It’s almost time for school to be back in session, but before the kids head back to the classroom, check out these events in the Greater Milwaukee Area.
As parents, from the moment we move past the Fourth of July festivities, it feels like only a hop, skip, and a jump to the end of summer. But even though it’s right around the corner, we aren’t quite there yet, and there’s plenty of time to check out a few events in Milwaukee.
The greater Milwaukee area is home to tons of events (especially in the summer), so there’s something for every family to enjoy. From hands-on art events to delicious treats, and even a few chances to spend some time under the stars, everyone is guaranteed a great time. Read on to check out these nine events in Milwaukee your family is sure to enjoy before summer ends!
When: Thursday, August 14 through Sunday, August 17, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday until 8 p.m.)
Location: Milwaukee County Zoo
Cost: $18 to $21 (free for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members)
Spend some of the last lazy, hazy days of summer with your favorite furry and feathered friends at A La Carte at the Zoo. This annual event at the Milwaukee Zoo is the perfect place for families with kids of all ages to walk around. Enjoy music throughout the zoo, along with a wide variety of food and tasty treats.
When: 8 dates remaining for the summer (Saturday, August 15 through Thursday, September 4)
Location: Deer District (1111 North Phillips Avenue), Davidson Park (3725 West Juneau Avenue), Lake Park (2975 North Lake Park Road), Veterans Park (1010 North Lincoln Memorial Drive)
Cost: Free
Throughout the summer, the Milwaukee area hosts many Family Movie Nights. And even though summer is coming to a close, there are still plenty of chances to catch a show together. A few of the movies you might still see are “Wicked,” “The Princess Bride,” “The Garfield Movie,” or “Shrek.”
When: Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Historical Downtown Menomonee Falls, Main Street
Cost: Free
In the Greater Milwaukee Area, Menomonee Falls is hosting an art-inspired block party just before art class is back in session (for the kiddos). The event features over 100 artisan booths, a chalk art competition, and a kids art zone among several other fun activities. Creativity reigns supreme at this late summer art event.
When: Sunday, August 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Beaulah Brinton Community Center, 2555 S Bay Street
Cost: Free
Speaking of the back-to-school extravaganza that is (nearly) the whole month of August, this event in Milwaukee is getting kids and families excited about heading back to the classroom. There’s a dance party and DJ for the kids, crafts, and even a few school mascots will be there to celebrate too! Convenient parking and a family-friendly atmosphere make this a must-visit event before the end of summer.
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 22, 23 & 24, 12 p.m. to midnight
Location: Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest location)
Cost: Starting at $20 (presale price)
The annual Mexican Fiesta event in Milwaukee is a time-honored tradition exploring the best of Hispanic Heritage. Here, you’ll find incredible food, live music, and a festival that celebrates Hispanic culture and family fun for all. Kids 8 years old and under are always free, and there is a family pack deal available if you’re planning for a group of four!
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 27, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: UW-Milwaukee Planetarium
Cost: Free
Nothing says summer like s’mores and stargazing! Visit UW-Milwaukee and catch a glance at the constellations outside with the use of telescopes or a 15-minute show inside at the planetarium. While you watch the show in the sky, you can also enjoy a free s’mores kit. Kids can also create a craft inside—the family can visit the Student Health and Wellness center to create their own starry mindfulness jar (which might come in handy to help calm nerves before back to school).
Date and Time: Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31
Location: Milton Vrentenar Memorial Park
Cost: Free admission (fees for carnival rides or entering the cornhold tournament)
Come one, come all to the 60th annual St. Francis Days celebration. Here, the entire family can enjoy carnival rides, a parade (on Saturday), live music, and even a Cornhole tournament! The family can also attend a Polka Mass on Sunday, with more music to enjoy and dance along to afterwards.
Date and Time: Daily, beginning at 9 a.m.
Location: Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Boulevard
Cost: Starting at $6 (for kids)
The Botanical Gardens are always a great option to add to your back-to-school bucket list. The current display, “Kinetic Garden,” runs through September 7 and features flowers that have dazzling colors and patterns. The Gardens regularly host story time for younger children every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Date and Time: Thursday, August 21, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: McKinley Beach, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Cost: Free
Joy Engine presents ArtBlaze on the Beach for summer 2025. The art appreciation event features local artists, interactive art, and an all-around great time for the entire family. You’ll also enjoy live music from DJ Luke Warm, NilexNile, and Gemini Gilly.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: 10 things to do in Madison with kids
