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.
Stage and screen
Rated K: For Kids
Milwaukee Film Festival
April 18-29
Set to light up the screens of the Oriental and Downer Theatres, the 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival starts this weekend! The “Rated K: For Kids” program is a family-friendly lineup of award-winning feature-length and short films from around the world, curated especially for ages 3-12.
Riverdance: The New Generation
Uihlein Hall
April 17-18
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Riverdance embarks on a special tour that revitalizes the beloved original production with new choreography and costumes, plus state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. This milestone tour also introduces “The New Generation” of performers — artists who weren’t yet born when the show first premiered.
Creatures and critters
Kids Night Out
Wisconsin Humane Society | Milwaukee Campus
April 17 | 5-7 p.m.
What better way to end the week than by making friends with other animal enthusiasts and meeting animal guests? Kids Night Out is for kids in grades 1-6 and provides an opportunity for parents or guardians to enjoy a Friday evening to themselves while the kids have an awesome time at WHS. Themes and crafts are always changing, so even if you’ve attended before, there will be something new to enjoy!
Milwaukee Youth Spring Fishing Clinics
Various locations
April 18 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Family-oriented clinics at multiple Milwaukee County Park locations (Brown Deer Park, Dineen Park, Greenfield Park, McCarty Park, Mitchell Park, Sheridan Park, Scout Lake) will provide free beginner fishing lessons, discuss how to stay safe around the water, and offer fun activities, games and prizes for kids ages 15 and under. Clinics begin every hour at 9 a.m., with the last clinic starting at 2 p.m. All locations are accessible to youths of any ability.
Morning Bird Hike
Retzer Nature Center | Waukesha
April 17 | 7-8:30 a.m.
With 300+ species and 70+ eBird hotspots, Waukesha County is a birder’s dream! Join the Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club to see how many different types of birds you can find on an easy, 1.5-mile walk. The hike is designed for those ages 8+ and all birding skill levels are welcome.
Family Frog Frolic
Wehr Nature Center | Franklin
April 18 | 6:30-8:30 a.m.
Calling all frog lovers! Hop over to Wehr Nature Center and celebrate spring with these amazing amphibians. You’ll meet some Wisconsin amphibians up close and then stroll to the center’s vernal pond to listen for the sweet sound of frogs chorusing. Recommended for families with children ages 5 and older. Online registration is required two days before the program.
Arts and artists
Milwaukee Zine Fest
Milwaukee Central Library
April 18 | 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Founded in 2008, MZF is an annual explosion of zine-focused wonder in the form of a boisterous festival featuring over 100 vendors from across the country. It’s always free to attend and always super fun for all ages. The single day event is packed with opportunities to explore and purchase various forms of DIY and independent publishing presented by diverse artists, writers, illustrators, photographers, poets and more!
Art Exploration Fair
Charles Allis Art Museum
April 18 | 1-4 p.m.
Join MIAD exhibiting artists to discover new creative materials and processes in this hands-on art fair at the Charles Allis Art Museum. Artists will walk participants through their creative methods and guide guests in short tutorials at their station. Experiment with mixed media drawing, conservation painting, sewing and fabric arts, writing and archiving, and more!
Trucks and trains
Touch-a-Truck Day
University School of Milwaukee
April 18 | 9-11 a.m.
Take a closer look at a fire truck, dump truck, snow plow, school bus, Zamboni and more! Trucks will be parked in the preschool parking lot. Families should park in the front circle or near the Lower School entrance.
Opening Weekend
East Troy Railroad
April 18
The green grass and warmer weather can only mean one thing: Historic trolley rides packed with fun are returning to East Troy! After a long winter break, the summer season begins this Saturday, allowing you to take a journey back over 100 years along the 7-mile East Troy Electric Railroad. Hop on board, get your tickets punched, and enjoy stories from the conductor as the motorman operates the restored trolley down the rails.