Urgent Care in Milwaukee's North Shore: Know Your Options

When your child spikes a fever at 7 PM or you twist an ankle on a Saturday morning, knowing exactly where to go can save precious time and stress. Milwaukee's North Shore communities—Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, Glendale, and Mequon—have multiple urgent care options, though the landscape has notable gaps that families should understand before an emergency strikes.

This guide maps out every urgent care facility serving North Shore families, with the specific details you need to make fast, informed decisions when minutes matter.

The North Shore urgent care landscape

The most important thing North Shore families should know: no dedicated urgent care facilities exist directly within Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, or Bayside proper. Mequon and Glendale serve as the urgent care hubs for the region, with most families traveling 5-15 minutes to reach full-service care.

Mequon offers the most options, including a brand-new Aurora facility that opened in June 2024 and the only dedicated pediatric urgent care (Children's Wisconsin) in the immediate North Shore area. Glendale provides access to Ascension's River Woods urgent care location. Families in the southern North Shore communities typically head to Good Hope Road facilities in northern Milwaukee.

For children specifically, Children's Wisconsin at Mequon Clinic stands out as the premier option—it's the only urgent care in the area staffed exclusively by pediatric specialists who treat patients from birth through age 18.

Mequon: The North Shore's urgent care hub

Aurora Urgent Care – West Mequon

This $5.8 million facility represents the newest and most comprehensive urgent care option for North Shore families. The 2,785-square-foot urgent care center features extended hours ideal for working parents.

Address: 6425 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092

Phone: (262) 242-0051

Hours of Operation:

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Holidays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Services offered: X-rays, lab work (ACL Laboratory), minor stitches and laceration repair, burn treatment, foreign object removal, sports physicals, COVID-19 testing, treatment for respiratory infections, sprains, strains, UTIs, ear infections, and rashes.

Pediatric information: Treats patients of all ages with no minimum age restriction for in-person visits. Virtual urgent care available for children ages 2-17.

Insurance: Accepts most major plans including Medicare, Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, WPS, Network Health Plan, and TRICARE.

Check-in options: Walk-ins welcome. Online reservations and real-time wait time viewing available through the LiveWell app or website. Note: Reservations hold your spot but don't guarantee exact appointment times.

Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care – Mequon Clinic

The gold standard for pediatric urgent care in the North Shore. This location is staffed exclusively by board-certified pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners who specialize in treating children from birth through age 18.

Address: 1655 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092

Phone: (262) 518-2622

Hours of Operation:

• Weekdays: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Weekends: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Closed on major holidays (New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)

Services offered: X-rays (with radiation doses 3x lower than adult facilities), limited lab services, splinting for minor fractures, wound care and stitches, same-day orthopedic appointments for fractures through the specialty clinic.

Conditions treated: Ear infections, strep throat, sinus infections, colds and flu, pink eye, UTIs, minor burns and cuts, hives, rashes, bug bites, sprains, mild asthma flare-ups, croup, and constipation.

What they cannot provide: Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs (patients requiring these are transferred to the Emergency Department). They do not offer preventive care, physicals, or vaccines at urgent care.

Insurance: Accepts most major plans. Co-payment collected at time of service.

Check-in options: Walk-ins welcome. "Save Your Spot" feature available through MyChart—reserve your place online and wait at home. Real-time wait times visible at childrenswi.org/urgentcare.

Family-friendly features: Child-friendly environment designed specifically for kids, staff specially trained in pediatric care, up to 4 visitors of any age can accompany the patient, and full integration with Children's Wisconsin electronic health records for seamless coordination with your pediatrician.

Aurora Clinic at Walgreens – Mequon

A convenient option for minor illnesses and vaccinations, this clinic uses a hybrid model combining in-person care with video technology for clinician consultations.

Address: 11270 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53092

Phone: (262) 241-1022

Hours of Operation:

• Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (limited compared to full urgent care)

Services offered: Ear infections, allergies, sinus problems, flu shots, pneumonia and meningitis vaccines, sports physicals, pregnancy tests, TB tests.

Pediatric information: Video visits available for children ages 2-18. Contact clinic directly for in-person pediatric age requirements.

Best for: Quick visits for minor illnesses, vaccinations, and physicals when full urgent care services aren't needed.

