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

They Say It's Your Birthday!

by Amy Jo Jones

March 19, 2009

I recently found myself in the throws of the do I or do I not throw a big birthday party for my four year old. We decided to keep it simple this year and just invite family but It's not too soon to start thinking about the next go-around.

Family Friday March 20, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

March 19, 2009

This weekend brings a little something for everybody from the outdoorsy type to the music lovers. Whatever your weekend entails, I hope it's a good one! Read on for Family-friendly fun happening in Milwaukee this weekend:

IT'S SPRING!

The Urban Ecology Center invites children ages 4-10 to come by Saturday afternoon and learn about roots and stems with plant crafts, stories and games.

TIME TO RELAX:
Enjoy a day of chamber music with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Shows all day at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

CIRQUE ELOIZE
Cirque Eloize returns to the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center this weekend with a new performance entitled "Nebbia," the third part of the "Sky Trilogy." The fog takes center stage and reality is transformed into dream, blending acrobatic theater and modern circus.


FIRST STAGE
The childhood favorite "The Neverending Story" comes alive on First Stage this weekend. Follow your imagination and watch this classic based on the novel by Michael Ende and adapted by David S. Craig.

Guest Post: Jim Silver and Tips For Preschool Games

by Amy Jo Jones

March 16, 2009

Today's post is brought to you by Caroline of Being Savvy Tampa.  

In this economy, Game Nights make sense;
they're a fun, inexpensive way for families to bond and reconnect.
But 4-year olds can hardly be expected to sit still for 5 minutes, let
alone participate in classic Game Night standbys like Monopoly or
Pictionary.  What sort of games should parents play with their
preschoolers on Family Game Night or any night?

In today's guest post, toy expert Jim Silver discusses features that
parents should look for when choosing games for their preschoolers.
Jim is a widely recognized and often-resourced authority on the toy
and licensing industries, having worked within the publishing and toy
industries for more than 20 years.  He's also editor-in-chief for
www.TimeToPlayMag.com, a great website parents can go to for toy,
gaming and entertainment information.   Read below to learn 5 things
parents should look for in a preschool game, then check out Jim's list
of top preschool games for 2009.

Family Friday March 13, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

March 13, 2009

What else do you need in a weekend besides celebrating the Green of St. Patty's day and Dora The Explorer? NOTHING. Read on for the weekend details. There's a little something for everyone-even you leprechuans.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
This years St. Patrick's Day Parade features 120 Irish dance groups, pipe and drum corps, and local celebrities including Chuck Ward, Irish Man of the Year. The Friends of St. Patrick-Milwaukee Chapter, in partnership with Hunger Task Force, will be collecting non-perishable food items at this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade so bring a can to share.

D D D D D DORA
Dora the Explorer Live is an interactive adventure with Dora, Boots and friends. On the "Search for the City of Lost Toys" characters problem-solve using numbers, language, and reasoning, and with the help of the young audience, Dora is reunited with her teddy bear.

BLARNEY RUN AND WALK
Run or walk in the 18th annual "Blarney Run/Walk" in Wauwatosa. Start at the Wil-O-Way Center for the 5K run or 2-mile walk through the Wauwatosa Menomonee River Parkway. The weather is 'supposed to be' 'nice' so this might be a great way to get some much needed sunshine.

SIGNED DR. DOLITTLE
SignStage uses American Sign Language to tell the story of "Dr. Dolittle" at the Schauer Arts and Activties Center. Dr. Dolittle, who learns to speak to animals and finds adventures along the way, is the perfect focus for this hearing impaired friendly show.

Enjoy your weekend!

Because You Can't Be Too Careful

by Amy Jo Jones

March 09, 2009

Here's an event that's too good not to mention.

True story. When my oldest was born I had the local North Shore Fire Department install my car seat for me and I didn't take it out once FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. Can you say paranoid new mom? You betcha.