Family-Friendly Adventures in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

Milwaukee City Hall

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Milwaukee City Hall and Surroundings

Morning: Milwaukee City Hall Visit

Start your day at the iconic Milwaukee City Hall, located at 200 E Wells St., easily accessible by public transit (nearest bus stop is Water & Wells) or by car with nearby parking options. Begin at 9 AM with a guided tour, available upon request, to explore this architectural marvel. Built in 1895, it once held the title of the tallest habitable building in the United States. The building"s stunning Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture and the intricate details are captivating for all ages. Don"t miss the chance to view the City Hall bell, the largest in the city, ringing every day at noon.

Lunch Break: Public Market

Around noon, walk 10 minutes to the Milwaukee Public Market located in the Historic Third Ward. Here, you’ll find a variety of eateries perfect for a family lunch. Options range from fresh sandwiches, seafood, to ethnic cuisines, accommodating all taste buds.

Afternoon: Discovery World

Post lunch, take a 15-minute walk along the scenic RiverWalk to Discovery World. This science and technology center is a wonderland for kids and adults alike with its interactive exhibits like the Reiman Aquarium and the Virtual Explorer. It’s educational and heaps of fun!

Evening: Lakeshore State Park

Cap off the day with a relaxing stroll to Lakeshore State Park, just a 5-minute walk from Discovery World. It’s the only urban state park in Wisconsin offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Kids can enjoy the playground, and the whole family can unwind along the walking trails.

This itinerary provides a mix of historical education, culinary delight, science exploration, and relaxing nature, all within the heart of Milwaukee, ensuring a memorable family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family adventure at the Milwaukee Art Museum, a landmark of art and architecture nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. Here’s a detailed and engaging itinerary to ensure your visit is both fun and enriching!

Morning Arrival

Kickstart your day early by arriving at the museum at opening time to avoid crowds. The Milwaukee Art Museum is easily accessible by public transport (bus lines stop nearby) or car (parking is available on-site for a fee). Address: 700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI.

Explore Quadracci Pavilion

Begin your visit by marveling at the stunning Quadracci Pavilion designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Don’t miss the Burke Brise Soleil, a movable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that unfolds and folds twice daily. It’s a sight your family won’t forget!

Engaging Exhibits

Next, delve into the museum’s impressive collections. Start with the interactive Kohl’s Art Generation Lab where kids can engage in hands-on activities and learn about the art and cultures represented in the museum. Follow this with a visit to the American Collections, featuring works from celebrated artists like Georgia O’Keeffe.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break at the museum’s Café Calatrava. Enjoy a meal with a view of Lake Michigan, offering kid-friendly options alongside sophisticated flavors for the adults.

Family Workshop

Post-lunch, check the museum"s schedule for any family workshops or artist talks. These are excellent opportunities for kids to express their creativity and for the whole family to gain deeper insights into the art world.

Gift Shop and Departure

Before leaving, stop by the museum shop for unique art-inspired souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Plan to wrap up your visit by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to reflect on the beautiful artworks and memories created.

This itinerary ensures an educational yet thrilling exploration of the Milwaukee Art Museum, promising a day full of art, architecture, and family fun!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lake Park

Why Visit?

Welcome to your fun-filled day at Lake Park!

Morning

Start your day at the Lake Park Welcome Center. Easily accessible by Route 5, park your car here and pick up a park map. Right at 9 AM, join the free guided Nature Walk that leaves from the Welcome Center. The walk covers the park’s diverse flora and fauna and ends at the Butterfly Garden by 10:30 AM. Kids love spotting the vibrant butterflies and even some hummingbirds!

Midday

Head back to the center and enjoy a picnic by the lakeshown. There are numerous picnic tables, or you can lay a blanket on the grass. After lunch, take a short 5-minute walk to the Miniature Train Station. Hop on the train that circles around the park, offering views of the lake and the distant mountains. The train ride is both relaxing and exciting for the kids and lasts about 20 minutes.

Afternoon

After your train adventure, make your way to the Boat Rental Dock. Rent a paddleboat and spend an hour on the lake, a great way for the family to enjoy the water and get some exercise. Following your boating, visit the Adventure Playground, just a 10-minute walk from the dock. The playground is designed like a pirate ship and is a perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy.

