My daughter has a family membership to DW, so I'm a frequent guest. Today's visit was extra special…read morebecause Summerfest is underway and a cruise ship (failed to take a photo ) was docked right next to DW. We always take a trip up to the Pilot House and then outside onto the high deck for terrific views of the lake, SF grounds, and everything else in the harbor (including a Milwaukee Fire Dept. fireboat). Staff are always welcoming and so very attentive to the children. We always make a stop at the food kiosk to get a snack (a selection of the usual packaged snack foods along with hot dogs and pizza). My biggest complaint is how slow and long the check-in process is. There's usually only one person at the check-in desk, and many days there need to be two. There's a line for members, but unless there are two staff members at the desk, what difference does it make? We waited with everyone else today, which makes having a membership feel like less of a great thing. But there still needs to be a quicker process. Today while I was at the front desk I watched a woman purchase tickets online, and even that was such a long and involved process I think i would've quit and gone home.

For the amount of kids and families that come through here, I am impressed at the working displays…read moreand overall cleanliness of this museum. We came here on a Saturday and it was moderately busy yet we were able to see everything in a few hours. There are plenty of hands-on activities throughout for all ages and exhibits highlighting local individuals and companies as well. It's hard to say what my favorite area was because I enjoyed everything, but the aquariums, weather/ storm area and the corporate exploration station stick out in my mind as where I had the most fun personally. We didn't shop around the food or gift shop area but that could be an area we explore more next time. Discovery World is well worth the price of admission and the entire family is guaranteed to have fun while learning something new!

Only eight swings here, but it's big fun. Plus right across the bridge from Lakefront Brewery if…read moreadults need a treat after all the hijinks. But really, the place is fun for bigger humans too. I got quite a workout trying to get some height on those swings. They are attached very high up, so it's much harder than it looks. Fortunately for wee ones, pushing from an adult works very well though. Check out the Cavorting Critters sculpture across the street too. That's the only side with street parking anyways.

A place like this is nothing but a nice hidden gem but on a road trip to Milwaukee, me and my wife…read morewanted to stop here in between one of our bar hopping adventures. Yeah it was January but this place was worth checking out, this place is in good condition and it provides a great cheap escape.

"Go touch grass" Oddly enough this place has the softest…read more"turf" I've ever felt in all my years lol. This place has a lot going on, indoor and out. Yesterday's top experience was definitely the outdoor spaces on a gorgeous day allowing you to take a fun trip AND enjoy the weather. Getting tickets online makes checking in a breeze, although there's never a line even when busy. They stamp your hand to check you in. There's always the classics, grocery store area. The bus that plays a fun beat. Post office area. Mechanic shop. Baby dedicated area. Little sad to see the baseball "exhibit" go away but looking forward to how they fill the space next. Cutest "wet floor sign" that you cannot miss in the bathroom.

Betty Brinn' Children's Museum had been recommended to me sometime ago, and my daughter and I…read morefinally took a day trip up to Milwaukee to check it out! We had our friends from another city meet us here for a 9:30 am Saturday play date. There was a bit of a line to get in, but nothing too crazy. Both kids (3 years old) had an absolute blast! The cost is reasonable, at only $14 per person (adults included) and you receive a $3 off voucher for the adjacent parking garage ($7 and some cents total after taxes). There is something to do for children of all ages, including. a quieter play area for tots and babies 4 and under, which was much needed after my daughter was trampled by a much older child in the Floor is Lava area. My daughter especially loved the outdoor play area on the balcony! I wish the cafe had more to offer or that there was a legitimate cafe attached with lunch options. We spent a solid 2 hours here, and could have spent even longer had we not had the hour drive back home before lunchtime. We will definitely be adding this place to our yearly "to do" list!

All year around they have educational events here, it's a good visiting spot before a casual hike…read moreor a friendly way station on an urban bike ride. Volunteer workers are enthusiastic about ecology, as one might suspect. It's also a nice place for an event, last time there was a reception of some sort being set up. There's a nice patio to relax and sit, the garden like surroundings are very peaceful and inviting. Make it a a point to visit and make use of the Oak Leaf Trail.

My students loved the experience, but the bus expectations were too strict as well as some older…read morestaff not understanding that kids need flexibility if they cannot walk as fast as the group, or if kids want to explore before hearing a lecture. This is natural kid tendencies, but my students were not treated with as much respect as they deserved. Also, we had to wear other people's snow outfits instead of being offered to bring our own. I was not told and students were not told. I hope they fix this policy to polish it up for next year.

Love climbing at Adventure Rock. So many different routes and options to choose. Been here a few…read moretimes! Great activity!

Awesome place...I had a membership when I lived in Milwaukee but after moving from Milwaukee I…read moreforgot to cancel it. I happened to look at my credit card statements a couple of months after the move and noticed the two $80 charges (one for each of the prior 2 months). I cancelled at that point and called them and explained that I had moved and forgot to cancel. They refunded not only the latest month's charge but the month's charge prior to that one too. They really did not need to do that, I was the one who forgot to cancel. But that is what well-run, amazing businesses do. I will not hesitate joining again and I highly recommend this place.

