Fun, Free, Affordable

Above the Clouds

Offers free Christian-based arts education programming for ages 5-17.

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

Family Focus Memberships

Qualifying families can apply for free access to the Children’s Museum, which includes additional support for caregivers, including free parent engagement programs and transportation assistance.

Neighborhood Nights

5:00-8:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. Enjoy access to all of the museum’s hands-on exhibits, and stop by the Be A Maker space to find tools, materials and techniques for endless ways to experiment and create.

COA Youth & Family Centers

Free programs for families and children of all ages. Summer camp rates based on a sliding scale.

The Domes (Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory)

Free admission for Milwaukee County residents, first Thursday of the month.

First Stage

Pay what you choose performances are offered for select productions.

Free Family Art Workshops

Sharon Lynn Wilson Center provides monthly free workshops for families. Register in advance.

Girls on the Run

Girls in 3rd through 8th grade develop critical life skills including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others and making intentional decisions. They also learn about the importance of fitness.

Scholarships are available based on family income. Application information is available here

Havenwoods State Forest

Find scheduled hikes, festivals, and programs throughout the year at Havenwoods. In addition, checkout backpacks, read nature books, take Smokey for a hike, or explore in Havenwoods' big backyard.

Ice Skating

A limited number of skates are available for adults and 3rd-8th grade students to borrow for free on-site.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Family Access pass available for $20 annually to qualifying families.

Free admission, first Thursday of the month

Milwaukee Chamber Theater

Pay-what-you-can performances reduce the cost of these concerts.

Milwaukee County Zoo

Family Free Days

Free zoo admission for everyone; parking fee still applies.

Milwaukee Public Museum

Free admission monthly. Reduced admission for Milwaukee County residents daily. Details here.

Affordable Adventure memberships available for families in financial need. Apply here.

Milwaukee Rep

Pay what you can ticket program makes tickets accessible to everyone.

Milwaukee with Kids

Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids Today

MPS Twilight Centers

Free evening recreation for teens and families

MPS Wellness Days

Wellness Day offers free wellness programming and resources at different locations throughout the year.

National Parks & Forests

Free annual pass for all 4th  graders, thru Every Kid in a Park initiative.

Pass also admits all siblings age 16 & younger, plus 3 adults; entire family is free.

Next Act Theater

Pay what you can tickets offer affordable chance to see performances

Riveredge Nature Center

Free annual family pass to Riveredge Nature Center to ALL fourth graders. Includes access to all trails, programs & festivals, free snowshoe use, discounts on camps & rentals, day passes for 6 friends/family, 4 free day passes to Feith Family YMCA (Port Washington) & admission to over 140 nature centers in the US. Good thru Aug 31.

Second Saturday Family Gathering

Provides mothers and their children a regular meeting place where they can participate in social and educational activities with an emphasis on reading.

Urban Ecology Center

Inexpensive programming for families and children connecting city-dwellers to nature; camp scholarships available

In My Backyard

This site has resources to help you enjoy your nearby nature: educational content for families, ideas for how to learn from nature, fun activities to share, and more!

Walker’s Point Center for the Arts

After School Art Class

Project-based after school programming during the semester, running from Tuesday–Friday weekly. All sessions are FREE and open to all students ages 6–12.

Afternoons with Art (AWA)

Series of art workshops on days when MPS is closed. All art supplies are included. Class size is limited. Registration is recommended.