Family Friendly Festivals and Events Around Milwaukee

Gina I. said:  The fun doesn't stop when the parade ends! Head over to the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center for singing, dancing, Leprechaun Stories, food, and festivities! A tradition that dates almost as far back as the parade, the post-parade party features an assortment of modern and traditional Irish entertainment. So, there is something for everyone. Food and drinks are available for purchase

Cost: $5 for everyone 12+ or $15 per family

1 pm - 6 pm

Kelly R said:  Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Mitchell Park Domes offers a fun exploration of Mexican culture for the whole family! Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors family and friends who have passed away through celebration. They'll have a mariachi band, sugar skull decorating, alters, and beautiful decorations throughout the domes. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about other holidays around the globe! Advance ticket purchase recommended.

6 pm - 9 pm

Molly Weber said:  All ages will marvel at this beautiful set up, with trains running through different parts of a miniature Milwaukee, all winding through the beautiful greenery and various flowers within the dome.

Cost: $5-$8 depending on discounts for residents and students, kids under 6 are free

Shila said:  Bring your big boots and sweet tooth. Begin inside with a story of how maple sugaring may have been discovered. Then travel outside through the stages of making maple syrup, from tapping trees to boiling sap with the sugar farmer at the evaporator. Top the morning off with real maple syrup over silver dollar sized pancakes. Registration required.

Cost: $15 per person for non-members

10 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 3 pm

Shila said:  Dan Jansen Family Fest is a festival with live music & entertainment, Rainbow Valley Rides, games, and great food vendors selling curds, ice cream, hot dogs, burgers & more. All profits go towards funding projects for the City of Greenfield Parks Department.

See website for full schedule

Lisa R said:  Celebrate the start of Kwanzaa with a traditional ceremony at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society. Food and vendors selling items will be on site to add to the festive atmosphere.

6 pm - 9:30 pm

Molly Weber said:  This fun festival is a great way to get outside and enjoy winter! It includes ice skating, sledding, arts and crafts, sled dogs, and homemade pie! If it's too warm for ice skating they have a guided nature walk instead.

Cost: free

10 am - 2 pm

Shila said:  * CANCELLED *

Come out and enjoy learning how to make maple syrup at Washington Park! You'll also get to enjoy pancakes with some homemade maple syrup. Be sure to dress for the weather. Registration required.

Cost: $20 - $28 per adult and accompanied child

* CANCELLED *

1 - 3 pm

Molly Weber said:  The Lynden winter carnival will include art making, studio activities, face painting, poetry reading, Bonsai, scavenger hunts, zine-making, tree and forage walks, and other, weather permitting, activities (ice skating, painting the pond, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing). Your active ones will love the tree climbing demonstration, which will teach proper techniques used by tree climbers.

Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for students, free for kids under 7

10 am - 4 pm

Kelly R said:  Embark on a Halloween-themed hike through a jack-o-lantern lined Enchanted Forest at Wehr Nature Center, where you'll encounter happy ghosts, a silly skeleton, talking animals, and more surprises. Snacks, games, crafts, a magic show, and a fortune teller complete the experience. The event is spooky but not scary. Advance ticket purchase required.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Shila said:  

Celebrate the spring thaw and bring your little ones to learn about maple syrup! The program includes reading a store about maple syrup and going out to look at maple trees. A pancake with real maple syrup will top off your day. Regisration required.

Ages: 2 - 3 years

Cost: $7 - $12 per child

9:30 am – 10:30 am (2 year olds) and 11 am – 12 pm (3 year olds)

This beautiful celebration of Chinese culture, hosted in Boerner Botanical Gardens, features food, performances, sculptures and even a marketplace, transforming the Gardens into an Asian wonderland your kids won't soon forget. The nightly Illumination Parade is the highlight of the event- so don't miss it!

Nightly 5:30 pm - 10 pm

This Fall Festival promises both family fun and the chance for active families to enjoy a fun run together! Expect games, face painting, a bouncy house, live music, a fire pit for s'mores, and much more to keep everyone entertained! If you decide to participate in the 5k there is a chance to win a season lift ticket for this winter for winners in each category of the race!

10 am - 5 pm

This free, family-friendly festival promises a fashion show, great singing, food, and vendors selling African art and crafts. Don't miss this fun event!

11 am - 8 pm

Molly Weber said:  Whether you're a pet owner or simply a pet lover, this is a great event to support a charitable cause and engage with some spectacular animals. There will be live entertainment featuring awesome animal acts, exhibits showcasing adoptable pets, vendors offering the latest and greatest pet products, and educational booths on pet ownership and care. Aside from the furry friends featured in many of the acts, there will be a large reptile display for guests to see and interact with.

Cost: $5 - $7 for adults, and free for kids under 13

10 am - 5 pm