Milwaukee With Kids weekend guide: Play, paint and paddle

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 event

Sunday Family Fun Day 
Northwestern Mutual Park
June 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The season’s first Sunday Family Fun Day at the play area located in Henry Maier Festival Park will celebrate Summerfest with a day of creativity and hands-on fun. Enjoy performances from the Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Flyers; an Eagles & Friends raptor show by Schlitz Audubon Nature Center; activities with the Betty Brinn Museum Wonder Wagon; and food from Babalou Gourmet, Fazio’s Gourmet Popcorn, Pete’s Pops, and Sils Mini Donuts & Coffee.

To do in Tosa

Art 64 
Village of Wauwatosa
June 5-6

The nation’s largest live bracket-style painting tournament is back! In addition to the friendly creative competition, live music, food trucks, vendors and an art market, this annual event features a Family Play Zone with kids’ activities, face painting, bubbles and crafting stations.

Tosa Farmer’s Market Opening Day
Hart Mills Parking Lot | Wauwatosa
June 6 | 8 a.m.-Noon

For over 10 years, this open-air market has supported local farmers, food producers and artisans to help create a more sustainable community. You can start the day with yoga in the park at 8:30 a.m. or drop in anytime before noon to enjoy vendors of all kinds, live music and engaging activities for all ages.

Kids Ultimate Frisbee Clinic 
Hart Park | Wauwatosa
June 6 | 2:30-4 p.m.

Learn to play ultimate frisbee from the Milwaukee Monarchs! This free clinic run by professional players is intended for kids in grades 1-6 and will include a brief instructional period to teach throwing and catching, followed by several short games of ultimate. Participants should come with appropriate clothing, a water bottle and a positive attitude. Plus, there will be a bounce house, face painting, food and drinks, and everyone gets a free ticket to watch the Monarchs take on the Austin Torch at 5 p.m. at Hart Park.

More openings

Paddles & Pops Grand Opening 
Discovery World
June 6 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Join Forward Outdoor for this celebration at the Discovery World dock featuring $10 boat rentals, free popsicles starting at 1 p.m. (while supplies last) and beginner-friendly fun on the water. You’ll find kayaks, paddleboards, hydro bikes and paddle boats to pilot in the protected waters surrounding Discovery World, Lakeshore State Park and Summerfest.

Farmer’s Market Opening Day
Deer District
June 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit one of the area’s newest farmer’s markets, as more than 100 vendors set up shop in the Deer District every Sunday. Farmers and other food producers will offer fresh and organic meats, eggs, fruits, cheeses and vegetables, plus you’ll find bakery items, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Make sure to visit the Taste It Tent for samples of new foods available at the market and a kids’ area with games and activities for families to enjoy.

Connect with community

Milwaukee Public Library Summer Reading Kickoff
Center Street Branch
June 5 | Noon-4 p.m.

Stop by to celebrate the warm months and the annual Summer Reading Program offered by the Milwaukee Public Library. Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly event that invites folks of all ages to sign up while enjoying activities and light refreshments. If you can’t make it to the Center Street Branch, visit the East Branch on Saturday anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

50th Anniversary Celebration 
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
June 6 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The center has a great day of programming planned to celebrate a half-century in our community. Music will flow throughout the event as you check out a variety of activities, from face painting and other arts to boxing and karate demonstration. There will also be building and mural tours during the afternoon that include a 50th anniversary souvenir giveaway.

West Allis A La Carte 
Greenfield Avenue | West Allis
June 7 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

This festival takes over the blocks between 70th and 76th streets for a day filled with activities that bring together every member of the community. Enjoy music ranging from blues to bluegrass and food vendors serving authentic Mexican cuisine, Filipino flavors, barbecue, bakery and more!

Fun in nature

Fairy Fest 
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
June 6 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For one day each year, Riveredge becomes extra magical as they celebrate mythology, lore and the flying beings that inhabit the center. Meet Mermaid Echo and celebrate nature with fairy friends, including real-life pollinators like butterflies, dragonflies and bees that help plants thrive. Visitors are also encouraged to wear their best fairy-related costume and bring a little extra magic to the day.

Reptile Day
Wehr Nature Center | Franklin
June 7 | Noon-4 p.m.

Bring the whole family for a wild day of fun as you get up close with amazing snakes, charming turtles, and one-of-a-kind lizards and salamanders. Curious kids and grown-ups alike can go on a guided nature hike to search for turtles, listen for croaking frogs and learn cool ways to care for the scaly (and often misunderstood) creatures that share our world. Then dive into free reptile-themed crafts and grab a bite of tasty food available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Friends of Wehr.