Explore Outdoor Activities in Downtown Milwaukee

Where else can you kayak between skyscrapers, stroll nature trails and bike along a Great Lake...all in the same day? In Milwaukee, rivers, green spaces and beaches intertwine with metropolitan skylines for awe-inspiring views. Tap into these urban oases to enjoy the outdoors right within the city.

Kayak the Milwaukee River

Swap your sneakers for a paddle and see the skyscrapers from a whole new view. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, explore downtown Milwaukee by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Start your journey in the Historic Third Ward, with convenient rentals from Milwaukee Kayak Company. Tandem kayaks are available for those with kids. Afterward, stop for a refreshing craft brew at MKE Brewing.

Take a Dip at Bradford Beach

Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach lies on the shores of Lake Michigan—a surprising Midwest beach getaway right in the city. This local-favorite beach is the spot for swimming, sunbathing and spending quality time together with your favorite people. There’s also a Mobi-Mat that leads right to the water for wheelchair users, as well as beach wheelchairs available.

If you’re feeling sporty, join in on a volleyball or soccer game. When you get hungry, grab a sweet treat from MooSa's, just steps away from the beach.

Bike Along Lake Michigan

No bike? No problem. Rent a bike with Bublr and experience Milwaukee from a new perspective. With low-cost options including an hourly pass, visitors can easily pick up a bike at one station and drop it off at another station in the city’s network.

The 6-mile Lakefront Trail is the perfect loop for the whole family. Bike to the Milwaukee Art Museum or venture out to one of many seasonal festivals at Henry Maier Festival Park (better known as the Summerfest grounds.) Kids and adults alike will love a stop at Discovery World, a science and technology museum where almost every exhibit is interactive.

Explore Mitchell Park Domes

Experience three distinct climates all in one afternoon! Even on a rainy day, visitors to Mitchell Park Domes can enjoy the great outdoors and explore three vast natural habitats. Visit the deserts of the world in the Desert Dome, stroll the jungle-like trails of the Tropical Dome and treat your nose to the Floral Show Dome featuring a variety of blooms not native to Wisconsin. Be sure to look for the colorful birds that call the Tropical Dome their home.

Set Sail on Lake Michigan

All aboard! Relax in style aboard the 38-foot Quinn Marie sailing yacht with Sea Dog Sailing. View the world-famous architecture of Calatrava's Burke Brise Soleil at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the constantly changing skyline as city meets water along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan.

Food and drinks are BYO, and you can even hook up your phone to provide your own soundtrack. Schedule a day sail, sunset cruise or other voyage and invite your friends for an unforgettable experience on the water.

Visit the Urban Ecology Center

The mission of this 20,000-foot certified green urban oasis is to inspire others to think creatively about how to connect with nature in an urban setting. Created with recycled and renewable materials, the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park is a destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Visitors can climb the observation tower, explore 15 acres of land on the east bank of the Milwaukee River and scale a 40-foot outdoor rock wall. Kids can discover hidden activities like the secret slide leading into the building, 80 animals camouflaged into its four murals and the Native Wisconsin Animal Room, home to living turtles, snakes, fish and frogs.

The fun doesn’t stop there! There’s plenty more to see and do in Milwaukee this summer, including great spots for family adventures and a full lineup of can’t-miss fests!