Froedtert Community Hospital – Mequon (Emergency Department Only)

Important note: Froedtert's Mequon Urgent Care closed in February 2022 and has not reopened. The facility now operates only as a full Emergency Department—appropriate for true emergencies but with higher costs than urgent care.

Address: 11421 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53092

Phone: (262) 518-4910

Hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Services: Full emergency care for all ages including children. Access to board-certified Froedtert & MCW physicians. Treats abdominal pain, chest pain, severe bleeding, broken bones, seizures, and high fevers.

When to use: True emergencies when urgent care is closed or when symptoms are severe (difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke).

Glendale and River Woods area options

Ascension Columbia St. Mary's – River Woods Urgent Care

Located near the Glendale/Shorewood border, this hospital-affiliated urgent care offers a convenient option for families in southern North Shore communities.

Address: 375 W. River Woods Parkway, Glendale, WI 53212

Phone: (414) 326-1500

Hours of Operation:

• Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Services offered: Treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, diagnostic services.

Pediatric information: Treats patients of all ages.

Check-in options: Walk-ins welcome; online check-in available.

Whitefish Bay and Fox Point retail clinics

CVS MinuteClinic – Whitefish Bay

The most accessible retail clinic option for southern North Shore families, with extended evening hours and comprehensive minor illness services.

Address: 240 E. Hampton Road, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

Phone: (414) 962-7071

Hours of Operation:

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (lunch break 1:30-2:00 PM)

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Services offered (128+ services): Treatment for colds, flu, strep throat, sinus infections, ear infections, pink eye, UTIs, minor burns, bug bites, sprains/strains; sports physicals, camp physicals, DOT physicals; flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other immunizations; blood pressure screening, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, TB testing.

Pediatric information: Minimum age 18 months. Children under 18 months must go elsewhere.

What they cannot do: No X-rays, no stitches, no fracture care, no complex conditions. Staffed by Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates (not physicians).

Insurance: Accepts most major plans including Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.

Cost without insurance:

• Basic visits: $79–$99

• Treatment visits: $99–$139

• Sports physicals: ~$69

• Video visits: $59

Check-in options: Walk-ins welcome. Online scheduling available at CVS.com/MinuteClinic or through the CVS Pharmacy app.

CVS MinuteClinic – Fox Point

Address: 8661 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217

Phone: (414) 540-6836

Hours of Operation: Hours appear limited and variable—call ahead to confirm before visiting. Some sources indicate the clinic may have reduced hours or temporary closures.

Services and pricing: Same as Whitefish Bay location.

Pediatric information: Minimum age 18 months.

Northern Milwaukee facilities serving the North Shore

Aurora Urgent Care – Good Hope Road

The closest full-service Aurora urgent care for families in Glendale, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay—approximately 5-7 miles from most North Shore communities.

Address: 3003 W. Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, WI 53209

Phone: (414) 352-3100

Hours of Operation:

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (some sources report 8:00 PM)

• Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

On-site services: Urgent care and walk-in care, ACL Laboratory, vision center, pharmacy, physical therapy and sports health.

Pediatric information: Treats patients of all ages with no minimum age restriction.

Insurance: Same comprehensive coverage as other Aurora locations.

Check-in options: Walk-ins accepted; reservations available through LiveWell app.

Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care – Good Hope Clinic

The best hours of any Children's Wisconsin urgent care—open from 9 AM daily, making it ideal for daytime pediatric needs when the Mequon location (which opens at 5 PM on weekdays) isn't available.

Address: 7201 W. Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, WI 53223

Phone: (414) 337-8988

Hours of Operation:

• Seven days a week: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Holiday hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Services: Same pediatric-specialized services as Mequon location, including X-rays.

Age range: Birth through age 18.

Check-in options: Walk-ins welcome; "Save Your Spot" available through MyChart.

Best for: Families needing pediatric care earlier in the day than the Mequon clinic allows.

Primary care clinics with same-day sick visits

These locations are not urgent care but may offer same-day appointments for established patients:

Aurora Health Center – Whitefish Bay

Address: 325 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

Phone: (414) 247-4800

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed weekends)

Services: Family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, neurology, lab services. By appointment only—not walk-in urgent care.

Froedtert Shorewood Clinic (Opened Summer 2024)

Address: 1901 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211

Phone: (414) 424-5300 | New patients: (414) 777-7700

Hours: Monday: 7 AM–5 PM | Tuesday: 7:30 AM–6 PM | Wednesday–Thursday: Closed | Friday: 7:30 AM–5 PM

Important: This is primary care by appointment only—not urgent care. Does not offer walk-in services.

