BAYSHORE: Shopping, food and entertainment in Glendale

BAYSHORE Sounds of Summer

Planning a family outing in the Milwaukee area? Bayshore in Glendale has transformed into one of the North Shore's most family-friendly destinations, offering far more than traditional shopping. This open-air lifestyle center combines retail therapy, delicious dining, kids' entertainment, and community events in a pedestrian-friendly environment perfect for strollers and little legs. Whether you're looking for a quick weekday errand run or a full Saturday adventure, this guide covers everything Milwaukee-area families need to know before visiting.

Bayshore's story begins on March 31, 1954, when it opened as one of the largest shopping centers in Wisconsin. The original outdoor strip mall featured 38 stores with parking for 4,000 vehicles—revolutionary for its time. Sears became the first anchor store that October, followed by Boston Store in 1958.

The center underwent its first major transformation in the mid-1970s when developers enclosed the outdoor mall, creating the traditional indoor shopping experience that generations of Milwaukee families remember. For decades, Bayshore Mall served as a North Shore gathering place, anchored by department stores including Sears, Boston Store, and Kohl's.

By the early 2000s, however, the aging mall needed reinvention. In 2006, Steiner + Associates completed a $400 million transformation that converted the enclosed mall into Bayshore Town Center—a mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, apartments, and office space arranged along pedestrian-friendly streets surrounding a central town square. This redevelopment brought beloved tenants like The Cheesecake Factory, Trader Joe's, and an iPic Theater.

The most recent chapter began in 2019 when Cypress Equities acquired the property and initiated another bold transformation. Workers literally tore the roof off portions of the indoor mall, creating the open-air streets and plazas visitors enjoy today. The center dropped "Town Center" from its name, becoming simply "Bayshore." A two-story Target opened in 2021, replacing the former Boston Store space, and The Yard—a central courtyard featuring a massive LED screen—became the heart of community gatherings. Today, Bayshore spans 52 acres and offers a true live-work-play environment with ongoing residential development adding hundreds of new apartments to the property.

Shopping options for the family

Bayshore offers approximately 60 to 75 retail stores spanning fashion, home goods, specialty shops, and services. The shopping experience feels decidedly different from a traditional mall—you'll walk along outdoor streets between stores, enjoying the fresh air and open sky.

Major anchor stores form the backbone of Bayshore's retail offerings. Target operates a two-story format here—one of the largest in Wisconsin—offering everything from groceries and home goods to children's apparel and toys. Barnes & Noble provides a welcoming destination for book-loving families, complete with an extensive children's section and in-store Starbucks café. Total Wine & More offers one of the region's largest selections of wine, spirits, and craft beer, while the Apple Store serves tech enthusiasts and provides convenient device support.

Women's and family apparel options include recognizable names like Gap (with GapKids and BabyGap), Old Navy, Banana Republic, H&M, Athleta, and LOFT. For plus-size fashion, Lane Bryant and Torrid offer dedicated selections. Local shoppers appreciate AVERSA for Her, an upscale Milwaukee-area boutique that has served the community for over 35 years with designer labels and personalized styling.

Footwear for active families comes from Nike By Bayshore, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Journeys, and Journeys Kidz—making it easy to outfit growing feet in one trip. Zumiez caters to action sports enthusiasts with skateboarding and snowboarding gear.

Specialty retailers round out the shopping experience. Ulta Beauty provides cosmetics, skincare, and salon services. Bath & Body Works offers fragrances and body care products. Pandora and Kay Jewelers handle jewelry needs, while Sunglass Hut stocks premium eyewear. Orvis appeals to outdoor enthusiasts with fly fishing gear and quality apparel, and Erik's serves cyclists with bikes and accessories.

For the youngest shoppers, Bayshore offers several kid-focused destinations. GapKids and BabyGap stock clothing from newborn through preteen sizes. Journeys Kidz specializes in trendy footwear for children. Claire's provides accessories, jewelry, and ear piercing services popular with tweens. And don't overlook Target's expansive toy and children's sections—often a highlight for little ones.

Trader Joe's deserves special mention as a family-friendly grocery destination. This beloved specialty grocer offers unique snacks, affordable flowers, and kid-friendly foods that make excellent provisions for Bayshore picnics or the drive home.

Where to eat with kids at Bayshore

Bayshore's dining scene caters beautifully to families, offering everything from quick snacks to sit-down celebrations. Unlike traditional malls, there's no food court here—restaurants operate as standalone establishments throughout the open-air center.

For sit-down family meals, The Cheesecake Factory remains a perennial favorite. The extensive menu featuring over 250 items means even the pickiest eaters find something appealing, and the kids' menu keeps young diners happy. Generous portions often provide leftovers, and the famous cheesecake selection makes dessert an event. California Pizza Kitchen offers another excellent family option with creative pizzas, pastas, and salads in a casual atmosphere. The outdoor patio provides pleasant dining during warmer months, and the kids' menu keeps the experience stress-free.

