• Palermo’s Pizza: Offers a variety of pizzas and Italian dishes loved by kids.

Afternoon: Lakeshore State Park

After lunch, spend some time outdoors at Lakeshore State Park. This urban park offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, walking trails, and picnic areas.

• Activities: Walking, biking, and bird-watching.
• Play Area: Kids can enjoy the playground while parents relax nearby.

Evening: Family Movie Night

End your weekend with a relaxing family movie night at home or catch a family-friendly film at a local theater. Check out the following:

• The Oriental Theatre: Offers a selection of current movies in a historic setting.
• Marcus Theatres: Various locations with family-friendly films and comfortable seating.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Bay View

Bay View is a charming neighborhood known for its strong community vibe and access to parks. Notable attractions include:

• South Shore Park: Offers beach access and a playground.
• Local Shops: Unique boutiques and cafes perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Third Ward

The Third Ward is an arts district filled with galleries, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place for families to enjoy:

• The Milwaukee Public Market: A vibrant food market with local vendors and kid-friendly options.
• Art Walks: Check for family-friendly events featuring local artists.

Riverwest

Riverwest is known for its eclectic community and artistic vibe. Families can explore:

• Parks: Several parks with playgrounds and open spaces for picnics.
• Local Events: Look for family-oriented events throughout the year.

South Side

The South Side offers a rich cultural experience with various dining options and parks. Families can enjoy:

• Kinnickinnic River Parkway: Great for biking and hiking.
• Local Festivals: Throughout the year, various cultural festivals take place.

East Side

The East Side is a lively area with a youthful atmosphere. Families can visit:

• Lake Park: Offers beautiful views and trails for walking or biking.
• Shopping: Unique shops and cafes along Brady Street.

Downtown

Downtown Milwaukee is bustling with activities and attractions. Families can find:

• Henry Maier Festival Park: Hosts various festivals throughout the year.
• The Milwaukee Public Museum: Offers educational exhibits that are great for family learning.

North Side

The North Side is home to several parks and cultural institutions. Families can explore:

• Washington Park: Offers a zoo and playgrounds.
• Cultural Events: Engage with local cultural activities and community events.

West Side

The West Side features a mix of residential and commercial areas. Families can enjoy:

• Parks: Several green spaces for outdoor activities.
• Local Restaurants: Family-friendly dining options abound.

Neighborhoods to Explore in Milwaukee

• [living in Bay View](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/bay-view-milwaukee)
• [living in Third Ward](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/third-ward-milwaukee)
• [Riverwest neighborhood guide](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/riverwest-milwaukee)
• [family fit in South Side](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/south-side)
• [East Side neighborhood guide](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/east-side)
• [family fit in West Side](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/west-side)
• [Downtown neighborhood guide](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/downtown)
• [living in North Side](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/north-side)
• [living in North Side](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/north-side)
• [family fit in South Side](/wi/milwaukee/neighborhoods/south-side)

Related Guides for Milwaukee

• [Rainy Day Activities in Milwaukee](/wi/milwaukee/guides/rainy-day-activities-milwaukee)
• [Free Things to Do in Milwaukee With Kids](/wi/milwaukee/guides/free-things-to-do-in-milwaukee-with-kids)
• [Things to Do in Milwaukee With Kids](/wi/milwaukee/guides/things-to-do-in-milwaukee-with-kids)
• [Best Neighborhoods in Milwaukee for Retirees](/wi/milwaukee/guides/best-neighborhoods-milwaukee-retirees)
• [Best Neighborhoods in Milwaukee for First-Time Movers](/wi/milwaukee/guides/milwaukee-best-neighborhoods-first-time-movers)
• [Best Neighborhoods Near Downtown Milwaukee](/wi/milwaukee/guides/best-neighborhoods-near-downtown-milwaukee)

Helpful Milwaukee Tools

• [Get your Milwaukee CityFit Report](/wi/milwaukee/cityfit-report)
• [Milwaukee City Guide hub](/wi/milwaukee)
• [All Milwaukee guides](/wi/milwaukee/guides)
• [Events in Milwaukee](/wi/milwaukee/events)
• [Moving to Milwaukee](/wi/milwaukee/move-in)