A Family Guide to Birding in Milwaukee's North Shore
Looking for an engaging outdoor activity that combines education, exercise, and family bonding? Birding might be your answer! Milwaukee's North Shore offers incredible opportunities for families to connect with nature while discovering the fascinating world of birds right in their backyard.
Birding is accessible, affordable, and adaptable to any age. It encourages quiet observation, develops patience, and creates lasting memories. Plus, Milwaukee's "Bird City" designation and recent "High Flyer" status means our area is actively committed to conservation and providing excellent birding opportunities.
Top Family-Friendly Birding Spots
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (Bayside)
185 acres with 6 miles of trails
260+ bird species observed since 1974
Exciting Raptor Program featuring eagles, hawks, and owls
Wheelchair-friendly with sensory packs available
Designated "Important Bird Area"
Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park (Milwaukee)
15 acres of wooded habitat along the Milwaukee River
Regular "Early Morning Bird Walks"
Habitat-themed playground for younger kids
Free programs focused on urban nature connection
Havenwoods State Forest (Milwaukee)
Wisconsin's only urban state forest (237 acres)
6+ miles of trails through grasslands, woods, and wetlands
Nature center with live animals
Free admission!
Essential Gear for Young Birders
Must-Haves:
Binoculars: Kid-friendly lightweight options (Carson Hawk 30mm recommended)
Bird ID Apps: Merlin Bird ID (works offline!) and Audubon Bird Guide
Notebook & Pencils: For sketching and notes
Water & Snacks: Essential for happy kids!
Nice-to-Haves:
Field guides designed for kids
Simple bird feeder for backyard observations
Birdhouse building project
Making It Fun: Tips for Success
Turn It Into a Game
Bird Scavenger Hunts: Create picture cards of common local birds
Listening Games: "Guess that bird call" using apps
Backyard Bird Bingo: Check off species as you spot them
Sketching Challenges: Draw what you see, focusing on colors and shapes
Focus on Behavior
Don't just identify birds—watch what they're doing! Are they building nests? Foraging? Singing? This makes birding more engaging and helps with identification.
Practice Patience
Teach kids that quiet observation is key. Make it a game: "Who can be the quietest birdwatcher?"
Organizations & Programs
Urban Ecology Center: Offers Adventure Days, Summer Camps, and Early Learners programs across three locations.
BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: Free, family-friendly monthly events welcoming all skill levels.
Schlitz Audubon: Birding Academy and "Audubon Babies" programs for different ages.
Upcoming Events
Becoming a Better Birder: Behavior Workshop
When: Thursday, August 7th, 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park
Who: Adults & teens (all experience levels welcome)
Cost: $20-$25
This classroom-based workshop focuses on identifying birds through their behaviors rather than just appearance. Participants will learn to recognize feeding styles, postures, and habits that make certain species quickly identifiable. Note: This session doesn't cover flight patterns or vocalizations (those are separate workshops). Some prior birding knowledge is helpful but not required.
Register: Workshop Link
Ready to Start?
Birding is one of those rare activities that costs little, requires minimal gear, and offers maximum reward. Whether you're watching cardinals at your backyard feeder or spotting warblers during migration at Lake Park, you're giving your family a gift that keeps giving—a deeper connection to the natural world around you.
Grab some binoculars, pack some snacks, and head out to explore! Your North Shore birding adventure awaits.
