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

Top Five Things to Do at Irish Fest

by Amy Jo Jones

August 11, 2009

If you've been to Irish Fest before, you will know they do a great job of setting up the Children's area. Here are some of the opportunities for learning and play at Irish Fest 2009. Visit the Irish Fest website here for all the details: http://www.irishfest.com/festival/

1. Discovery World will be in the Children’s Activity Area with their traveling Touch Tank. Children can learn about the sea animals and fish that can be found in the ocean and seas surrounding Ireland. They will be able to ask questions and even touch the creatures in the tank.

2. There will be hands on crafts that will compliment our Discovery World addition.

3. Around the world with a Family Passport. Families can collect stamps for their passports, make crafts and get prizes at stops throughout the grounds.

4. Puppeteer Wayne Francis and Great Big Faces Paul Merklein will be appearing on the stage. Also featured on our stage will be Tommy Sands, Mairtine De Cogan and Milwaukee Irish Fest’s own School of Music.

5. Irish Dancers. One of the highlights of the weekend. With multiple groups performing and lots of performances, you are sure to be dazzled.

Family Friday Fun August 7, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

August 07, 2009

In case you need another festival... 

THE WISCONSIN STATE FAIR: Aug. 6-16; The annual “Grand Champion of Summer” has it all– agriculture, food, shopping, national headliners, free stages of entertainment, and much more. Building Hours at the fairgrounds, 640 S. 84th St.: daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m., 8/16 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fair hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-midnight Fri. & Sat., 8/16 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adults/$9, Seniors 60 years and older and disabled persons/$6, Youth 7-11/$4, Children 6 and under/FREE. 800-884-3247 or www.WiStateFair.com.

But that's not all. If you prefer something on the smaller scale you could visit: 

ARAB WORLD FEST, Aug. 7-9; Fun includes camel rides at the Summerfest Grounds, cultural exhibits, food and shopping.

See you next week!

Family Friday Fun July 31, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

July 31, 2009

Up Up & Away!

If you didn't get enough of the airplanes zooming past your house last weekend during the Air & Water show, you can get an upclose and personal look at all kids of aircraft at the EAA Air Venture.

The world's largest sport aviation gathering annually attracts more than 750,000 people and 10,000 airplanes. The event features daily afternoon air shows, the world's latest aviation innovations, and more than 500 workshops, seminars, and forums. For more information and directions, please visit the website http://www.airventure.org/.

Sunset Zoofari 

Heat up your summer at a special evening concert at the Zoo. Enjoy the sounds of some of Milwaukee's most popular bands, all presented among our exotic animal offerings. Performances take place on the Flamingo Patio, and visitors receive reduced admission. For more information, please visit the website http://milwaukeezoo.org.

The Best of the Fest August 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

July 14, 2009

Here's a continuation of last month's Best of the Fest Posts. August has no shortage of outside food and fun. Here are the best fest's to take in during the month of August:

8/6 - 16 Wisconsin State Fair Check out the dog fair (August 10), Children's Family Fun Zone (inflatable fun), giant slide, Got Milk Tour, Kiddie Kingdom, milking parlor plus much more.  www.wistatefair.com/

8/7 - 9 Arab World Fest In the Kid's Corner on Saturday and Sunday children can enjoy arts and crafts, special entertainment, prizes, the moonwalk and more. Children under 6 free with adult. www.arabworldfest.com/

8/13 - 16 Irish Fest Free admission August 13 with donation of school supplies for children served by Hope House. Be sure to visit the Children's Area to customize a family quilt, make shamrock buttons and a family-friendly coloring map. www.irishfest.com/

8/21 - 23 Mexican Fiesta Check out the web site for free admission times. The children's area will include a clown, face painting, Hot Wheelz, a magic show, great food plus much more. Children 10 and under get in free with an adult. www.mexicanfiesta.org/home.php

Family Friday February 27, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

February 26, 2009

If you haven't been to the theater in awhile, this weekend is great opportunity to return. (Or introduce your kids for the first time!) There is also a Winter Pow-Pow (mmmmm.. frybread). Check it out!

Top Five Things to do in Milwaukee on a rainy (or more likely, snowy) day.

by Amy Jo Jones

November 06, 2008

Is it just me, or is every parent watching the clock? It's the time of year when you realize that the days are getting shorter and the temperature is dipping lower. With that in mind, it's time to start stockpiling ideas for those days when an afternoon at the park or even going for a walk is out of the question. 1. The slam dunk: The Betty Brinn Children's Museum , providing  Read more...