Milwaukee and Waukesha

October and November 2020

Tip: If you and your Little plan to head out to an event, call ahead to make sure you are comfortable with safety precautions. You and your Little should be ready and prepared for the possibility to leave if you arrive and feel that social distancing doesn’t seem feasible.

10 COVID-Safe Halloween Happens For Kids  Dates: Check individual events and experiences for details  Details: Check out 10 drive-through, drive-by, and walk-through events that might just do the trick for a safe Halloween themed outing. Remember to bring your mask and maintain social distance!

Halloween Glow at the Racine Zoo  Dates: Wednesday, October 7 – Sunday, November 1 - Wednesdays – Sundays, 6 – 9 p.m.  Details: Enjoy an enchanting Halloween experience from the comfort of your own vehicle! Drive through our spooktacular light displays with ghostly charms perfect for guests of all ages.  Cost: $5 per person, FREE for children ages 2 years and younger (Cash or credit card accepted at the gate only)

Hike the Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park  Location: Placed along the Lake Michigan lakeshore in Grant Park about 10 minutes south of Downtown Milwaukee, the trail begins at the Covered Bridge Entrance which you can access by entering off of Grant Park Drive and Lake Drive. You'll find a parking lot about 1/8th of a mile down the road. Once you cross through the bridge entrance, you'll hit the Main Loop, part of the whole Seven Lions Trail.  Details: Seven Bridges Trail seems like an enchanted forest located off the shores of Lake Michigan. Its towering trees and flowing streams sprawl throughout acres of stunning landscapes. Cross over the seven bridges and experience the beauty of the trees around you.  Cost: Admission is free.

The Domes: The Haunting of Sleepy Hollow  Dates: Fall Show - Sept. 26 - Nov. 8  Location: The Domes, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215  Details: A mysterious Headless Horseman is causing trouble for the people of Sleepy Hollow. Travel through this colonial autumn garden to see if you can figure out the mystery.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza  Date: Thursday, November 21, 6:00 p.m. with pre-show entertainment beginning at 5:30 pm  Location: Pere Marquette Park, 900 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203  Details: MKE your way downtown for a dazzling holiday celebration, where more than 500,000 lights will magically come to life right before your very eyes! Enjoy performances by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jenny Thiel, cast members from “Black Nativity” and Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol,” Anita’s Dance Center, Milwaukee Flyers, Robin Adkins, illusionist David Seebach, and national recording artist Grace Weber. Fireworks and a visit from Santa will top off the night.  Parking: For your convenience, $3 parking will be available at the Interstate Parking structure located at The Avenue between 3 p.m. and midnight. Enter from Plankinton Avenue or 2nd Street, pull a ticket and park. The promo rate will be applied when leaving the structure.

Discover the city's new murals  Dates: Ongoing  Details: Murals have been popping up all over the city, including a slew related to the BLM movement just this year. There's a headless six-story figure who honors the working-class women of our city's history, an otter and a beaver just chillin' in the river, and a number of portraits of our powerful community activists. Building owners are starting to see their walls as canvas, and the city is here for it.

Make your way down the Riverwalk  Dates: Ongoing  Details: The Riverwalk is a pedestrian walkway that follows the Milwaukee River from Humboldt Boulevard on the north end all the way to the mouth of the river at Lake Michigan in the south. It'll take you past (or very near) many of the area's biggest attractions, provide some scenic urban views, and put you face to face with sculptures like Gertie the Duck and the Bronze Fonz. There are lots of restaurants and bars with patios on the Riverwalk, so stop wherever looks the most inviting.

30 Area Milwaukee Area Farmer’s Markets  Dates: Ongoing, check individual markets for their schedules  Details: Visiting Farmer's Markets is a great way to stay healthy AND shop local. Here are some nearby Farmer's Markets to visit with your Little. Be sure to check the market websites for the most up-to-date information about times and dates

17 Gorgeous Fall Hikes Around Milwaukee  Dates: Ongoing  Details: A little fresh air and exercise goes a long way during a global pandemic. Check out these 17 hikes that are easy enough for all skill levels, and beautiful enough to impress anyone. Be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, water, and plenty of snacks. Don't forget to practice social distancing and bring your mask for those times you have to be in close contact with others.

17 Milwaukee Area Pumpkin Patches you can Visit in 2020  Dates: Ongoing, check individual locations for details  Details: A visit to the pumpkin farm is a sure-fire way to get into the autumn spirit. There are more than a dozen pumpkin farms in the great Milwaukee area, offering pick-your-own pumpkins, corn mazes, tractor rides, and more.

Great Pumpkin Festival Whitefish Bay  Date: October 28-31, 2020  Location: Old School House Park (5240 N. Marlborough)  Details: Enter the Pumpkin patch, pick out a pumpkin and bring it into the carving tent. Prepare, design and carve your pumpkin at this family friendly event.

10 Places to go Apple Picking Around Milwaukee  Dates: Ongoing, check individual locations for details  Details: Fall is upon us, and nothing spells Autumn like apple picking in the fresh, open air. Check out these nearby places!

See the city from a kayak  Dates: Ongoing  Details: If you haven't seen Milwaukee from the water, you're in for a treat. Renting a kayak is quick, distanced, and a great way to explore the city from a new angle. You can rent every day of the week from Milwaukee Kayak Company or Brew City Kayak. If you're a beginner or want something more structured, take a guided tour with Milwaukee Kayak Tours.