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
Rainbow Summer Family Day
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
July 18 | Noon-11 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of free family-friendly activities, including giant lawn games, bubbles, a rainbow piano, First Stage workshops, storytime, bounce houses, henna tattoos and a gaming hub. Plus, there will be high-energy performances from Kid Boogie Down, the Milwaukee Ballet, Black Arts MKE, TrueSkool, School of Rock and CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band.
Culture and cuisine
Riverwest Blueberry Fest
808 E. Chambers St. | Milwaukee
July 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
It’s the second year for this neighborhood event celebrating all things blueberry. Pick up berries picked fresh from a local orchard, try a custom brew from Amorphic Beer, and explore all kinds of sweet and savory blueberry goodies. You can also browse 65+ local vendors, listen to live music, try your hand at craft and activity stations, get your face painted and more!
OnMilwaukee Taco Fest
Bavarian Bierhaus | Glendale
July 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This free event brings together some of the area’s favorite taco trucks, plus a little something extra from the hosts at Bavarian Bierhaus, who will offer a pig roast to enjoy. You’ll also find a mercado, games, activities for the whole family and a World Cup watch party as France take on England.
Frida Fest
The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall
July 18-19
Celebrate the life and artwork of Frida Khalo, as well as her impact on culture, at this event that promotes artists in Southeastern Wisconsin. This two-day interactive cultural art festival includes interactive exhibits, local vendors, live music, food trucks, a poetry slam and a Frida Khalo lookalike contest.
African Cultural Festival
Brown Deer Park
July 18 | 1-8 p.m.
It’s a day filled with culture, music, food, dance, vendors, family activities and community celebration. Take in traditional African music and dance, get a taste of authentic African cuisine, shop at the Souk (marketplace), check out art exhibits and craft vendors, learn at cultural education booths, and enjoy live entertainment at this family-friendly event.
Falls Lavender Fest
Village Park | Menomonee Falls
July 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The sixth annual festival will be another day of enchantment, vibrant festivities and delightful surprises. Six Wisconsin lavender farms will take center stage as part of an event that includes more than 140 vendors offering art, jewelry, bath and body products, clothing, and food and drink. Grownups can unwind and relax at the beer garden while the little ones cool off and have a blast in the Kidzone, plus you’ll find talented musicians and performers throughout the day.
Moose tracks and mud
Free Ice Cream!
Pere Marquette Park
July 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The largest ice cream social in Milwaukee will serve up 10,000 free scoops of Kemps Moose Tracks ice cream. For every scoop served, $1 will go to Hunger Task Force to feed people in need throughout Wisconsin. There will also be games and a few surprise local celebrities!
Dirty Ninja Mud Run For Kids
Regner Park | West Bend
July 18
Get ready for the ultimate outdoor obstacle course equipped with mud pits, climbing and crawling elements, and a water slide! Kids age 4-15 are welcome to take part, with the course length adjusted for each age group. They’ll get a custom headband and t-shirt, plus a coupon for lunch when they’re done running and mudding.
Play time
Sunday Family Fun Day
Northwestern Mutual Community Park
July 19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This popular event series features interactive activities, performances and free play in an inclusive and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities. This month’s theme is Family Health & Wellness, which will include plenty of family-friendly fun, local vendors, live entertainment, and delicious food and drinks.
Paw Patrol Day
American Family Field
July 19 | 1 p.m.
When the Brewers take on the Marlins, some special guests will be in attendance: everyone’s favorite rescue pups! Expect kid-friendly activities, your choice of a Chase or Marshall lunchbox (or a donation to our community’s first responders), and appearances inspired by the four-legged heroes of Adventure Bay.
Movie Night
Davidson Park
July 17 | 6 p.m.
Gather your family, friends and neighbors for a cozy evening under the stars at Davidson Park. Grab complimentary popcorn starting at 6 p.m., plus beverages available for purchase from the 1903 Tavern before the movie begins at 6:30 p.m.