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What are fun activities in Milwaukee for students taking a break from studying?

Blog post written by: Maddie Lechmaier, 2026 PharmD Candidate

Pharmacy school can feel like a never-ending study session. Between lectures, labs and rotations, it’s easy to get caught up in all the work. However, maintaining a healthy school-work-life balance is key to excelling in the program. Thankfully, Milwaukee offers plenty of fun to recharge and connect with classmates.

I’m a big foodie. One of Milwaukee’s most popular destinations is the Milwaukee Public Market where you’ll find everything from local cheese curds to St. Paul’s Fish Company lobster rolls. If you’re looking for something smaller, TomKen’s has great wings with rotating flavors and a laid-back atmosphere. For a cozy study break with a friend, Grace Coffee Co. is the place to be with tasty bakery items. If you’re with a group, I recommend checking out 3rd Street Market Hall. It’s packed with various food vendor options that are great for all different palates. Plus, there’s always some friendly competition on the shuffleboards and golf simulator!

If you’re into sports, catching a Bucks, Admirals or Brewers game with your classmates is a must. My class tries to plan at least one of these events each year. It’s a great way to bond over something other than pharmacy school while enjoying stadium snacks and cheering on Wisconsin teams (of course)!

When the weather is nice, I love relaxing at one of Milwaukee’s beer gardens, like the Landing at Hoyt Park or the War Memorial Beer Garden overlooking the lakefront. They have great walking paths to enjoy the outdoors and they're the perfect spot to unwind afterwards. You may even catch some live music or trivia!

While I’ve lived in the Milwaukee area all my life, it can be fun to play tourist in Milwaukee as well. Explore the Milwaukee Public Museum or the Harley Davidson Museum to learn some history about the city. In the summer, Bradford Beach and Summerfest are activities you can’t miss.

While pharmacy school is tough, finding ways to decompress is a lifesaver. MCW in Milwaukee is the perfect place for pharmacy students to balance studying with fun!