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

Friday Family Fun, July 24 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

July 24, 2009

Milwaukee Art Museum  

Travel back to the early twentieth century with period music, leisure pastimes, activities, and prizes-a full day of summertime family fun. Activities include indoor and outdoor art workshops and games. Kids can discover their creativity while making everything from flying machines to pinwheels, hats, paper posies and Samara flyers. This event is free with general admission. Come early, bring a picnic lunch, and stay all afternoon! For more information, please visit www.mam.org

2009 Air and Water Show  

Don't miss the exciting Air and Water Show performances, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Team, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Navy FA-18 Hornet Demo Team, the USAF F-15 Eagle Demo Team, Lima Lima Aerobatic Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, along with a spectacular lineup of other air and water show performers. www.milwaukeeairshow.com

German Fest 

Grab a stein and cool off with your favorite brew at North America's largest annual German festival! Indulge in German cuisine, watch craftsmen demonstrate old-world artistry, enjoy the music of a brass band, or stroll through the Marktplatz for unique German gifts. http://www.germanfest.com/

Pierce Street Block Party 

Come out for food and family fun all day long! Featuring live music. Kids' activities will include Arts, Crafts, Games, and more. 3000 block of Pierce Street 

Friday Family Fun July 17, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

July 17, 2009

Mambo Italiana 

Festa Italiana, the nation's largest Italian American festival, brings an authentic slice of Italian life to Milwaukee's Lakefront. Sunday night brings about the best fireworks of the summer season.  www.festaitaliana.com

German Fest- Cedarburg Style 

Join the German Party in the Park in Historic Cedarburg! This authentic German festival will offer delightful German foods and drink, music and polka. Visit the farmer's market offering locally grown produce. The festival and parking are free!  www.ci.cedarburg.wi.us/

Garfield Avenue Jazz and Blues Festival

This is a free, family-oriented music and arts festival! Arts, crafts, and food will be offered along with entertainment on four stages. Garfield Avenue, between MLK Dr. and 7th Street, Sunday, Jul 19, 12:00pm to 8:00 pm.

World Friendship Day 

Everybody needs friends! Celebrate World Friendship Day! This free, family friendly event will feature ethnic dance groups, fun activities for children, international music, an exciting auction, cultural displays, colorful costumes and more. www.friendshipforcemilwaukee.org

Friday Family Fun July 10,2009

by Amy Jo Jones

July 10, 2009

Get ready for some Summertime Fun with more fireworks, food and your very own up close and personal circus. Read on to find out where to go this weekend!

EVERYBODY LOVES A CLOWN! 
Back in Milwaukee, the Great Circus Parade is not to be missed. Check out the beautiful 52 historic circus wagons from Circus World in Baraboo. circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org/Parade/EventOverview.aspx

JAZZ IN THE PARK SUNDAY STYLE
Thanks to Bastille Days, you can enjoy Swing Nouveau at 1 p.m. followed by Nabori at 5:30 p.m.www.easttown.com/

BASTILLE DAYS
Bastille Days is happening at Cathedral Square. Check out the minature Eiffel Tower, have some ice cream and let the kids play on the playground while you people watch.  www.easttown.com/

SOUTH SHORE FROLICS
It's South Shore Frolics' 60th anniversary. Show up for food, games, music and fun. Fireworks are on Saturday night!www.bayviewnow.com/userstoriessubmitted/49431732.html

Family Friday Fun June 26, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

June 25, 2009

With all that is happening during the summer months, there is no way that your children can possibly say to you "I'm bored!" I hope you saved some time for fun this weekend because it's a good one. Check out the happenings in Milwaukee this weekend:

DOWNER AVENUE BICYCLE RACE
The racing kicks of at 1 p.m. and continues until 6:30 p.m. Visit to partake in the childrens' scavenger hunt, the St. Mark's Kids' Cycling Sprint and free samples at the "moo mobile." www.internationalcycling.com/venue/downer.shtml

CEDARBURG STRAWBERRY FEST
Fresh home-grown strawberries are the reason Cedarburg will celebrate the most luscious fruit of the season during the annual Strawberry Festival. Over 100,000 people visited the festival last year for this free, family-oriented event.
www.cedarburgfestivals.org/strawberryfestival.html

KETTLE MORAINE DAYS FESTIVAL
The 47th annual Kettle Moraine Days Festival happens this weekend with music, rides, food and free entertainment. There's a children's magic show, face painting, fireworks and a parade on Sunday. www.eagle-wi.gov/node/531

GREEK FEST
Greek food, dancing and live music all weekend. Go! It's free! www.annunciationwi.com/greek_fest.php

2009 WISCONSIN HORSE SHOW

The 2009 Wisconsin Horse Show. Located in the Horse Complex of the Waukesha County Expo Center. Happening from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Free parking. www.waukeshacountyexpo.com/

Family Friday Fun June 19,2009

by Amy Jo Jones

June 18, 2009

Festivals and Fathers Day. That's just a taste at what Milwaukee is serving up this weekend. Here are the highlights!

