Every week, Milwaukee With Kids answers a simple question for families across the area: What are we going to do this weekend? From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. For the full weekend list, make sure to visit the Milwaukee With Kids website.
Top pick: Free winter festivals
Winter Break Milwaukee at Bradford Beach
2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. | Milwaukee
Saturday, Feb. 8 | Noon-4 p.m.
Embrace the season at this free family-friendly festival that’s all about enjoying the great outdoors, no matter the weather. There will be activities for all ages, including fat tire bike rides with Wheel & Sprocket, winter surfing lessons from High 5 Surfing, nordic walking, and dog sled demonstrations. Families can also enjoy tea-tasting classes with Tootsies Teas, a cold dip challenge, free hot cocoa, and cozy bonfires with s’mores. Snowy conditions unlock even more fun, like snowshoeing and snow sculpting competitions.
Flannelpalooza
Root Common and Harwood Avenue | Wauwatosa
Saturday, Feb. 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate National Flannel Day at Flannelpalooza on Harwood Avenue in Wauwatosa. Enjoy axe throwing, chainsaw carving, DJ Fuzzy Logic, a pub crawl, local food, drinks, vendors, and more. Other event highlights include a Best Dressed Dog Contest (Noon), ice carving demos (1-2:30 p.m.) and a beard contest (2:30 p.m.).
More free events
Women & Girls in Science
Kosciuszko Community Center
2201 S. 7th St., Suite 205 | Milwaukee
Sunday, Feb. 9 | 1-4 p.m.
What comes to mind when you think of a scientist? Most people imagine a man in a white lab coat who looks like Einstein. Hosted by Wehr Nature Center at the Kosciuszko Community Center, this open-house-style event aims to break the stereotype of who can be successful in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) fields.
Girls (and boys) can catch the “science bug” through hands-on activities and learn about female STEAM pioneers and their important contributions to our world. Local women leaders from various STEAM backgrounds present hands-on activities so young women can connect with a potential mentor and everyone can see that anyone can be a scientist! Recommended for ages 10 and up. Event is free, but please pre-register.
Community Family Night at Rite-Hite YMCA
9250 N. Green Bay Rd | Brown Deer
Friday, Feb. 7 | 6-8 p.m.
There’s a Y in every family! Feel the love by spending quality time together at the Y. Enjoy family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, dancing, fitness classes, swimming, and more. There’s something for everyone, so bring a friend and join in the fun! This event is FREE and open to the community (no membership required), but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 414-354-9622 or visit their website to sign up.
Rooftop Stargazing at UWM Planetarium
900 E. Kenwood Blvd. | Milwaukee
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8-9 p.m.
Enjoy free public stargazing on the Skydeck, located on the 5th floor of the UWM Physics building. Gaze through telescopes at the night sky, and view the Moon, planets, star clusters, and other astronomical objects!
Follow the pink signs to take the elevator at the east end of the Physics building to the 3rd floor and continue left to the staircase that leads to the roof. Unfortunately, the Skydeck is not wheelchair accessible. In the event of inclement weather (cloudy skies, temperature below 0° F), this event will be canceled. Check their website the day of the event before you visit.
For little kids
New Palermo’s Exhibit at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
929 E. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee
Friday, Feb. 7 | 1:15-3 p.m.
Admission: Weekday $13; Weekend $14; Seniors $12; Children Under 1 / Members FREE
The new Palermo’s Pizza Factory & Café exhibit is a hands-on experience highlighting the art and science of pizza making. The play-based learning experience incorporates educational activities, promoting math, literacy and career exploration that celebrate the rich tradition of pizza-making.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s CEO Tina Quealy and Palermo’s Pizza CEO Giocomo Fallucca. Families who purchase admission and attend the ribbon-cutting will be among the first to explore the new exhibit following the ceremony from 1:30 to 3 p.m. BONUS: On Sunday, Feb. 9, the Museum will celebrate National Pizza Day by offering a coupon good for a free Palermo’s Pizza to every family who visits the Museum on that day.
For older kids and teens
ComedySportz Family-Friendly Comedy Match
420 S. 1st St. | Milwaukee
Friday, Feb. 7 | 7:30-9 p.m.
Admission: $12
At ComedySportz, you’ll see one referee and two teams of players – one red and one blue – competing against each other in improv games based on the suggestions of the fans watching the match! There are 7-10 games per match, with the occasional willing volunteer (kid or adult!) joining the players up on the field to help the hilarity ensue! Performed in the Main Arena. Bar and Restaurant open at 6 p.m., seating begins at 7 p.m. No age restriction.