Things To Do

Firefly Grove Park

On your way into the heart of Firefly Grove Park, a sweet troll is waiting to meet you. Giant repurposed lamp posts light the way, although a few have gone missing...Mama Rosa will happily give you a whiff of her flowers, although they might not smell as good as you thought they would!

Milwaukee County Zoo

Most days, you must pay an admission fee to visit the city’s zoo, but there are several ‘Family Free Days’ throughout the year to take advantage of! See the Milwaukee County Zoo website for more information. The zoo was founded over 130 years ago, growing from a miniature mammal and bird display in MKE’s Washington Park to the 190-acre site home to over 2,100 animals and 330 species.

Forest Exploration Center

The Forest Exploration Center is an exceptional gem in the heart of Wauwatosa. This 67-acre, mature hardwood forest represents one of the best and last remaining remnants of the southern hardwood forests that once covered southeast Wisconsin. A unique mix of large oak, maple, ash, and basswood trees along with sixteen other species native to the region and a rich understory of wildflowers, the forest provides a diverse habitat for wildlife, including more than 158 species of birds that feed, rest, and nest in the area on an annual basis.​Visitors to the forest experience solitude and passive recreation under the canopy of trees along a one-mile self-guided nature trail. This accessible loop for hiking and nature observation offers all abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in the experience, deepen their understanding of our relationship to forest ecosystems and consider the role each of us play as stewards of these special places.

Hoyt Park

Hoyt Park in Wauwatosa is a the perfect spot for those looking to relax outdoors and those looking to move among nature. The park covers more than 120 acres and includes a tot play area, sand volleyball, soccer fields and picnic areas. The park is also home to TOSA Pool at Hoyt Park and The Landing Beer Garden. Throughout the summer, the park hosts events including outdoor movies, live music, and food trucks, and trivia nights. If you're looking to hike, bike, or take a leisurely stroll, hit the trails at Hoyt Park. The park is home to segments of the Oak Leaf Trail and The Forked Aster Hiking Trail. About 3 miles of trails wind through the woods and offer beautiful views of the park. The trails are easy to navigate and well-maintained. Benches throughout the park provide for breaks and opportunities to enjoy the park's scenery. The Menomonee River runs through the heart of Hoyt Park and makes for great exploration and beautiful vistas any time of the year.

Hart Park

Located in the heart of The Village along the Menomonee River, Hart Park is Wauwatosa's largest park. The 52-acre park has something for everyone and is home to a turf football/soccer field, nature areas/trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, public parking, public restrooms, public track, tennis courts, splash pad, concert stage, skate park, curling, pickleball courts, sand volleyball, and softball diamond.

Hawthorne Glen Park

Hawthorne Glen Park is where native wild animals and plants call home, 25 acres of natural beauty await your exploration. Hawthorne Glen Park isn't just a place; it's an experience. It's where nature lovers come to both learn and play with tons of educational opportunities. Dive into the enchanting world of the Little Nature Museum, where you can immerse yourself in captivating exhibits featuring the best of local flora and fauna. Come on down and get up close with Wisconsin's native critters, from tree frogs to turtles, snakes to our fine feathered friends, including a majestic hawk that's sure to steal the show. Admission is absolutely FREE!

Arté Wine and Painting Studio

Arté Wine and Painting Studio is a paint-and-sip spot perfect for girls' night, date night or family-fun. They offer two ways to paint: register for an instructor-led, step-by-step class or make a table reservation for independent painting. Both classes and sessions include wine, beer, cocktails, and snacks. Arté Wine and Painting Studio offers a unique and creative venue space for art enthusiasts and those seeking a fun-filled experience. The studio provides all the necessary art supplies, including canvases, paints, brushes, and aprons, ensuring a hassle-free painting experience and is led by talented instructors. The studio offers engaging painting classes suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for individuals, groups, or even private events.

First and Bowl

Enjoy delicious drinks and craft beer while you take aim at a rack of bowling pins with a football — also known as football bowling. This game is sure to challenge even the most accurate arm and players will certainly work up an appetite. After your game, kick back and take in the scenery while savoring made-to-order pizzas, chicken wings, or a giant Milwaukee pretzel from the kitchen. Open play is available 7 days a week, and reserved lanes can be booked in advance. We welcome individuals, groups and large parties to come try their luck.

Slick City Action Park

Slick City Wauwatosa is a family amusement center featuring indoor slides and attractions. While our giant slides are a highlight, attractions such as the Sport Air Court and Junior Jungle Gym offer a full day of action for everyone.

Milwaukee County War Memorial Center Field of Flags

The annual Field of Flags at Milwaukee’s War Memorial Center in Veterans Park honors over 27,000 Wisconsin service members killed in action since the Civil War. Displayed annually around Memorial Day, this massive, volunteer-driven exhibit features individual American flags, serving as a solemn, visual tribute to the state's fallen heroes.

Milwaukee Art Museum

You must pay an admission fee to enter the Milwaukee Art Museum’s main exhibit galleries. However, you can still enjoy the stunning architecture of the Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavillion for free! The building, a work of art in itself, sits alongside Lake Michigan, so you can also experience the beautiful views for nothing.

Harley-Davidson Museum®

Discover the culture and history of Harley-Davidson through stories and interactive exhibits at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. On certain Thursday evenings, you can get in free from 5 pm to 9 pm during ‘Bike Night’. Harley-Davidson claims that the museum houses an ‘unrivaled’ collection of motorcycles and memorabilia, as well as shopping and dining experiences. It is a 20-acre, park-like campus and one of MKE’s top tourist attractions!

