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
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Milwaukee
March 14 | Noon
Produced by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin and Westown Association, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of Milwaukee’s favorite traditions. Thousands of spectators will line the streets of downtown Milwaukee to celebrate the city’s rich Irish heritage. The parade route spans a mile-and-a-half through downtown’s entertainment districts and features over 100 units, including Irish dance performances, live music, festive floats, Irish wolfhounds and more!
Fun ways to learn
Be My Neighbor Day
Milwaukee Central Library
March 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join Milwaukee PBS and the Milwaukee Public Library for a free family event that celebrates kindness. Enjoy fun hands-on activities and stories while you learn what it means to be a caring neighbor. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and take your picture with Daniel Tiger!
Pi Day Party
Mathnasium | Wauwatosa
March 14 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
It's math's biggest day of the year, and Mathnasium is planning a party to celebrate the mathematical constant, π (pi)! Stop in anytime to enjoy the fun math activities, raffles and snacks. The whole family is welcome, and Mathnasium membership isn’t required. Plus, the local school with the highest attendance will receive a $314 donation, courtesy of Mathnasium! Please RSVP in advance.
The Intro: Diorama-RAMA
Milwaukee Public Museum
March 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
During this kickoff celebration, visitors can stop by interactive stations and discover just a few of the many elements that bring the museum’s dioramas to life. Take a deep dive to find out why the museum’s muskrats stand above the rest. Go hands-on with tactile furs from some of the most charismatic displays, and hear the secrets behind the taxidermy that make exhibits so lifelike. And for families with young kids (ages 3-6), join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating Milwaukee-style dioramas.
North Shore Library Grand Opening
Bayside
March 14 | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate the grand opening of the new North Shore Library building with friends, family and neighbors as you enjoy tours, refreshments and special activities. Children’s programs will take place at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., the dedication starts at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting to follow at 2:30 p.m., and you can make your own button to remember the big day at 3 p.m.
Outdoors and nature
Take It Outside: Biking
Urban Ecology Center | Washington Park
March 14
Stop by the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center to learn biking basics. You can borrow a bike and helmet from the center, and then choose between guided group rides or independent rides on paths through Washington Park (weather permitting).
Maple Sugarin’ Festival
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
March 14
It’s Maple Sugarin’ Season! Bring family and friends to celebrate this sappy gift from the trees at Riveredge as you hike through the maple forest, tap a tree, trade nature items for maple candies, observe various means of syrup production through history, complete a sappy scavenger hunt and create a nature-based craft. There will also be live music at Sugarbush House, along with sap tea, maple-sugar-rimmed beer for the grown-ups and the Riveredge special: pancakes and pickles!
Totally Turtles
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Bayside
March 14
Discover why turtles are totally terrific as Environmental Educators Joyce Michelstetter and Mimi Norman host a special meet-and-greet with the center’s turtle ambassadors. Learn about the unique characteristics of each species and how they’re cared for, get a hands-on experience with the shelled stars, take a photo and create a turtle craft to take home. This indoor program is designed for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult, and each child and adult require a ticket.
Dance, jump and more
Kid Boogie Down’s Taylor Swift Party
The Cooperage
March 14
Are you a diehard Swiftie? The Eras Tour is over, but relive the magic and music with us by dressing up in your favorite Eras outfit as you dance and sing along to your favorite T-Swift tunes. This live music/video show by DJ Lukewarm includes lights, lasers, bubbles and more, and Sugar Spun will be on-site with delicious fresh spun all natural cotton candy available for purchase.
First Stage presents Julius Caesar
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
March 13-22
Beware the Ides of March! Fresh from a victory over his rival Pompey, Caesar basks in his newfound power, celebrated by the people of Rome. But not everyone is cheering. Some fear he is becoming powerful enough to end the Roman Republic and crown himself king. Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller comes to life in a story of loyalty, betrayal, honor, conspiracies and the price of ambition.
Sunday Funday
Sky Zone | Greenfield
March 15 | Noon-8 p.m.
Make your Sunday a fun day with this offer that gives a family of four 60-minute jumps, a large pizza and a pitcher of soda for just $79.99 (additional jumpers are $9.99 each). Sky Socks are not included and must be worn to jump. Discounted additional jumper tickets can only be purchased in-park. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Family Fun Day
Slingshot Bar | West Allis
March 15 | 11 a.m.- 2p.m.
Get ready for an afternoon of luck, laughs and launches at this FREE Family Fun Day that doubles as a St. Patrick’s Day party! Enjoy shamrock hopscotch, rubber chicken finger slingshots, a St. Paddy’s photo opp, a scavenger hunt and a noontime performance from the McNamara McCarthy School of Irish Dance.
Milwaukee Railroad Club’s Toy Train and Collectible Show
New Berlin Ale House
March 15
Buy, sell and trade toy trains and other collectibles at this event featuring new and used models. Find the exact thing you need to complete your own set, and then visit the Milwaukee Railroad Club’s home located just around the back of the building.