Here’s How to Enjoy a Family Trip to Milwaukee

Discovering a new American city with your family is one of the joys of train travel. And after chatting with Milwaukee working mom and blogger Jess of Adventures in Sunshineland, we’re happy to say you might add a new destination to your must visit list.

While it’s known to many as Brew City, Jess happily tells us that Milwaukee is a family-friendly, beautiful city with tons to do all year long. Read to hear her recommondations of what to make your family trip to Milwaukee a memorable one.

Amtrak: Amtrak adventures are fun for the entire family. Tells about places in Milwaukee that will make parents and little ones happy.
Jess: We have amazing fun for families in Milwaukee. One of our favorite spots is the Milwaukee County Zoo.We can go there year round and there are amazing animals there. My daughter’s favorite spot is the Giraffe Experience where she can be on the raised deck and see the giraffes eye to eye! Discovery World, The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, First Stage Children’s Theater, Miller Park – Home of the Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee’s amazing lakefront are some of our favorites! Milwaukee has an amazing festival season that goes on all summer. Our favorite is Festa Italiana which was just last weekend. My husband’s family is originally from Sicily and he is second generation born in the US so going to Festa is always one of his favorites. Oh! And don’t forget about the Milwaukee Air and Water Show. Free fun for the entire family!

What are a few of your go to spots for a quality family dinner?
We love AJ Bombers whose Milwaukee Burger won Travel Channel’s Food Wars. My daughter loves the P-Nut bombs there and usually shoves her pockets full of peanuts to take home! We also love Sprecher Pub. It’s kid friendly and an amazing Milwaukee based craft beer selection for the grown-ups. If you need a little dessert, don’t forget that Milwaukee has an amazing Frozen Custard selection that includes Kopp’s, Leon’s, Gilles and Culver’s.

Fill in the blank. No trip to Milwaukee is complete without a visit to ___________.
The Lakefront. Milwaukee is located right on Lake Michigan and it’s a sight to behold all year long. If you come to Milwaukee, you must see the lake and if you’re up early enough, a sunrise is always beautiful.

After a train ride, stretching the legs is always recommended. Where’s the best place to go to let the kids get tuckered out?
We have amazing playgrounds in Milwaukee. A short ride to the suburb of Shorewood and you’ll find Atwater Park and Beach, where you’ll find a brand new playground right on the lakefront.

If a babysitter is around, where do you and your husband like to go for a tasty grownups-only dinner, Milwaukee style?
I’d choose Pizza Man, located on Downer Ave. They have an amazing upstairs outdoor patio, wine on tap and delicious pizza. They have a great craft beer selection too. If you’re into drooling, check out their website for some yummy pizza photos. Great for kids too but we love it for grownups-only night!

Last question, why is Milwaukee a great place to visit.
It’s fun for the whole family! There is so much to do here that you could never be bored. Milwaukee is an amazing community that gives back again and again. We work hard so we can play hard. I could never imagine living anywhere else!