his comprehensive guide covers 65+ locations across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties—places that historically stay open during extreme winter weather and welcome families seeking indoor refuge.

From nationally recognized ice sculpture competitions in Cedarburg to quirky bed races and Luxembourg fire traditions, this guide covers every major festival and hidden gem to help families plan memorable winter outings.

Whether you're chasing snowy thrills down Wisconsin's largest tubing hill or floating lazily down a summer river, the Milwaukee area offers tubing adventures for every season. This guide covers everything families need to know—from commercial snow tubing parks to free sledding hills and summer river floats—all within an hour of Milwaukee.

The 2025 winter solstice arrives on Sunday, December 21 at 9:03 AM Central Time, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year with just nine hours of daylight in Milwaukee.

Looking to hit the trails this winter? The greater Milwaukee area offers over 660 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within an hour's drive

Finding ethanol-free gasoline can be tricky because southeastern Wisconsin sits in an EPA nonattainment zone that legally restricts ethanol-free fuel sales. But don't worry—we've mapped out exactly where to fill up, whether you want pump gas or the convenience of pre-mixed cans from local hardware stores.

Milwaukee's brutal winters demand proactive gutter maintenance—and ignoring it can cost you thousands. With 52+ inches of annual snowfall, frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and lake-effect weather off Lake Michigan, gutters in the greater Milwaukee area face some of the harshest conditions in the Midwest. This guide covers everything North Shore homeowners need to know: why maintenance matters, who to call, what to pay, and how to prevent costly damage before it starts.

Wisconsin offers polar plunges across the state each winter, from massive charity fundraisers drawing thousands to quirky small-town traditions where locals drag couches onto frozen lakes.

When winter arrives in the Milwaukee area, homeowners face an annual question: tackle the snow yourself or hire a professional service?

Ring in 2026 by jumping into frigid Lake Michigan with thousands of fellow Wisconsinites—or simply cheer from the shore with hot cocoa in hand.

Whether you're strapping on skis for the first time or seeking challenging terrain, southeastern Wisconsin offers groomed trails from Franklin to Port Washington.

Ice skating season has arrived in Milwaukee, and families have more options than ever to lace up and hit the ice together. From the dazzling downtown Slice of Ice to Olympic-caliber facilities where Team USA trains, the greater Milwaukee area offers something for every skill level and budget.

Milwaukee families have excellent ski and snowboard destinations within an hour's drive, ranging from a beginner-friendly hill built atop a former landfill to Wisconsin's only ski-in/ski-out resort.

The greater Milwaukee area delivers some of Wisconsin's best free sledding—from lit nighttime hills with warming houses serving hot chocolate to hidden neighborhood gems perfect for toddlers' first rides. After researching over 40 sledding locations across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and surrounding counties, we've compiled everything North Shore families need to plan the perfect snow day adventure.

This Black Friday, you don’t have to chose between saving money and supporting local. Do both! Here is a round-up of local North Shore deals for Black Friday and beyond. Know of something that didn’t make the list?

The greater Milwaukee area offers serveral reindeer experiences this holiday season, ranging from free community events to intimate zoo encounters.

Illuminate Ozaukee is a spectacular drive-thru holiday light show returning to Cedarburg's Zeunert Park this December.

Your family can join hundreds of Santas, elves, and reindeer on bikes this December for Milwaukee's most joyful winter tradition.