The best things to do in Waukesha

36 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Waukesha’s best · Restaurants · Nightlife · Beauty · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Cafes · Sporting Goods · Health & Wellness · Pets · Services

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Entertainment · 36 places · showing the latest additions first

Public golf facility established in 1907 with a clubhouse, a casual eatery & a scenic views.

13175 W Graham St (New Berlin)

Public golf facility established in 1907 with a clubhouse, a casual eatery & a scenic views.

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A 190-acre zoo featuring animal exhibits, pony & train rides, a carousel & a sea lion show.

10001 W Bluemound Rd (Milwaukee)

A 190-acre zoo featuring animal exhibits, pony & train rides, a carousel & a sea lion show.

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Modern baseball stadium, with a retractable roof, that is the home field for the Milwaukee Brewers.

1 Brewers Way (Milwaukee)

Modern baseball stadium, with a retractable roof, that is the home field for the Milwaukee Brewers.

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Lake Park Golf Course is a classic Milwaukee pitch-and-putt with 18 holes under 85 yards, par 54 and 1,514 yards total, perfect for…

3133 E Newberry Blvd (Milwaukee) · ✓ checked Jul 31

Lake Park Golf Course is a classic Milwaukee pitch-and-putt with 18 holes under 85 yards, par 54 and 1,514 yards total, perfect for sharpening the short game or sneaking in a quick round with friends. Bring a wedge or nine iron and a putter, banter highly encouraged.

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Run a Waukesha business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

The Downer Theatre

Entertainment

The Downer Theatre is Wisconsin’s oldest still-operating cinema, now operated by Milwaukee Film, and it remains a beloved neighborhood…

2589 N Downer Ave (Milwaukee) · ✓ checked Jul 31

The Downer Theatre is Wisconsin’s oldest still-operating cinema, now operated by Milwaukee Film, and it remains a beloved neighborhood venue with screenings, A+ popcorn, and local beverages. Add it to your week when you want a classic big-screen escape without the fuss.

From the Milwaukee newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Bridges Golf Course

Entertainment

League night vibes, friendly 2-person scrambles, and a driving range where you can work out that mid-iron mystery, The Bridges Golf Course…

2702 Shopko Dr (Madison)

League night vibes, friendly 2-person scrambles, and a driving range where you can work out that mid-iron mystery, The Bridges Golf Course keeps golf fun without the fuss. This week, book a tee time, hit the pro shop, then refuel at the on-site restaurant like a champ.

From the Madison newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Friday Night Live

Entertainment

Streets fill with live music as Friday Night Live brings multiple bands and genres to downtown Waukesha all summer. Stroll with friends,…

W Main St

Streets fill with live music as Friday Night Live brings multiple bands and genres to downtown Waukesha all summer. Stroll with friends, catch a different vibe on every block, and let the whole evening snowball into that small-town-big-energy night you meant to have anyway.

From the Waukesha newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Prairieville Park

Entertainment

Seasonal family entertainment center offering an 18-hole mini-golf course & batting cages.

2507 Plaza Ct

Seasonal family entertainment center offering an 18-hole mini-golf course & batting cages.

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Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

2440 E Moreland Blvd

Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

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Studio and venue for free line-dancing lessons (Chicago Steppers-style), plus space for event rentals and parties.

7419 W Bradley Rd (Milwaukee)

Studio and venue for free line-dancing lessons (Chicago Steppers-style), plus space for event rentals and parties.

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Par-69 course lined by large trees provides equipment rentals, a pro shop & a clubhouse restaurant.

12035 W Greenfield Ave (West Allis)

Par-69 course lined by large trees provides equipment rentals, a pro shop & a clubhouse restaurant.

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Long-running theater at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee spotlighting original movies.

2200 E Kenwood Blvd (Milwaukee)

Long-running theater at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee spotlighting original movies.

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Waterpark and playground with a shelter, plus sports fields, for kids to run around in.

1818 Portage Rd (Madison)

Waterpark and playground with a shelter, plus sports fields, for kids to run around in.

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City-owned golf venue with large greens, multiple tees and wide fairways.

7051 Millpond Rd (Madison)

City-owned golf venue with large greens, multiple tees and wide fairways.

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Public 9-hole par-3 golf course with short holes, a self-service driving range, and a putting green.