Regional urgent care options worth knowing

When North Shore facilities are full or closed, these nearby options serve as alternatives:

Froedtert North Hills Health Center Urgent Care – Menomonee Falls

Address: W129 N7055 Northfield Drive, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Phone: (262) 253-5400

Hours: 8 AM–8 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Friday) | 8 AM–4 PM (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

Services: Full urgent care including lab services, imaging and diagnostics, stitches for lacerations, treatment for sprains, strains, and minor fractures.

Pediatric information: Treats patients of all ages including infants.

Check-in: "Reserve Your Place in Line" available online. Full MyChart integration.

Aurora Urgent Care – Grafton

Address: 215 Washington Street, Grafton, WI 53024

Phone: (262) 375-3700

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8 AM–8 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM

Best for: Families in northern Mequon or Ozaukee County.

Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care – Mayfair (Wauwatosa)

Address: 3040 N. 117th Street, Suite 100, Wauwatosa, WI 53222

Phone: (414) 337-8988

Hours: Weekdays: 5 PM–10 PM | Weekends: 11 AM–5 PM

Services: Same pediatric-specialized care as other Children's Wisconsin locations.

Which facility is best for your child?

For infants and toddlers (birth to 18 months):

• Best option: Children's Wisconsin (Mequon or Good Hope)—the only urgent cares that treat infants with specialized pediatric staff

• Avoid: CVS MinuteClinic (18-month minimum age)

For children 18 months to 18 years:

• For specialized pediatric care: Children's Wisconsin locations

• For general urgent care after hours: Aurora Urgent Care (all ages welcome)

• For minor illnesses and vaccinations: CVS MinuteClinic

For families needing daytime pediatric care:

• Children's Wisconsin Good Hope (opens 9 AM daily) instead of Mequon (opens 5 PM weekdays)

For after 10 PM:

• Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care Video Visit (available until 10 PM) for conditions appropriate for telehealth

• Froedtert Community Hospital Mequon ED (24/7) for emergencies

• Children's Wisconsin Emergency Department in Milwaukee for serious pediatric emergencies

Comparing costs and capabilities

Key insight: Urgent care costs 5-10x less than the ER for non-life-threatening conditions. Always check that your chosen facility is in-network before visiting.

When to choose urgent care, ER or pediatrician

Go to urgent care when:

Your child has a condition that needs same-day attention but isn't life-threatening, and your pediatrician is unavailable. Appropriate conditions include ear infections, sore throat and strep, minor fevers (in children over 2 months), cold and flu symptoms, pink eye, minor cuts needing stitches, sprains and strains, minor burns, rashes and hives, UTIs, minor asthma flare-ups, and vomiting or diarrhea without severe dehydration.

Go to the emergency room when:

Call 911 for any of these red flags:

• Difficulty breathing, severe wheezing, or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or signs of heart attack/stroke

• Severe bleeding that won't stop with pressure

• Loss of consciousness or seizures

• Fever in infants under 2 months old (always an emergency—100.4°F/38°C or higher)

• Severe allergic reactions with swelling or difficulty breathing

• Broken bones with visible deformity or open fractures

• Head injuries with confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness

• Poisoning or overdose

• Suicidal thoughts or psychiatric emergencies (also call 988)

Special consideration for children with chronic conditions: Kids with underlying asthma, heart disease, sickle cell, or immune-suppressing conditions should go to the ER even for seemingly minor illnesses, as they're more susceptible to complications.

Call your pediatrician first when:

• You're unsure whether urgent care is necessary

• Your child needs routine checkups, physicals, or immunizations

• Symptoms are non-urgent and can wait 1-2 days

• You need follow-up care or chronic condition management

Most pediatrician offices offer same-day sick visits and after-hours nurse lines—always a good first call when you're uncertain.

What to bring to urgent care

Essential documents:

• Photo ID (parent/guardian)

• Current insurance card (medical and prescription if separate)

• Credit/debit card or HSA/FSA card for copay

Medical information:

• List of all current medications with dosages

• Known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)

• Brief medical history (chronic conditions, past surgeries)

• Your pediatrician's name and phone number

• Your preferred pharmacy's name and address

For children, also bring:

• Immunization records (especially important for fevers and rashes)

• Comfort items: favorite toy, blanket, or book

• Charged tablet or phone for distraction during waits

• Snacks and drinks for longer waits

• Change of clothes for younger children

• Any medical equipment your child uses regularly (inhalers, EpiPens, glucose meters)

Important for minors: A parent or legal guardian must accompany children under 18. If another adult is bringing your child, provide a notarized authorization signed by the parent or guardian.

