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
Broadway Skates MKE
Red Arrow Park
Jan. 30 | 5-8 p.m.
’Tis the season for Slice of Ice and celebrating all that Milwaukee theater has to offer. Join this night of face painting, giveaways and festive fun, including free skate rentals courtesy of WaterStone Bank, a Broadway performance by Ice Theater MKE and much more. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win complimentary tickets to Kimberly Akimbo, playing at Uihlein Hall from Feb. 17–22.
Trucks and trains
Monster Jam: Freestyle Mania
Fiserv Forum
Jan. 31-Feb. 1
For the first time ever in Milwaukee, Monster Jam trucks will team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravity-defying skills and thrills. Cheer for your favorite team at Fiserv Forum as they pull off stunts you’ve never seen before while delivering energy, action and next-level entertainment that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Train Show: Modern Wonders in the Dome
Mitchell Park Domes
Jan. 31-Feb. 1
Perfect for families, explorers and dreamers of all ages, “Modern Wonders in the Dome” is your ticket to a global garden adventure filled with imagination, discovery and botanical beauty — no passport required. For the all-scale exhibit, the Train Show expands into the lobby and Greenhouse 7, with fun, food and a whole bunch of model trains of all gauges.
Connect with nature
Light the Hart
Hart Park | Wauwatosa
Jan. 31
Heat Haven has set up this free community event featuring a winter walk through Hart Park, complete with an illuminated path designed to get you out of the house, into the fresh air and connecting with your neighbors. The path will be set up by 3 p.m. and ready to enjoy all evening long. You can also stop by Heat Haven Sauna Park from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday to decorate your own paper luminaria bag. On top of that, there will be FREE s’mores courtesy of Discovery Wauwatosa available from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. (while supplies last).
Candlelight Hike and Ski
Lapham Peak | Delafield
Jan. 31 | 5-9 p.m.
Mark your calendar as the Friends of Lapham Peak host their annual Candlelight Hike and Ski through Kettle Moraine State Forest. When you’re done enjoying the trail, you can warm yourself by the bonfire, enjoy treats at Trecker Lodge (donations appreciated), or even bring your own food to grill outside. A valid Wisconsin State Park annual vehicle admission sticker or a $10 special event vehicle admission fee is required, and you must register in advance.
Kids Ice Fishing Clinics
Select Milwaukee County Parks
Jan. 31 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Milwaukee County Parks and local fishing clubs for these free youth ice fishing clinics at Greenfield Park in West Allis, Scout Lake in Greendale, Dineen Park in Milwaukee and McCarty Park in West Allis. Kids ages 15 and under will receive hands-on instruction on ice-fishing basics, safety and how-to tips that will build confidence on the ice. Fishing equipment is available to use during the clinic, but participants are encouraged to bring their equipment if able.
Great Lakes Tropical Fish Swap
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee South
Jan. 31-Feb. 1
This inaugural two-day event has something for every aquarium hobbyist — freshwater and saltwater — and those fascinated by our fin-ny friends. Local, regional and national vendors will show off their colorful swimmers, and be sure to check out the kids area with live animal presentations by J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, crafts, coloring books by Fishroom Punks, scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos and more!
Feeling festive?
Lake Geneva Winterfest
Riviera Plaza & Flat Iron Park | Lake Geneva
Jan. 28-Feb. 1
The 31st annual free festival is home to America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, featuring 15 of the most talented artists from around the U.S. and abroad who participate in an epic competition of skill and artistry. You can watch them work and enjoy more wintery fun throughout Lake Geneva, including bonfires on the beach, live entertainment, concessions and more!
Winter Carnival
Lynden Sculpture Garden
Jan. 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lynden celebrates winter with a day of outdoor artmaking, scavenger hunts, tree-walks, workshops and whatever other winter activities (ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing) the weather permits. Orchestrated by artist Lillian Supanich around the theme of “holding,” this highly participatory, artist-driven carnival offers something for all ages.