Hawthorn Glen is a 23-acre nature center that primarily serves as a field trip location on weekdays…read morefor 12,000 children annually. Natural features include steep bluffs, flood-plain hardwood forest, spring-fed wetland, and a restored prairie. Visitors to this urban nature center can explore five different habitats interconnected by a trail system. The public is welcome to utilize the facility and the well-marked ¾ mile self-guided nature trail in the evenings or on weekends (the lower trail is mostly blacktopped and ADA accessible). Many seasonal programs are offered on the weekends. Trails are designated for hiking only. Hikers are reminded to leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories, and watch for wildlife. Hawthorn Glen is home to deer, foxes, raccoons, opossum, rabbits, chipmunks, woodchucks, two species of hawks, many migratory birds, and songbirds of all kinds year-round. The website states, also, "Come visit our Nature Museum and see native animals of Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles and our six foot bullsnake. It is open weekdays (4:00-5:00 pm) and weekends (11:00-11:45 am and 3:00-4:00 pm). Admission is FREE." Check out the Hawthorn Glenn YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru99rqELBcA

A lovely and unexpected sanctuary in the middle of the city. Located in Wauwatosa, Hawthorne and…read moreGlen is a perfect place for families, couples, or anybody who wants to go on a hike, have a picnic, or go into their little educational center. If you're just up for a short, beautiful hike, I recommend going here. You will not feel like you are in the middle of the city. It is beautiful, and we had an incredible hike! It would be a beautiful place to have a picnic, or bring your kids as they have children's playgrounds and the educational center. They even have goose ducks and a few animals that you can go look at.

All year around they have educational events here, it's a good visiting spot before a casual hike…read moreor a friendly way station on an urban bike ride. Volunteer workers are enthusiastic about ecology, as one might suspect. It's also a nice place for an event, last time there was a reception of some sort being set up. There's a nice patio to relax and sit, the garden like surroundings are very peaceful and inviting. Make it a a point to visit and make use of the Oak Leaf Trail.

My students loved the experience, but the bus expectations were too strict as well as some older…read morestaff not understanding that kids need flexibility if they cannot walk as fast as the group, or if kids want to explore before hearing a lecture. This is natural kid tendencies, but my students were not treated with as much respect as they deserved. Also, we had to wear other people's snow outfits instead of being offered to bring our own. I was not told and students were not told. I hope they fix this policy to polish it up for next year.

Great use of public space under the freeway. Across from the Milwaukee Public Market and next to…read morethe pickleball courts this space is activated on Tuesday nights in the summer for a solo acoustic music, beer and food trucks, with picnic tables for sitting. Great place to grab a bite and a drink after work or to jump off your night.

Such a beautiful use of public space! Right under the freeway and next to the pickle ball court…read more They have picnic tables, vendors and music this summer for their concert series. Another great way to enjoy the outdoors in the 414!

Such a bummer yesterday 10/11! The week before we went to scout out good spots in the park for a…read morephotoshoot. When we arrived make up/hair/outfits ready to go on Sat the park was closed for a private event! Now we looked it up and this private event was being advertised but not in such a way that gave ANY impression that the park would be otherwise shutdown!! They should have posted additional signs to note that the park would be closed. We couldn't even get tickets to the event day of since we would have happily paid the small fee but it was a ticket only with the one walk up time being still an hour plus away from the time it was and it seem like not a true guarantee for tickets. The only reason for any stars for this experience is to combine it with the visit from the week prior to when we actually got to get into the park - the trails are nice and there are so many great area for photos!

I enjoy running and walking in this park, which is accessible daytime from 60th south of Vliet or…read morevia the parking lot on 60th and Martin Drive. The paths are soft and there are some nice water features like small ponds. It is an urban educational park affiliated with Milwaukee Rex Department and Milwaukee Public Schools so there are educational signs with facts about nature everywhere. For families, there is a playground, too. My husband and I attended a special Holiday Lights event the Sunday before Christmas. It was geared toward families but we had fun walking the path and enjoying the lights. Very fun and only $4 each! Hot chocolate and s'mores at the end helped warm us back up. This was a great inexpensive and quick holiday outing on a Sunday night.

I spend all summer here. From the trails to the beaches to the perfect beer garden this is the…read moreplace to be. Easy access, good parking!

