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

Top Five Things Not To Miss at the State Fair

by Amy Jo Jones

August 04, 2009

It's August and that means it's time for the Wisconsin State Fair.

The 158th edition of the Fair begins Thursday morning and runs through Aug. 16 at State Fair Park. Here are some of the events you just won't want your kids to miss. (See the State Fair's Website for details. Some events may have a seperate fee that applies.) http://www.wistatefair.com/09_web/index.html

1. CHILDREN’S FAMILY FUN ZONE
For a wide range of activities and inflatable fun, take the kids to the Children’s Family Fun Zone
operated by Music on the Move Plus. There are two Children’s Family Fun Zones located near the
northwest side of the Wisconsin Exposition Center and on the east side of the Wisconsin Exposition Center. 

2. RIDE THE SLIDE
The slide isn’t just for kids, but they will definitely love it! You can't miss the giant green and yellow slide and it's such a part of the true Fair experience.

3. DON'T EAT YOUR VEGGIES...YET

At the Ag Oasis, between the Coliseum and the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, kids can pick a vegetable and race with it. It’s fun for the whole family and parents can cheer on their youngster and their veggie as they race to cross the finish line! Races take place throughout the day.

4. WE ENERGIES ENERGY PARK
Filled with all sorts of exciting and educational programming for Fairgoers, We Energies Energy Park is a wonderful setting to enjoy horticulture expert Melinda Myers, Sky Hunters “Birds of Prey,” the Energy Game Show, Sensational Servings with Chef Mark and the Solar Car Race. Plus, We Energies provides FREE Safety Wristbands for Children from 8am until 8pm daily. We Energies Energy Park is located on the west side of the Fair Park along Wetley Way.

5. NATURAL RESOURCES PARK
The Natural Resources Park is located just west of the Wisconsin Exposition Center on the south side of the Fair Park and is a wonderful experience for kids and families. The Natural Resources Park provides a beautiful and green natural setting while also offering a variety of interactive and fun activities for children.

Don't forget your sunscreen, drink plenty of water, wear your comfy shoes and have a great time!
 

Family Friday Fun May 15, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

May 14, 2009

So we don't have Danny Gokey in American Idol any longer. Alas, we can still enjoy being in Milwaukee. Here's a round up of family activities happening in Milwaukee this weekend:

PUG FEST
Do your kids love dogs? The Milwaukee Pug Fest is a fundraiser for Pug Rescue. Sunday's event features Pug Rescue groups from around the Midwest, contests, silent auctions, vendors, service providers, food and drinks. Just be careful- you might want one! See here for more information:
http://www.milwaukeepugfest.com/

HARTFEST
Kick off the outdoor festival season with a weekend of great music, food and beer in the Village of Wauwatosa. All weekend long! A kids' area will include 4-square, jump rope, hopscotch, and arts and crafts.
www.hartfest.com/

AARRRRGH!
We've mentioned this before, but don't forget about who wants to be a pirate? Check out First Stage's "How I Become a Pirate" this weekend. Call (414) 273-7206. www.firststage.org

SMOKEY THE BEAR
"Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home" is a new green-built exhibit at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum (Brought to you in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service). This exhibit features educational activities including costumes, puppets and props that will be especially appealing for children ages 2 and up.
www.bbcmkids.org

The funny section

by Amy Jo Jones

November 18, 2008

As you know, I've got two boys. While we haven't quite reached the stage yet where all things bathroom related are hilarious (thank goodness) there is still a lot of silliness to go around. I've found this is not always so in the genre of kid's books that my little adores: cars and trucks. Often times I'm struggling to keep my eyes open while I flip the pages of another dry book with  Read more...