10 Fun Things To Do Near Greenfield, Wisconsin (Milwaukee County)

If you’re staying in or near Greenfield, Wisconsin, you’re in a sweet spot. You get the quiet, laid-back feel of the suburbs, but you’re only a short drive from some of the best things to do in the Milwaukee area. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting family, or just exploring your own backyard, here are 10 fun things to do near Greenfield, WI that are perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers.

1. Stroll, Bike, or Skate the Oak Leaf Trail (Right in Greenfield)

The Oak Leaf Trail is one of the best outdoor perks of living near Greenfield. This huge trail system winds all throughout Milwaukee County, and several stretches run right through or just outside Greenfield. You’ll find paved paths that are great for:

Walking or jogging
Biking
Rollerblading
Stroller walks with the kids

On a summer evening, you’ll see neighbors out walking dogs, kids on bikes, and people just enjoying the sunset. If you want an easy entry point, check out the trail near Konkel Park or by Root River Parkway, only a few minutes away. Tip: Bring a light jacket even in summer—breezes along the shaded parts of the trail can feel cool once the sun dips.

2. Catch a Game or Concert at American Family Field

Just a short drive north of Greenfield, you’ll hit one of Milwaukee’s biggest attractions: American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, a Brewers game is a classic Midwest experience:

Tailgating in the giant parking lots before the game
Grabbing brats, cheese curds, and local beer
Watching the famous racing sausages between innings

The roof is retractable, so you don’t have to worry too much about the weather. And when there’s no game, the stadium often hosts concerts and special events. Distance from Greenfield: About 15–20 minutes by car, depending on where you’re staying in town.

3. Spend a Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo

If you’re looking for a full day of family fun near Greenfield, the Milwaukee County Zoo is an easy choice. Located just northwest of Greenfield, it’s one of the top zoos in the Midwest. You’ll find:

Lions, tigers, and snow leopards
Giraffes, elephants, and rhinos
A fun train ride that loops around the grounds
Seasonal events like zoo lights and themed weekends

I’ve spent 5+ hours here without even realizing how much time passed. If you’re visiting with kids, pack snacks and plan for breaks—there’s a lot of walking, and on hot days it can feel like a workout. Distance from Greenfield: Around 20 minutes by car.

4. Relax at Konkel Park & the AMP in Greenfield

You don’t always have to leave Greenfield to have a good time. Konkel Park is one of the city’s main gathering spots and a great place to stretch your legs without a big drive. The park features:

Walking paths
Open fields and playgrounds
The AMP – an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events

During summer, you’ll often find:

Live music
Food trucks
Community festivals and farmer’s markets

If you’re visiting Greenfield and wondering, “What do locals actually do for fun around here?”—this is one of those places.

5. Explore Downtown Milwaukee & the RiverWalk

One of the best parts about staying in Greenfield is how close you are to downtown Milwaukee. In about 20–25 minutes, you can be right in the middle of the city, walking along the Milwaukee RiverWalk. The RiverWalk stretches for miles through downtown and connects:

Restaurants and bars with outdoor patios
Public art and sculptures
Access points for kayak rentals and boat tours

It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a strict plan. Grab a coffee, walk along the water, stop when something looks interesting—that’s usually when you find your favorite spots. Bonus: Look for the bronze “Bronze Fonz” statue, a fun little tribute to the character from the TV show “Happy Days.”

6. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum on the Lakefront

Just a little farther from Greenfield, but well worth the drive, is the Milwaukee Art Museum. Even if you’re not a big “museum person,” the building itself is stunning, with its famous white wings that open and close like a giant bird. Inside, you’ll find:

American and European paintings
Modern and contemporary art
Special traveling exhibits

What really makes this spot special is its setting right on Lake Michigan. After you explore the galleries, step outside and walk along the lakefront. On a sunny day, it almost feels like you’re on the coast. Distance from Greenfield: Roughly 25–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

7. Enjoy Southridge Mall & Nearby Shopping

If you’re in the mood for something low-key and indoors, especially on a cold Wisconsin day, head over to Southridge Mall in nearby Greendale—just minutes from Greenfield. Here you’ll find:

Major retail stores
Smaller local shops
Food court options when you’re hungry

The area around the mall has grown quite a bit too, with plenty of places to eat and grab dessert. It’s an easy way to spend a few hours without a big itinerary, and it’s super convenient if you’re staying in or near Greenfield.

8. Step Back in Time at Historic Downtown Greendale

Just west of Greenfield is Greendale, one of the original “Greenbelt” communities built in the 1930s. Its historic downtown area has a cozy, almost storybook feel. Things to do in downtown Greendale:

Walk the charming streets lined with original “Greendale Originals” homes
Browse local boutiques and gift shops
Stop for ice cream, coffee, or a casual meal

If you like small-town vibes but want to stay close to Milwaukee, this area is perfect. It’s also a nice contrast to the busy feel of downtown Milwaukee or the mall. Distance from Greenfield: Around 5–10 minutes by car from most parts of the city.

9. Experience Summerfest and the Henry Maier Festival Park

When people think of Milwaukee, they often think of beer, brats, and festivals—and for good reason. A short drive from Greenfield takes you to Henry Maier Festival Park, home of Summerfest, one of the largest music festivals in the world. In summer, this lakefront festival park is packed with:

Concerts on multiple stages
Food vendors serving everything from fried cheese curds to global cuisine
Local bands and big-name headliners

Outside of Summerfest, the park also hosts cultural festivals like:

Irish Fest
German Fest
Festa Italiana (and more, depending on the year)

If your visit to Greenfield lines up with any of these events, it’s worth planning at least one evening by the lake.

10. Get Outdoors at Whitnall Park & Boerner Botanical Gardens

Just southwest of Greenfield sits Whitnall Park, one of Milwaukee County’s largest and most beautiful parks. It’s a go-to spot for locals who want to escape the city without driving hours into the countryside. At Whitnall Park, you can:

Hike or walk the wooded trails
Have a picnic with family or friends
Cross-country ski in winter (if you’re up for it!)

Inside the park, you’ll also find the Boerner Botanical Gardens, which are especially beautiful in late spring and summer. You’ll see:

Rose gardens
Perennials and seasonal flowers
Peaceful paths and sitting areas

It’s a great spot for photos, quiet walks, or just taking a break from everyday life. Distance from Greenfield: Roughly 10–15 minutes by car.

Planning Your Trip to Greenfield, Wisconsin

Greenfield might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think “vacation,” but that’s exactly what makes it a smart base. You get:

Quick access to Milwaukee’s top attractions
Easy drives to parks, trails, and the lakefront
A quieter place to stay at night

From breweries and baseball to botanical gardens and lake views, there’s plenty to fill a weekend—or even a full week—without spending hours in the car.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Greenfield Spots!

Have you spent time in Greenfield, WI or around Milwaukee County? Did you discover a local coffee shop, park, or hidden gem that deserves a shout-out? I’d love to hear about it.

Drop a comment with your favorite thing to do near Greenfield.
Share this post with friends or family planning a trip to the Milwaukee area.

Your tips might help someone else plan their next Midwest getaway!

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