Some Milwaukee things come and go, while some become icons. Mandatory Milwaukee is all about the latter. This week: Milwaukee Recreation! Again!
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Milwaukee Recreation is the best. For more than 100 years (!) the Milwaukee Public Schools department has made the city a better place by, among other things, offering innumerable recreational and educational opportunities to folks of all ages. Its seasonal Recreation Guide is loaded with sports, art, music, aquatics, outdoor stuff, and classes on just about anything and everything you could possibly imagine. MKE REC is “Mandatory” with a capital “M.” (Also, because we have similar shortened names, we tend to get their mail a lot.)
Spring 2026 priority registration for City of Milwaukee residents begins February 26. In honor of the big date, we’ve rounded up 10 Spring Adult Enrichment classes that caught our eye. (Find a PDF of the full Summer Recreation Guide HERE, which also includes youth/teen activities, outdoor classes, Therapeutic Recreation, and more.)
Spring Soups Have Arrived!!
These spring soups will have plenty of vitamins to help you stay healthy as the seasons are changing. The main ingredients will be the fresh seasonal vegetables. We will be making Carrot Turmeric Soup, Cream of Asparagus Soup, Cauliflower Soup, Spring Vegetable Soup, and Tortellini Soup. Fee includes food cost and is non-refundable.
Bracelet Bonanza
This beginner-friendly workshop mixes basic jewelry techniques with intro wire wrapping to help participants make two gorgeous, custom bracelets. You’ll learn simple wire skills, how to choose and combine beads, and how to finish your pieces like a pro. A $15 (cash only) supply fee is due to the instructor the day of class.
Abstract Painting with Melva
Abstracts with Melva is a class designed for beginners and for seasoned artists by visual artist Melva. Come experience the inspiring development of abstract art. This class is more than lines and circles. Let the hands-on variety of projects and easy techniques challenge your imagination! A $15 (cash only) supply fee is due to the instructor at class. Class fee is nonrefundable.
Fairy Gardens & Folklore
Uncover tales, myths, and folklore of fantastical creatures. Explore whether they’re spirits or real. Design and plant your fairy garden. $5.00 cash supply fee due at the first class. Non-refundable class fee. Embrace the enchantment!
Speed Puzzling
Ready, set, puzzle! Sign up for a friendly speed puzzle event where teams of up to four race to complete a provided 500 piece puzzle the fastest. Speed puzzling experience not required. At least one member of your team must be 18 or older.
Coupons for a Cause
What could you do, if you were able to save 50-75% on all of your household needs? The opportunities are endless, when you learn to leverage store sales and discounts in combination with coupons and rebates to get the lowest out-of-pocket cost possible. In this class, I’ll teach you the basics of these strategies and give you the confidence to create your own scenarios for the things YOUR family needs. Together, we can lower personal expenses, keep more money in the community, and open doors previously thought closed for good!
Being Mindful of Your Emotions: Emotional Intelligence Workshop
Take control of your emotions! Join a two-hour workshop to enhance mindfulness. Explore a four-step process: Self Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management. Learn to respond, not react, to the world. Non-refundable class fee.
MCTS Freedom on Wheels Bus Training
Freedom on Wheels is an interactive presentation that provides a comprehensive introduction on how to use the Milwaukee County Transit System. MCTS staff present information that focuses on transportation options, ways to pay your fare, proper bus etiquette, safety, trip planning, and an introduction to the 1-on-1 Travel Training Program. The presentation includes a short bus ride so that participants can practice boarding, paying fare, requesting stops, and bus etiquette.
Milwaukee’s Silent City
For more than 170 years, Forest Home Cemetery has been the final resting place for many Milwaukee leaders. Although Forest Home remains primarily a place to bury the dead, it is Milwaukee’s first accredited arboretum, a nature preserve and museum of local history. Learn more about great industrialists to infamous figures to war veterans, women trailblazers, civil rights leaders and loved ones from all walks of life.
Pickleball
Experience the excitement of pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport. Join our welcoming group for open play, suitable for all skill levels. However, true beginners are encouraged to explore external resources and complete an introductory course beforehand. BYO paddle or borrow one of ours. Please note, drop-ins are not allowed.
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