READ MORE OF OUR SUMMERFEST 2024 COVERAGE HERE
Summerfest’s main draws – beer and loud live music – might have made some least-kid-friendly things lists in their time. But The Big Gig hasn’t forgotten the little ones. Playgrounds, child-oriented performers and rides at Henry Maier Festival Park, where Summerfest is held, are just a few reasons to skip the babysitter route this year and finally show the kids around Milwaukee’s biggest event.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Northwestern Mutual Community Park
Located on the lakefront in the middle of the grounds is a hotspot for kids aged 2-12 with a large playground and green space nearby. Bathrooms, sensory rooms and nursing stations are also in the area.
The park hosts performance series “The Lil Gig” featuring acts like Caricatures & Comedy by Bill Begos. Other activities the Lil Gig will offer include an interactive fire truck, craft stations and face painting. To end on a high note, every night at the Lil Gig will close out with a Kids Boogie Down Family Fun Dance Party starting at 7:45 p.m.
Children’s Fest Day
Friday, June 21 is Shorewest Realtors Children’s Fest Day with various activities including a scavenger hunt throughout the grounds. All patrons arriving between 12-3 p.m. that day will receive free admission. There will be lots of activities, including a “Map of Fun” scavenger hunt with an “Outer Space” theme throughout the grounds. Any child who completes the hunt by 3 p.m. will be entered to win a Family Fun Giveaway.
Yield Experience
New to Summerfest this year, “Yield” is an immersive light and sound experience accessible with festival admission that brings visitors into a ‘cosmic cornfield.’ The mission of “Yield” is to bring back childhood memories, evolving them into an otherworldly experience. Its 192 stalks of corn and 75,000 LED pixels will be located near the grounds’ South Gate.
MKE Airport Skyglider
This Summerfest activity is the perfect way to get a glimpse of Milwaukee from above. Kids can take in the view of the bustling Henry Maier Festival Park and Lake Michigan’s serene waves while giving their feet a rest on this family-favorite ride.
Everlight Solar Wheel in the Sky
Take a trip on this massive ferris wheel at the south end of the grounds anytime from noon-11:30 p.m. If you can make it before the kids’ bedtime, catch a ride after sunset when it lights up the festival night sky.
School of Rock
School of Rock lets kids take the spotlight, inviting over 75 bands made up of youth musicians from all over the world to perform on six stages throughout the festival. Younger ones might feel inspired to hone their own musical talents after watching these rockstars.
Starry Sit ‘N’ Sip
Throughout the festival, families can stop for a refresher at this drink station by the waterfront offering mocktails and cocktails, along with a photo booth and free samples of Starry, PepsiCo’s new lemon-lime soda.
Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain
Named after former Summerfest director Elizabeth Black, this large splash pad near the entrance to the grounds provides an opportunity for kids to cool off on hot festival days.
