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
Milwaukee Public Market Harvest Festival
Riverwalk Commons
Oct. 10 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The annual celebration of the market’s anniversary features live music, pumpkin painting, make-your-own scarecrows, antique cider presses, pressed apple cider, a harvest market, free samples of Lakefront Brewery Pumpkin Ale tapped straight from a giant pumpkin and more.
More fall fun
MKE REC’s Halloween Glen
Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center
Oct. 10 | 4-9 p.m.
Come to Milwaukee Recreation’s 23-acre nature center as actors present interactive and educational skits at eight decorated stations. Following the hike, families are welcome to participate in a variety of fall-themed activities.
Fall Fest
Bayshore | Glendale
Oct. 10-11
This weekend of family-friendly fun features a Pet Costume Contest at 1 p.m. Saturday, with awards for cutest, funniest, best duo and more. Plus, both days include pumpkin decorating, Kid Zone art projects, face painting, yard games, cider drinks from Mallards and the chance to shop dozens of artists and artisans offering original paintings, jewelry, woodworking, ceramics, spa items and more.
Pumpkin Party
Davidson Park
Oct. 10 | 9 a.m.-noon
Kick off the cozy, colorful fun of autumn with hands‑on activities perfect for kids and adults alike. Come dressed in your favorite costume and trick‑or‑treat your way through the park while enjoying festive food and beverages, music, and plenty of pumpkin‑themed surprises.
Betty BOO’s Spooktacular
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Oct. 10 | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
No need to be afraid at this all-ages event where you can meet real owls from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, learn about bats and nocturnal animals, enjoy Silly Spooky Story Times, join Arts at Large’s Día de los Muertos program, complete a scavenger hunt for a bag of treats, join a costume parade, dance at the Mini Monster Mash and more.
Fun and games
Milwaukee Admirals Home Opener
UWM Panther Arena
Oct. 10 | 6 p.m.
Your hometown hockey team opened the season with a win, and now it’s time to drop the puck at UWM Panther Arena as your Milwaukee Admirals take on the Grand Rapids Griffins. In addition to the action on the ice, all fans get a 2026-27 magnet schedule courtesy of Pepsi.
Comedy for a Cause: 12 Years of KICs
ComedySportz MKE
Oct. 10 | 2-4 p.m.
This family-friendly ComedySportz improv show brings together Kids Impact Community families for an afternoon of laughter while supporting youth service and civic engagement. Pre-show sips and snacks start at 2 p.m., and the show begins at 3 p.m.
Flannel Fest
The Cooperage
Oct. 10 | Noon-10 p.m.
Held in the parking lot between Boone & Crockett and the Cooperage, this festival features national and local artists performing all day long, plus food and beverage vendors, art installations, local makers, family activities, Kid Boogie Down, Division BMX Stunt shows and much more.
Dragons and dinos
China Lights
Boerner Botanical Gardens | Hales Corners
Through 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.
Jurassic Quest
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Oct. 9-11
Get up close with massive, life-size dinosaurs, including a 60-foot Spinosaurus, 80-foot Apatosaurus and gigantic T. rex. Enjoy interactive Raptor Training, baby dinosaur meet-and-greets, dinosaur rides, fossil digs, science activities, crafts, build stations, bounce houses, games and more!
Pages and paint
Winnie The Pooh’s 100th Birthday Party
Wonderland Bookshop | Shorewood
Oct. 10 | 11 a.m.-noon
The “bear of very little brain” is a century old, and Wonderland Bookshop is wishing him many happy returns of the day with a special story time, a birthday card creating and mailing station, Pooh photo opportunities and other festive birthday activities.
Studio Sundays: Día de los Muertos
Milwaukee Art Museum
Oct. 11 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gather with family and friends to celebrate the beauty and tradition of Día de los Muertos. Spend a fun-filled afternoon together enjoying hands-on art activities and performances, adding to a community ofrenda and more.