Milwaukee Public Museum

Lakefront Brewery

Miller Brewery Tour

You can enjoy free guided brewery tours with Miller Brewing to learn about this well-known Milwaukee brand’s history and beer-making process. Tours usually end with a free snifter for those of legal drinking age!

Milwaukee Public Market

If you can resist the temptation to buy something from every vendor, wandering through Milwaukee’s Public Market is free. You can browse what’s available, people-watch to your heart’s content, and soak up the MKE atmosphere. This bustling marketplace has a rich history and is famed for its diverse array of artisanal food vendors.

“Bronze Fonz” by Gerald P. Sawyer

Along Milwaukee’s Riverwalk, you will find the ‘Bronze Fonz’ statue commemorating the iconic character Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli from the TV show ‘Happy Days’, set in MKE. It’s a great pitstop and photo opportunity that costs nothing to do! American artist Gerald P. Sawyer created the public artwork with an inscription showing those who contributed.

Milwaukee RiverWalk | Downtown’s East Bank

Winding through the city’s center, this charming and scenic pedestrian walkway is a great (and free) way to experience Milwaukee. See the public art, various sculptures, and bustling shops and restaurants along the route, spanning over 20 blocks along the Milwaukee River. The beautiful river views provide excellent photo opportunities on your travels to MKE. Explore several neighborhoods on the riverfront, including Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward and the popular Brewers Hill. You could walk the whole walkway in one day or split it over a couple of days, taking your time to soak up the history of this interesting city.

Milwaukee’s Lakefront Parks

Milwaukee has a beautiful lakefront with several parks and beaches for those who want to experience the great outdoors. There are many trails to take, depending on what you like to do in nature. Nature lovers are spoiled for choice! Forked Aster trails are perfect for short, scenic walks. They range from 0.2 to 8 miles, and there are so many to choose from across woodlands, prairie, beaches, and grassland areas. There are many birding trails for bird enthusiasts. Milwaukee County has over 100 bird species, so you’ll see some beautiful specimens. Bradford Beach is a must-visit, especially for those with little ones. Named Wisconsin’s ‘top urban beach’, it is a center for summer fun! You can also watch people playing beach volleyball for free, as the beach has leagues five days a week and rental courts. Veterans Park is a popular attraction, stretching along Lake Michigan’s shore. It has large grassy areas, a 14-acre lagoon with paddle boat rentals, and a paved Oak Leaf Trail section.

Kite Festival at Veterans Park: May 23-24, 2026

Gift of Wings hosts the Annual Family Kite Festival at Milwaukee's Lakefront in Veterans Park. The event, which features giant-sized kites and precision kite-flying, runs May 23 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and May 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Don't miss the Grand Launch of more than 600 kites, professional kite flying, and the Kids Mad Dash! FREE fun for the family -- and FREE parking.

Bay View Gallery Night: May 29, 2026

Bay View Gallery Night returns to Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood on Friday, May 29th, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m., showcasing the area’s creative spirit through a self-guided evening of art, music, food and community. Over 70 local businesses, galleries, studios and pop-up spaces will open their doors to feature local artists, makers and performers, turning the neighborhood into a walkable celebration of creativity. Visitors can explore a range of art exhibits, enjoy live music, shop from local vendors and makers, sample specialty menus at neighborhood restaurants, and even take part in interactive experiences like live painting or DIY crafts. With hubs of activity clustered along Kinnickinnic Avenue and its surrounding streets, Bay View Gallery Night offers a unique way to experience the eclectic charm of one of Milwaukee’s most beloved neighborhoods. Free and open to all ages, it’s the perfect night to discover new art, support small businesses, and connect with the local community.

Milwaukee Tattoo Festival: May 29-31, 2026

Friday: 1PM – 10PM Saturday: 11AM – 10PM Sunday: 11AM – 7PM

BikerFest Block Party: May 30, 2026

The same community-powered, family-style block party where everyone is welcome, with motorcycles and unity at the heart of it. Come for the bikes, stay for the fun. Expect a feel-good day packed with live music, food, vendors, and plenty to do for all ages. You’ll see bikes on display, connect with local businesses and community partners, and enjoy the kind of party that BikerFest Mke brings… welcoming, energetic, and community-first.

Pridefest: June 4-6, 2026

Art 64: June 5-6, 2026

The nation’s largest live bracket-style painting tournament is coming back to The Village of Wauwatosa for the 5th year! June 5th 5–8pm June 6th 10am-4:30pm

Tosa Farmers Market: Starting June 6, 2026

Highlighting Wisconsin farmers, food producers, local makers and educational opportunities, Tosa Farmers Market is a not-for-profit organization that acts as a community gathering place for all including foodies, cyclists (the market is on the Oak Leaf bike trail), coffee-lovers, music fans, yogis, kids - and more. This farmers market in Wauwatosa runs on sponsorships through the generosity of local businesses. Wauwatosa prides itself on their local contributions to the community through small business shopping. Every week, on Saturday morning from 8am to noon, the public farmers market hosts about 45 farmers that provide produce, plants, cut flowers, bread and baked goods, award-winning cheese, coffee, waffles, popsicles, fish, meat and poultry, and prepared breakfast and dinner items. Make sure to check out this Milwaukee area farmers market for the Makers Market that features a juried selection of local artisans selling handmade arts and crafts.

Milwaukee Pride Parade: June 7, 2026

Sunday, June 7, 2026 2:00PM Step Off Time 2nd St in Walker’s Point between Scott St & Seeboth St