Evening

To wrap up your day, take a leisurely stroll along the Scenic Lake Trail, starting right next to the playground. The trail offers stunning sunset views over the lake, making it a peaceful end to an active day.

Finish your visit by grabbing some ice cream from the vendor near the Welcome Center before heading home. Remember, Lake Park closes at 8 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your treat and reflect on a day well spent!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Bronze Fonz

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Visit the Bronze Fonz in Milwaukee

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your day by arriving in downtown Milwaukee. You can easily park near the intersection of East Wells Street and North Water Street, which is a short walk to the Bronze Fonz. Situated on the scenic RiverWalk just south of Wells Street, this iconic statue pays homage to Arthur Fonzarelli, a.k.a. "The Fonz," from the beloved TV show *Happy Days* which was set in Milwaukee. Snap some fun family photos with the life-size, bronze statue, showcasing Fonzie"s famous thumbs-up pose.

Midday: RiverWalk & Lunch

After visiting the Bronze Fonz, take a leisurely stroll along the Milwaukee RiverWalk. Enjoy the river views and discover the various artworks dotted along the path. For lunch, stop by the nearby Milwaukee Public Market, where you can savor a variety of local and international foods in a lively, market atmosphere.

Afternoon: Discovery World

Next, head to Discovery World, just a 15-minute walk along the lakefront. This science and technology center is perfect for families, offering interactive exhibits like a virtual reality complex, an innovation lab, and the Reiman Aquarium. Explore the world of science in a fun and engaging way!

Evening: Dinner & A Stroll

Conclude your day with dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants along the RiverWalk, such as Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, where kids can enjoy the kid’s menu and parents can relax with a craft beer. End your evening with a sunset stroll back towards your parking spot, enjoying the city lights reflecting off the Milwaukee River.

This itinerary provides a perfect blend of iconic culture, scenic beauty, and interactive learning, ensuring a memorable day out for the whole family in Milwaukee!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Milwaukee Lakefront Trail

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure along the Milwaukee Lakefront Trail, where stunning views of Lake Michigan and a plethora of activities await everyone. Here’s a perfect day-long itinerary for your family:

### Morning: Discovery and Play

Start at Discovery World (500 N Harbor Dr)

- How to Get There: Located right by the lake, it"s easily accessible via the Green Line bus or by parking onsite.

- Activities: Dive into interactive science exhibits and the Reiman Aquarium. Don’t miss the Les Paul House of Sound, perfect for budding musicians.

- Interesting Fact: Discovery World also features a replica of the 1852 schooner, the Challenge, offering insights into 19th-century sailing.

### Midday: Art and Lunch

Next Stop: Milwaukee Art Museum (700 N Art Museum Dr)

- How to Get There: A scenic 15-minute walk north from Discovery World along the trail.

- Activities: Admire the extensive collection of nearly 25,000 works. Be sure to check out the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that folds and unfolds twice daily.

- Interesting Fact: The museum’s Quadracci Pavilion was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

- Lunch: Enjoy a family lunch at the museum’s café, which offers kid-friendly menus and spectacular lake views.

### Afternoon: Play and Chill

Continue to Bradford Beach (2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr)

- How to Get There: A leisurely 20-minute walk or a short ride on bus 30 from the Art Museum.

- Activities: Build sandcastles, take a dip, or join a game of beach volleyball.

- Interesting Fact: Bradford Beach is a popular spot for local sand sculpting events and volleyball tournaments.

### Evening: Stroll and Snacks

End your day at Northpoint Custard (2272 N Lincoln Memorial Dr)

- How to Get There: Just a 5-minute walk south from Bradford Beach.

- Activities: Grab a bite of classic Milwaukee custard or a quick dinner while enjoying the sunset over Lake Michigan.

- Interesting Fact: Northpoint Custard is set in a 1940s style pavilion, offering a nostalgic end to your day.

With each step and stop along the Milwaukee Lakefront Trail, your family will capture memories filled with education, fun, and the beauty of Lake Michigan’s shores. Enjoy your journey!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.