Wauwatosa Weekend Staycation: Family Edition

Discover Wauwatosa

We understand a weekend family staycation requires more than just rounding everyone up, packing up the car, and getting on the road to your final destination. It takes time and careful planning to put together the perfect itinerary for everyone to safely enjoy your trip, too.

Here in Wauwatosa, we try to make things easier (and more fun!) for you and your family. We have five dynamic districts to explore — and, you can expect to find our small-town magic in every corner.

To satisfy the foodies, art-lovers, and adventurers in your family, we’ve put together the perfect Wauwatosa weekend staycation for your entire family to thrive during your stay. After a trip like this, your family will be begging to come back for more!

The Foodies

Whether you’re a family full of self-proclaimed foodies or only a few family members prefer a delicious meal over any other staycation activity, Cranky Al’s in East Tosa is a must-visit. From maple bacon to filled Bavarian Creme, their donuts are extremely popular in Tosa and nationwide. They are only open for carry-out and now require that you place your ‘to-go’ orders by noon the day prior, so start dreaming up your breakfast order a whole day in advance!

Located at The Mayfair Collection, Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe is another perfect spot for a tasty morning meal. Their cafe is chic and sparkly clean, and they have something for every taste bud, including omelets, avocado toast, crepes, mimosas, and, of course, pancakes!

Craving something sweet? Stop into Simma’s Bakery in our 68th & Wells District for extremely delicious and award-winning desserts. This family-owned bakery serves breakfast goodies that are baked fresh daily and specialty dessert bars that are crafted with flavors to match the season.

For lunch or dinner, stop by Buckatabon — this truly innovative spot in The Village has thought of just about everything to make dining safe and enjoyable. Their outdoor heated igloos add a fun element that your entire family will love. Reserve one of their Frank & Larry’s Northwood Shanties and dig into the complimentary Snackuterie box of your choosing!

Book your weekend getaway at the Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West for access to Mayfair Mall and even more great eats, including Jimmy’s Island Grill and Iguana Bar. This vibrant, island-inspired restaurant has a wide menu for the kids and signature beach-style drinks for the parents — sounds like paradise if you ask us.

The Art-Lovers

One of our personal favorite parts about Wauwatosa is that we have local and global art scattered throughout our city. These lively pieces are a nod to our friendly and inviting community, and we know you and your family will enjoy them too.

Our East Tosa murals truly are a must-visit that the whole family will enjoy. Take an outdoor stroll by our larger-than-life murals to find an enormous raccoon, golden goldfish, vibrant tiger, and much more. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and mention #DiscoverWauwatosa, too!

Renaissance Milwaukee West is the perfect place to admire artwork without even leaving the hotel. Each and every guest room features an eye-catching piece of art for your family to enjoy. Even the elevators have a special artistic element, too!

If you ask us, the specialty pizza selection at BB’s on North is essentially a piece of art in itself. Located in East Tosa, the full-service pizza bar serves family favorites, including their Chicken Pesto Pizza, Carnivore Pizza, and Supreme Pizza.

Perfect for the kids, Ruckus & Glee is Tosa’s locally-owned and operated toy shop where you can find just about any toy you can imagine. Keep an eye out for paint kits and coloring books to help wind the kiddos down for bed at night or enjoy a fun family activity altogether.

Lastly, don’t miss the historical architecture throughout Tosa Village. We recommend taking a walk around this European-esque destination to discover the charm and history throughout the district.

The Adventurers

If your family craves exploring the great outdoors together, you’ve come to just the right place. Wauwatosa is filled with open-air parks and trails, and has plenty to explore throughout our city.

County Grounds Park is a great place to start your outdoor Wauwatosa adventure. The largest open space in Milwaukee County includes a 3.6-mile loop for walks and runs, and is the perfect spot to get out and be active. There’s also plenty of wildlife species, as well as the confluence of the Menomonee River and Underwood Creek to check out when you visit.

From red pandas to penguins and everything in between, the Milwaukee County Zoo is another can’t-miss outdoor adventure. Home to more than 2,100 animals representing 354 species, there are countless exhibits for you and your family to discover.

Located just a short commute from the zoo, book your stay at The Residence Inn for the perfect place to stay over the weekend.

When it comes to food, Cafe Hollander in Tosa Village should definitely be on your weekend itinerary. The family will have a blast in the European-inspired cafe’s outdoor Canal Houses. Make a reservation to explore endless options on their menu and create unforgettable family memories.

If you’re on the hunt for an indoor Tosa adventure, check out Milwaukee’s first football bowling bar, 1st and Bowl. This one-of-a-kind spot offers just about every activity, including indoor football bowling, nerf wars, basketball Connect 4, and more, while staying committed to the safety of their staff and guests.

Kids 10 years and older can play football bowling with adult supervision; the 10 and under crew can explore the other available games at no charge.

Discover Wauwatosa wants to ensure you have a safe and healthy travel experience. Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, please check the local hotel and travel restrictions and retail and restaurant hours/menus before you go.

Header photo courtesy of @mollyannas