Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park: Winter Gear Lending & Nature Room

About this adventure

Nestled in a wooded bend of the Milwaukee River on the East Side, the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park is a community environmental paradise. In winter, this innovative green facility acts as an outdoor equipment hub, offering sleds, snowshoes, and cross-country skis for families to borrow. Kids can zoom down snowy park hills or hike through oak savannas along the riverbank. Inside the multi-story educational center, children can climb an indoor rock wall, slide down a secret spiral slide between floors, and visit the live native animal room to observe Wisconsin turtles, bullfrogs, and river fish. Rotating weekend family programs explore winter animal tracking and fire building. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Elevator serves all floors of the center; paved pathways connect to the park entrance and outdoor children's play garden. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Cozy indoor seating alcoves, comfortable couches overlooking the woods, and gender-inclusive family restrooms with changing stations. • Age Suitability: Welcomes infants through teens; hands-on discovery drawers and touch tanks designed specifically for young children. • Sensory Tips: Calm nature sounds and warm natural wood interiors; indoor play areas can have cheerful chatter during weekend family events.