13 Fun Indoor Activities in Milwaukee Everyone Will Enjoy in 2024

Escape the chill of the outdoors and discover a world of unique indoor activities in Milwaukee. Whether you want to hide from the winter cold or are simply looking for some indoor entertainment, Milwaukee is the ideal destination filled with options to keep you engaged.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vitality. Fun things to do in Milwaukee for young adults can range from entertaining cultural experiences to gastronomic adventures. 

So, what is there to do in Milwaukee in the winter? Let’s explore 13 indoor activities in Milwaukee that are a no-miss. 

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• Best Indoor Activities in Milwaukee for Adults
• Fun Indoor Activities in Milwaukee for Families
• Free Indoor Activities in Milwaukee

Best Indoor Activities in Milwaukee for Adults 

1. Channel Your Inner Chef in Cooking Classes

According to research by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, people can improve their relationships by trying new activities together. A great activity to connect with your partner or friends is cooking classes in Milwaukee.

This is among the indoor activities for adults where not only you’ll learn something new, but you’ll also eat delicious food. With the guidance of an expert chef, you’ll discover new recipes and techniques to make exquisite meals. 

2. Join a Paint and Sip Session

Indoor activities in Milwaukee for adults are great for finding new potential hobbies. For example, if you’re looking for winter activities, a paint and sip in Milwaukee is a great idea to experiment with your artistry skills as you have a great time drinking your favorite beverages.

And, who knows, you might end up surprising yourself with your hidden Van Gogh-like abilities.  

3. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum

If you’re looking for indoor activities in Milwaukee for adults that can be ideal for fall activities or when there’s bad weather, the Milwaukee Art Museum is your destination.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a well-known cultural institution that was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The museum’s collection encompasses over 30,000 works of art that include American decorative arts, German expressionism, folk and Haitian art, post-1960 American art and more. 

Is the Milwaukee Art Museum free? Unfortunately, no. The cost of the museum is $17 for adults. However, the museum hosts Free Day and Celebration events throughout the year. 

4. Enjoy a Local Brewery Tour

Milwaukee, also popularly known as “Brew City,” has a long and storied history in beer production. The city was once home to major breweries, including Miller and Schlitz, and now many boutique local breweries offer tours, so you can try their exquisite artisanal beer, making these tours great group activities for adults. 

For example, the Lakefront Brewery offers a tour where you get to go to different pubs to have a bite and try their craft beers. 

5. Have a Blast at Pettit National Ice Center

There are many different indoor activities in Milwaukee today, perfect for all preferences. Among these, you’ll find ice skating at the Pettit National Ice Center, an energizing experience.

Regardless of your skill level, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Pettit National Ice Center is well known for its Olympic-sized ice rinks and great amenities, making it one of the most fun things to do in Milwaukee for young adults.

Fun Indoor Activities in Milwaukee for Families

6. Create New Memories at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

Many indoor activities in Milwaukee are perfect for a family day, and one of them is the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. This museum offers an interactive learning and exploration experience for children where they can experiment with hands-on exhibits and educational experiences.

From building and experimenting to role-playing and storytelling, every corner is tailored for kids' curious minds. 

7. Visit an Indoor Playground 

If you have kids, looking for indoor activities in Milwaukee can be challenging. How can you keep everyone entertained? The answer is simple: Playgrounds. Many indoor playgrounds in Milwaukee adjust to different ages and preferences.

For toddlers until the age of 8, the Bug & Goose Play Cafe is a great option as they have a big playground to play with while parents can get energized with delicious coffee. Ideal for the ages up to 6 years old, Little Sprouts Play Cafe offers indoor play and an espresso bar with free wifi and delicious snacks.

We Rock the Spectrum is a great option, too, offering sensory gyms filled with activities suitable for children with special needs and neurotypical children alike.

8. Visit Indoor Mini Golf Milwaukee

If you’re looking for ideal date ideas in Milwaukee, regardless if it's a first date or you’re looking for new experiences, mini golf always hits the jackpot.

Indoor mini golf in Milwaukee is ideal for healthy competition as you get to see who has the best golfing skills. Places like Big Putts Mini Golf have a unique and creative golfing landscape that makes it even more thrilling. 

9. Bounce at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

There are many fun things to do in Milwaukee for adults, like the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. Whether you’re looking for team building activities in Milwaukee or you want to go with your friends, the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park offers a fun experience filled with adrenaline.

You get to jump and flip through the air as you explore different trampoline-based activities. This is one of the best indoor activities in Milwaukee, especially on rainy days.

Free Indoor Activities in Milwaukee 

10. Go on a Tour of the Milwaukee Public Museum

Is living in Milwaukee fun? Absolutely. One of the best things about Milwaukee is that it has activities for all kinds of budgets. For example, free indoor activities in Milwaukee can be as fun and informative as visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum.

The museum offers a captivating blend of history, culture and science, making it an enriching visit for all ages. The Milwaukee Public Museum is free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month. County residents get $2 off every day. 

11. Visit the Milwaukee Central Library

What are some of the common indoor activities in Milwaukee today? The Milwaukee Public Library is one of the city’s most breathtaking architectural gems.

You can explore its treasured resources that go from bestsellers to rare manuscripts housed within its historic walls. Free public tours are available every Saturday during the morning.

12. Attend a Gallery Night

If you’re looking for indoor date ideas that are budget-friendly, then something unique to visit is gallery night. The Gallery Night MKE is Milwaukee's original gallery hope event that unifies the city through art.

You can discover local artists and galleries while also enjoying delicious food.  While this is not among the indoor activities in Milwaukee that you can do every day, it's still definitely worth the visit when you have the chance.

This is a free, two-day event that takes place every quarter so make sure to visit their website to explore the dates.

13. Explore the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes)

Another of the must-do indoor activities for adults in Milwaukee is visiting the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic attraction offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of plant life from around the world.

There are three distinct domes, each representing a different ecosystem, where visitors get to explore from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. The entrance to the Domes is not free, but it is still budget-friendly with adults paying $9 and Country residents $8.

Whether you're seeking a romantic outing, a break from the routine or family-friendly adventures, the Cream City has it all. Enjoy thrilling playdates at indoor playgrounds or go on brewery tours to sample the city's exquisite beers. Milwaukee's indoor activities promise unique experiences for everyone to savor.

For even more fun things to do in Milwaukee, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!