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
Cool Waters Aquatic Center: Opening Weekend
Greenfield Park | West Allis
June 13
This public outdoor swimming pool in West Allis’ Greenfield Park features water slides, zero-depth entry, and water obstacles like logs and lily pads. And it all opens for the season this Saturday!
Fest it up
HartFest
Hart Park | Wauwatosa
June 12-14
The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary year, and you can join the party headlined by legendary Milwaukee bands The Gufs and The LoveMonkeys, plus more of the area’s best live artists. You can also chow down on the fourth annual Bunzel's BBQ Cook-Off and tasting, food trucks and more at this FREE festival, with all proceeds benefitting local causes.
Tosa Greek Fest
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church | Wauwatosa
June 12-14
Tosa Greek Fest is throwing its 57th annual event this weekend, giving you the chance to experience authentic Greek cuisine like gyros, souvlaki, lamb, spanakopita, Greek wine and freshly baked baklava. While you satisfy your appetite, you can also enjoy Greek traditions, Greek culture, live entertainment from The Greek Keyz and more.
Polish Fest
Henry Maier Festival Park
June 12-14
America’s Largest Polish Festival returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront with celebrations of culture, food, music and traditions. This vibrant weekend is filled with live entertainment, Polish and American cuisine, cultural exhibits, shopping and family-friendly activities, all at the Summerfest grounds on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Lakefront Festival of Art
Milwaukee Art Museum
June 12-14
Each year, the museum grounds transform into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring 145 juried artists from across the country, live music in the air, and food and drinks to enjoy along the way. It’s a celebration of art and creativity set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Come ready to meet artists, hear their stories and discover work across painting, jewelry, ceramics, glass and more. Whether you plan your route or wander as you go, there’s something new around every corner.
Animals and more outdoor fun
Turtle Fest
Discovery World
June 12-14
Join this three-day shellabration of Discovery World’s most charismatic residents. Get to know the organization’s amazing turtles, make wearable turtle projects, join turtle enrichment presentations from Discovery World’s aquarists and local wildlife experts, enjoy animal encounters, catch a turtle feeding and meet some cool friends from partner organizations.
The Big Picnic
Milwaukee Public Market
June 14 | Noon-3 p.m.
Enjoy a free community picnic along the river that doubles as a feel-good summer gathering designed to bring Milwaukee together in one shared space. Whether you come with a group or arrive solo, this is a place to connect, meet new people and be part of our community. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic meal from home, market vendors or nearby food trucks while you listen to a live DJ, play lawn games, get your face painted and more!
Milwaukee Public Museum’s BioBlitz
Wehr Nature Center | Frankline
June 13 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The museum’s 11th annual BioBlitz is a 24-hour celebration of biodiversity in which scientists work together to see how many species of plants and animals they can find in one area. While the scientists are in the field, local organizations will offer hands-on activities and in-person programs.
Free outdoor movies
- June 11: GOAT at Fowler Lake Park in Oconomowoc, plus a performance by the Badgerland Water Ski Show Team.
- June 12: Zootopia at LaFollette Park in West Allis. Yard games and activities start at 6 p.m., snacks will be available for sale, and the movie begins at dusk.
- June 12: Lilo & Stitch at Village Park Pavilion in Elm Grove.
- June 12: How to Train Your Dragon at Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek.
- June 13: Lilo & Stitch at the AMP in Konkel Park in Greenfield.
- June 13: Captain America: Brave New World at Veterans Park outside Gift of Wings, plus hot food and drink offerings (popcorn is only $1).