Making the most of online check-in

Most North Shore urgent care facilities offer online check-in to reduce wait times. Here's how to use each system:

Aurora LiveWell app/website: Schedule reservations, view real-time wait times, choose your preferred location. Download from iOS App Store or Google Play.

Children's Wisconsin MyChart: Use "Save Your Spot" to reserve your place in line and wait at home. Access at mychart.chw.org or through the MyChart app.

CVS MinuteClinic: Schedule online at CVS.com/MinuteClinic or through the CVS Pharmacy app.

Froedtert: "Reserve Your Place in Line" available through their website or app.

Pro tips for shorter waits:

• Visit during off-peak hours—weekday mornings typically have the shortest waits

• Avoid Mondays and the days immediately after holidays

• Complete registration online before arriving

• Check wait times at multiple locations and choose the shortest

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to finish paperwork

Virtual urgent care when you can't leave home

When physical examination isn't essential, video visits offer convenience and lower exposure to other sick patients:

Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care Video Visits

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Ages: Birth through 17

• Access: MyChart app or childrenswi.org

• Treats: Pink eye, lice, fever, rashes, cough/cold/flu, nausea/vomiting, COVID screening, croup, sinus infections, seasonal allergies, and more

Aurora 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care

• Available around the clock for Wisconsin residents

• Ages 2-17 for pediatric visits (parents must use proxy access for ages 12-17)

• E-visits also available: message-based diagnosis with response within 1 hour

CVS MinuteClinic Video Visits

• Cost: $59

• Convenient for minor conditions appropriate for telehealth

Quick reference by community

If you live in Shorewood or southern Whitefish Bay:

• Closest urgent care: Ascension River Woods (Glendale) or Aurora Good Hope Road

• Closest pediatric urgent care: Children's Wisconsin Good Hope

• Closest retail clinic: CVS MinuteClinic Whitefish Bay

If you live in Whitefish Bay or Fox Point:

• Closest urgent care: Ascension River Woods or Aurora Good Hope Road

• Closest pediatric urgent care: Children's Wisconsin Mequon or Good Hope

• Closest retail clinic: CVS MinuteClinic Whitefish Bay or Fox Point

If you live in Bayside or Glendale:

• Closest urgent care: Ascension River Woods (Glendale)

• Closest pediatric urgent care: Children's Wisconsin Mequon

• Closest retail clinic: CVS MinuteClinic Fox Point

If you live in Mequon:

• Closest urgent care: Aurora West Mequon (7 AM–9 PM)

• Closest pediatric urgent care: Children's Wisconsin Mequon

• Closest retail clinic: Aurora Clinic at Walgreens Mequon

• 24/7 emergency: Froedtert Community Hospital Mequon ED

Emergency numbers every family should save

• 911: Life-threatening emergencies

• 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7 mental health support)

• 1-800-222-1222: Poison Control Center

• Children's Wisconsin main: (414) 266-2000

• Aurora Health main: (833) 528-7672

Conclusion

Milwaukee's North Shore families have solid urgent care coverage, with Mequon serving as the regional hub and Good Hope Road facilities filling gaps for southern communities. The key takeaways for families:

For children from birth through age 18, Children's Wisconsin remains unmatched—their Mequon and Good Hope locations offer specialized pediatric care with lower radiation imaging and staff trained exclusively to treat developing bodies. The Good Hope location's 9 AM–8 PM daily hours make it particularly valuable for daytime needs.

For after-hours general care, Aurora's new West Mequon facility (open until 9 PM weekdays) offers the most comprehensive services and longest hours in the immediate North Shore area.

For quick, minor issues, CVS MinuteClinic in Whitefish Bay provides accessible retail clinic care—though parents of children under 18 months will need to go elsewhere.

The biggest gap: families in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Bayside should know that reaching full-service urgent care requires a 10-15 minute drive. Save these addresses and phone numbers now, before you need them—because at 8 PM on a Sunday with a sick child, you'll be glad you did.