North Shore
Family Adventures

Outdoor Activities Guide

Explore our outdoor activities guide stories and guides.

77 stories

The Ultimate Oak Leaf Trail Guide to Milwaukee

Discover Milwaukee County's 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail system with this complete North Shore family guide. Explore the Ghost Train, Shorewood Farmers Market, lakefront beaches, and kid-friendly activities along safe, paved trails.

Milwaukee Area Turkey Trots: Complete Guide for 2026

Thanksgiving Day promises exceptional turkey trot options across the greater Milwaukee area, with races offering everything from free community runs to professional-level events at iconic venues.

A Guide to Fishing the North Shore of Milwaukee

Discover the best fishing spots on Milwaukee’s North Shore with this family-friendly guide—featuring Lake Michigan and Milwaukee River access, seasonal catch tips, charters, classes, and programs for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Ultimate Dog Friendly Guide to Milwaukee’s North Shore

Milwaukee’s North Shore is an inviting playground for families and their pets . Whether you’re a local exploring new spots or a visitor discovering the area with your canine companion, we hope this guide helps you plan an outing that gets tails wagging.

Lake Michigan Boat Tours: Cruises, Lighthouses & Tall Ships

You can take a narrated history cruise from Milwaukee, explore shipwrecks and lighthouses in Door County, sail aboard a traditional schooner, cruise from the Chicago River onto Lake Michigan, ride a historic car ferry across the entire lake, board a sternwheel paddleboat, take a sunset sail, visit an island by ferry or even spend more than a week cruising the Great Lakes.

Outdoor Movies Guide 2026 Near Milwaukee’s North Shore

Discover free outdoor movies in Milwaukee's north shore! Complete guide to Bayshore Family Flicks, lakefront screenings at Veterans & Lake Parks, plus community events in Whitefish Bay, Bayside & more. Family-friendly entertainment under the stars.

Milwaukee Air and Water Show 2026 Family Guide

Plan the perfect family outing to Milwaukee's 2026 Air & Water Show. Get essential tips for parking, viewing spots, noise protection, and navigating crowds at Wisconsin's largest free event.

Guide to Camping Near Milwaukee (2026)

Discover the best family camping near Milwaukee's North Shore! From Lake Michigan beaches to Kettle Moraine adventures, find perfect campgrounds within 2 hours of home. Complete guide with booking tips, activities, and hidden gems for Wisconsin families.

Where to tune up your bike in the Milwaukee metro

This guide maps every practical option across the North Shore, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Bay View, Waukesha County, Ozaukee County, and the southern suburbs, from full-service shops charging $110–$425 to nonprofits and DIY stands that cost little or nothing.

Kayaking the Milwaukee metro: Your complete paddle guide

Southeastern Wisconsin quietly hides one of the Midwest's densest paddling networks: more than 90 public launches, 60+ lakes, and a 25-mile urban water trail, all within a 90-minute drive of downtown Milwaukee.

Nature Centers in Greater Milwaukee

This guide covers every major nature center and nature preserve in the greater Milwaukee area, with current details on hours, fees, trails, programs, and what makes each one worth the drive. Bookmark it, share it, and start planning your next family adventure.

Boerner Botanical Gardens: Milwaukee area hidden gem

The gardens earned their reputation as the oldest nationally recognized public garden in the Great Lakes region, and they carry an unmistakable WPA-era charm — hand-carved woodwork, native fieldstone walls, and a gazebo straight out of a storybook.

Bublr Bikes: Your Guide to Bike Share in Milwaukee

Bublr (a nod to Milwaukee's beloved word for a drinking fountain) now offers classic pedal bikes, electric-assist e-bikes, and adaptive cycles — making it one of the most inclusive bike-share systems in the country.

Experiencing Cedar Woods: Forest hikes near Milwaukee

Milwaukee has plenty of great places to walk, but if you are looking for that cool, quiet, evergreen feeling that comes with cedar woods, a few spots stand out from the rest. Whether you want a true nature escape, an Oak Leaf Trail connection, or an easy North Shore option, these are some of the best places to start.

