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Fun & Affordable Activities
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Memorable Experiences
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Stronger Community
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Healthy Lifestyles
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Milwaukee Recreation Updates

The Rec. Room!

Explore everything Milwaukee Recreation has to offer by diving into our latest feature videos and stories. Hear from participants and staff as they describe what they enjoy most about Milwaukee Recreation.

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Student-Athletes Give Back

MCC student-athletes support the next generation through jobs with Milwaukee Recreation.

Quality Care, Family Atmosphere

Club Rec. accommodates students (ages 3-21) of all ability levels.

Finding Community in Competition

The Tidal Waves, one of Milwaukee Recreation's youth swim teams, provide competitive opportunities for ages 6-17.

Skiing & Snowboarding Club

Students experience new opportunities through our Skiing & Snowboarding Club.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Discover upcoming special events and important dates! For a full listing of all upcoming activities, please visit our online registration portal, review the current activity guide, or find the program-specific webpage.

Honoring Our Past & Building Our Future

Milwaukee Recreation was established in 1911 to enrich the lives of youth, teens, adults, and seniors. Today, we remain dedicated to our mission of providing high-quality programming for all ages while keeping an eye on opportunities for growth going forward.

Our Legacy

Over a Century in the Making

A black and white photograph showing a group of people standing behind a banner for the %22The Lighted Schoolhouse%22 Dover St. Social Center, with a vehicle in the background.

Chapter 509 of the Wisconsin Laws of 1911 recognized that both recreation and education are strong forces in human development and the formation of a city’s culture. Shortly thereafter, Milwaukee gained national recognition as the “City of the Lighted Schoolhouse” for its use of public school facilities for evening recreation programming.

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New Community Center

N. 76th St. & W. Silver Spring Dr.

A vibrant and colorful outdoor recreational area with a playground, sports fields, and various landscaping features surrounded by buildings and greenery.

Milwaukee Recreation is developing a new community center in northwest Milwaukee. With a target opening date of spring 2027, the new 7.5-acre site will include a gym, a pool, green space, a playground, multi-purpose rooms, and much more.

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Enrichment Programs

New Skills for All Ages

A smiling woman in a red sweater is seated at a piano, with sheet music open in front of her.

Milwaukee Recreation provides a wide range of fun and affordable activities throughout the city of Milwaukee, including music, sports, arts & crafts, fitness, wellness, life skills, outdoor education, aquatics, therapeutic recreation, driver education, and more.

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After-School Programs

Safe Spaces for Youth

Two young children, a girl with blonde hair and a boy with dark hair, are playing on a playground equipment in a lush, green outdoor setting.

With Milwaukee Recreation, families can find a variety of free and low-cost programs for their child before the school day, immediately after school ends, or in the evening. Our qualified staff members are dedicated to keeping your young person safe and engaged with new activities.

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Sports & Leagues

Stay in the Game

Two young people, a boy and a girl, wearing matching Story School volleyball uniforms, are standing on a court smiling at each other.

No matter your age, all community members are invited to stay in the game with Milwaukee Recreation. Leagues include school-based youth sports, recreational adult sports, evening opportunities for teens and young adults, Special Olympics competitions, adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities, and school-based club sports.

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Playfield Renovations

Reshaping Neighborhoods

A colorful outdoor playground with various play structures, including a basketball court, a splash pad, and a small building, surrounded by lush green grass and trees.

Milwaukee Recreation is on a mission to renovate its network of 52 playfields. Using neighborhood input and an equity-based model, the department is converting cracked concrete into community beacons.

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Connect with Us

At a Glance

Milwaukee Recreation strives to be the leading provider of high quality and affordable recreation and community services in the city of Milwaukee.

1911

the year Milwaukee Recreation was established by mandate of the Wisconsin State Legislature.

1,200+

total enrichment activities offered per season.

100+

MPS schools hosting programs annually.

52

playfields located throughout Milwaukee.

4

seasonal guides mailed to every city of Milwaukee household.