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
Trainfest
Baird Center
Nov. 7-8
Trainfest is one of the largest model railroad shows in the country, bringing together thousands of model railroading enthusiasts, families and hobbyists for a weekend of immersive displays and hands-on fun. You can check out dozens of major model railroad manufacturers, 50+ operating model train displays in many different sizes and scales, interactive exhibits and a free riding train for kids.
Walk with the animals
Family Free Day
Milwaukee County Zoo
Nov. 7 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in November for a special visit to the zoo, where all guests receive free admission! Take in sights like the North American river otters or stop by Penguins of the Pacific to visit the Humboldt penguins. Please remember that parking and regular attraction fees still apply.
Xtreme Raptor Day
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Bayside
Nov. 7 | 1-2 p.m.
Walk the trails for up-close encounters with Schlitz’s resident raptors, including owls, hawks, falcons and eagles. Learn about each species, participate in bird-themed crafts and activities, and have your picture taken with your favorite raptor!
Time to play
Family Hours
Up-Down MKE
Nov. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s another all-ages session in the arcade, giving families the chance to play games and spend time together before the bar switches back to 21+ for the afternoon. Enjoy pizza by the slice, soda and other kid-friendly drinks, plus other beverages for guests 21 and over. It’s a simple way to enjoy the arcade in a different setting and make a morning or early afternoon out of it. Please note: Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older
MYSO’s Play Your Part Community Concert
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts | Brookfield
Nov. 7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Bring the family to a free, family-friendly open house featuring live performances by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s young musicians. Free parking and food trucks will be available. Come anytime, stay as long as you like, and discover music opportunities for kids of all ages and experience levels.
Feeling heroic?
MKE REC’s Mother & Son Superhero Night
Hamilton High School
Nov. 7 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the world’s greatest superheroes (moms!) at Milwaukee Recreation’s annual event geared toward kids ages 1-8 years old. Swoop in for an evening of superhero training activities, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, games, a costume contest and more.
Milwaukee Anime-Fest
Royle Hotel
Nov. 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This anime convention is striving to be Wisconsin’s best and truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. Exhibitors will cater to a wide spectrum of interests, including comic books, anime candy, toys, video games, anime manga, cosplay and more.
Get down to business
Kidpreneur Fair
Cloud 9 Workshop
Nov. 7 | 9-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m.
Shop, explore and support young entrepreneurs! Kids in 1st–12th grade will be selling their products, sharing their ideas and bringing their inventions to life. It’s a fun opportunity to discover creative products while encouraging and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Taste of Stallis
West Allis
Through Nov. 7
Taste of Stallis is a celebration of the local food scene, from cafes and sweet shops to fast-casual and fine dining. Each location offers a special Taste of Stallis deal all week long, giving everyone the chance to support the local community and explore all the flavors West Allis has to offer.
Sensory-friendly events
- Harley-Davidson Museum (Nov. 7): In addition to having a reduced capacity, exhibits will be modified with reduced sound and lighting, there will be a designated quiet space, and a variety of creative stations will be set up on the lower level.
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (Nov. 7): Families can enjoy access to the museum in a reduced-stimulus environment with lower noise levels and a calmer atmosphere.
- Reel Movies for Reel Needs at Marcus Theatres (Nov. 7): On Saturday mornings, select Marcus Theatres host Reel Movies for Real Needs, screenings of first-run hit movies in an auditorium with lower sound and brighter, gentle lighting. Showing this Saturday: The Cat in the Hat.