Why Winter's Better In Milwaukee: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Milwaukee. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

The Pettit National Ice Center

Address: 500 South 84th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214
Phone: (414) 266-0100
Details: The Pettit National Ice Center is one of the country’s premier indoor ice facilities, offering public skating alongside training spaces for speed skating, figure skating and hockey. Public skate times can vary, so it’s best to check the schedule before lacing up.

Adventure Rock Milwaukee

Address: 2220 North Commerce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: (262) 790-6800
Details: Adventure Rock brings all-ages climbing indoors, with bouldering areas, top rope walls and kid-friendly climbing zones that make for a physically engaging visit regardless of the weather. Beyond climbing, the space also hosts yoga and fitness classes for kids and adults alike. Online reservations are available for day passes, classes and memberships.

Discovery World

Address: 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 765-9966
Details: Discovery World invites visitors of all ages to explore hands-on exhibits and labs in science, innovation and environmental discovery, all with a waterfront view. With rotating exhibits, special events, there’s plenty of reason for repeat visits. While walk-ins are welcome, you’ll save on full-price admission by booking online.

The Pabst Mansion

Address: 2000 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (414) 931-0808
Details: The Pabst Mansion offers a deeper look into Milwaukee’s brewing heritage and Gilded Age architecture through guided tours of the home built by Captain Frederick Pabst. Intricate woodwork, period rooms and stories of early 20th-century life make the mansion a satisfying indoor history stop. Tours and ticket info are listed on the mansion’s website.

Murray Hill Pottery Works

Address: 2458 North Murray Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53211
Phone: (414) 202-3309
Details: Murray Hill Pottery Works is a long-standing ceramic studio on Milwaukee’s East Side, offering one-time classes, ongoing pottery instruction and studio memberships for local makers. The space also hosts small private events for groups of up to 10 people, making it a hands-on option for creative outings. Class details and sign-ups are available on the studio’s website.

Milwaukee County Zoo

Address: 10001 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: (414) 771-3040
Details: The Milwaukee County Zoo features habitats from around the globe and indoor exhibits that make winter visits comfortable, along with animal-specific events and keeper talks that add depth to each trip. Cooler months often bring opportunities to see animals when they’re most active without big crowds. Hours, admission and exhibit details are available on the zoo’s website.

Milwaukee Public Museum

Address: 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (414) 278-2728
Details: The Milwaukee Public Museum offers expansive natural and cultural history exhibits that continue to change and evolve, making it a rich winter outing for all ages. This will be the final full year the museum is in its current building before transitioning to the new Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin, with the last day of operation set for January 3, 2027 — a unique moment to make memories here while you can. Click here for ticketing information, hours of operation and other planning details.

Milwaukee Brewing Company

Address: 2335 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 488-2119
Details: Milwaukee Brewing Company is a cornerstone of the city’s craft beer scene, with roots dating back to 1997 and a long-standing commitment to brewing with local ingredients in a sustainable, creative way. Today, the brewery continues that legacy under the ownership of Eagle Park Brewing, remaining locally owned and focused on thoughtful, innovative beer. Visitors can stop by to sample current releases or book a guided brewery tour to learn more about the history and brewing process.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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