Things to do with friends in Milwaukee, WI

What are fun things to do with friends in Milwaukee?

We checked 56 real places in Milwaukee, WI from OpenStreetMap, including 8 places to eat, 8 bars and nightlife spots (21+) and 8 sights. Squad Plan's three day plans below draw on these places, and your group can vote on the one you like best.

Last updated 2026-10-14

We found 8 places to eat, 8 bars and nightlife spots (21+), 8 sights, 8 parks and outdoor spots, 8 game spots, 8 sports venues and 8 places to shop in Milwaukee, from OpenStreetMap map data.

Three ready-made day plans

Costs are rough estimates per person in US dollars. Check hours and prices before you go.

Plan A

Mitchell Gallery of Flight to Busby's Pub

Slow pace, good food, plenty of time to talk. Group of 4 for friends hangout.

Estimated total per person: $69–210

10:00Visit Mitchell Gallery of Flight
5300 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Free to $25 (estimate)
11:00Explore Jewell Playfield
1810, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Free
12:30Lunch at Botanas II
1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$12–20 (estimate)
14:00Get active at Kinnickinnic Sports Center
3070 South 20th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
$10–25 (estimate)
15:00Browse South Shore Farmers Market
2900 South Shore Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Free to $40 (estimate)
16:00Catch a show at Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Lounge
2473 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$15–30 (estimate)
18:30Dinner at Pho Cali
4756 South 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221
$20–40 (estimate)
20:30Drinks at Busby's Pub
3475 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$12–30 (estimate)

Plan B

America’s Black Holocaust Museum to The RedZone MKE

A fuller day of sights and new places. Group of 4 for friends hangout.

Estimated total per person: $69–210

10:00Visit America’s Black Holocaust Museum
2235 North Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Free to $25 (estimate)
11:00Explore Copernicus Park
2150, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Free
12:30Lunch at Latino Grill House
1567 West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
$12–20 (estimate)
14:00Get active at Pulaski Park Swimming Pool
2701 South 16th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
$10–25 (estimate)
15:00Browse Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
5305 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53216
Free to $40 (estimate)
16:00Catch a show at The Daniel M. Soref National Geographic Dome Theater & Planetarium
800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
$15–30 (estimate)
18:30Dinner at The Gyros Stand
1110 East Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$20–40 (estimate)
20:30Drinks at The RedZone MKE
6247 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$12–30 (estimate)

Plan C

The Little Nature Museum to Dale Z's On Tour

High energy from start to finish. Group of 4 for friends hangout.

Estimated total per person: $69–210

10:00Visit The Little Nature Museum
1130 North 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Free to $25 (estimate)
11:00Explore Mitchell Airport Park
4446, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Free
12:30Lunch at Omega Restaurant
3473 South 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
$12–20 (estimate)
14:00Get active at Team 1732 Thunderdome
2203 West Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
$10–25 (estimate)
15:00Browse The Avenue
275 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Free to $40 (estimate)
16:00Catch a show at Oriental Theatre
2230 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
$15–30 (estimate)
18:30Dinner at Vanguard
2659 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$20–40 (estimate)
20:30Drinks at Dale Z's On Tour
3585 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
$12–30 (estimate)

Family friendly things to do in Milwaukee

Real places in Milwaukee for a day out with kids.

Visit Manfred Olsen Planetarium
A good first stop for a family day. Check the hours before you go.
Free to $25 (estimate)2200 East Kenwood Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Visit South Shore Park
Free to visit, with room to run around. Bring snacks and water.
Free2900, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Eat at Botanas II
A sit-down meal for the whole family. Call ahead for a big group.
$12–20 (estimate)1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Go to Bay View Bowl
Mini golf, bowling and arcades are easy for kids. Check the hours before you go.
$15–30 (estimate)2416 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Go to Marcus Southgate Cinema
Movies, games or bowling for a rainy or hot afternoon. Check showtimes and hours first.
$15–30 (estimate)3300,3330 South 30th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Snack stop at Starbucks
A quick stop for drinks and a snack between activities.
$8–18 (estimate)250 West Holt Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Make a family plan for Milwaukee

Date night ideas in Milwaukee

Real places in Milwaukee for two people, with a rough cost per person.

