How to Get out of the House!

Inside: Free zoo week, see a movie, plan for NYE

December 26, 2025

Welcome to that weird dead week period between Christmas and New Year’s - the perfect time to escape the house and get some fresh air, a change of scenery, and something to do that doesn’t involve assembling toys, eating one more cookie, or wondering what day it is. Below are a bunch of easy, low-lift ways to escape the couch, reset the mood, and keep everyone pleasantly busy before the weekend hits.

Know the North Shore: Sound Waves

Warm up your winter with live local music at the Schlitz Audubon Center! On six Sunday afternoons from January 4–February 8 (3:30–4:30 pm), bring the whole family to enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly concert while you sip on beverages and snacks. Performances are free with membership or admission, and the lineup is packed with great Wisconsin talent—Julien Kozak (Jan. 4), Noah James Hittner (Jan. 11), the super interactive Restrung Family Fun (Jan. 18), Roxie Beane (Jan. 25), Matt Froelich (Feb. 1), and Bayside’s own Ben Merens (Feb. 8), who even creates “songs on the spot” from audience ideas.

Frosty Free Week at the Milwaukee County Zoo

If you didn’t get a Hippopotamus for Christmas… you can still see one (for free) at the zoo! The Milwaukee County Zoo is offering free daytime admission December 26-30, 2025 during Frosty Free Week. Weekday hours (Dec. 26, 29, 30) run 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while weekend hours (Dec. 27-28) extend to 4:30 p.m. Regular parking, concession, and attraction rates still apply, and the evening Wild Lights event requires separate admission.

See a movie - get a bonus

Swing by Marcus Theatres (including Marcus North Shore Cinema) TODAY on Friday, Dec. 26 and snag a holiday scratch-off card with a surprise perk for your next movie run. Cards are redeemable Jan. 5–31, 2026, and prizes range from free popcorn and drinks to free candy or 15–20% off food and beverages or $10 off a new Ultimate Popcorn Tub. A little post-holiday treat now, for your January theater plans later.

Start planning for New Year’s

K-Cakes at the Winter Market

Say goodbye to keeping overtired kids awake until midnight! Milwaukee families can celebrate New Year's Eve with kid-friendly events on Dec. 31st.

Choose from Betty Brinn's noon dance party and balloon drop ($10-20), Bavarian Bierhaus's all-day Munich New Years celebration (11 AM-9 PM) with Kid Boogie Down and a FREE beer toast at 5 PM, Milwaukee County Zoo's Wild Lights wonderland walk, or enjoy free ice skating, sledding, and holiday lights throughout the day. And everyone gets home at a reasonable hour! See our full guide.

Nicolet Rec Classes

The Nicolet Recreation Department offers 171 Winter/Spring programs and activities at 24 different locations across the community for toddlers, youth, teens, adults, and senior adults! This edition includes 30 new programs including Youth Nature Classes and Yoga Fitness Classes. Browse the bulletin online. Online registration for 2026 Winter/Spring programs begins Monday, Dec. 8th.  You can also fax, mail, walk-in, or use our drop box to register beginning Dec. 22nd.

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North Shore Snapshot

See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures

P.S. Forward this guide to anyone still asking, “What should we do after the holidays???”

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