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.
Featured event
Milwaukee Ballet: ALICE (in wonderland)
Marcus Performance Arts Center
May 1-10
Fall down the rabbit hole into an explosion of color that propels audiences into a vibrant world of larger-than-life characters. The Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and many more will carry audiences on a high-energy journey through the nonsensical Wonderland, featuring dance, circus, theater, puppetry and students from the Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy alongside the Milwaukee Ballet’s full professional company.
Museums and movies
Streets Alive! (final event)
Milwaukee Public Museum
May 2 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Milwaukee's history comes to life as docents in period wardrobe take to the beloved Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit to share stories about life and work in Cream City around the early 1900s. Visitors can chat with a pharmacist, a maid from the Pfister Hotel, a tavern owner, a trolley conductor and others. Enjoy a special performance by the Easy Days Barbershop Quartet from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. And just a reminder: Streets of Old Milwaukee will remain open for all of 2026.
Reel Movies for Real Needs
Select Marcus Theatres
May 2
On Saturday morning, select Marcus Theatres will host sensory-friendly screenings of the new release Animal Farm in an auditorium with lower sound and brighter, gentle lighting. Individuals with autism, ADHD or Down Syndrome, as well as those affected by other sensory issues are provided a safe, relaxing, and inclusive environment to build memories with friends, family and caretakers while sharing the joy community movie-watching brings.
Climbs and critters
Tree Climbing Festival
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
May 2 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Everyone ages 7 and up are invited to encounter the giants of the forest and explore trees from a new perspective as you climb into the canopy under the guidance of trained facilitators. Ascend to the top, swing from a branch or try a “bat hang” during your 20 minutes of climb time. There will also be a scavenger hunt along the trails, a naturalist-led nature investigation and access to picnic areas for lunch (please pack a lunch and be mindful of single-use plastic waste). Registration is highly encouraged.
HAWSfest
Waukesha Expo Center
May 2 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
It’s the 43rd annual spring event that puts pets in the spotlight with activities, food, beverages, tons of vendors and more — all while raising funds for the Humane Animal Welfare Society. Admission is free, parking is free, and (new for this year) the first 100 people will receive a special swag bag.
It’s playtime
MKE REC’s Dia del Niño Celebration
South Division High School
May 2 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join Milwaukee Recreation staff as they lead a variety of games for young people during this general day of play. Local vendors will also be on site to provide exciting enrichment activities, including arts and crafts from Artists Working in Education, and fun science experiments with Mad Science while supplies last. This event is free, but ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Please note: gym-friendly shoes are required (no boots or heels).
Margie’s Garden (opening weekend)
Boerner Botanical Gardens | Hales Corners
May 1-Oct. 31 | Open daily at 9 a.m.
Pass through the gate and explore a garden unlike any other. Wander its winding paths surrounded by larger-than-life flowers and garden creatures. Sit in the bird's nest and play in the enchanted village. Sing the ABCs in the alphabet garden and seek out your favorite number in the numbers garden. Take a ride down the slides and play the sound makers in the pollinator garden. Discover these magical moments and more with family and friends!
Celebrating our history
Old Falls Revolutionary War Days
Old Falls Village Park | Menomonee Falls
May 2-3
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, you can experience Revolutionary War reenactors bringing early America to life through battles, weapon demonstrations, clothing and uniform presentations, and more. Explore army encampments, chat with soldiers and their wives, enjoy entertainment and music, and grab some great food while relaxing in the beer garden.
Family Generations Expo
Oak Creek Community Center
May 2 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Designed to bring together grandparents, parents and children, this free community event offers trivia, bingo, prize drawings, games, a dress-up photo booth, bracelet making, a Family Fun Park and more. Advance registration encouraged.
Something in store
Blain’s Fest 2026
Various locations
May 1-3
Blain’s Farm & Fleet is bringing neighbors together at all of its store locations for a three-day event celebrating everything outdoors, with fun, savings and activities for the whole family. The fest features more than $100,000 in prizes, free daily giveaways, kids workshops, a photo booth and more.
Florence Eiseman Warehouse Sale
1966 S. 4th St.
May 1-2
The Florence Eiseman Warehouse Sale has been a tradition for decades, and it’s back for another year. Thousands of garments are being prepared for the event so you can shop the quality selection you’ve come to expect, but at warehouse sale prices. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to register in advance.
Spring Train Jamboree
Shady Lane Greenhouse | Menomonee Falls
May 2 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Come and see the Midwest’s largest G-scale train, with 16 tracks stretching over 2,000 feet through mountains, tunnels and scenes of the American Southwest. In addition to the in-house railroad, you can enjoy music, entertainment and activities for all ages, plus food and beverages available for purchase from local Scouts.