Winter break is approaching for schools across the Milwaukee area, and so are the emotions that come with it: excitement and relief, but also anxiety and uncertainty due to the sudden lack of routine (that goes for kids and parents alike).
Fortunately, there are plenty of organizations in the area that have lined up fun events geared toward students from kindergarten all the way through high school. We rounded up some of these local, low-cost (or no-cost) activities that’ll foster joy and connection while school is out from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.
Milwaukee winter break activities
Frosty Free Week
Milwaukee County Zoo
Dec. 26, 29, 30 | 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 27-28 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
This one is exactly what it sounds like: a week-long opportunity to visit the Milwaukee County Zoo for free! Guests can walk through the gates at no cost, but remember that regular parking and attraction rates apply, and admission rates apply to the Zoo’s Wild Lights night event.
Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest at the Domes
Mitchell Park Domes
Dec. 30 | 9 a.m.-noon
The Milwaukee Domes Alliance will host a morning filled with themed activities, crafts, tropical smoothies, a meet-the-frogs moment with Rainforest Rick, a beehive exploration station, a word scramble scavenger hunt and a tropical fruit tasting. All activities are included with your ticket, which costs $10 per child (discounted $5 tickets are available for residents of the 53215 ZIP code).
Cool Fool Kite & Snow-Carving Festival
Veterans Park
Jan. 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Gift of Wings will continue this 39-year Milwaukee tradition on the lakefront, just prior to the Polar Bear jump into Lake Michigan. The free festival features giant kites (some over 100 feet long), snow carving, hot chocolate, coffee and snacks, plus kites and other hot food available for purchase. In addition, the Quiet Snow & Ice Carvers — national champions who have been featured on Disney+ — will be hand to create eye-catching designs.
Friends & Family Game Night
Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park
Dec. 25 | 4-6 p.m.
When you’re done cleaning up wrapping paper, you can visit the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park location (1859 N. 40th St.) for this free night of friendly competition. Guests can bring board games or choose from the on-site selection while enjoying complimentary popcorn.
Art Making, Story Time and More
Milwaukee Art Museum
Dec. 24-Jan. 4 | Various times
The museum on the lakefront has a variety of events to spark creativity over winter break. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24, and 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Dec. 26-31, with kids 12 and under admitted free so they can enjoy the following activities:
- Drop-In Art Making: Each month, the Kohl’s Art Studio hosts different projects to highlight new mediums and techniques inspired by the museum’s collection and exhibition. Open until 4 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 4.
- Play Date With Art: For children 5 and under (with a caregiver), this event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 27. It includes art-making inspired by Wendell Castle’s Walking Cabinet, a story time and singalongs.
- Story Time in the Galleries: From 10:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 27, a reader will guide guests through the galleries, read a story in front of artwork and offer guests the opportunity to create artwork inspired by the story.
- Mural Painting: Local artist Nyia Luna will teach museum guests painting techniques and give them a chance to collaborate on a mural with drawings sourced from community members that represent joyful colors and peaceful days. The mural painting will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 2-4.
Cocoa, Board Games and Colors
Milwaukee Public Library
Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30 | Various times
In addition to their usual services, a handful of Milwaukee Public Library branches will host a range of free events, ranging from a hot cocoa-centered get-together to board game parties:
- Cozy Hot Cocoa Concoctions: From 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 22, visit the Capitol Branch of the library to try a variety of tasty hot cocoa ingredients. Teens are encouraged to join and experiment with the ingredients to discover their new favorite hot cocoa recipe.
- Board Game Bonanza: From 4 to 4:45 p.m. Dec. 22, the Central Branch invites elementary students to have fun playing new games or revisiting old ones.
- Game Night: The Center Street Branch will also have games ready to play from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 23 and 30.
- Coloring Party: From 4 to 4:45 p.m. Dec. 29, the Central Library will host this colorful activity geared toward elementary students. The branch will provide coloring pages and materials to inspire relaxation and fun.
Ice Skating
Red Arrow Park
Embrace the cold with a winter sport like ice skating at Red Arrow Park in Downtown Milwaukee. It’s free if you bring your own skates, but they do have rentals for skates, skater aides and ice sleds. Rental fees $11 per person for adults age 18 and over and $9 per person for youth age 17 and under.
Sledding & Tubing
Various locations
If the weather allows, sledding and tubing are classic ways to enjoy the snow and bring some fun to the winter season. There are many Milwaukee County Parks that have hills ideal for sledding during the day and evening:
Daytime-only sledding hills
- Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Rd.
- Indigenous Peoples' Park, 7301 W. Courtland Ave.
- Greene Park, 4235 S. Lipton Ave.
- Hales Corners Park, 5765 S. New Berlin Rd.
- Kletzsch Park, 6560 N Milw. River Pkwy.
- LaFollette Park,9418 W. Washington St.
- McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave.
- McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51 St.
- Wilson Recreation Center, 4001 S. 20 St.
- Whitnall Park (near the clubhouse) 6751 S. 92nd St.
All-day sledding hills
- Currie Park, 3535 N. Mayfair Rd. (lights on from 4:30-10 p.m.)
- Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave. (lights on from 4:30-8:30 p.m.)
