Looking for a fun day or weekend trip idea? Milwaukee is only about two hours from the Fox Valley with lots of fun activities for families. Milwaukee has lots to offer families!
I grew up in the Milwaukee area and visiting The Milwaukee Public Museum was the best field trip.
Looking for a closer, one-day trip? Check out our day trip to Sheboygan and Madison.
Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo in the fall and winter is actually extremely fun! Admission prices are reduced from November 1 – March 31 and there are several free days.
Some animals are even in winter quarters for the season, which can provide a unique view! During the colder months, attendance is lower so your family won’t have to fight the crowds to see the animals.
Check out the zoo’s complete list of animals in winter quarters.
The Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum is always a classic stop for any Milwaukee tour. I remember visiting the butterfly exhibit for the first time. Having three butterflies land on you is a magical experience!
The Museum has several free days a year! Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparent’s Day to name a couple. The first Thursdays are free admission too, if you’re able to go during the week.
Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for kids, and kids 5 and under are free! The museum closes at 5pm daily and is open until 8pm on the first Thursday of each month during Kohl’s Thank You Thursday when admission to all permanent exhibits is also free!
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is a fun, interactive learning museum right in downtown Milwaukee. It’s surprisingly easy to park in downtown Milwaukee with the Milwaukee County’s O’Donnell Park Garage adjacent to the museum.
The Betty Brinn is open 9am-5pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and children and $7 for seniors. Children 1 year or younger are free! If you have a Family Explorer Membership from the Building for Kids, admission is 1/2 price!
When I was in Girl Scouts in the Milwaukee area, we used to have overnights there and they were some of the best memories! My friend Nina and I slept in the digestive exhibit and laughed at the gurgling stomach.
Discovery World
Discovery World is an interactive museum right in the harbor of Milwaukee. Discovery World has fun exhibits for all ages!
Discovery World is open 9am-4pm Tuesday – Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday – Sunday. It’s not open on Mondays.
Admission includes entrance to the Technology and Aquatarium buildings, the Reiman Aquarium, the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, and films in the Digital Theater. Adults are $19, children $16, children under 3 are free!
The Domes
Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) is a great place to forget about winter and explore the desert oasis, a tropical jungle and pretty flower gardens in one day all indoors!
The Domes are open 9 am-5 pm Monday – Friday and 9 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Admission for adults (18 and up) are $7, children (6-17, accompanied by a paid adult) $5 and children 5 and under free.
Milwaukee Admirals
Milwaukee Admirals is Milwaukee’s minor league hockey team! Tickets cost between $20-25.50 and take place in the BMO Harris Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee. About a mile south of the BMO Harris Bradley Center is the Milwaukee Public Market for dinner or lunch!
Places to Eat
We have a couple of recommendations on where to eat when you’re in Milwaukee. For my last few day trips to Milwaukee, I’ve ended up stopping in the Fond Du Lac area.
Luckily, traveling along 41 between the Fox Cities and Milwaukee isn’t exactly a stunning view, but there are lots of places to stop for gas, food, and shopping (Oshkosh Outlets anyone?).
- Comet Cafe is located in the East Side and serves some of the best comfort food in the city!
- Blue’s Egg in downtown Milwaukee is famous for its delicious brunch.
- Colectivo has several locations throughout the Milwaukee area. Delicious coffee, baked goods, and some lunchtime favorites.
Did we miss anything amazing? Let us know!
For more information about Milwaukee for your next trip visit:
visitmilwaukee.org
