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 pick
China Lights
Boerner Botanical Gardens | Hales Corners
Sept. 11-Nov. 1
It’s the ninth year for this annual illuminated event at Boerner Botanical Gardens, and the theme for 2026 is “Legends Come Alive!” Don’t miss your chance to journey through ancient Chinese traditions, enchanted oceans and fantasy realms brought to life in an experience featuring more than 40 handcrafted, lantern-inspired displays.
Fun at the fests
Silver City Fest
35th & Pierce streets
Sept. 12 | Noon-5 p.m.
The festival moves to Pierce Street this year, creating a new gathering space while keeping the heart of the festival exactly where it belongs: in the Silver City neighborhood. Join your neighbors from across Milwaukee as we celebrate everything that makes this community vibrant while supporting local businesses, artists and vendors.
Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin
Henry Maier Festival Park
Sept. 12 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
The 13th annual festival once again celebrates the rich culture and proud heritage of Puerto Rico, bringing the community together to experience the best of music, dance, food and traditions. Come enjoy the island's vibrant culture and celebrate its bright future.
TosaFest
Wauwatosa
Sept. 11-12
This year’s event doubles as a 50th birthday party for the festival, featuring live music on three stages, five beer gardens, a food court, a vendor market, Oktoberfest with Draft & Vessel and a kids zone with inflatable games.
A faire and Ferraris
Old Falls Renaissance Faire
Old Falls Village Park | Menomonee Falls
Sept. 12-13
Prepare to be transported back to the days of King James VI of Scotland (aka King James I of England) as the park transforms into a bustling marketplace filled with live entertainment, interactive activities and cultural experiences inspired by the Renaissance period. Highlights include live acts and music, jousting, sword fighting, archery, unicorn rides, a scavenger hunt and other kids’ activities.
Ferrari Challenge
Road America | Plymouth
Sept. 12-13
Now in its 33rd season, the Ferrari Challenge is one of the world’s premier customer racing championships. Road America hosts the penultimate event of the 2026 season, with every lap and every championship point crucial as drivers battle for position heading into Ferrari’s global season finale. In addition to the racing, fans will experience incredible sights and sounds that include open paddock access and the rare opportunity to get closer than ever to one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.
Press play
Family Hours
Up-Down MKE
Sept. 13 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The doors are open to all ages, giving families a chance to play games and spend time together as they enjoy pizza by the slice, soda and other kid-friendly drinks. It’s a simple way to enjoy the arcade in a different setting and make a morning or early afternoon out of it. Note: Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older.
Sunday Family Fun Day
Northwestern Mutual Community Park
Sept. 13 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This month’s theme is the performing arts — a celebration of music, dance and creative expression featuring local arts groups. Enjoy performances from the Milwaukee Ballet, Kid Boogie Down and more while you grab a bite to eat from one of the many food-and-beverage vendors on hand.
Free Movie Night
The Argo | Whitefish Bay
Sept. 11
Follow the yellow brick road to a free screening of the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz, introduced by Oz historian Ryan Jay from TMJ4's The Morning Blend. The restaurant and lounge open at 4 p.m. so you can enjoy food, cocktails and more, with the movie getting underway at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome, but kids must be supervised.
Hands-on activities
Bug Day
Wehr Nature Center | Franklin
Sept. 13 | Noon-4 p.m.
Creep, crawl and flutter your way to fun at the 20th Anniversary of Wehr’s Bug Day! Meet amazing bugs from all over the world, try a chocolate-covered bug snack, enjoy insect-themed games and hands-on fun, go on a bug discovery walk, talk to an entomologist and more!
Back to School Bash
Cloud 9 Workshop
Sept. 12 | 9 a.m.-noon
Cloud 9 is kicking off the school year with a free celebration featuring prizes, tasty treats, a scavenger hunt, a make-n-take project, back-to-school art supplies and new adventure kits. If you’ve ever wondered what Cloud 9 is all about, this is the perfect time to check it out.