Kayaking Wisconsin: The complete guide

The kayaking season runs roughly from late May through September, with June through August offering the warmest water and widest availability of rentals and tours. Below is everything you need to plan trips across the state — from toddler-friendly lagoons to expert-only Lake Superior crossings.

Armory Park: Whitefish Bay's historic green space

Armory Park is the living legacy of more than a century of military service, community gathering, and civic identity in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Situated at the southwest corner of Henry Clay and Ardmore Avenue, this approximately six-acre park sits on land that has been central to the village since 1870.

Wisconsin's best disc golf courses

This guide covers 22 top-rated courses across every region of the state, complete with drive times, fees, ratings, and nearby attractions to build the perfect road trip.

Where to See the Full Moon: A Milwaukee Area Viewing Guide

Discover the best spots to view September 7's Corn Moon along Milwaukee's North Shore. Complete guide to Klode Park, Doctor's Park, timing, photography tips, and what to bring for optimal moon viewing from elevated lakefront bluffs.

Celebrate 10 Years of Community and Cycling at Chris' Slow Roll

Join Milwaukee families for the 10th Annual Chris' Slow Roll on September 21st, 2025! This FREE, family-friendly 10-mile lakefront bike ride celebrates community spirit with scenic routes, post-ride festivities, and fun for all ages at the War Memorial.

Milwaukee County Zoo Features Dinosaur Exhibit

Explore more than 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs at the Milwaukee County Zoo’s “Exploration Dinosaur” exhibit, running May 21–October 5, 2025. Hands-on activities, Roar & Explore Wednesdays, and family fun await.

Shorewood Named a Top Biking City

Shorewood ranks among the top 100 cities in the world for biking — and it's right in Milwaukee’s North Shore. Discover why this family-friendly community, along with Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Glendale, is a top destination for biking adventures.

Guide to Auto Racing in the Milwaukee Area

Discover the best family-friendly auto racing adventures near Milwaukee! Complete 2025-2026 guide to Road America, Milwaukee Mile IndyCar races, vintage events, and budget tips for North Shore families.

Milwaukee Mountain Biking Guide

Discover family-friendly mountain biking trails in and near Milwaukee's North Shore. This guide highlights the best local trails for all skill levels.

Your Complete Guide to North Shore Milwaukee Gardening

With over 100 community gardens, family-friendly nurseries, and year-round educational programs, the North Shore offers families an incredible opportunity to dig into gardening together, whether you're starting with a single container on your balcony or planning a backyard transformation.

A Family Guide to Kletzsch Park

Discover Glendale's Kletzsch Park: Your ultimate guide to family-friendly fun! Explore amenities, activities, trails, and everything you need for a memorable park adventure in Glendale, WI.

Guide to Milwaukee Area Sailing

Explore family-friendly sailing on Milwaukee’s North Shore with beginner classes, scenic Lake Michigan cruises, and expert tips for memorable outings with kids and parents.

Milwaukee Hiking Guide

Here are some family-friendly hiking spots that offer diverse landscapes and engaging experiences for all ages:

Milwaukee Guide to Turtles

Exploring the greater Milwaukee area offers opportunities to observe and learn about turtles in their natural habitats and educational settings. Here's a guide to some notable locations where you can encounter these fascinating creatures

Earlier edition · 2025

GT World Challenge America 2025 Comes to Road America

Experience world-class GT3 racing at Road America Aug 15-17, 2025! Kids 16 & under FREE admission. Explore 640 acres of viewing spots, meet drivers, enjoy amazing food & make it a family camping adventure in Wisconsin.

Earlier edition · 2025

Best Milwaukee Family Fun Runs in 2025

The North Shore Milwaukee offers a variety of family-friendly fun runs that cater to all ages and fitness levels. Participating in these events is a wonderful way to promote health and enjoy the outdoors.