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 picks
Festa Italiana
Henry Maier Festival Park | 200 N. Harbor Dr. | Milwaukee
May 30-June 1
Admission: Adults $15; Children 12 and Under FREE
Milwaukee’s beloved Italian heritage festival is back — and there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy (especially since kids get in free). Families will love the Jr. Pizza Chef Competition, carnival-style vibes, a firework show and an Italian Idol talent competition.
Purple Door Battle of the New Ice Cream Flavors
205 S. 2nd St. | Milwaukee
Sunday, June 1
Admission: $20 pre-sale until 5/31 at 6 p.m.; $25 after 5/31
Celebrate the start of summer at Purple Door Ice Cream’s 5th Biennial Battle of the New Flavors tasting event and block party, where 12 finalist flavors (master-minded by Purple Door customers) will be revealed. At the event, each of the 12 flavors is sampled by ticket holders, who then vote on their favorite flavor. The one that receives the most votes will be made a permanent flavor on Purple Door’s rotating menu. Proceeds from event ticket sales will be donated to Street Angels MKE.
Cool Waters Opening Weekend
Greenfield Park | 2028 S. 124th St. | West Allis
May 31-June 1, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults $8.50 ($10.50 non-resident); Children 3-11 / Seniors 60+ $7.50 ($8.50 non-resident); Children Under 3 FREE; Evening Swim $7
Cool Waters Family Aquatic Park officially opens for the season this Saturday! It has a heated pool with a giant tube and body waterslides, water slides for young children, interactive water toys, a playground, sand volleyball courts and a café. Check out Milwaukee With Kids’ full guide to outdoor water parks and pools.
Villa Terrace Garden Opening
2220 N. Terrace Ave. | Milwaukee
Sunday, June 1 | 11 a.m.
Admission: FREE
Kick off the start of summer by opening the gates to the garden. Walk the grounds and relax by the koi fish pond while enjoying bites from Paul’s Smokehouse BBQ and Pete’s Pops. There will be a live band, tarot card readings by Tarot D’Amore, Howdy Hat Bar and a face painter.
Milwaukee Recreation’s Family Day of Play
Wick Playfield | 4929 W. Vliet St. | Milwaukee
Saturday, May 31 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10 ($29 non-residents); Youth $5 ($8 non-residents)
Families are invited to enjoy a variety of engaging activities designed for ages 5 and up, including an obstacle course, crafts, games and more. The day also features delicious food available for purchase and exciting raffle drawings for a chance to win amazing prizes. As you explore the event, live music will fill the air, creating the perfect atmosphere for family bonding and memories. Register in advance so you don’t miss any of the fun!
More free events
West Allis A La Carte
7231 W. Greenfield Ave. Ste 201 | West Allis
Sunday, June 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This street festival is a day filled with activities geared toward bringing together every member of the family — from toddler to teenager, from parents to grandparents — for fun, games, food and music.
Kid Disco Party at Elm Grove Park
13600 Juneau Blvd. | Elm Grove
Saturday, May 31 | 4-6 p.m.
Celebrate Springtime with the Elm Grove Junior Guild. Kid Boogie Down DJs will perform at the pavilion near the playground and Elm Grove Beer Garden, complete with bubbles, a fog machine and lights.
Customer Appreciation Day at Children’s Orchard
14145 W. Greenfield Ave. | New Berlin
Saturday, May 31 | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (special activities start at noon)
Join Children’s Orchard in New Berlin for a special Customer Appreciation Event. All-day specials include 20% off everything in the store and raffle prizes for every purchase (plus one extra ticket for every $10 spent). The first 10 people through the door will also receive a $25 gift certificate. Kid-friendly festivities will include a visit from a real fire truck, face painting, a surprise character meet and greet, sidewalk games and more.
Worth the drive
U.S. Women’s Open
Erin Hills Golf Course | 7169 County Rd. O | Hartford
May 28-June 1
Admission: Adults $75; Children 17 & Under FREE
History will be made at Erin Hills, the host of the 80th U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally, the premier championship in women’s golf. Defending champion Yuka Saso will join 155 others, including world No.1 Nelly Korda and 2024 Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko.
Port Festival of the Arts
116 W. Grand Ave. | Port Washington
Saturday, May 31 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Ring in the summer season with a free art-filled celebration in historic downtown Port Washington on the lake. Spend a day creating art, perusing art, and listening to and watching performing arts. There will be free art activities for families, a music stage on the lake, and global dance and acrobatics.