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 events
Wheels & Water
Discovery World
Aug. 23 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
See the incredible machines our city needs to thrive and meet the teams that operate them. Participants include Bell Ambulance, Midwest Refrigerated Services, Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee Police Department Mounted Patrol and more. Admission is required if you plan to visit the exhibits.
Food and music
A La Carte at the Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo
Aug. 20-23
Back for its 40th year, this Milwaukee tradition makes the Milwaukee County Zoo come alive with music, food and fun. It features four days of national headliners, local and regional entertainment across six stages, food from more than 30 popular Milwaukee restaurants and, of course, animals!
ArtBlaze
McKinley Beach
Aug. 20 | 4-9 p.m.
The final ArtBlaze event of the summer will bring giant inflatable sculptures, live music, dance performances, wellness activities, interactive art experiences and more to McKinley Beach. This Thursday’s lineup includes Barefoot Mike, MKE Yoga Social, The Quilz, Xalaat Africa Drum & Dance and Fuzzy Surf.
Mexican Fiesta
Henry Maier Festival Park
Aug. 21-23
The sound, culture and taste of México comes to Milwaukee’s lakefront in the form of three days of fun, food, Mariachi and Fiesta for everyone. Sample some wines, browse through art, participate in fun games and activities, listen and dance to live music, and chow down on some tacos and other cultural cuisine.
Kid Boogie Down’s Let’s Glow Crazy
The Argo | Whitefish Bay
Aug. 21 | 6 p.m.
Music lovers of all ages can boogie down in a bubble storm while listening to their favorite tunes synced with matching music videos. Need a break from the dance floor? Make bead creations by Brush Box, purchase delicious eats from the Argo menu, stop at the free temporary tattoo station and end on a sweet note from Pete's Pops.
Fun and games
AVCA First Serve
Fiserv Forum
Aug. 21-24
Enjoy family fun while watching some of the nation’s best collegiate volleyball teams battle it out over four days. Wisconsin and the other four 2025 NCAA Championship semifinalists will all compete, along with a hand-picked selection of squads that includes Marquette.
Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Cleburne Railroaders
Franklin Field
Aug. 21-23
The Railroaders roll into town for a three-game weekend packed with fireworks, giveaways, live music and one big fan appreciation night. The pyrotechnics happen Friday night, followed by Margaritaville Night with exclusive giveaways on Saturday, and Fan Appreciation Day with a Helicopter Candy Drop and BoVine Bobblehead Giveaway on Sunday.
Summer movies
- Aug. 20: Village Park in Menomonee Falls will show Wicked at dusk. Plus, starting at 6 p.m., there will be live music, lawn games, free youth T-shirts (while supplies last), a beer and wine garden for adults, kid-friendly food trucks and more.
- Aug. 21: Davidson Park will screen Zootopia 2 at 6:30 p.m., but make sure to arrive early so you can snag the perfect viewing spot, explore the H-D Moto Lab (open at 5:30 p.m.), enjoy complimentary popcorn (6 p.m.) or pick up some grub from one of the food trucks.
- Aug. 21: Gazebo Park in Greendale levels up with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at dusk, plus hot food and cold beverages for sale from Gift of Wings, and popcorn for just $1.
- Aug. 22: Veterans Park will turn prehistoric as Jurassic World: Rebirth begins at dusk. Gift of Wings will be offering food and drinks at this one as well, along with their $1 popcorn deal.