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
Milwaukee Museum Days
Various locations
Through Feb. 1
The museums scattered throughout southeastern Wisconsin contain a variety of cultural treasures, from fiber arts to architecture and bikes to bobbleheads. If you’ve ever thought about exploring a bit more, the annual Museum Days from Visit Milwaukee are the ideal time. Twenty-five different participating locations around the area are offering admission discounts ranging from 15% to 100%, with opportunities as far south as the Racine Art Museum and as far north as the John Michael Kohler Arts Center & Art Preserve.
Take it to the stage
Hamilton
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Through Feb. 1
Don’t miss the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education, resulting in 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Lovabye Dragon by First Stage
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
Jan. 24-Feb. 15
This enchanting musical tells the tale of an unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon who embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away, where they face their greatest challenge. Covering three books by Wisconsin author Barbara Joosse, this adaptation with infectious music and lyrics by The Happy Racers is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face, lift your spirits, and get you singing and dancing along.
Nature in the great indoors
Hootenanny!
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Jan. 23 | 6-8 p.m.
Grab your partner and come on down for this all-indoors event featuring the music of The Tinker Boys! You and your family can learn some basic steps with the help of a caller or make up your own moves. Plus you can visit our owl ambassadors and learn why they are such a hoot this time of year. Environmental Educators will also host crafts if you need to take off your dancing shoes for a while. A cash bar and light snacks will be available for purchase.
Totally Turtles!
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Jan. 24 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Discover why turtles are totally terrific with Environmental Educators Joyce Michelstetter and Jim Thielke, who host this event with the center’s turtle ambassadors. Learn about the unique characteristics of each species and how the center cares for them and their wild cousins. You’ll also have the chance to create a take-home turtle craft, and even grab a photo with one of the shelled stars during an up-close meet-and-greet.
Take It Outside Day
Urban Ecology Center: Menomonee Valley
Jan. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
When Mother Nature speaks, we listen. So with cold weather coming this weekend, the center is making this event a “Take It INSIDE Day!” Stop by the Menomonee Valley branch between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for an indoor animal tracking activity that’ll allow us to stay warm while continuing to explore and learn.