The Great Indoors: Things to Do Inside in Wauwatosa

Discover Wauwatosa

With a retro blacklight bowling alley, quaint bookstore, premier shopping mall, and paint and sip studio, Wauwatosa’s indoor activity scene is one worth exploring time and time again.

No matter the time of year you’re visiting our charming city, cozy up to countless activities that are perfect for all ages. These indoor things to do are perfect for the chilly winter months or when you want to get out of the sun. Whether you’re looking for a game night on the town, indoor entertainment, or a way to flex your creative muscle, check out these indoor activities for every occasion.

Indoor Games & Activities

1st AND BOWL

Adding a fun twist on the classics, 1st AND BOWL is Milwaukee’s first Football Bowling bar (and a place you can only find here in our charming city). The fun never stops at this indoor facility that’s complete with Basketball Connect 4, bags, and Football Bowling.

Stop into this large warehouse filled with 15 football bowling lanes, two Basketball Connect 4 play areas, a bean bag toss area, an outdoor patio space, a full-service bar and restaurant, and an area for arcade games, board games, and Jenga.

Bowlero

Complete with 72 bowling lanes and an arcade with old-school games, Bowlero is a Tosa outing that everyone can agree on.

The indoor bowling alley takes a retro spin on a classic with black lights, soft lounge seats, and huge HD video walls that play everything from live sports and music videos to classic family films.

Indoor Entertainment

Milwaukee Bucks Game at Fiserv Forum

Located just a short drive outside of Wauwatosa, Fiserv Forum is the best place to catch our 2020-2021 NBA Champions up close and personal.

Get the full Milwaukee Bucks game day experience when you stay in Tosa to avoid the downtown crowds and enjoy our local bars and restaurants before tipoff.

Mayfair Mall

A shopping trip to Mayfair Mall is a must if you’re looking for an indoor activity to enjoy during your visit. Complete with your favorite retailers, including Nordstrom, Crate & Barrel, Old Navy, and more, the mall also features small businesses that you can only find here in Wauwatosa.

With over 160 retailers for shopping, dining, and entertainment, you’ll never run out of things to do and places to explore.

Art & Creative Things to Do Indoors

Kneeland-Walker House Indoor Tour

Built in 1890, the Kneeland-Walker House sits on 1.5 acres of land and is the largest remaining residential lot in Wauwatosa.

The Queen Anne house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated landmark of Wauwatosa and Milwaukee County. Take a peek into Tosa’s history with an indoor tour from the Wauwatosa Historical Society on Wednesdays.

Arté Wine and Painting Studio

Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, dust off an old talent, or just have fun trying something new, Arté Wine and Painting Studio is a great way to flex your creative muscle.

The perfect activity for art-lovers, choose from their instructor-led classes or paint your own masterpiece in an Open Canvas Painting session.

Creative Fire

At Creative Fire, you don’t have to be a pottery pro to create your own special souvenir.

Mold something special at one of their many classes for adults and children of all skill sets. Get your hands dirty and have some fun with friends and family during your next visit to Tosa.

The Grey House

The perfect place to sip, shop, and create, the Grey House is a one-of-a-kind bar and boutique DIY store.

Put your creative cap on and make a fun keepsake from your visit to Tosa. Be sure to check out their website for the full workshop schedule and make a reservation before you visit to secure your spot.

Little Read Book Store

Serving up a slice of Wauwatosa magic, The Little Read Book Store is a quaint shop on the edge of Tosa Village.

Dedicated to the fine art of browsing, they encourage you to get lost in their countless titles, new and old, across endless genres. Plus, they always have a helpful staff member ready to suggest a book.

Pro tip: Pick up your next read and head over to any of Tosa’s coffee shops to set the scene for a perfect, cozy afternoon.

Family Indoor Activities

Times Cinema

A day well spent indoors wouldn’t be complete without going to the movie theater. Times Cinema is an old-school neighborhood theater that screens new releases and the occasional nostalgic film.

Stop in for great movies, a fully stocked bar, delicious popcorn (with real butter), and great service.

Tosa Block Party

For the young or young at heart, Tosa Block Party is the ultimate stop for LEGO lovers. Browse classic LEGO sets, drop off your current collection for a loving home, and bounce ideas off of other LEGO architects.

Creative Fire Pottery Studio

Learn the art of making pottery at Creative Fire Art & Pottery Studio. With day and evening classes for children and adults, it’s the perfect spot for new or more experienced potters.

Make your own masterpiece to take home, or purchase a memento from a full gallery of finished products.

Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.

Header image by @tosaefw