Coffee at Starbucks
Short, cheap, and easy to make longer if it goes well.
$8–18 (estimate)250 West Holt Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Walk through Gra-ram Playfield
Free, and easy to talk while you walk side by side.
Free3050, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Look around Milwaukee Fire Education Center and Museum
Something to look at together, so there is always something to talk about.
Free to $25 (estimate)1615 West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Play a round at Landmark Lanes
Something to do together, so you are not just making small talk across a table.
$15–30 (estimate)2220 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dinner at Botanas II
Pick a table where you can talk, and share a few dishes if you both like that.
$20–40 (estimate)1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Drinks at Cactus Club (21+)
One drink, then decide together if the night keeps going.
$12–30 (estimate)2496 South Wentworth Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Make a date plan for Milwaukee

Things to do with a large group in Milwaukee

Real places in Milwaukee for a group of 10 or more people.

Bowling at Sander's Super Bowl
Teams take turns, so everyone stays in the game. Book lanes ahead for a big group.
$15–30 (estimate)3827 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Play at Nine Below
Ask about group rates and book ahead before you go.
$15–30 (estimate)1905 East North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Park time at Manitoba Park
Bring a ball, a frisbee or lawn games. Free, and easy to split into smaller groups.
Free2941, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Dinner at Botanas II
Book ahead for a big table, and ask if they can seat your group together.
$20–40 (estimate)1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Drinks at Bad Moon Saloon (21+)
Only for groups where everyone is 21+. Ask about a reserved table for a big party.
$12–30 (estimate)4035 South Clement Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Make a group plan for Milwaukee

Weekend in Milwaukee with friends

A two-day plan of real places in Milwaukee, from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon.

Saturday morning: Milwaukee Public Museum
Start the day with a museum, gallery or other sight. Check opening days before you go.
Free to $25 (estimate)800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Saturday lunch: Botanas II
Sit down together for lunch. Book ahead if the group is big.
$12–20 (estimate)1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Saturday afternoon: 63rd & Cleveland Green Space
Free, and easy to split up and meet again. Good for a walk between stops.
Free2639, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Saturday night: Supermoon Beer Company (21+)
A drink or two to end the day. Everyone needs to be 21 or older.
$12–30 (estimate)3145 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Sunday morning: coffee at Starbucks
A slow start for the last day. Quick, cheap, and easy to fit a group in.
$8–18 (estimate)250 West Holt Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Sunday afternoon: Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Lounge
Bowling, an arcade or a movie. Something to do together before heading home.
$15–30 (estimate)2473 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Make a weekend plan for Milwaukee

Birthday ideas for adults in Milwaukee

Real places in Milwaukee for a birthday the whole group will show up for.

Birthday dinner at Botanas II
Book a table for the whole group and let the birthday person order first.
$20–40 (estimate)1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Play at Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Lounge
Something to do together beats only sitting and talking. Book ahead for a big group.
$15–30 (estimate)2473 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Drinks at Solutions (21+)
Finish the night with a round on the group for the birthday person.
$12–30 (estimate)2730,2730A South 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Visit Harley-Davidson Museum
A low-key daytime start before dinner, good for a smaller group.
Free to $25 (estimate)400 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Picnic at Jewell Playfield
Bring a cake and some snacks. Free, and nobody has to shout over music.
Free1810, Milwaukee, WI 53221

Make a birthday plan for Milwaukee

Things to do with friends under 21 in Milwaukee

Real places in Milwaukee for a group where some friends are under 21.

Play at Bay View Bowl
Games or fun for the group. Call ahead if the group is big.
$15–30 (estimate)2416 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
See a movie at Marcus Southgate Cinema
Check showtimes first, and pick a film the whole group can agree on.
$15–30 (estimate)3300,3330 South 30th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Get active at Wilson Premier Youth Baseball
Play, swim or work out together. Some places need a pass or booking, so call first.
$10–25 (estimate)West Grange Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Coffee or a snack at Starbucks
A cheap place to sit and hang out. Order something small and stay a while.
$8–18 (estimate)250 West Holt Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Eat at Botanas II
Order a few dishes to share to keep the bill down. Check the menu online first.
$12–20 (estimate)1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Hang out at Jewell Playfield
Free to visit. Bring a ball or a frisbee if you want to play.
Free1810, Milwaukee, WI 53221

Make an under-21 plan for Milwaukee

Places in Milwaukee

Places to eat

Botanas II1411,1421,1431 East Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Pho Cali4756 South 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Pizza Hut3555 South 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Latino Grill House1567 West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
The Gyros Stand1110 East Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Omega Restaurant3473 South 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Starbucks250 West Holt Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Vanguard2659 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Bars and nightlife (21+)

