READ MORE OF OUR “BEST OF MILWAUKEE 2025” FEATURE HERE.
If you’re looking for an awesome day in Milwaukee, you’ve got lots of options. That’s why we’ve put together an agenda for the perfect day with your help – using nothing but Readers’ Choice winners for the best activities. It all adds up to a well-rounded staycation.
Perk Up with TMJ4
9 A.M.
Start the day by brewing some joe and tuning into the Best TV News and its daily talk show “The Morning Blend.” Live from the Yellow Couch, hosts Molly Fay and Tiffany Ogle and their community member guests are a breezy way to stay on the pulse while getting the kids ready. (Charles Benson and crew handle the harder news later.)

It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Jump Around Nugget Nation
11 A.M. | 12501 W. BLUEMOUND RD., BROOKFIELD
Head over to the eastern edge of Brookfield for some pint-sized, adult-supervised playtime at the Best Indoor Play Place. Little ones (think ages 2-8) can tramp through tunnels, climbers and ramps on the playground, and take a trip to Nuggie Town, a village play area where younger ones can pretend to buy groceries at the store, take care of furry friends at the vet and more.
Stroll the MIAD Galleries
2 P.M. | 273 E. ERIE ST.
Further stoke the kids’ creativity – and yours! – by traveling east to the artsy Third Ward, home of the Best Art Gallery. The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design spotlights in its showrooms emerging art from the city’s next generation of creatives, including its own students and beyond. Opening Sept. 19 is Our Mothers Ourselves, a photography exhibition exploring maternal legacies, heritage and personal histories across generations.
Soak Up the Sun and Suds at South Shore Park
4 P.M. | 2900 S. SHORE DR.
Trade the art floor for the lakeshore at the Best Park. Along with stunning skyline views, this jewel of Bay View serves late afternoon and evening pours and bites at the popular South Shore Terrace beer garden. Kiddos can run around the newly revamped ADA-accessible playground (those slides are fast!), and you can end the visit by dipping your toes in the new swimmer-friendly beach.
Cheers at Saint Kate
8 P.M. | 139 E. KILBOURN AVE.
After dropping the kids off with a sitter, wrap up with a night at the Best Staycation Hotel. Even without checking into one of the cool art-filled rooms, there’s plenty to do here: Partake in an elegant dinner at Aria (or Proof Pizza if you’re thinking more casual), grab a drink at the bar, wander the galleries, listen to live jazz and people-watch at Downtown’s nightlife nightcap.

