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
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Milwaukee (see parade route here)
Saturday, March 15 | Noon
Admission: FREE
Get ready, because the 57th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns this Saturday! Thousands of spectators will line the streets to see the 100+ parade units in celebration of Milwaukee’s rich Irish heritage. The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade features Irish dance performances, live music, decorative floats, Irish wolfhounds and much more.
Post-Parade Party
Irish Cultural & Heritage Center | 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee
Saturday, March 15 | 2-6 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.)
Admission: Adults $10; Family $25; Children 12 and Under FREE
Following the parade, the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center will host Milwaukee’s largest family-friendly parade-day party from 2-6 pm. The event will offer four stages of continuous entertainment, including performances by four dance schools, six bands and a super raffle.
For all ages
Maple Sugarin’ Festival
Riveredge Nature Center | 4458 County Hwy Y | Saukville
Saturday, March 15 | Noon-4 p.m.
Admission: $5 (Children 2 & Under FREE)
Choose your adventure as you hike through Riveredge Nature Center’s maple forest. You can tap a tree, trade nature items for maple candies, observe various means of syrup production through history, complete a sappy scavenger hunt and create a nature-based craft.
Upon arrival at the Sugarbush House, enjoy live music while you sip sap tea (or maple-sugar rimmed beer for the adults) and taste the Riveredge special: pancakes and pickles! You’ll learn just how sap is made into golden, sweet maple syrup. Plus, Riveredge members will receive an exclusive Maple Sugarin’ Pin. Pre-registration is highly recommended.
Take It Outside Day – Biking
Urban Ecology Center Washington Park | 1859 N. 40th St. | Milwaukee
Saturday, March 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Learn the basics of biking with trail etiquette trivia, a guided ride along the path through Washington Park and an introductory learn-to-ride station. Dress for the weather, pack a snack and bring your family/friends for this unique opportunity to connect with people and nature in the city. Urban Ecology Center will provide all necessary gear to participants who wish to try biking.
For little kids
Mermaid Echo at Discovery World
Discovery World | 500 N. Harbor Dr. | Milwaukee
Sunday, March 16 | 11-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1 p.m.
Admission: Adults $25; Children / Seniors $21; Military / College Students $19; Children 2 & Under FREE
Mermaid Echo connects kids with aquatic ecology in a creative way. Watch Echo swim with underwater friends while you learn about freshwater and the creatures that call the water home. Note: This show is included with general admission, but space per performance is extremely limited, and all of Mermaid Echo’s performances are first-come, first-served.
For older kids and teens
Teens’ St. Patrick’s Day Paint Party
Vibez Creative Arts Space | 5706 N. Centerpark Way | Glendale
Sunday, March 16 | 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Admission: $25
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity and celebration as teens get the opportunity to unleash their artistic talents by making their very own St. Patrick’s Day masterpieces. Ticket includes a pre-sketched canvas, light instruction and a slushy (or other NA drink of choice). This event is intended for kids ages 13+.
Kids Night Out at Wisconsin Humane Society
Milwaukee Campus | 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee
Friday, March 14 | 5-7 p.m.
Admission: $30 per child
Need an evening without the kids? Kids Night Out is for young people in grades 1-6 and provides an opportunity for you to enjoy an evening out while the kids have an awesome time at the Wisconsin Humane Society. What better way for kids to end the week than by making friends with other animal lovers and meeting animal guests? Themes and crafts are always changing, and new and exciting experiences happen at each Kids Night Out.