The Hop, presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, is looking ahead to spring break and the long-awaited return of our Family Hop program, slated for March 27 through April 8, 2023.

Back for the first time since 2019, Family Hop is a fun and free way for families to explore Milwaukee via the streetcar. And thanks to the support of our partners at Children’s Wisconsin, Rooted MKE and Classy Girl Cupcakes, we’ve got some wonderful activities planned.

STORIES ON THE HOP
The signature event of this year’s Family Hop will be “Stories on The Hop,” a children’s storytime right on board the streetcar. The Hop has partnered with Rooted MKE, Milwaukee’s only BIPOC children’s bookstore, makerspace and academic support center, to host children on a stationary streetcar outside of The Hop’s maintenance facility. The kids will hear a reading of “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña, participate in a discussion about the book’s themes, and engage in streetcar-themed craft projects before heading home with their very own copy of the book, thanks to the support of Children’s Wisconsin. This unique event will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, and while it’s free to attend, advance registration is required. To register, visit https://rootedmke.as.me/storiesonthehop.

HOP BINGO
Also as part of this year’s Family Hop, the streetcar is bringing back Hop Bingo as an on-board game to play with children. The Milwaukee-themed Bingo card will contain common sights to spot along the streetcar route and a designated area for a special sticker that the rider can receive from their streetcar operator. Once a child spots enough sights for bingo and receives their sticker, they can bring their completed card to Classy Girl Cupcakes on N. Jefferson St. near the Cathedral Square streetcar platform to receive a free cupcake (valid Monday through Saturday during Classy Girl’s normal business hours for children ages 12 and under). Bingo cards can be downloaded from www.thehopmke.com/family-hop or picked up at select locations throughout the city including all Milwaukee Public Library branches.

HOPPING WITH THE FAMILY
Additionally, The Hop has produced some helpful tips for hopping with the kids to make a streetcar adventure with the little ones fun and easy for the whole family. Visit www.thehopmke.com/family-hop for helpful tips and other family-friendly destinations along the route.