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

Going Green for Earth Day

by Amy Jo Jones

April 14, 2009

As many readers know, Earth Day is approaching on April 21, 2009. I thought this might be a good time to take a look around at area business that offer organic foods and eco-friendly merchandise. We might not be the greenest city in America with all our brats and beer and cheese, but you can still find quality produce and shops to meet your earth friendly needs. I know feeding my children healthy food is always a concern. I can't always afford to shop organic all the time, but there are some things like milk that I won't buy any other way.

If you are interested, visit one of these spots listed below for locally grown, organic and green products:

Family Friday April 10, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

April 09, 2009

As you can imagine, most of this weekend's activities revolve around furry creatures with big ears. I posted some Easter festivities last week here the savvy source, but here's a few more, in case you are holding out for the one with the best chocolate! ( Disclaimer: I don't know the answer to that, but if I did, I would most certainly share it with you.)

It's Dancey-Dance Time

by Amy Jo Jones

April 07, 2009

Anyone out there a fan of the show Yo Gabba Gabba? The segment they have with everyone dancing is one of our favorites- it gets my son off the floor almost every time. Maybe you've noticed that your pre-schooler has some serious skills on the dance floor or are just looking for a fun and entertaining way to get more exercise into their day.

Here are some options for dance lessons in Milwaukee for the pre-school set:

Irish Dance: Ready for some serious stepping? Irish Dance is one of the more popular activities. A quick search produces three dance programs right off the bat. There are certainly more out there, but here is a good place to start.

Cashel Dennehy School of Irish Dance

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance 

Rince Nia Academy of Irish Dance

African Dance: With a long history in Milwaukee, Ko-Thi shares African culture, music and dance.

Ko-Thi Dance Company

Ballet: Local recreation departments may offer more competitive prices, but if you are looking for professional training programs you might want to visit one of these programs:

Milwaukee Ballet School

Ballet Center

Spring Break!

by Amy Jo Jones

April 06, 2009

If you are like me you might be wondering right about now what you will be doing to entertain the family during spring break time. No worries. Here are a few ideas of places to go to keep everyone (including mom and her pocketbook) happy:

Family Friday April 4, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

April 03, 2009

What do puppets and the Easter Bunny have in common? This weekend!

With Easter festivities in full swing, you can choose from not one but TWO breakfasts with the Easter Bunny this Saturday. For something different, you could take in some Latino culture of just run around at the Open Gym For details, read on!

Breakfast with Benjamin Bunny
Families are invited to greet spring at Watts Tea Shop's annual breakfast, which includes a reading of Beatrix Potter's Benjamin Bunny. After breakfast, little ones can pose for photos with life-sized costumed characters channeling Benjamin Bunny and Jemima Puddleduck. Reserve in advance.
414.290.5720
http://www.georgewatts.com
4/4/09

Ages: All Ages
Time: 9am
Cost: Adults $17.95; Children $11.95

Breakfast and Lunch with the Bunny
Hop to it, and join the most famous bunny of all for a special breakfast or lunch. Reservations are taken by phone beginning March 2.
414.256.5466

Ongoing Daily 4/4/09 - 4/5/09; check with location for exceptions.

Ages: 2-8
Time: Times available during registration
Cost: TBA

Celebration of Culture: Latino Cultures
Visitors of all ages can explore the museum's collection of cultural artifacts through music, performances, storytelling, take-home art projects, self-guided discovery hunts, and artifact information stations.
http://www.mpm.edu
Ongoing Daily 4/3/09 - 4/4/09; check with location for exceptions.

Ages: All Ages
Time: 10am-2pm
Cost: Free with paid admission

Puppet Play
Children can develop social skills by participating in interactive stories, songs, and puppet shows, while adults learn how to use play to stimulate language development.
414.291.0888
http://www.bbcmkids.org
Ongoing Each Wed, Sat; check with location for exceptions.

Ages: 3-18
Time: 11:30am
Cost: Free with paid admission

Open Gym
Kids under 14 who have energy to burn and a driving need to expand their boundaries are invited to the academy for an open gym session. All children under six must be accompanied by an adult.
http://www.swissturners.com
Ongoing Each Sat; check with location for exceptions.

Ages: 0-14
Time: 6pm-8pm
Cost: $5-$6