Picture this: It’s a perfect 65 degrees* outside, and the clouds overhead pass swiftly, intermittently draping everything in sunlight, as a light breeze brushes past. All around, people walk their dogs, children play in their yards, and outdoor patios bubble with sparkling conversations. It’s an utterly gorgeous Memorial Day weekend and summer has officially arrived. With a three-day kick-off to summer right around the corner, we’ve put together some ideas to make the most of this Memorial Day weekend with everything from family fun to places to bask in the sun!

Family Fun

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Family at Estabrook Park enjoying a picnic

There are a few classics on the Memorial Day weekend checklist. Cookouts, flip flops, and floating aimlessly around a pool to name a few, but topping the list is spending quality time with family. Ironically, our end-of-summer fun blog is the perfect way to kick off the time of year when summer has just begun!
 

*Beginning* of Summer Family Fun
 

Have something specific in mind? Looking for more ideas to spark the weekend’s plans for your whole crew? Plan your visit with some family-friendly activities, complete with everything you need to make this weekend unforgettable.
 

Family-Friendly Activities

Outdoor Adventures

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man biking over bridge in Hoyt Park

With warmer days ahead, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors without ever leaving the city. From the 135 miles of multi-purpose trails that weave through Milwaukee to urban kayaking along one of the city’s three rivers, there’s no better way to seize the day than to get outside.
 

Explore Outdoors in MKE

Fire up the Grill

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a wide array of food laid out artfully on a wooden table and shot from a birds eye view

No Memorial Day weekend is complete without the sweet smell of meat (or veggies) on the grill. Don’t leave your crew asking, “Who has the meats?” Pick up brats from Usinger's Famous Sausage, deli cuts from Bavette La Boucherie, cheese from Clock Shadow Creamery, and everything you could ever want to take your cookout to the next level with some of Milwaukee’s outstanding makers.
 

Chews Your Own Adventure

Find Your Paradise

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Kimpton Journeyman Hotel Rooftop

Maybe cooking isn’t really your thing. Take advantage of the magnificent weather* with an al fresco dining experience or drinks with a view at one of the city’s many rooftop, riverside, or patio bars and restaurants.
 

Outdoor Eats and Birds-Eye Dining

Beer Gardens

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Deer Beer Garden

Elevate your Memorial Day weekend by taking your already delicious ice-cold beer for a walk. Sip on your brew with a view and savor your tasty libation at one of Milwaukee’s 7+ beer gardens throughout the area. Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, the War Memorial Beer Garden opens for the season on May 26. But, from the enchanted woodland vibe of the Hubbard Park Beer Garden to the sweeping views of the city from South Shore Beer Garden, there’s no wrong way to do the brew.
 

Just Brew It

Memorial Day Activities

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an exterior image of the War Memorial Center in Milwaukee

In the spirit of the holiday, spend time throughout the weekend reflecting and remembering the thousands who have given their lives in the service of their country at the War Memorial Center. The halls of the War Memorial Center honor those who have served in the armed forces around the unique architectural structure.
 

Visit the War Memorial Center

Veterans Park

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swan boats with scenic view of Veterans Park Lagoon

Right next door to the War Memorial Center, Veterans Park. The 14-acre park adjacent to the city’s downtown features a lagoon, spacious fields perfect for picnics and kite flying, and a court of honor commemorating the four branches of the military services. Explore Veterans Park or any of Milwaukee County Parks’ 150 beautifully manicured parks.
 

Park It

Events

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For more Memorial Day events check out our events page!