Family Friendly Guide to the Riverwest 24

The Riverwest 24 is a legendary bike race — and carnival on wheels — with 24-hour laps, music, hijinks, fun and tattoos around the Milwaukee neighborhood.

But it isn’t just for hardcore bikers and endurance junkies—it’s become one of Milwaukee’s most beloved community events for all ages, including families with young kids. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the energy, creativity, and neighborly vibes of this 24-hour bike race without riding all night, the Kids 24 and Family Lap are your perfect entry points.

This year’s Riverwest 24 takes place July 25-26, 2025, 7pm - 7pm.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the Riverwest 24 with your family in tow.

What Is the Riverwest 24?

The Riverwest 24 (RW24) is a unique, community-driven, 24-hour bike ride through the heart of Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. It’s not your typical race—teams and solo riders rack up laps, visit creative bonus checkpoints, and celebrate the diverse and vibrant spirit of Riverwest. You’ll see costumes, decorated bikes, light shows, cheering neighbors, and spontaneous block parties. It’s an experience, not a competition. There’s something for everyone—even the littlest riders.

The Family Lap

Start your Saturday morning with a community ride that’s low-pressure, high-fun, and totally family-friendly. It’s a slow, social loop around the Riverwest24 course just for families—cargo bikes, Burley trailers, and pint-sized pedals welcome. The pace is casual, the vibe is encouraging, and the memories? Instant classics.

Details:

• 📍 Meet at: Snail’s Crossing (Fratney & Keefe)

• ⏰ Ready to roll by: 9:30 am

• ⏳ Length: About 45 minutes

• 🎉 Finish at: Checkpoint 1 (CP1) for treats, bubbles, and a mini dance party!

The Kids 24

Let your kids be part of the excitement with The Kids 24, a fun-sized version of the race just for them. Held on Saturday at La Escuela Fratney, this free event is a welcoming way to let children get a taste of the action in a safe, inclusive setting.

Kids 24 Schedule at a Glance:

📍 Location: La Escuela Fratney (3255 N Fratney St)

🕚 Ages 3–7:

• Sign up: 11 am

• Ride time: 11:15 am

🕛 Ages 7+:

• Sign up: 12 pm

• Ride time: 12:15 pm

All types of wheels are welcome—bikes, trikes, scooters, training wheels, and everything in between.

Bonus checkpoints offer kid-friendly activities, and yes, temporary tattoos are part of the fun.

What to Bring

• A helmet for each rider (required)

• A bike, trike, or scooter your child feels confident riding

• Water and sunscreen (you’ll be outside for a bit)

• A camera—because there will be many adorable photo ops

• Extra clothes or towels in case of chalk, water, or tattoo adventures

Pro Tips for Families

• Arrive early: Parking near La Escuela Fratney can fill up quickly, and early birds get the best warm-up spots.

• Make it a day: After the Kids 24, stick around to explore Riverwest. Grab lunch from a food truck, catch some music, or cheer on the adult riders as they keep the laps going.

• Talk about it ahead of time: Explain to your kids that this event is more about fun and community than racing or winning.

• Be ready to cheer: Applause, cowbells, and bubbles are always encouraged.

Riverwest 24 is more than a bike event—it’s a celebration of togetherness. The Kids 24 gives young riders a chance to be part of something bigger while enjoying a safe, friendly ride of their own. Whether it’s their first time on a bike or they’ve been cruising for years, they’ll leave with smiles, stickers, and a sense of accomplishment.

So bring your wheels, your energy, and your Riverwest spirit to the Riverwest 24!

Looking for more family-friendly cycling adventures? July 20th brings the return of one of our area's most meaningful community events – the 5th Annual Bike4Friendship.