One of the great Milwaukee County Parks, as it has so many amenities and features going for it. I…read morelike to hike here once in awhile, going north you go through Cuppertino Park, going south you go all the way to Bay View Park past the unofficial beach area- both are great hikes. South Shore of course has: - Rentable pavilion that hosts a lot of weddings - South Shore Beer Garden top notch - Newly constructed beach area - South Shore Farmer's Market - Picnic areas - Volleyball (sand courts) - Playground - Oak Leaf Trail cuts through it - Bike trail - Fishing (shared with Cuppertino off the docks by the SS Yacht Club) The views of Milwaukee's Downtown are some of the best, and you gotta respect South Shore Park in Bay View.

Public art in the park is all over Downtown Milwaukee; it's everywhere. A map is provided with the…read morenames of each piece, artist & locations. I loved the flowers which highlight each art installations. This park with reeks of fresh lavender is next to the Insurance building complex that's been here for over 100 years.

Shout out Northwestern Mutual for sponsoring what's probably the best playground in all the city!…read moreAnd let me tell ya, with two little boys I have been to my fair share of playgrounds. The location is wonderful, an urban space right along side the lakefront. I should note, it's tucked inside the Summerfest grounds (Mid Gate of Henry Maier Festival Park) so there are specific "open hours" you're able to come. In general it looks like 10am-7pm, but that can vary based on all of the other happenings that go on at these grounds On a regular day, like when we went, the parking is totally free which is amazing. You'll find a designated lot near Mid Gate, just look for the signs. The play opportunities here are immense! So many structures to climb, play, and interactive with. The park features enhanced playground equipment on that soft/squishy playground surface (which we love), with interactive musical elements and wheelchair-accessible ramps, along with shaded seating. It seems there are almost levels by color/section, all appropriate for various ages. Spaces for older kids, with higher slides and climbing, and other areas that are good for the younger kiddos like my 18mo old, who had a hayday! We brought a packed lunch to refuel the kiddos after they burned all their energy out playing, so love that this park also provides plenty of covered spaces, picnic tables, and benches. Oh anddd they have individual, air-conditioned sensory rooms that offer a quiet retreat for children who may be overstimulated -- how crazy great is that? These are attached to the bathrooms on-site. Everything was very clean and well kept I might add. All in all the park it a wonderful destination for families seeking an inclusive and welcoming outdoor experience. We will be back!!

Lime Kiln Park - A Hidden Gem in Menomonee Falls…read more We took a hike through Lime Kiln Park today and absolutely loved it! Tucked away in Menomonee Falls, this park feels like a peaceful little escape with just the right mix of nature, history, and fresh air. We explored both the upper and lower falls, and the views did not disappoint--especially with the sound of the rushing water and all the lush greenery around us. The trails are paved and easy to follow, which made our walk feel more like a relaxing stroll than a workout. There's something really cool about walking past the historic lime kilns--like you've stepped back in time for a moment. Between the rock formations, bridges, and little scenic spots to pause and take it all in, we found ourselves stopping often just to appreciate the beauty around us. It's the kind of place where you can go for a walk, clear your head, or bring the family for a peaceful afternoon. We even saw a few people playing disc golf and lots of birds hanging out near the water. If you haven't been yet, Lime Kiln Park is totally worth the visit. Bring your walking shoes, your camera, and a little curiosity--you'll leave refreshed and maybe even a bit inspired.

Very beautiful path way along a river, also a historical landmark in Menomonee Falls... beautiful…read morewalkway through down but is the feel of being in the country... the sound of the stream is so relaxing... right smack dab in the middle of town but yet hidden to the point I've been around the areas for many years and just recently found this amazing place

Mill pond park…read more Beautiful waterfall and dam. Right here near Menomonee Falls which is 25 min from Milwaukee. Park on the bridge and take in the beauty. History: Mill Pond was created when the Menomonee River was dammed to supply water power for a mill. The mill has long been removed, but the pond, dam, and spillway still exist at the south end of Mill Pond park. Highly recommended

This is a small park / trail that runs through Menomonee Falls. There's a small dam with a little…read morewaterfall along with a covered gazebo. It's a nice place to walk around and enjoy the small town shops nearby.