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
Annual Train Show
Mitchell Park Domes
Jan. 17-March 22
Watch model trains as they make their way over 600 feet of tracks in the Show Dome, through vibrant pansies and miniature azalea trees. This year’s theme, “Modern Wonders in the Domes,” offers a global garden adventure filled with imagination, discovery, and botanical beauty — no passport required.
42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 19 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day by attending this free annual event that highlights the youth in our community who interpret Dr. King’s words through student contests. The theme of this year’s celebration is “True Peace,” and winners will be showcased in the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Free Winter Festivals
Various locations
- Winterfest at Boerner Botanical Gardens (Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) — Step into nature with free guided winter walks, indoor crafts and activities, and more fun in the Wehr Nature Center.
- West Allis Winter Week (Jan. 18-24) — Downtown West Allis will come to life with a week’s worth of fun winter activities. Join the scavenger hunt, warm up on the soup crawl, show off your knowledge at pub trivia and more.
- Waukesha JanBoree (Jan. 16-25) — It’s 10 days of fun with the theme of “Out of This World” and so much to do, including a glow party, a winter tyke hike, cookie decorating, and opening-day fireworks!
- West Bend Winter On Main (Jan. 16-17) — This two-day seasonal celebration will take over Main Street, where you can watch live ice sculpting, meet sled dogs, shop area vendors and sip drinks created for a chilly day, with options for kids and grownups alike.
Movies, music and more
Kids Movie Magic Series
Marcus Theatre locations
Jan. 16-19
During this movie series that runs through March 1, you can view your favorite family movies at a reduced rate (ticket prices start at $3 per person) while enjoying special pricing on food and drinks. This weekend’s selection brings the world of gaming to the big screen with A Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa.
K-Pop Family Fun Day
Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center | Whitefish Bay
Jan. 18 | 3-4:30 p.m.
Jump into a K-pop-inspired adventure at this event geared toward families with kids ages 3-8. Everyone is invited to dance to the beats, sculpt clay creatures and celebrate courage, friendship and teamwork. Costumes encouraged, but you’ll also have a chance to craft your own hero gear!
The Zaniac Show With Alex Zerbe
Saber Center for the Performing Arts | Franklin
Jan. 16 | 7-8 p.m.
As seen on America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing, The Zaniac (Alex Zerbe) is an energetic prop comedian who’s been known to juggle bowling balls and flaming torches, and slice vegetables in half with a flying playing card. Every volunteer the Zaniac brings on stage becomes a hero and leaves with a moment they’ll remember forever.