# Retzer Nature Center & Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium: Snowshoe Trails & Space

> Place to go for families in the Milwaukee–Waukesha area (WI). Times are Central Time.

- When: Open on its own schedule
- Where: Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188
- Ages: All ages; snowshoes sized for toddlers through adults; planetarium shows geared for families
- Price: Free admission to nature grounds and Learning Center; $5 snowshoe rentals; $5 planetarium tickets
- Organizer: Waukesha County Parks and Land Use
- Official page: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/retzernaturecenter
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/milwaukee/activities/retzer-nature-center-and-horwitz-deremer-planetarium-snowshoe-trails-a--listing-0e6234462a6c8b992feb8ee6

## About

Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha covers 480 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and restored prairies that look spectacular under a coat of winter snow. Families can rent snowshoes for just $5 a pair, with sizes accommodating tiny toddler boots through adult sizes. The paved Discovery Trail provides a barrier-free, cleared winter stroll through pine groves. Inside the warm Learning Center, kids can examine live turtles and amphibians, inspect animal specimens, and explore interactive ecological exhibits. For an extra treat, the facility houses the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, featuring full-dome digital sky shows that take kids on immersive journeys through constellations, planets, and celestial wonders without feeling winter chills.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Paved Discovery Trail loop is cleared of snow and fully stroller accessible; building entrance has step-free automatic doors.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Warm learning center features quiet seating benches, wildlife viewing areas, and clean family restrooms with diaper changing stations.
• Age Suitability: All ages; youth snowshoe equipment and family-friendly planetarium shows specifically designed for preschool and elementary audiences.
• Sensory Tips: Planetarium shows feature immersive dome projections in a darkened theater; nature center offers soothing, quiet spaces with natural daylight.

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