The city of Milwaukee offers a lot of options when it comes to winter sporting events, including professional basketball, hockey, and soccer, as well as Universities competing in both Division 1 and Division 3 sports. All offer family-focused programming and entertainment, ticket packages, and more.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are once again one of the favorites to win the NBA title this season. In addition to championship-level basketball featuring two of the league’s best players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the games offer plenty of activities for families both in and around the game.

The games are played at the Fiserv Forum which has a number of family-focused experiences. The Kohl’s Court family activity center includes a large hoop and life-sized player silhouette photo opportunities, replica Milwaukee Bucks player’s lockers, a DJ, and additional activities. If you’re bringing your child to their first game, they can pick up a My First Game certificate and coloring materials at the guest concierge desks. The Bucks Pro shop is open during games and has all the latest Bucks gear, toys, and accessories. Family restrooms, changing stations, sensory rooms, and many other family services are available.

Before and after the game, during halftime and timeouts, fans can look forward to performances from the Bucks Beats drumline, the 414 Crew dance and tumbling team, and the Rim Rockers. Throughout the game Bango, the Bucks mascot, will be roaming the court and stands entertaining fans and taking photos. Fans can look forward to theme nights, fun contests, giveaways, and promotions all season long.

Single-game tickets start at around $25. There are several ticket packages and seating options available. For select games throughout the season, you can purchase the Family Night Out Package which includes one admission ticket, a box of popcorn, and a soda. That package starts as low as $40. Check out all ticket options here.

The Bango’s Kids Club is a great program for young Bucks fans ages 3 - 12. Members receive discounts on Bucks merch, a free junior meal at the MECCA Sports Bar and Grill the week of their birthday, and an official club member certificate.

View the full season schedule here.

Milwaukee Admirals

Milwaukee Admirals games which are played at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, are great winter activities for families. They typically last around 2 hours and start early enough in the evening that you can still get the kids home and in bed at a decent time. Single-game tickets start at around $25.

Several ticket packages and promotions are available throughout the season offering discounted admission. Birthday party packages are available for groups of 10 or more and include tickets, video board recognition, an autographed puck, a gift bag, and a mascot visit. The Roscoe’s Crew Kids Club package includes 5 ticket vouchers, exclusive Roscoe’s Crew items, a free ticket to Roscoe’s Birthday party, and more. Check out the full schedule here.

Milwaukee Wave

The Milwaukee Wave professional soccer team is back in action this year at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th. Several ticket options are available including single-game, season packages, and group options. Tickets start at around $20 for single games.

Much of the game experience is geared toward families and is perfect for a group outing or birthday party. The birthday party package includes pre-game meet and greets with a photo and official Wave swag. Plus, the birthday child gets to introduce the team, get their name on the scoreboard, and receive an in-game shout-out.

Postgame, anyone can go on the field for player autographs, which is a unique experience in professional sports, and one your kids will enjoy. Check out the full season schedule here.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Athletics

The UWM winter sports season is in full swing with men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s swimming and diving.

The UWM Men’s Basketball team plays at the UWM Panther Arena in downtown Milwaukee. The Panthers start their third season under head coach Bart Lundy and are picked to finish at the top of the Horizon League. Ticket prices start at around $19. View the full schedule here.

The UWM Women’s basketball team plays at the Klotche Center on the UWM campus. This year’s team is picked to finish in the upper half of the league and features pre-season all-league player Kamy Peppler. Ticket prices start at $7. Check out their schedule here.

If you have an aspiring swimmer in your household, you may enjoy a UWM Men’s or Women’s swimming and diving meet. The meets are also held at the Klotche Center. Tickets start as low as $5. The swim meet schedule can be found here.

Marquette University Athletics

Marquette men’s and women’s basketball seasons are underway. Shaka Smart enters his fourth year as the coach of the men’s team, which features pre-season all-Big East First Team selection, Kam Jones. Most predictions have Marquette finishing in the upper half of the league standings.

The men’s team plays their home games at the Fiserv Forum, which means most of the amenities at the arena are accessible during the games. Families will enjoy the Kohl’s Court family activity center. The area features a large hoop for photo opportunities, replica lockers, and several other family-friendly activities. In addition to the action on the court, fans will enjoy a lot of fun activities and promotions during timeouts, halftime, and other breaks in the game. Tickets start at around $30, with several package options and discount promotions available. Check out the season schedule here.

The Marquette women’s basketball team plays their games at the Al McGuire Center on the Marquette University campus. Tickets start at $5, which makes these games a very affordable family outing.

A great way for children to experience Marquette Athletics is through the Marquette Kids Club. Benefits include free admission to soccer, volleyball, women’s basketball, and lacrosse home games, a free ticket to two predetermined men’s basketball games, access to online content and activities, discounts at the Marquette spirit shop, swag, and more.

Milwaukee School of Engineering Athletics

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) competes in over 20 men’s and women’s NCAA Division 3 varsity sports. The MSOE Raiders winter sports season includes men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, and men’s wrestling. All home winter sports events are held at the Kern Center, a 210,000-square-foot athletic facility located in downtown Milwaukee on the MSOE campus.

MSOE athletic events are very affordable family outings. Event tickets for adults are $5. Tickets for children 12 and under are $3. That means a family of four can catch a game for under $20 which is a great value. Check out the MSOE athletics composite schedule for upcoming events.