Northwestern Mutual Community Park

Please note, that drinking fountains will be unavailable at this time. Families are encouraged to bring bottled water to the park to stay hydrated while at play. 

Access: 

• Mid Gate of Henry Maier Festival Park (East Chicago Street &, N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee)
• North or South Lakewalk path entrance
• Free Parking lot near Mid Gate - Look for signs
• No pets are allowed
• Days/times may vary and are subject to change
• The Community Park schedule is subject to weather conditions. The park will remain open when temps are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, play is not permitted if there are snowy, wet, icy, slippery, or slick conditions and may result in park closure.
• Open to attendees of special events including Summerfest, ethnic and cultural festivals, and more

Northwestern Mutual Community Park Amenities:

• Enhanced Play Equipment – age-appropriate playground equipment on soft surface, including interactive musical play pieces. Equipment design also includes ramps allowing for wheelchair access. Shaded seating is also available within the playground area.
• Toddler Play Area – “Giggle Grounds”- covered play area for toddlers ages 6 months-2 years, including shade, and age-appropriate activities and play equipment.
• Flexible stage – permanent stage structure with accessible seating, and a viewing area for over 500 patrons.
• Permanent Family Restrooms – accessible restrooms equipped with changing tables for babies, children, and adults requiring an assistant.
• Nursing Mothers Stations – mothers seeking a quiet space to nurse will have dedicated space.
• Sensory Rooms – three individual and wheelchair accessible, air-conditioned quiet rooms, creating a calm environment for children that may be overstimulated by the noise, environment, or experience.
• A book donation box - Attendees are encouraged to bring a new or gently used children’s book and place it in the box throughout the operating season. All books collected will be donated to Next Door Foundation Books For Kids program.

The Northwestern Mutual Community Park offers inclusive and accessible play for children ages 2 to 12 years of age, including those who may experience a variety of challenges.  It is one of Wisconsin’s most accessible urban parks and has become a destination for families since it opened in 2021.

Northwestern Mutual Sunday Family Fun Days with MKE with Kids

Sunday Family Fun Days are returning to the Northwestern Mutual Park on June 9 (Summerfest themed), July 7 (Family Health and Wellness themed), August 4 (STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics themed) and September 22 (Performing Arts themed), 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FREE Sunday Family Fun Days feature programming on the Northwestern Mutual Community Park Stage, along with performances and activities offered by many community organizations like:

• Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
• Milwaukee Repertory Theater
• Milwaukee Ballet
• hi, Tech
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Face Painting
• Roaming Performers including balloon artists, jugglers, stilt walkers, and others

Food and beverage options will be available from a wide variety of vendors during each Sunday Family Fun Day – Bobalou Stuffed Gourmet Pretzels, Fazio’s Popcorn Wagon, Little Sweetie’s Treat Wagon, Pete Pops, Sil’s Mini Donuts, and Streetza Pizza.

More information on Sunday Family Fun Day dates will be coming soon.