Family events in Franklin, WI

The Lincoln Saltdogs visit the Milwaukee Milkmen at Franklin Field in Franklin, Wisconsin. This matchup between two club teams takes place in a smaller ballpark that keeps the action close, making it easier to follow the strategy from pitch to pitch.

This summer, the Thursday Craft Collective invites ages 10 to 14 to the Creators Lounge for hands-on art sessions led by instructor Dylan. The program is organized into two-week units that blend creative practice with a tour of global art and culture. Each unit focuses on a different place or movement. Participants explore wax-resist fabric design inspired by Indonesian batik, examine Switzerland’s Dada movement through techniques like photomontage, take cues from Yayoi Kusama’s signature polka dots and immersive installation concepts, and conclude with Brazilian Neo-Pop in the spirit of Romero Britto by crafting a lively mixed media piece. All premium materials are provided, and the environment is designed to spark creativity and connection among peers. Registration is handled per two-week session, with a fee of $30 for Greendale residents and $40 for non-residents.

Experience a night of skywatching and learning at a nearly century-old, 3-acre observatory in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The evening begins with a presentation on eclipse chasing by astrophotographers Todd Weiler and William Gottemoller, covering strategies for finding eclipses along with helpful camera settings and tips. As darkness settles, volunteers will lead tours and operate multiple telescopes, weather permitting, to showcase highlights of the night sky such as galaxies, star clusters, and nebulas while answering questions about amateur astronomy and the Milwaukee Astronomical Society. If skies are clear, stay for the peak of a deep partial lunar eclipse as roughly 93 percent of the Moon slips into Earth’s dark umbral shadow. The view should resemble a near-total eclipse, with a subtle reddish cast and a small bright area lingering along the northeastern edge of the lunar disk. Activities and information from the Horwitz De-Remer Planetarium will also be available on site for part of the evening. This event takes place rain or shine. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated to support the volunteer-run observatory, with a suggested minimum of $5 per person to help offset parking impact on the grounds. Dress for the weather. The meeting hall is heated and air conditioned, and restrooms are available. Bug spray and a flashlight are recommended, and red tape will be offered to dim lights around the telescopes. Parking is available on site, with guidance from vested volunteers. The meeting hall is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp available on request, and a rear walking ramp is also provided. Most other buildings are at ground level, aside from three. The event is family friendly, with kid-focused activities like a starry theater for building constellations, and additional hands-on options from the local planetarium. The organization is community supported through volunteers, donations, and memberships.

Young creators can explore hands-on creativity in a process-focused art program designed for children ages 1 to 3. The experience begins with a story, then continues with open-ended art making, and a fresh project is featured each month. Caregivers must remain with their children for the full duration, and everyone should be prepared to get messy.

Snap-On INDYCAR Weekend at Milwaukee Mile delivers double the excitement with two full points-paying NTT INDYCAR SERIES races and nonstop on-track action. Drivers will be pushing for every point as the season draws near its conclusion. Across the weekend, the program includes practice, qualifying, and multiple races, highlighted by the Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250, INDY NXT by Firestone, and the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250. A Free Fan Zone is also available at the track.

Kunes Buick GMC of Oak Creek is hosting a casual community cookout with free food and refreshments. Visitors can meet the team, connect with friends, family, and neighbors, and browse the latest vehicles on the lot. The gathering celebrates 250 years of American freedom and keeps the focus on a laid back atmosphere without a formal agenda, offering a simple way to enjoy time together.

A meet and greet with Happy Endings offers a chance to meet a few adoptables from the rescue and learn more about them. Physical and monetary donations for the rescue are being collected throughout the month. Those interested in adopting can complete an application on the rescue’s website.

A free puppy social hour at Central Bark Oak Creek gives young dogs a chance to romp, sniff, and meet new playmates. Intended for puppies 8 to 16 weeks old, it focuses on fun and socialization through play. Space is limited, and reservations can be made by phone or online.

Enjoy live music at no cost on Saturday nights at Gazebo Park as part of an ongoing concert series.

Teens can dive into skincare basics with Sam in a hands-on class that teaches how to cleanse properly and choose the right products. Interactive skin-themed games add a fun element with chances to win prizes. Every ticket is entered into a drawing for a free teen facial. This session is recommended for ages 11 and up, and adults may participate alongside their teen. Attendees can enjoy a lemonade bar and snacks, receive a raffle entry for the free facial, and take home a goodie bag.

Meet adoptable dogs at PetSmart in Oak Creek. It is a chance to say hello and get to know them.

Park Pals gathers families at ProHealth Care Park in New Berlin for a morning centered on music, movement, and play. Led by volunteers, the program fosters early childhood development through playful activities while helping neighbors connect. Look for the group near the play area, where you can expect songs and motion, blanket time on the grass, bubbles, shaker eggs, dancing, and other interactive moments. Parents, caregivers, grandparents, nannies, and children of all ages are welcome. Indicating that you plan to attend helps organizers prepare materials, including enough shaker eggs for everyone. Come early or linger afterward to enjoy the park and the sense of community.

At the Milwaukee Mile, 300 foot street drags welcome any car, with a class to match every build. The program moves from open racing to a drivers meeting, then into organized class competition. General admission is $15. Kids admission is $5, and children 5 and under are free. Racing entry is $25 per class entered. Parking is $13. Car show display entry is $25. Racing is hot lapped and uses a double elimination format. Each class crowns a winner who takes home a trophy. Available classes include RWD, RWD Street tire 200+, AWD, FWD, All Motor, Foreign Performance, Family 4 Door, Open, High School, Old Skool anything 80 or below, Stick Shift, Trucks, SUV, Bikes and ATVs, Modern, and Detroit Iron street pre 80s. Helmets are required for all racers and no passengers are permitted. Helmet rentals are available. A concession stand will be open for food and drinks.