Mallards brings Southern-inspired comfort food to Bayshore with dishes like jambalaya and Tennessee hot chicken. This family-owned restaurant accommodates children well and offers Sunday brunch—making it perfect for special weekend outings. The happy hour deals provide value for parents, too.

Mallards brings Southern-inspired comfort food

Quick-service options save time during busy shopping trips. Culver's represents Wisconsin comfort food at its finest—ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard make this a family favorite, and the daily "Flavor of the Day" frozen custard gives kids something to anticipate. Five Guys delivers customizable burgers with fresh-cut fries and hand-spun milkshakes, while the free peanuts keep hungry kids occupied while orders cook.

For healthier fare, FreshFin Poké offers fresh, customizable bowls with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. This Milwaukee-based chain lets each family member build exactly what they want. QDOBA Mexican Eats and Chipotle both offer build-your-own Mexican food with fresh ingredients—and QDOBA includes free guacamole and queso on all entrees. Potbelly Sandwich Shop rounds out quick meal options with toasted sandwiches, soups, and hand-dipped shakes.

Sweet treats and snacks often make or break a family outing, and Bayshore delivers. Mochinut—Wisconsin's first location of this popular chain—serves mochi donuts made with rice flour for a delightfully chewy texture, plus Korean rice flour hot dogs and bubble tea. The colorful, Instagram-worthy treats delight kids of all ages. Crumbl Cookies bakes massive gourmet cookies with a rotating weekly menu that makes each visit different. Auntie Anne's provides the classic mall experience with warm, fresh-baked soft pretzels and frozen lemonade—perfect for quick energy boosts between stores.

The Yard, Bayshore's central open-air gathering space, offers a unique dining experience. Families can grab food from any nearby restaurant and enjoy it in this community area, which features comfortable seating and a large LED screen showing sports and entertainment. During summer concert series, food trucks and a beer garden enhance the options.

Entertainment and activities beyond shopping

While shopping and dining anchor the Bayshore experience, families will find additional entertainment options that extend the visit.

Kids Empire stands out as Bayshore's premier family entertainment destination. This indoor playground at 5794 N Bayshore Drive offers floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, multi-level play structures with mazes and slides, ball pits, a dedicated dance room, and creative building games. A separate toddler area accommodates infants in diapers, ensuring safe play for the youngest visitors. The facility operates daily from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and extends to 10 PM on weekends—including holidays. Admission runs $22.90 for an all-day pass with unlimited re-entry, and two adults enter free per child. Non-grip socks are mandatory and available for purchase. Birthday party packages include reserved seating, a dedicated party host, and a birthday parade featuring mascot "Huggy."

Goldfish Swim School provides another family-focused activity. This premier children's swim program occupies a 9,130 square foot facility with a 90-degree pool perfect for little swimmers ages 4 months to 12 years. Beyond regular lessons, Goldfish offers birthday party packages and family swim times.

The Bayshore Art Walk offers a free, self-guided outdoor art experience featuring works by local artists throughout the property. Families can turn shopping trips into cultural explorations, spotting and discussing the various installations.

Coming in 2026, The Little Gym will bring children's gymnastics programming to Bayshore, adding another layer of family-focused activity to the destination.

A note about movies: Families should be aware that Bayshore currently does not have an operating movie theater. The ACX Entertainment Center, which featured a six-screen theater, bowling alley, and arcade, closed permanently in October 2025. Bayshore management is actively seeking new entertainment tenants for this space, so the situation may change. In the meantime, families seeking movie theaters should visit nearby options like Marcus North Shore Cinema.

Practical information for planning your visit

Getting the logistics right makes family outings run smoothly. Here's what you need to know about visiting Bayshore.

Location and directions: Bayshore sits at 5800 N Bayshore Drive, Glendale, WI 53217—approximately ten minutes north of downtown Milwaukee. The center is easily accessible via I-43, situated near the intersection of Silver Spring Drive and Port Washington Road. For questions, call (414) 963-8780 or visit thebayshorelife.com.

Hours of operation: Most stores open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Individual restaurants and entertainment venues maintain their own schedules, so verify hours for specific destinations. Kids Empire stays open until 10 PM on weekends.

Parking at Bayshore is free. Multiple parking garages offer covered options, while surface lots and street parking provide additional spaces throughout the property. Electric vehicle owners will find a charging station on the second floor of the Port Washington Road Garage. Accessible parking spots are available near major entrances. During peak shopping times, the area near Trader Joe's typically offers good availability. Remember that Bayshore's open-air layout means walking outdoors between stores, so plan accordingly for weather.