8235 Good Hope Rd (Milwaukee)

Public 9-hole par-3 golf course with short holes, a self-service driving range, and a putting green.

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Scenic 18-hole mini-golf course plus a practice facility with heated driving range & putting greens.

5900 S Moorland Rd (New Berlin)

Scenic 18-hole mini-golf course plus a practice facility with heated driving range & putting greens.

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Landmark cinema built in 1927 with ornate Indian-inspired features & 3 auditoriums.

2230 N Farwell Ave (Milwaukee)

Landmark cinema built in 1927 with ornate Indian-inspired features & 3 auditoriums.

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Family-friendly arcade with classic 1980s and 1990s video games, plus pinball and air hockey.

1444 E Washington Ave (Madison)

Family-friendly arcade with classic 1980s and 1990s video games, plus pinball and air hockey.

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Hilly 18-hole golf course featuring wide fairways, disc-golf courses and a driving range.

12020 W Bradley Rd (Milwaukee)

Hilly 18-hole golf course featuring wide fairways, disc-golf courses and a driving range.

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Theater with a star-studded ceiling, offering current & classic films, meal service, a bar & eatery.

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave (Milwaukee)

Theater with a star-studded ceiling, offering current & classic films, meal service, a bar & eatery.

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Springs Water Park

Entertainment

Casual, indoor water park featuring tube and body slides, a lazy river and a hot tub.

2810 Golf Rd (Pewaukee)

Casual, indoor water park featuring tube and body slides, a lazy river and a hot tub.

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Krazy Golf

Entertainment

Vibrant venue with signature cocktails features a mini-golf course, plus kids' discounts.

257 W Broadway

Vibrant venue with signature cocktails features a mini-golf course, plus kids' discounts.

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Members-only country club with a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and fine-dining restaurant.

500 Kensington Dr (Madison)

Members-only country club with a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and fine-dining restaurant.

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Sky Zone Milwaukee

Entertainment

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

W229N1420 Westwood Dr

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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Old-school neighborhood theater screening new releases & the occasional nostalgic film.

5906 W Vliet St (Milwaukee)

Old-school neighborhood theater screening new releases & the occasional nostalgic film.

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Recreation center with a 24-lane bowling alley, pro shop, and bars, plus volleyball and batting cages.

333 W Sunset Dr

Recreation center with a 24-lane bowling alley, pro shop, and bars, plus volleyball and batting cages.

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Monona Golf Course

Entertainment

Par-36 course with 9 holes featuring clean greens and a driving range.

111 E Dean Ave (Madison)

Par-36 course with 9 holes featuring clean greens and a driving range.

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TPC Wisconsin

Entertainment

Reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations, this private club features a redesigned golf course.

1659 Players Dr (Madison)

Reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations, this private club features a redesigned golf course.

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Sky Zone Madison

Entertainment

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

2134 W Beltline Hwy (Madison)

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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Museum with historical exhibits, including a replica of an old-time Milwaukee street.

800 W Wells St (Milwaukee)

Museum with historical exhibits, including a replica of an old-time Milwaukee street.

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Elegant venue, dating from 1893, featuring a ballroom and rooms for wedding ceremonies.

916 N East Ave

Elegant venue, dating from 1893, featuring a ballroom and rooms for wedding ceremonies.

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Laser-tag facility with active military discounts offering an adrenaline-pumping experience.

W229N1400 Westwood Dr Ste C

Laser-tag facility with active military discounts offering an adrenaline-pumping experience.

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Brewpub chain serving food in a relaxed movie-theater setting with comfortable seats.

85 E Towne Way (Madison)

Brewpub chain serving food in a relaxed movie-theater setting with comfortable seats.

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Nine Below

Entertainment

Underground tavern offering cocktails & indoor, design-your-own mini golf courses for ages 15 & up.

1905 E North Ave (Milwaukee) · ✓ checked Aug 7

Underground tavern offering cocktails & indoor, design-your-own mini golf courses for ages 15 & up.

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Hip restaurant in a converted firehouse, focusing on locally sourced breakfast & brunch creations.

217 W National Ave (Milwaukee)

Hip restaurant in a converted firehouse, focusing on locally sourced breakfast & brunch creations.

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Seasonal facility offering miniature golf courses with creative obstacles, plus batting cages.

1601 E Main St #3958

Seasonal facility offering miniature golf courses with creative obstacles, plus batting cages.

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