Three family-friendly Milwaukee destinations offer free admission this week

This is the time of year when parents of small kids start to go a little stir-crazy.

In the spring and summer months, there are plenty of free ways to let your kids burn off some energy, from playgrounds to parks to walking and biking paths to just the backyard.

But these cold, icy and sometimes flooded days mean the playgrounds have been out of commission for way too long.

The problem, of course, is that all the indoor places to bring your kids seem to cost money.

That's why this week is a great time to plan some outside-the-house excursions. Three family-friendly Milwaukee destinations are offering free admission.

Milwaukee Public Museum

On Thursday, March 1, you and your kids can enjoy the Streets of Old Milwaukee, the butterfly pavilion, the dinosaurs, igloo and more for free during Kohl's Thank You Thursday at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

The museum, 800 W. Wells St. in Milwaukee, is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Milwaukee Art Museum

The art museum always has free admission for kids 12 and younger, but on Thursday, March 1, you'll be able to get in for free as well. And there's plenty for kids to do there, including checking out an art pack to take along on your exploration of the exhibits and creating their own artwork in the Kohl's Art Generation Studio.

The museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive in Milwaukee, is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Milwaukee County Zoo

Free days at the zoo come along a bit less often than at other Milwaukee family destinations, so this weekend's family free day is a pretty big deal. On Saturday, March 3, you and your family will get free admission to the zoo, so get ready to see all your kids' favorite animals, take a walk through the exhibits at the Family Farm and check out the playground.

The zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Road in Milwaukee, is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.