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
Wisconsin State Fair
Aug. 6-16
Beginning this Thursday, the Wisconsin State Fair has everything for the whole family to enjoy, from the famous pig races and giant slide to just about every conceivable food on a stick. There’s also livestock, games, rides, and nearly every facet of Wisconsin culture celebrated all in one place. Here’s your guide to attending the Wisconsin State Fair with kids.
Art in the spotlight
ArtBlaze
South Shore Beach
Aug. 6 | 4-9 p.m.
It’s the second installment of this waterfront series that features this year’s new giant inflatable sculpture by Milwaukee’s FuzzPop Workshop, plus live music from Tlalok at 4 p.m., Shadi at 6 p.m. and El Sebas capping the night at 8 p.m. You can also enjoy dance performances, wellness activities, interactive art experiences, food vendors, waterside s’mores and more.
Third Ward Moon Festival
Catalano Square Park
Aug. 7-9
This three-day event features live entertainment and Museum of the Moon, a breathtaking illuminated installation suspended above the Catalano Square fountain. Saturday will have a full day of family-friendly programming, including music from Radio Milwaukee’s DJ Dori Zori, face painting, art experiences and more.
Play the day away
Sunday Family Fun Day
Northwestern Mutual Community Park
Aug. 9 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This popular family-friendly series continues with August’s theme of STEM, featuring special interactive activities throughout the day. Be curious, experiment and discover as you interact with groups like Club SciKidz, Gearbox Labs, Mad Science and Mathnasium. There will also be face painting, balloon art, magic, the Lakefront Festival Market, treats and more.
Sesame Street Day
American Family Field
Aug. 9 | 1 p.m.
Bring the whole family for a day of fun with your favorite Sesame Street characters as the Brewers take on the Minnesota Twins. Make sure to pick up the special ticket package so you can take home a Brewers-themed Oscar the Grouch bobblehead!
Falls Kids Festival
Menomonee Falls
Aug. 8 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This fun-filled day includes a headline act by Disney Channel’s Imagination Movers, bounce houses, fire-truck tours, a children’s entrepreneur market, face painting, games and prizes, a root beer garden and more. The first 300 kids will receive a free tote bag.
Nature and history
Free Trails Day
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
Aug. 8 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Trail fees are waived on this day, giving the chance to cover as much as the 10 miles of trails as you can! Stop at the Visitor Center to learn about Riveredge and the different sights you can see, or just head straight out on your own. You can also join the welcome hike at 2 p.m. to learn more about Riveredge Nature Center’s history, membership benefits and more.
We the People Community Day
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Aug. 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of “We the People: Milwaukee Stories of Immigration, Citizenship, and Community” exhibit at this free community event. Explore the new exhibit, enjoy live performances, try your hand at crafts and activities for all ages, and grab a bite from local food trucks as we come together to celebrate the stories that shape Milwaukee.
Smokey Bear Birthday Celebration
Havenwoods State Forest
Aug. 8 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Come to this celebration for your chance to wish the guest of honor a bear-y happy 82nd birthday! Learn about his timeless message of fire safety and land stewardship, plus enjoy birthday cake (while supplies last), crafts, stories and a campfire safety demonstration.
Summer movies
- Aug. 6: Oak Creek — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie starts at 7 p.m. in Drexel Town Square.
- Aug. 6: Oconomowoc — Live-action Lilo & Stitch starts just after dusk, following family-friendly activities at 5 p.m. and a water ski show at 7 p.m.
- Aug. 7: Elm Grove — Zootopia 2 begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Elm Grove Village Park Pavilion.
- Aug. 8: Greenfield — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie starts at dusk at The AMP in Konkel Park.