JUNETEENTH DAY
Milwaukee's Juneteenth Celebration marks the last day of slavery in the United States There will be a parade at 10 a.m., traveling down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. There will also be food and entertainment. This is a family friendly event; join the festivities Friday night on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive between Center and Burleigh Streets.
www.juneteenth.com/wisconsin.htm

Catch the Wave!
The Milwaukee Wave hosts the Chicago Storm in a beach soccer challenge on Bradford Beach. The event is free! www.milwaukeewave.com/

FATHERS DAY AT THE ZOO
Spend Father's Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Father's enter free all day Sunday. Take a ride on the train, see the new "Wings from Down Under" exhibit or hang out together celebrating Father's Day.
www.milwaukeezoo.org/

POLISH FEST
Polish Fest hits the Henry Maier Festival Grounds this weekend. The largest Polish festival in the country, the weekend showcases folk dancing, Polka music, exhibits and a children's stage.

www.polishfest.org/

WINGS OVER WAUKESHA
Waukesha salutes veterans this weekend with flying events all weekend long. See the B-17 Flying Fortress and a variety of other World War II aircraft, contemporary airplanes and helicopters plus an interactive display for both kids and adults. Admission is free!

www.wingsoverwisconsin.org

See you next week!

Family Friday Fun June 5, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

June 04, 2009

Whether by land or sea, Milwaukeans are sure to find something fun to do this weekend. Bike races and the always popular pirates abound. Read on for details!

ALL WEEKEND LONG

FESTIVALS
St. Robert Church in Shorewood and St. John Vianney in Brookfield each host a church festival this weekend. Games, music and food to be had for all. St. John Vianney, 17560 W. Gebhardt Rd. (Calhoun and Gebhardt), Brookfield.  

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time, "The Wizard of Oz," twists its way into Milwaukee. The entire family will be captivated by this lavish production, featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. Don't miss the chance to travel "Over the Rainbow" and experience this national treasure at the Milwaukee Theatre.
http://www.milwaukeetheatre.com/

AHOY ME HEARTIES!
Pirate-wannabes and fans will descend upon Port Washington for the fifth annual Port Washington Pirate Festival in and around Rotary Park this weekend. There will be food and music.  In addition, the Pirate Festival has cast an ensemble group of performers for a "Pirate Invasion" stunt show.

www.portpiratefestival.com

SUNDAY

UPAF GETS PEDALING
Benefiting the United Performing Arts Fund, the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts pedals into its 29th year. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join this recreational ride and the free party following at the Summerfest Grounds.
www.millerliteride.com

WELCOME BACK DENIS
On Sunday, the S/V Denis Sullivan returns to Milwaukee from its winter vacation in Florida. Welcome the tall ship with festivities at Discovery World starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

www.discoveryworld.org/

Family Friday Fun May 29, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

May 29, 2009

Woot! Friday already? Boy, these short weeks fly by don't they? It seems like the weekend was just finished and now it's time to start planning another one. Looking for some options? Read on! 

OUTDOOR MARKET

The Milwaukee Public Market goes outdoors starting this Saturday! The Outdoor Urban Market kicks off the summer with vendors showcasing some of the best arts, foods and crafts in Milwaukee. This weekly event takes place along St. Paul Avenue just outside the Market.

www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org/

BAY VIEW PLANT SALE
The Bay View Plant Sale hosts a variety of local and commercial plant vendors at the Bay View Garden and Yard Society Annual Plant Sale. Shoppers will be able to purchase their choice of hundreds of plants and knowledgeable gardening club members will also be on hand to answer questions about gardening.
http://calendar.gardenweb.com/display/200905300900027354.html

FIRST CHURCH FEST OF THE YEAR
The season of church festivals starts with an all weekend event at St. Aloysius featuring fish fries, food, music and polkas! Be there at noon on Sunday for a chicken dinner. Children's activities and entertainment will be ongoing, including a clown performance.
www.staloysius.4lpi.com

Family Friday Fun May 22, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

May 21, 2009

Memorial Day weekend is upon us! If you are not headed out of town, up north or to an already planned barbeque, here are some ideas for ways to enjoy your (hopefully) long weekend:

