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 pick
Frosty Free Week
Milwaukee County Zoo
Dec. 26-30
It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo offers a week of free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Visit the Zoo during “Frosty Free Week” to enjoy animals and nature. All guests receive free daytime admission December 26-30, 2025. (Regular parking and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s Wild Lights night event.)
Pucks and buckets
Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off
Fiserv Forum
Dec. 28-29
The fifth annual event will begin with the semifinal round Sunday, when Wisconsin takes on Lake Superior State at 4 p.m., followed by defending national champion Western Michigan vs. Boston College at 7:30 p.m. The third-place game and title contest will both take place Monday. Whatever game Wisconsin is scheduled to play in will start at 7:30 p.m.
Harlem Globetrotters
Fiserv Forum
Dec. 26 | Noon and 5 p.m.
Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their 100 Year Tour to Milwaukee. This centennial season is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 years of jaw-dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 years of “Wow!” moments and 100 years of basketball thrills. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans will feel the history, joy and fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver.
Stage and screen
Seasons Screenings: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Oriental Theatre
Dec. 27-28 | 1 p.m.
On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town. See his story play out on the big screen with this 25th anniversary 4K remastered version starring Jim Carrey.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Vivarium
Dec. 28 | Noon
Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band have created an afternoon of games, movement, stories and opportunities to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. This performance is geared toward an audience of families with children aged 10 and under,
Live holiday shows
Various dates and locations
Take the family to see one of these live holiday shows:
- The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium by the Milwaukee Ballet
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at the Fiserv Forum
- The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! by First Stage
More free fun
Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights
Various locations
Through Jan. 1
You still have time to enjoy the seasonal sparkle of downtown, as more than half a million lights, animated sculptures and enchanting displays add a little magic to your holidays. Stroll through festive scenes at Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square and Red Arrow Park, or catch a narrated tour on the Jingle Bus.
Fox & Branch Family Concert
Anodyne in Walker’s Point
Dec. 28 | 11 a.m.
For over two decades, Fox & Branch have energized audiences in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Ireland. Their dynamic mix of old-time music, original songs and family folk music has appealed to children and adults, giving everyone a chance to actively participate. Whether it’s at a theater, a school performance, a community event, or a library show, Fox and Branch entertain, educate, and actively engage people. Their aim is to create a communal atmosphere of fun and high spirits shared by all those present.
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.