Just Playing Around

➞ So the kids have more energy than you know what to do with. Good thing Milwaukee’s indoor and outdoor playgrounds are here to run, slide, bounce, and climb to the rescue. Some even come with views that are sure to recharge those drained parental batteries.

The Northwestern Mutual Community Park sits in the heart of the Summerfest grounds along the Lake Michigan shore. The wheelchair-accessible playground is built on a soft surface and has a designated toddler area in addition to sensory rooms for children who might need a calmer environment. It’s open year-round, regardless of festival schedule, subject to weather conditions.

Harbor View Plaza hugs the edge of Lake Michigan in front of UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences. Climb to the top of its lookout tower for a sweeping vista of Port Milwaukee, downtown Milwaukee, and miles of lakeshore. Kids will love the tower’s tall, corkscrew slide, and they can make their own tiny stream by pumping water into a miniature creek bed.

Cathedral Square Park in downtown Milwaukee is directly accessible via The Hop streetcar, making it a convenient respite from a busy day in the city. Its soft-surfaced playground includes a swing set and musical instruments, as well as plenty of greenspace for running around.

The expansive, fully inclusive and accessible Kayla’s Playground is nestled in the southwest Milwaukee suburb of Franklin. You’ll find swings, slides, and climbing equipment galore, as well as picnic tables, a pavilion, and trails for exploring the natural beauty of Franklin Woods.

Adventure Rock caters to rock climbers of all abilities, even those with no experience at all. They are completely kid-friendly, and you can rent whatever gear you need. The North Avenue and Brookfield gyms have soaring roped, autobelay routes ranging in difficulty from beginner to Spider-Man. The Walker’s Point location is specifically for shorter bouldering climbs.

You could easily spend an entire day at Bounce Milwaukee’s indoor amusement center. Kids will love jumping and sliding in the giant inflatables, getting in a game of laser tag, or scaling the rock climbing wall, among other activities. Parents can kick back in one of the massage chairs or connect with their inner lumberjack at the axe-tossing cages. You’ll also find video games, pinball machines, foosball, and air hockey, as well as a fullservice restaurant and bar.