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.
Oktoberfest celebrations
Cedarburg Oktoberfest
W63N645 Washington Ave. | Cedarburg
Oct. 4-5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The annual Oktoberfest returns to Historic Cedarburg, offering a traditional celebration with live bands and dancers, including performances by the Pommersche Tanzdeel and River City Blaskepelle. Foxtown Brewing’s bier garten on the City Hall lawn will serve Oktoberfest brews accompanied by live music from Bridge Road, and the whimsical Glockenspiel Show will appear every two hours for all-ages entertainment.
Milwaukee Oktoberfest
Henry Maier Festival Park | 200 N. Harbor Dr. | Milwaukee
Oct. 3-5 | 4-10 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday)
The 15th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest makes the big move to Henry Maier Festival Park — a fitting location that was created after its mayoral namesake traveled to Munich for its big celebration. This year’s event at the Summerfest Grounds will include imported German brews, hearty German fare, live music, cultural performances, a stein-hoisting competition, the wiener dog beauty pageant and more.
More fall fun
Port Washington Fall Street Festival
Downtown Port Washington
Oct. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Enjoy all the beauty and bounty of fall on Historic Franklin Street with two live-music stages, a car show, Harvest Farmer’s Market, Fall Family Fun Zone and more than 100 vendors on the street. This event is fun for the whole family and full of free activities, all just steps from Lake Michigan.
The Hollows at Phantom Lake
S110W30240 YMCA Camp Rd. | Mukwonago
Weekends in October | 6-10 p.m.
Journey through magical fairy lands, Viking ships, mermaids, witches and wizards inhabiting the wooded trails and glistening shores of Phantom Lake YMCA camp. The Hollows is an awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind experience of 3,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns that will pique your imagination and create magic. A portion of proceeds from the event provide financial support for kids and families who might otherwise not be able to experience camp.
For little kids
Cider Sunday
Wehr Nature Center
Oct. 5 | 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Celebrate fall during this family-friendly event for all ages, featuring live music, a story stroll, a sensory scavenger hunt, an interactive presentation with live animals, raffles, face painting, kids’ crafts and activities, and food and drink available for purchase.
HKE MKE
Riverside Park | 1500 E. Park Pl. | Milwaukee
Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hike through Riverside Park and the beautiful Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, enjoy Brazilian samba and percussion music, try trailside nature activities, and play HKE Route Bingo for a prize. New this year: an encore celebration at the finish line with food, local vendors, cozy campfires and outdoor games.
Family Free Day
Milwaukee County Zoo
Oct. 4 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Guests can enjoy all the zoo has to offer in the fall. Crisp autumn air and colorful leaves will paint a spectacular backdrop to the day as all guests are admitted FREE! Parking and regular attraction fees still apply.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Sept. 30-Oct. 5 | Various showtimes
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is in Milwaukee for this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. The Chicago Tribune called it “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now” — one that proves we’re better together.
For older kids
National Championship Runoffs
Road America | N7390 WI-67 | Plymouth
Oct. 3-5
Road America will once again take center stage in American motorsports as the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championship Runoffs returns for its 61st running. Nearly 400 competitors from across the nation are expected to participate, bringing the largest amateur road-racing event in the world to the storied 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit.
Haunted Mini Golf
Nine Below | 1905 E North Ave. | Milwaukee
Oct. 3-Nov. 1 | Fridays and Saturdays
When the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, Nine Below’s vibe shifts to “spooky,” and the Bars & Recreation team transforms the space into 13 horrifying Halloween holes. On top of the putt putt, poltergeists and potent potions, the humble greens are stalked by ghouls, zombies and monsters (if you’re sensitive to scares, they take a dirt nap Saturdays from 2-5 p.m.).