Busby's Pub3475 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Cactus Club2496 South Wentworth Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
The RedZone MKE6247 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Bad Moon Saloon4035 South Clement Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Supermoon Beer Company3145 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Dale Z's On Tour3585 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Solutions2730,2730A South 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Wiggle Room2988 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Sights

Mitchell Gallery of Flight5300 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Milwaukee Fire Education Center and Museum1615 West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
America’s Black Holocaust Museum2235 North Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Milwaukee Public Museum800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Harley-Davidson Museum400 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201
The Little Nature Museum1130 North 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208
National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum170 South 1st Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Manfred Olsen Planetarium2200 East Kenwood Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Parks and outdoor spots

Jewell Playfield1810, Milwaukee, WI 53221
South Shore Park2900, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Copernicus Park2150, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Gra-ram Playfield3050, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Holt Playground1716, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Mitchell Airport Park4446, Milwaukee, WI 53207
63rd & Cleveland Green Space2639, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Manitoba Park2941, Milwaukee, WI 53219

Game spots

Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Lounge2473 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Marcus Southgate Cinema3300,3330 South 30th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
The Daniel M. Soref National Geographic Dome Theater & Planetarium800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Bay View Bowl2416 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Nine Below1905 East North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Oriental Theatre2230 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Landmark Lanes2220 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sander's Super Bowl3827 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208

Sports venues

Kinnickinnic Sports Center3070 South 20th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Reiman GymnasiumSouth 39th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53234
Athletic & Fitness CenterSouth 39th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53234
Pulaski Park Swimming Pool2701 South 16th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Wilson Premier Youth BaseballWest Grange Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Milwaukee Athletic Club758 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Team 1732 Thunderdome2203 West Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
James W. Beckum Indoor Baseball Practice FacilityNorth 8th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205

Places to shop

South Shore Farmers Market2900 South Shore Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Mitchell Street Mall1030 West Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market5305 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53216
Cathedral Square MarketEast Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Arts & Crafts MarketAmerican Family Insurance Amphitheater Forecourt, Milwaukee, WI 53203
The Avenue275 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Milwaukee Public Market400 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Fondy Farmer's Market2200 West Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53206

How much does a day out with friends cost in Milwaukee?

Across the three day plans above, a day out with friends in Milwaukee costs about $69 to $210 per person, from the lowest plan to the highest. Each total adds up the typical price of its stops, so treat it as a rough estimate and check prices before you go.

Frequently asked questions

What can a group do in Milwaukee for free?

Free places on our list include Jewell Playfield, South Shore Park and Copernicus Park. Plans also leave time to wander around town at no cost.

Where can friends eat in Milwaukee?

Good places to start are Botanas II, Pho Cali and Pizza Hut. The day plans above include food stops from this list.

What is there to see in Milwaukee?

Sights on our list include Mitchell Gallery of Flight, Milwaukee Fire Education Center and Museum and America’s Black Holocaust Museum. The full list is in the places section below.

What are good things to do with kids in Milwaukee?

Try visit Manfred Olsen Planetarium, visit South Shore Park and eat at Botanas II. Every idea here is a real mapped place, with a rough cost per person.

What are good date night ideas in Milwaukee?

Try coffee at Starbucks, walk through Gra-ram Playfield and look around Milwaukee Fire Education Center and Museum. Start small with coffee or a walk, and save dinner for when it is going well.

What are good things to do with a large group in Milwaukee?

Try bowling at Sander's Super Bowl, play at Nine Below and park time at Manitoba Park. Book ahead for a group this size, and send the link so everyone can vote on the plan.

What can friends do on a weekend in Milwaukee?

Try saturday morning: Milwaukee Public Museum, saturday lunch: Botanas II and saturday afternoon: 63rd & Cleveland Green Space. Every stop is a real mapped place, with a rough cost per person.

What are good birthday ideas for adults in Milwaukee?

Try birthday dinner at Botanas II, play at Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Lounge and drinks at Solutions (21+). Every idea here is a real mapped place, with a rough cost per person.

What can friends under 21 do together in Milwaukee?

Try play at Bay View Bowl, see a movie at Marcus Southgate Cinema and get active at Wilson Premier Youth Baseball. Every idea here is a real mapped place. Costs are rough estimates.

Can Squad Plan make a custom plan for Milwaukee?

Yes. Pick the city, your group and the vibe, and Squad Plan gives you three plans your friends can vote on. It is free for 5 plans a week.

Make a plan for Milwaukee

Nearby city guides

All city guides