We love Neighbor Art studio! Both my boys now, have gone here. We sign up mostly for the little's…read moreart time which is on Fridays. They get in, wash up and get to work with something usually can draw with. Special crayons, chalk, something more of a group. Then they get to work on their own social craft that was created for the class and then a big sensory bin that they all get to play with together. My oldest did a mini series one summer and it was so fun for him. One day a week for 4 weeks where he got dropped off for 45 minutes to work on a big project. I feel like it's a comfortable space to creat and interact with others. My son was pretty much a Covid kid and we didn't do any socializing and this place was a wonderful introduction to that. The owner is very sweet and patient and created a safe, fun, playful space. I also believe she does some adult art classes but you'll have to check her website out! Or stop in. So many cute and creative things to purchase for littles or yourself.

Love buying kits and art supplies form this sweet little shop, super safe covid protocols which I…read morereally appreciate. I can't wait to have an in studio experience!

Public art in the park is all over Downtown Milwaukee; it's everywhere. A map is provided with the…read morenames of each piece, artist & locations. I loved the flowers which highlight each art installations. This park with reeks of fresh lavender is next to the Insurance building complex that's been here for over 100 years.

Shout out Northwestern Mutual for sponsoring what's probably the best playground in all the city!…read moreAnd let me tell ya, with two little boys I have been to my fair share of playgrounds. The location is wonderful, an urban space right along side the lakefront. I should note, it's tucked inside the Summerfest grounds (Mid Gate of Henry Maier Festival Park) so there are specific "open hours" you're able to come. In general it looks like 10am-7pm, but that can vary based on all of the other happenings that go on at these grounds On a regular day, like when we went, the parking is totally free which is amazing. You'll find a designated lot near Mid Gate, just look for the signs. The play opportunities here are immense! So many structures to climb, play, and interactive with. The park features enhanced playground equipment on that soft/squishy playground surface (which we love), with interactive musical elements and wheelchair-accessible ramps, along with shaded seating. It seems there are almost levels by color/section, all appropriate for various ages. Spaces for older kids, with higher slides and climbing, and other areas that are good for the younger kiddos like my 18mo old, who had a hayday! We brought a packed lunch to refuel the kiddos after they burned all their energy out playing, so love that this park also provides plenty of covered spaces, picnic tables, and benches. Oh anddd they have individual, air-conditioned sensory rooms that offer a quiet retreat for children who may be overstimulated -- how crazy great is that? These are attached to the bathrooms on-site. Everything was very clean and well kept I might add. All in all the park it a wonderful destination for families seeking an inclusive and welcoming outdoor experience. We will be back!!

Wow! This is a gem! I heard about Rooted MKE through Yelp and attended an event. Unfortunately my…read morekiddos were sick and not able to attend the fun activity but it sounded educational and they had a great work space for crafting and activities! I was extremely impressed with the adorable book store portion! They had a huge selection of books about many different people, cultures and historical figures! It was difficult for me to choose just a few for my babies but I know I'll be back! They had the books nicely organized with board books for younger kids, beautiful, colorful story books, chapter books, etc. I think this is a must stop bookstore for any family - I can't wait to introduce these topics to my kiddos in an age appropriate way using these books as tools!

How have I not reviewed Rooted yet? Let me tell you a little bit about this amazing bookstore- they…read morehave books that focus on BIPOC and we have found some of our fave books from there. Their space is open and inviting and their staff have always been kind to me and my kiddo when we have been in. They're on Vliet St and there's plenty of parking on the street! Definitely definitely check them out!

When I first started climbing at the gym, I was terrified of heights. Even getting a few feet off…read morethe ground made my heart race, and I would look down and want to come back down. I wanted to learn to climb, but my fear kept holding me back. That's when Zoe started helping me. She was patient with me and encouraged me not to give up, even when I was scared. She helped me learn to trust the ropes, focus on the next hold, and take things one step at a time. With Zoe's encouragement, I slowly started climbing higher and higher. Every time I made it a little farther, I became more confident. Eventually, I found myself reaching the top of routes I never thought I could climb. Zoe helped me realize that being afraid didn't mean I had to let that fear stop me. Because of Zoe, something that once terrified me became something I actually enjoyed. She didn't just help me learn how to climb--she helped me push past a fear I had carried with me and showed me that sometimes you just have to keep going, one step at a time.

Bouldering only gym branch of the local Ad Rock climbing gyms. This is the newest gym of the 3…read more There are no roped climbs here - just you and the wall! When my kiddo was tiny (and content to sit on the sidelines) this was a great place to go and switch off between climbing and watching the kid between my husband and I. Nowadays, kiddo wants to climb herself! Unfortunately for her, none of the walls here are really meant for small kids (which I totally get!). If you are looking for that vibe, go checkout the Brookfield gym, its great for kids! If you come here without little kids (which you probably should!), you will find yourself surrounded by varying angles of wall, from a large slabby area to a very overhung cave. Its not typically too busy when I have gone, so you will have plenty of routes to choose from.