Family events in Wauwatosa, WI

An after-school program featuring sensory activities, creative exploration, and open play, created for children with special or support needs. Participation is open to those not affiliated with the hosting organization. Siblings and school friends are welcome, and tickets should be booked for everyone attending. Families may drop in for any length of time so children can get comfortable in the space. Check-in is simple. Share your family name on arrival, get settled, then complete the remaining steps with guidance. Activities are planned with an understanding of supporting children with special or support needs, offering a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.

Children in grades 3 to 6 can stop by to connect with fellow players and enjoy multiplayer games on the library Nintendo Switch. This casual gaming session meets on the last Wednesday of each month.

Falcon Game Night takes place on most Wednesdays at Falcon Hall, located inside Falcon Bowl. Every second and fourth Wednesday features a Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament. This all-ages gathering offers a welcoming spot to play and connect with fellow gamers.

Children ages 2 to 4 are invited to a monthly storytime followed by a hands-on craft with an art or music focus. Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month. Registration is required to ensure enough supplies for all participants.

At West Allis Farmers Market, Andy Braun performs live with a mix of folk-rock favorites and singer-songwriter selections spanning the 50s, 60s, and 70s through today. The set highlights songs by artists such as Johnny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Beatles, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, Elvis, and Neil Young, alongside original material from his albums Shameless Attempts and 22, which are available on major streaming platforms.

Test your knowledge at a free general trivia night hosted by America's Pub Quiz. Questions cover a wide range of topics and the event welcomes all ages. The top prize is a $75 gift card. Seating is first come, first served since reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is encouraged. Groups of six or more are asked to call ahead.

Tiny Tune Time is a playful music and movement class for little ones and their caregivers. There will be plenty of dancing, with bubbles to chase and bright scarves to swirl, encouraging imagination and building motor skills. The session wraps up with open play using toys from the library and a chance for caregivers to connect. Suitable for children five and under. Registration is necessary.

Seniors are invited to a free lifestyle, health, and home expo at Southwest YMCA. Expect complimentary parking and admission, no cost health screenings, and free food along with prizes and giveaways. YMCA membership is not required to attend, and all are welcome. Registration is optional, and those who register in advance receive an extra entry in the giveaways.

Take a 1.6-mile walk through downtown Milwaukee to find the expressive faces and creatures carved into historic churches and other buildings. Volunteer docents lead the way, explaining the symbolism behind gargoyles, grotesques and dragons while pointing out the craftsmanship that shaped them. Expect close looks at playful, eerie and angelic details that once served as moral reminders. The pace is relaxed and rich with storytelling, making it suitable for architecture enthusiasts and curious visitors. Binoculars are recommended for spotting carvings perched high above the street. Tour schedules depend on guide availability, so check the website for the most current times.

The library’s Movie Matinee series offers a mix of beloved favorites alongside films you may have missed in theaters. Screenings showcase titles such as Freakier Friday, The Roses, Americana, She Rides Shotgun, Good Fortune, and Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.

This weekly event offers official Pokemon play with prize support and official prize packs from Pokemon. Every third Friday is dedicated to Challenges or Cups.

Explore a 3-acre observatory that is approaching its 100th year during an open house with a talk by UWM’s Dr. Jean Creighton, director of the UWM Planetarium. As darkness settles, volunteers will lead tours and operate multiple telescopes for night sky viewing, weather permitting, showcasing deep sky targets such as galaxies, star clusters, and nebulas while answering questions about astronomy and membership in the Milwaukee Astronomical Society. Activities and information from the Horwitz De-Remer Planetarium will be on site, and family friendly options include hands-on stations like a night starry theater to create constellations. The gathering is planned rain or shine. Dress for the weather. The meeting hall is heated and air conditioned, and restrooms are available. Bug spray and a flashlight are helpful, and to preserve night vision please keep lights dim or use red tape provided at the welcome table. Parking is available on site with volunteers directing vehicles. This public event is free, and because the observatory is maintained by volunteers and low-priced memberships, donations are encouraged, with at least a $5 contribution per person suggested to help offset the impact of parking. Accessibility notes: the meeting hall is wheelchair accessible with a ramp available on request, and there is a rear walking ramp. Most other buildings are ground level, aside from three where little activity is planned.

For more than a decade, this community market has supported local farmers, food producers, and artisans while fostering sustainability. Each weekend, families can explore an open-air marketplace in the heart of Tosa, with fresh produce, live music, outdoor yoga, kids programs, cooking demonstrations, and more. The Info Booth provides details about all market programs. FoodShare benefits are accepted. SNAP/QUEST shoppers may swipe a QUEST card at the Info Booth to receive tokens that work like cash at the market. Unused tokens can be kept for future visits and have no expiration.

Head to the park for a relaxed playground meetup where kids can play and neighbors can connect for an easygoing morning. There will be snacks and coffee, plus bubbles and chalk to keep the fun going. Bring your neighborhood vibes and enjoy some simple time together.

