Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Milwaukee, WI

Tour Old Milwaukee

by Amy Jo Jones

August 31, 2009

Ever wish you and your kids could visit back in time? As of Sunday October 4, 2009 you might just have that chance. 

Best Place, originally the hospitality area for the Pabst Brewing Company, houses a gift shop, corporate offices, Blue Ribbon Hall, a courtyard and a tour center. The buildings will open to the public on Sunday, Oct. 4 with a benefit for Hunger Task Force.

The Best Place buildings will be open to the public and serve as a museum for Pabst beer, as well as a tribute to German heritage. The structures are adorned with stained glass windows, hardwood details, high ceilings and original wall murals featuring drinking-related German proverbs and a detailed depiction of the brewery's history. Haertl and a crew of workers handled most of the restoration and made very few changes.

Best Place -- named after Jacob Best -- also features a guest center that will offer tours, some of which Haertl will conduct. The cost will be $8 for adults and $4 for kids. The tour schedule will be announced soon.

Jelly Belly Factory Tour

by Amy Jo Jones

August 27, 2009

Have you ever wondered where yummy jelly beans come from? Believe it or not, Jelly Belly jelly beans are made right here in Wisconsin. You can visit the Jelly Belly factory and take part in an exciting and delicious tour.

Warehouse tours operate Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. We may also be closed the day before or after these holidays. Please call to verify dates and hours of operation before planning your visit. Every day is a sweet one here at Jelly Belly …come experience the fun!

For further Jelly Belly tour information call (866) TOUR-JBC (868-7522)

Kohls Art Generation Gallery Milwaukee Art Museum

by Amy Jo Jones

August 26, 2009

The Kohl’s Art Generation Open Studio features a variety of hands-on activities and art projects, fresh and different every month, that children and families can work on together.

Families can explore various media (paint, clay, charcoal) represented by artists in the collection, learn how artists in the collection represent various themes (animals, people, work), select the level of engagement that meets the needs of their family as well as make and share creative ideas with members of their family.

Sundays from 10am-4pm. Adult admission is $12.00. Children under 12 are free. 
 

Whole Foods Recipe Contest

by Amy Jo Jones

August 24, 2009

The Milwaukee Whole Foods Market, 2305 N. Prospect Ave., recently announced a  recipe contest.

Have you seen the big "bulk" containers on the north side of the store? Well, the "Bulk to School" recipe contest encourages submission of your favorite recipe that includes at least one of Whole Foods' bulk ingredients.

The deadline to enter the contest in Monday, Sept. 7, 2009. Recipes can be submitted via e-mail or in person. Entry forms can be found at the Whole Foods' Web site.

The First Place winner receives a $250 gift card from Whole Foods, and a healthy lunch provided to the school classroom of their choice. Five semi-finalists will be selected to face off in a head-to-head tasting party on Sept. 12 from noon to 3 p.m.

Recipes should be family friendly, meaning relatively easy to prepare, have broad appeal, suitable for lunch boxes or left-overs and low-cost per serving.

Stone Fire Pizza Company Mommy and Me

by Amy Jo Jones

August 20, 2009

Great for playgroups or just to spend a little quality time with your toddler and friends. From 9am-11am each day. 

This is held in the Discovery Room which has a water table, a train table, a block play room, a pretend restaurant, and a soft play jungle gym. Included is a breakfast including; fresh fruit,cereals, fresh bakery, juices, and more.

Prices are $5.25/adult & $3.25/child 3 & up. Call Stone Fire Pizza Company for more information: 262-970-8800