About this Event
Winter in the Tropics: Family Fun Fest
December 30 • 9 AM–12 PM Mitchell Park Domes Education Center
Escape the cold and step into Winter in the Tropics: Family Fun Fest! This festival brings warmth, wonder, and hands-on discovery to families during winter break — a morning designed to spark curiosity and connection in our Tropical Dome.
This year’s event is bigger, brighter, and even more immersive. Kids can taste some tropical fruit, meet our famous dart frogs with Rainforest Rick, and explore a real beehive learning station that celebrates the tiny pollinators that help our world grow. Families can enjoy a mix of activities, crafts, games, tropical fruit tasting, and a take-home kit to keep learning going at home.
Wear your favorite floral, island-inspired shirts under your winter coats — we’ll handle the humidity.
Our Family Fun Fests will take place annually during Milwaukee Public School’s winter break, spring break, and summer break.
Perfect for ages 4–8, but wonderful for all ages.Join anytime between 9 AM–12 PM. Special lobby program at 10:30 AM.
What’s Included
Your Activity Kit gives you access to all Family Fun Fest experiences:
- Entry to exclusive Education Center activities (closed to general visitors during the event)
- A tropical-themed craft station
- Meet-the-frogs moment with Rainforest Rick
- Beehive exploration station (learn how bees support our global ecosystems)
- Word-scramble scavenger hunt through the Tropical Dome
- Educator-guided mini program in the lobby
- Tropical fruit tasting (soursop, tamarind & more!)
- Take-home activity
- Discount on tropical houseplants in the gift shop
Tickets
- Activity Kit: $10 per child (plus fees)
- Neighbor Activity Kit (53215 residents): $5 Please include your ZIP code when purchasing.
Each kit includes all activities for one child. This is not a drop-off activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times at The Domes.
Note: Entry to the Mitchell Park Domes is not included. Milwaukee Domes Alliance (Friends of the Domes) members enter the Domes for free.
Learn more: MilwaukeeDomes.org/membership
Why Families Love It
This event delivers on the Domes’ promise: warm wonder, learning, and belonging. It’s a short, meaningful staycation moment that feels far from home — without leaving Milwaukee. Families get a beautiful burst of tropical joy during winter break, and kids deepen their connection to nature through tactile, sensory, and story-rich experiences.
MDA Media/Photo Release Policy: Photos and other media taken during the class may be used for marketing purposes. By purchasing a workshop or program registration, you are consenting to this policy. Please email if we may not use photos in our marketing efforts.
MDA Education Program Cancellation and Refund Policy: No refunds will be given for this program less than 2 weeks before the program, as all materials will be purchased and prepared.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, 524 South Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, United States
USD 5.00 to USD 10.00
