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.
See Santa
Cocoa & Claus
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 9 a.m.-noon
Santa Claus is back at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum! Families can enjoy Santa Story Times, sip hot chocolate from Stone Creek Coffee, build cocoa-catapults and tinker trees in our Be A Maker space, and snap a festive family photo. Museum staff will take family portraits on-site, and photos will be emailed to participating families Dec. 22. Special event tickets are required for museum entry from 9 a.m. to noon.
Storytime with Santa
Discovery World
Sunday, Dec. 21 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Join us in the theater for storytime and photos with Santa at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Between sessions, Saint Nick will spread holiday cheer as he strolls throughout the building. Storytime is included with general admission to the museum (discount available when purchasing in advance).
Winter in the woods
Winter Solstice Celebration
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
Saturday, Dec. 20 | Noon-8 p.m.
Awaken your curiosity, engage your body and explore the beautifully restored Riveredge landscape through free self-guided and educator-led activities. Folks of all ages can discover a variety of ways to enjoy nature, including hiking, crafting, stargazing, a bonfire and more. Pre-registration by Dec. 19 is encouraged.
Winter Fest
Havenwoods State Forest
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This family-friendly event in Wisconsin’s only urban state forest includes the chance to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores while you make crafts and memories. The snowshoes will be ready for guided hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., our staff will tell nature tales, and visitors of all ages can take part in the animal meet and greet.
Trade snow for shows
Holiday Pops by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Bradley Symphony Center
Dec. 13-21 | Various showtimes
Milwaukee’s favorite hometown holiday tradition returns to deck Allen-Bradley Hall with holiday cheer. Ring in the season with the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, keep your eye out for the Jolly Old Elf himself, and raise your voice during the audience singalong backed by the full power of the orchestra and Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Riverside Theater
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season with dazzling illusions, breathtaking grand-scale magic and festive surprises for the whole family. This high-energy, interactive show blends humor, jaw-dropping magic and holiday cheer to create a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for the season.
Paints and poinsettias
Bedazzled Christmas Tree Painting on Canvas
3rd Street Market Hall
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Children’s Art Classes of Menomonee Falls will host this workshop at 3rd Street Market Hall recommended for ages 6 and up. It’ll be a festive afternoon full of Christmas tree painting, bedazzling and yummy treats to enjoy.
Kooky Cookie House & G-Scale Trains
Shady Lane Greenhouse | Menomonee Falls
Through Dec. 30 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing the inside workings of this gingerbread cookie factory that has been refurbished by many passionate volunteers over the years. There are great photo opportunities, coloring pages and more. Plus, you can check out the miniature trains rolling through holiday landscapes and the poinsettias available in a variety of colors.