Public transportation serves Bayshore via Milwaukee County Transit System buses. Routes 14, 63, 68, GRE (Green Line), and PUR (Purple Line) all stop at or near the property. Bus stops sit on the perimeter, requiring a short walk through parking areas to reach store entrances. Payment via WisGo Card or the Umo App is accepted.

Accessibility: Bayshore meets ADA compliance standards with wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout. Wide sidewalks and open plazas accommodate mobility devices and double strollers easily. Elevators provide access to multi-level buildings, and ramps connect different areas. The flat, pedestrian-friendly design generally works well for visitors with accessibility needs.

Family-friendly amenities that make visits easier

Bayshore's design with families in mind shows in the practical amenities available throughout the property.

Restroom facilities are located in multiple locations throughout Bayshore, including within anchor stores like Target and Kohl's. Kids Empire maintains dedicated restroom facilities for playground visitors.

Stroller navigation rates excellent at Bayshore. The open-air design features wide sidewalks and plazas with flat surfaces throughout outdoor areas—a welcome change from cramped indoor mall corridors. Families with double strollers or wagons will appreciate the spacious layout. Elevators provide access where level changes occur.

Pet policies allow leashed dogs in many outdoor areas of Bayshore, with some shops offering pet treats and water bowls. However, individual store policies vary for indoor spaces, so check with specific retailers. Kids Empire does not permit animals during parties or events.

WiFi access is available throughout the property.

Seasonal events and community programming

Bayshore has cultivated a strong events calendar that gives families reasons to return throughout the year.

Summer brings the Sounds of Summer Concert Series—free Friday evening concerts from June through August at The Yard. Shows run from 6 PM to 9 PM and feature a variety of musical acts from honky-tonk rock to disco tributes to Grateful Dead experiences. A beer garden presented by The Tap offers 36 craft beers for adults, while food trucks provide dinner options. Families should bring lawn chairs or blankets, as the turf fills quickly. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming—perfect for introducing kids to live music.

The Bayshore Makers Market typically takes place in June, featuring local artists, artisans, and makers selling handcrafted goods. Live entertainment accompanies the market, creating a festive atmosphere. A fall edition often occurs as well, offering holiday shopping opportunities.

Holiday season brings extended shopping hours, seasonal decorations throughout the property, and special events. Nearby Mallards Restaurant hosts a Santa Breakfast in mid-December where families can enjoy brunch with Santa Claus—reservations at (414) 509-5555 are recommended for this popular event.

Year-round programming at The Yard includes various pop-up events, community gatherings, and Wisconsin sports viewing on the large outdoor LED screen. Check thebayshorelife.com/events for current listings before your visit.

Tips for visiting Bayshore with your family

Make the most of your Bayshore visit with these practical suggestions from local families.

Timing your visit matters. Weekday mornings offer the least crowded experience—ideal for stroller navigation and stress-free shopping with young children. Summer Fridays provide free entertainment with the Sounds of Summer concerts, making them perfect for family outings. Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for enjoying Bayshore's open-air design.

Dress for the outdoors. Unlike enclosed malls, Bayshore requires walking outside between stores. Bring layers during transitional seasons, and plan for weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes help, as the spread-out layout covers significant ground.

Pack strategically. For summer concerts, bring lawn chairs or blankets—seating fills quickly. If visiting Kids Empire, know that non-grip socks are mandatory; you can bring your own or purchase them for three dollars at the facility.

Plan for food flexibility. With no central food court, dining options spread throughout the property. The Yard offers a good central location to enjoy takeout from various restaurants. For quick snacks, Auntie Anne's, Crumbl Cookies, and Mochinut satisfy sweet and savory cravings without derailing your shopping schedule.

Check current tenant status. Bayshore continues evolving, with new tenants opening and some businesses departing. Verify specific store hours and operating status on the Bayshore website before making a special trip for any particular retailer.

Combine activities for a fuller day. Pair shopping with Kids Empire playtime, a Goldfish swim lesson, lunch at a family restaurant, and perhaps a stop at Trader Joe's for groceries. Bayshore's variety makes it possible to accomplish multiple family goals in one trip.

Explore nearby attractions. Kletzsch Park offers 141 acres along the Milwaukee River just minutes away—perfect for burning off energy after shopping with trails, a waterfall, and winter sledding. Estabrook Park Beer Garden provides a casual outdoor dining option nearby for families who want to extend their North Shore adventure.

Bayshore has reinvented itself multiple times over seven decades, and today's open-air format offers Milwaukee-area families a genuine destination rather than just a shopping center. From the expansive Kids Empire playground to excellent dining options, seasonal concerts to everyday retail needs, Bayshore delivers experiences worth the trip north. The ongoing evolution—with new tenants and residential development continuing—ensures this North Shore landmark will keep giving families fresh reasons to return.