Every summer hundreds of thousands of people attend Summerfest here in Milwaukee. Fans of all genres of music. All ages and demographics of people, including kids. But what is there for kids to do at a huge music festival? The answer is A LOT.
For starters there’s always the Summerfest staples for kids:
- The Kohl's Captivation Station, which will showcase free make-and-take activities by the mobile Art Museum, public museum, Discovery World, Zoological Society and Penfield Children's Center. The station is located on the south end of Summerfest grounds. Activities are every day from noon to 7 p.m.
- At the Northwestern Mutual Children's Theater & PlayZone, there will be kid-friendly acts every day from noon to 8 p.m., including magicians and kid singers and dancers.
- And at the Playzone, UB the Band, which allows kids to use real instruments, microphones and stage lighting, will return. Also, the 537 Chargers Robotics team will show of their remote-controlled mini robots.
- And, of course the always popular playground and fountain.
New this year at Summerfest they have added some other cool things for kids including the opportunity to try out Harley-Davidson's electric balance bikes for free. The bikes are for kids ages 3 to 7 who are just learning how to ride. You can find the bikes at the Sports Zone from noon to 2:30 p.m. June 26, 27 and 28, and July 3, 4 and 5.
Kids over 8 can try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for free everyday. Also there will be free boat rides available on the harbor, sign up for all water activities at The Summerfest Landing.
For the youngsters into gaming PlayStation will be on hand with gaming stations so kids can try out new video games June 26 through June 30. Nintendo will be on site doing the same thing July 3 through July 7.
If you plan on taking the kids to Summerfest there are a few things you need to know about getting in with some new security policies put into place last year. Here's what you need to know to make your day go smoothly.
Strollers are allowed, but bags bigger than 9 by 10 by 12 inches are not. Best piece of advice from Summerfest officials is to try and bring only as much as will fit in a typical drawstring cinch bag. Also expect everything to be searched. If you can't fit all you need in a drawstring bag:
- You can put your extra diapers, wipes and onesies in the bottom of your stroller.
- You can empty your stuff into a clear bag provided by security.
- Use the stroller lane of security when you get to the gate to speed things along. Also that's where they can give extra consideration to the stuff you have to bring in with you.
- Outside food is not allowed in. Exceptions will be made for baby food, baby formula and nursing supplies and special food for kids' dietary restrictions.
- Outside beverages are not allowed in. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy $4 bottles of water. You can bring empty bottles that can be filled with water throughout the grounds.
Parents and kids needing a break can find a cooling station inside the north gate. For nursing moms there will be a new nursing suite located near the Kohl's Captivation Station.
Also don’t forget about Children's Fest Day, July 2, everybody gets free admission from noon to 3 p.m. There will be special children's activities, and each food vendor at Summerfest offer at least one menu item at a discount.