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
IndyCar Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250
Wisconsin State Fair Park | 640 S. 84th St. | West Allis
Aug. 23-24
This year, organizers have expanded the Free Fan Zone by adding more interactive experiences, VIP opportunities and programming for all ages to make an unforgettable race weekend. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or introducing the next generation to the historic Milwaukee Mile, there’s something for everyone — not only on race Sunday in the grandstands, but all weekend long.
Mexican Fiesta
Henry Maier Festival Park | 200 N. Harbor Dr. | Milwaukee
Aug. 22-24 | Noon-midnight
Mexican Fiesta brings the sound, culture and taste of México to Milwaukee’s lakefront. Colorful and full of energy, this annual event features mariachi music, folk art, tamales, cultural exhibits and a vibrant tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe. But it’s more than a celebration; it’s a declaration of community spirit that honors culture, tradition and family. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paid adult.
Free fun
ArtBlaze
McKinley Beach | 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. | Milwaukee
Thursday, Aug. 21 | 4-9:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the final ArtBlaze event of the season! All-ages programming includes live music and entertainment from Gemini Gilly, Warped Studios, NilexNile and DJ Luke Warm, plus interactive art activities, waterside s’mores, vendors and more.
Float Fest MKE
Float MKE | 211 W. Freshwater Way | Milwaukee
Saturday, Aug. 23 | 3-10:30 p.m.
The annual event in Walker’s Point features two whimsical, family-friendly performances (3:00-4:30 and 5:30-7:00 p.m.) by Mermaid Echo and her eccentric friend Mr. Larkin. It’s a delightfully absurd and magical freshwater experience inside a 750-gallon traveling mermaid tank. The event also includes live performances by Immortal Girlfriend and Adagio Sound Healing, aerial performances, food from Romero’s Taco Truck and Cocina Filipina, and beverages from Broken Bat Brewing and The Chai Company.
Movie Night in Veterans Park
1300 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. | Milwaukee
Saturday, Aug. 23 | 8:30 p.m.
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to watch The Garfield Movie while enjoying popcorn for just $1 from Gift of Wings and other refreshments.
Wheels & Water
Discovery World | 500 N. Harbor Dr. | Milwaukee
Sunday, Aug. 24 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
See the incredible machines our city needs to thrive and meet the teams that operate them at this free outdoor event. Participants include the Milwaukee Fire Department, Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Department of Public Works, WE Energies and more.
Other cool ideas
Stuff Your Stanley
Purple Door Ice Cream | 205 S. 2nd St. | Milwaukee
Sunday, Aug. 23 | Noon-10 p.m.
Bring in your clean 30-44 oz. Stanley — or other sturdy water-bottle brand — to have it filled with four scoops of Purple Door ice cream for $12 (two flavors maximum). This offer is also available at Purple Door’s location at the Mequon Public Market.
Rev & Rumble Boxing Night
Davidson Park | 3700 W. Juneau Ave. | Milwaukee
Saturday, Aug. 23 | 3-8 p.m.
This free, high-energy evening features an action-packed lineup of Milwaukee’s best and toughest amateur boxers, plus local food trucks, free family-friendly activities like face painting and retro video games, and the opportunity to screen print your own exclusive fight night T-shirt.