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.
Time to get outside
MKE Traveling Beer Garden
Wilson Park
Now through May 25
The Traveling Beer Garden is officially open! Raise a glass to a beautiful spring and summer as the tour kicks off at Wilson Park (5-9 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends). Grab a beverage of your choice, including plenty of N/A options, and enjoy music from Kevin Farinelli (May 15) and Chuck Gaidish (May 16). Plus you can visit with partners like ALT Dog Run, Betos Tacos and Potatoes, and Art & Hops Night Market.
Festival of Flowers
Riverwalk Commons
May 16
This free celebration transforms Riverwalk Commons into a vibrant, flower-filled experience to welcome spring in full bloom. Don’t miss a beautiful flower display created by the Botanical Collective, then explore a pop-up outdoor flower market featuring local vendors selling fresh flowers, flower art and more. You can also connect with local nonprofits, enjoy live music, paint a pot, get a temporary flower tattoo, take a yoga class, and enjoy seasonal food and drinks.
On a roll
Milwaukee Auto Show
Wisconsin State Fair Park
May 14-17
New location, bigger show, same love for the road. The Milwaukee Auto Show at Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center features more than 25 different brands, multiple test-drive opportunities and activities for the whole family, including an EV Test Drive Track that lets kids get behind the wheel of a vehicle that’s just their size.
Big Truck Day
Red Arrow Park
May 16 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Get up close with big trucks and equipment from Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Library and County Transit System. Family fun includes goodie bags and giveaways; face painting, crafts and bubble play; live music and food trucks; a book sale; and a character meet-and-greet. There will also be a sensory-friendly hour (no horns or sirens) from 1-2 p.m.
Spring Vintage Weekend
Road America | Plymouth
May 15-17
Racing’s glorious past comes to life as the Spring Vintage Weekend with SVRA returns to Road America. The season kick-off event will showcase all the sights and sounds from motorsport’s pioneering age to modern-era racecars. The event’s packed schedule includes races featuring cars spanning several decades, many of which previously competed at Le Mans and the Indy 500.
Learn a little something
Mobilab Exhibit Opens
Discovery World
Now through Sept. 6
Mobilab lets young builders explore the science of motion through trial, error, and tons of hands‑on fun. In this new, interactive traveling exhibit, kids can design, build and test toy vehicles while exploring concepts like motion, friction and gravity. Discovery World members get a sneak peek at the exhibit during Friday’s Member Appreciation event.
Free Class Day
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
May 17 | Noon-3:30 p.m.
Join Milwaukee Rep’s School of Theater for this special day presented in partnership with First Stage Theater Academy. Get a sneak peek and try free classes from two summer camps in one location. Explore theater activities that strengthen your actor’s toolbox of voice, body and imagination, plus try your hand at jewelry making and makeup design. Parents don’t attend the sessions but are welcome to stick around and talk to staff about everything the organizations have to offer this summer.
Girls Can Fly Day
Hartford Municipal Airport
May 16 | 10 a.m.-Noon
Join the 7th annual Girls Can Fly Day hosted by the SE Wisconsin Chapter of Women in Aviation. This free event is open to all and invites attendees to check out several airplanes up close, sit inside, try out a flight simulator and tons of other aviation activities, and enjoy a light lunch at the end of the program.
Dinos and ogres
Jurassic Journey
Waukesha County Expo Center
Weekends through May 25
Step into the Midwest's largest animatronic dinosaur collection, featuring more than 60 life-size dinosaurs, including the “World’s Largest T-Rex” that stretches over 40 feet long. You’ll be able to wander through prehistoric landscapes, dig for fossils and gems, discover ancient creatures, enjoy live presentations, and even meet a dinosaur during your visit!
Shrek
Marcus Theatres
Oriental Theatre
May 14-21
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of everyone’s favorite green ogre by watching it at a Marcus Theatres location (May 14) or the Oriental Theatre (May 15-21). Whether you’ve seen it a million times or are seeing it for the first time, you can go on a mission with Shrek and Donkey to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon.
Play and party
Milwaukee Milkmen Opening Homestand
Franklin Field
May 15-17
The Milwaukee Milkmen are set to open the season with a three-game homestand packed with fireworks, theme nights, family entertainment and affordable summer fun. Known for their “Udderly Different” gameday experience, the Milkmen deliver one of the region’s most unique and fan-friendly entertainment options, combining professional baseball with interactive promotions, themed entertainment, free parking and a welcoming neighborhood ballpark atmosphere.
MKE With Kids Birthday Bash & Expo
Jewish Community Center | Whitefish Bay
May 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
MKE With Kids is turning 13 and wants you to celebrate at this free event! Come to the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and enjoy a kid-friendly dance party with Kid Boogie Down, open play in the World of Wow and a bouncy house, hands-on family activities and birthday vendors showcasing party services, treats and more!