What to Do with Kids in Milwaukee

Polar bears, gorillas and cheetahs, oh my! Those are only a few of the animals your kids will see at Milwaukee County Zoo. Elsewhere in the city, they can drive a race car or fly a plane in simulators at Discovery World or step into pioneer life at Old World Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County Zoo, one of the nation’s largest, is known for its rare and endangered species, including one of the largest colonies of pygmy chimpanzees. Along with cheetahs, the zoo’s Big Cat Country is home to lions, an Amur tiger, a snow leopard and jaguars. Animals in Action programs and feeding times are scheduled regularly so kids can get to know animals up close.

Interactive exhibits at Milwaukee’s Discovery World Museum introduce kids to science and technology. The model railroad exhibit goes beyond trains to include a replica of mid-20^th-century Milwaukee, complete with the city’s iconic buildings. Kids and adults can explore the world of building and design together at Block Party or discover the secrets of the world’s six basic machines in do-it-yourself experiences. The aquarium includes a Caribbean Tank, Lake Michigan Tank and a Touch Tank where kids can meet and learn about aquatic creatures.

Only 45 minutes from city center, Old World Wisconsin preserves and recreates the world of the region’s first settlers. Many of these early residents came from Germany, Denmark, Norway and Finland, and their homes reflect those traditions. Tour the houses and other buildings to hear about life on the frontier, as told by interpreters in period costumes. Frequent reenactments and a chance to participate in period games and activities bring the era to life for kids.