This Saturday market tradition features new crops added every week. Arriving early offers the best selection. A list of vendors is shared on Facebook.

JR’s Pups-N-Stuff will have adoptable dogs and cats at Petco in Wauwatosa, all hoping to find loving homes. Applicants who have already been approved may be able to finalize an adoption and take a pet home the same day. Volunteers will also be accepting donations, including pet food, chew toys, toys, treats, and monetary contributions. Profiles of the adoptable animals and applications are available online. Animal attendance may change.

At Waukesha Public Library, Star Wars Reads Day features activities inspired by Star Wars along with opportunities to spend time with favorite characters.

A Halloween themed pet photo booth pops up at Auntie Jennie's Barkery through a collaboration with KO Photography and ALT Dog Run. KO Pet-tography will offer quick 5 to 10 minute mini sessions for pets for $10, payable by cash, card, or Venmo. Each session includes a professional photographer, support from a pet specialist to help with posing and engagement, and fully edited digital images.

Enjoy a free play session for puppies ages 8 to 16 weeks at Central Bark Oak Creek. Little ones can run, sniff, and meet new friends while getting valuable early social time. Space is limited, and reservations can be made by phone or online at 414-571-1500.

Enjoy a calmer, quieter museum setting tailored for children during Sensory-Friendly Sessions. These visits offer a welcoming environment to practice social skills, encourage peer-to-peer interaction, and build confidence through open play and guided activities. Trusted community partners may also be present to share resources and answer questions. Sessions are offered on the first Saturday of each month.

At the Menomonee Falls Saddle Club Show Grounds, an open speed show fills the day with timed competitions alongside lighthearted shenanigans-style classes. Spectators are welcome, and there is ample parking for trailers and attendees. The MFSC Chuckwagon will be serving a full menu so food is available all day. Riders can enjoy the trail course between classes. Five horse pens are available for $25 per day on a first come, first served basis, and they may be reserved with a pre-entry. To help the event run smoothly, pre-entry is encouraged.

Celebrate cars and coffee at this Greendale-themed event.

The Stars and Stripes Car & Bike Show celebrates 250 Years of Innovation and is presented by Waukesha Elks Lodge. Open to all, this event features music, raffles, food, and a full service bar. There is a $10 suggested entry fee with on-site registration only. Commemorative dashboard plates are available for the first 250 entries. All proceeds and funds raised support the Waukesha Police K-9 Unit. No carry ins per City of Waukesha ordinance.

Celebrated as Milwaukee’s longest-running comic and toy show, this gathering welcomes collectors and fans to explore a huge selection. Browse thousands of comics from the Golden Age to today, discover vintage and modern toys, and check out trading cards and gaming cards including MTG, along with film and monster collectibles. Admission is $2. For vendor table information, contact Henry Smith at 414-793-4297.

Every Sunday, kids 12 and under receive a complimentary kid’s entrée valued up to $15 with the purchase of one adult entrée. The offer is limited to one free child’s entrée per adult entrée. It cannot be combined with other offers, specials, or dip certificates and is not available on holidays.

An after-school sensory and play session created for children with special or support needs features sensory activities, creative exploration, and open play in a safe and inclusive environment. Families can drop in for any amount of time so kids can get comfortable at their own pace. Check-in begins by sharing your family name, and once everyone is settled the team guides you through the full process. Siblings and school friends are welcome, and tickets are needed for each attendee. All activities are planned by a team that understands the day to day realities of raising a child with special or support needs, keeping the experience supportive, engaging, and fun.

Embark on imaginative adventures with a streamlined version of Dungeons and Dragons designed for kids ages 8 to 13. First-time players are welcome, and no previous D&D experience is required.

Discover Milwaukee’s story from its early commercial heyday to the midcentury era while riding the Hop streetcar. A guide highlights historic commercial architecture, postwar urban planning, and highway projects, connecting these chapters to the streetcar’s introduction and further growth in Downtown. Expect a brief walk of about one block to reach the stop. Because departures depend on guide availability, check the website for the latest schedule.

Brew City Cruise Night closes the 2026 season with a finale at the River Club of Mequon, marking the last show of its 22nd year. This community car gathering features rotating themes while remaining open to every type of vehicle and the people who love them. Admission is free and no tickets are needed... ignore any links or comments attempting to sell tickets, as these are scams. Weather permitting, the River Club of Mequon will offer outdoor food and drinks such as freshly grilled burgers, brats, and hot dogs, along with beer and soda, and both cash and credit cards are accepted. If the main lot is full, attendees should use the overflow lot rather than parking on the grass, and respect for neighboring residents is requested. For everyone’s safety and comfort, reckless driving or behavior is not tolerated, and engine revving or other excessive noise is prohibited.

Unwind with a Udemy-led meditation session, relaxing coloring, and other calming activities that encourage mindfulness. This program welcomes participants of all ages, and no registration is required. For more information, call 414-766-7900.