Community Park

Northwestern Mutual Community Park Now Open For Play! (2023)

It’s the day so many Milwaukee families have been waiting for.

The Northwestern Mutual Community Park is now open for the 2023 season. The Park will be open to the public daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. in April & May.

Dates are subject to change. Check the Public Play Calendar for the most updated information.

This massive, accessible playground is one of our 25 must-visit playgrounds around Milwaukee.

It’s Wisconsin’s premiere accessible playground, located at Henry Maier Festival Park in downtown Milwaukee, WI. 

The Park welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds.  Since opening in 2021, it has become a sought-after destination, while introducing an entirely redeveloped entertainment space for families in an urban environment.

The entrance is at Mid Gate of Henry Maier Festival Park, and there is a free parking lot near Mid Gate (look for the signs).

No pets are allowed, and the Community Park schedule is subject to weather conditions. Play is not permitted if there are snowy, wet, icy, slippery, or slick conditions and may result in park closure.

For the most up to date park information visit MilwaukeeWorldFestival.com

The 2023 Sunday Family Fun Day event series will take place June 18, July 16, August 6, and September 17, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New this year, two of the Sunday Family Fun Day events will be themed.  On August 6, the theme will be STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and feature hands-on activities and educational opportunities for children. 

Some of the organizations participating will be Gearbox Labs, Milwaukee Robotics Academy, STEAM Milwaukee, UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium, and others, to be announced.

The final Sunday Family Fun Day event on September 17, will be themed around the performing arts, highlighting various United Performing Arts (UPAF) member groups from the community.  More details will be announced closer to the event date.

Throughout the FREE Sunday Family Fun Day series, attendees can enjoy a full day of family friendly programming on the Northwestern Mutual Community Park Stage with performances showcasing Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and community groups, such as:

·       Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

·       Milwaukee Ballet

·       Milwaukee Flyers Tumbling Team

·       Milwaukee  Youth Symphony Orchestra

·       Penfield Children’s Center

·       Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and more

Interactive activities and attractions for families during the events will include:

·       Make Your Own Tie Dye

·       Face Painting

·       Chalk Art

·       Roaming Performers including balloon artists, jugglers, stilt walkers,  and others

Food and beverage options will be available from the following vendors during each Sunday Family Fun Day – Bobalou Gourmet Pretzels, Fazio’s Popcorn Wagon, Pete’s Pops, Sil’s Mini Donuts, and Streetza Pizza.

Free parking is available in Lot G, located south of the Henry Maier Festival Park Mid-Gate, as well as designated bike parking. No pets are allowed.

For the FREE Sunday Family Fun Day lineup visit MilwaukeeWorldFestival.com.

Community Park

The playground will also be open to attendees of special events including Summerfest, ethnic and cultural festivals, and more.

This entirely redeveloped entertainment space for families offers age appropriate playground equipment on a soft surface, including interactive musical play pieces.

Equipment design also includes ramps allowing for wheelchair access. Shaded seating is also available within the playground area.

There is a covered Toddler Play Area called “Giggle Grounds”, meant for ages 6 months through 2 years.

There’s also a permanent stage structure with accessible seating and a viewing area for over 500 patrons.

Parents love the permanent family restrooms with changing tables, nursing mother stations, and sensory rooms that are air-conditioned and quiet.

Don’t miss the book donation box. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new or gently used children’s book and place it in the box throughout the operating season. All books collected will be donated to Next Door Foundation Books For Kids program.

For more information, head to milwaukeeworldfestival.com.


Related Posts:

25 Must-Visit Milwaukee Playgrounds

Village Park in Menomonee Falls Now Open!

Here’s What You’ll Find at Kayla’s Playground

About the author

In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place. In 2019, she published "Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids", a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids. She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6's 'Real Milwaukee', B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News. Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.

Related Posts