We’ve been visiting Milwaukee for family day trips and weekend getaways since our girls were toddlers. Back then, places like the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum were a must-stop (and will always have a soft spot for us). But now that we have teenagers? Let’s just say our Milwaukee trips have evolved a little, but still with lots of exploring!
Our latest visit included:
- A historic luxury hotel
- Afternoon tea with incredible views
- Trendy shopping and thrift finds
- Immersive dining experiences
- Coffee stops and lakefront walks
- Plenty of photo-worthy moments
If you’re looking for a fun Midwest getaway that works for teens and parents, Milwaukee might surprise you!
Stay Somewhere Memorable: Historic Hotel Charm at The Pfister Hotel
We’re usually pretty budget-conscious when we travel, but for this trip we decided to splurge a little on a hotel experience, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the weekend.
The historic Pfister Hotel opened in 1893 and was once known as “The Grand Hotel of the West.” The moment you walk into the stunning three-story lobby with its grand staircase and elegant fireplace, it feels special and stylish. The Pfister Hotel is one of only three Historic Hotels of America in Wisconsin, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels
These locations are recognized for maintaining their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity.
Historical Hotels have lots of unique stories to tell! Look for special features, including presidential visit stories, art collections, historical tours, movie features, ghost stories, memorabilia, and more.
Why teens (and parents) will love it:
- Indoor pool on the 23rd floor with city and lake views
- Tons of beautiful selfie-worthy spaces
- Cozy luxury vibes without feeling stuffy
- Onsite Starbucks
- Incredible Victorian art collection
- Artist-in-Residence studio and gallery
The recently updated guest rooms blend historic charm with modern comfort and include lots of subtle Wisconsin-inspired details throughout the decor.
Go Valley Kids Tip: Don’t skip the hotel feature video in your room! It was surprisingly interesting, and our whole family ended up watching it.
A Unique Family Experience: Afternoon Tea
One of the biggest surprises of the trip? Afternoon Tea at Blu inside the Pfister Hotel.
Honestly, we expected it to be fun… but it ended up being our favorite part of the weekend.
Located on the 23rd floor, Blu offers panoramic views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan while you enjoy a full afternoon tea service.
What to expect:
- Tableside tea presentation
- Beautiful lake and city views
- Fresh scones and pastries
- Tea sandwiches and desserts
- A relaxing and memorable family experience
The tea butler walked us through each tea selection, sharing the origins, flavors, and pairings. It felt interactive, relaxing, and surprisingly teen-friendly.
Best Shopping Spots in Milwaukee: Historic Third Ward Favorites
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is one of our favorite areas to explore and shop!
Trendy Shops
- Lululemon, 322 N Water St, Milwaukee
- Anthropologie, 301 N Broadway, Milwaukee
- West Elm, 342 N Water St #100, Milwaukee
- Broadway Paper, 191 N Broadway, Milwaukee
Thrift & Consignment Finds
- Retique Store, 190 N Broadway, Milwaukee: Goodwill thrift store with lots of designer name brands!
- Maggie’s Closet, 159 N Broadway, Milwaukee: one of the largest consignment shops in southeastern Wisconsin
Coffee, Ice Cream & Walkable Stops
Because every shopping trip eventually turns into a snack hunt!
Sweet Treats & Coffee Stops
- Purple Door Ice Cream, 205 S 2nd St, Milwaukee
- Colectivo Coffee Third Ward, 223 E St Paul Ave, Milwaukee
Great Places to Walk & Explore
- Milwaukee RiverWalk: river views and waterfront outdoor dining on an ironwood walkway
- Lakeshore State Park: Along Lake Michigan, is 22 acres and has accessible trails through prairies to sandy beaches and spectacular views of the city. No state pass required!
Go Valley Kids Tip: The RiverWalk is especially pretty in the evening with waterfront dining and twinkling lights along the path.
Teen-Friendly Museums & Attractions
Milwaukee has plenty of attractions that still feel fun and interesting for older kids and teens.
Family Favorites
- National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, 170 S 1st St 2nd floor, Milwaukee
- Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee
- Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee
- Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee
- Discovery World, 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee
Fun & Immersive Dining Spots
If your family loves restaurants with a fun atmosphere, Milwaukee has some memorable options.
Worth Checking Out
- 3rd Street Market Hall, 275 W Wisconsin Ave, Suite 100, Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N Water St, Milwaukee
- SafeHouse, 779 N Front St, Milwaukee: A spy-themed hidden restaurant experience
- Don’s TV & Repair, 1100 S 1st St, Milwaukee: Retro speakeasy vibes with burgers and shakes
Go Valley Kids Tip: Make reservations early for the SafeHouse and Don’s TV & Repair.
Don’t Skip These Stops on the Way Home
If you’re driving back toward the Fox Valley, these are fun bonus stops to add to your route:
- IKEA, 7500 S Ikea Wy, Oak Creek
- Trader Joe’s, 12665 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield: Hello cookie butter! We also learned they have Cookie Butter ice cream!
- Firefly Grove Park, 1900 N. 116th Street, Wauwatosa: Home to Mama Rosa, Wisconsin’s first troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo
- Kelley Country Creamery, W5215 Co Rd B, Fond du Lac: Didn’t get enough ice cream? This is one of our favorites!
Planning a Milwaukee Family Trip?
Milwaukee has quickly become one of our favorite easy weekend getaways for families with older kids and teens. It’s the kind of city that offers a little bit of everything—great food, unique experiences, walkable neighborhoods, fun shopping, beautiful lakefront views, and plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way. Best of all, it somehow manages to keep both parents and teenagers happy, which honestly feels like a parenting victory all on its own.
Have a favorite Milwaukee spot we should add to our next trip? We’d love to hear about it!
Looking for more things to do, including all the classic stops? Check out our article Road Trip! Here are our Favorite Things to Do in Milwaukee with Kids.
Editor’s Note: Go Valley Kids received complimentary accommodations to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are our own.