ALL THE WORLD'S A CIRCUS 
The Shrine Circus comes to town this weekend with two shows Friday night. Be amazed as the Waukesha County Expo Center transforms into a big top. Shows at 4:30 and 7 p.m.
http://www.onmilwaukee.com/sports/business/waukeshacountyexpo.html

LIFE'S A THE BEACH 
Not a minute too soon- Bradford Beach is officialy open. Click here to find out about free entertainment options for kids of all ages. 

http://www.bradfordbeachjam.com/

LETS GO FLY A KITE
The Family Kite Festival takes place this weekend at Veterans Park. Perfect for fans of aviation and flying gifts, videos, kites, and garden spinners.

http://www.giftofwings.com

Family Friday April 17, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

April 16, 2009

Do you have kids on Spring Break this week? Looking for some activites to round out your weekend. Here are some good ones! 

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
 

Family Friday March 27, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

March 27, 2009

As the weather is heating up so is the calendar around Milwaukee! Check out the listings below for some fun and different activities taking place this weekend for you and your family to enjoy:

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.

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!

Mommy Needs Coffee

by Amy Jo Jones

March 09, 2009

Actually, I prefer green tea, but you get the drift. Most days moms and dads need a little jolt of something to get them up and moving after a not-exactly-restful night of sleep. Some days the stuff you brew at home just doesn't cut it and it's time to bring in the professionals. Maybe you like to have a few minutes alone with your older kids to spend some one on one time talking instead of doing. Anyway you stir it, coffee houses are a parent's good friend.

Here are my top five picks for kid-friendly coffee shops.

Family Friday March 6, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

March 06, 2009

Whoa! It's Daylight Savings time already? How is that possible? Let's see: Fall back, spring.....forward. Dang. Looks like we lose an hour (what's one more?) of sleep this weekend. Still plenty of time left to get out and share some family time. Here are some events this weekend:

Family Friday February 20, 2009

by Amy Jo Jones

February 19, 2009

I would love to report on 101 fun things to do with your pre-schooler out of doors, but I'm afraid it's still too soon for that. Spring fever is getting the best of me. Luckily there are still some exciting things happening inside around the city this weekend.

Sweethearts and Snow

by Amy Jo Jones

February 13, 2009

This weekend make your trip to Betty Brinn special by attending the Little Sweetheart Dance. (February 13 6 - 9 p.m).

• Enjoy a special dessert extravaganza, including a chocolate fountain, ice cream and complimentary beverages.
• Meet the lovable character from the book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.”
• Dance with your sweethearts to family-friendly music.
• Receive a complimentary professional family photo, courtesy of VIP Photography.
• Enjoy the Valentine Ice Cream Social Sweet Stops, including karaoke, crafts and games.
• Bid to your heart’s content on great family items in our silent auction and take your chance in our raffle.

Ticket Information
Museum members: $18 per person / $100 for a group of six
Non-members:$25 per person / $125 for a group of six Children younger than 1 year are free

Call (414) 390-KIDS (5437), ext. 240, to charge tickets by phone purchase tickets at the Museum’s Information Desk. All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s exhibits and programs. Advance reservations are required for this popular event and space is limited so call soon.

It's still winter so embrace the (ugh) snow and cool temperatures at Winterest. Washington Park is the site of "Winterfest 09." Activities include a clothing swap, silk screening, cookie decorating, animal feeding, sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing and a snowman building contest.

Prefer the indoors? How about some free fun at the Central Library for "Valentine Story Time" at 10:30 a.m. followed by a heart scavenger hunt at the Milwaukee Art Museum from 1 to 3 p.m.

Where ever this holiday weekend takes you I hope you are surrounded by those you love best!

Family Friday

by Amy Jo Jones

February 06, 2009

Hang on to your hats! There is a whirlwind of activity going on in Milwaukee this weekend. Do you have plans? If not, you do now! Weekend Long Events WINTER IN THE BURG Cedarburg is celebrating winter with the 35th annual Winter Festival. Themed "A Winter's Knight," this event includes activities including a golf tournament, a "Dragon Wagon" hay tournament, Merlin's Magical Ice Carving  Read more...

Fun- just not in the sun

by Amy Jo Jones

January 20, 2009

Well, the temperatures have increased a little bit, but it's still awfully cold outside. Good thing there are still great winter play opportunites available inside and out of those wind chills. Have you been to the Mitchel Park Domes lately? One of my favorite annual events is back: The trains! Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory "The Domes" 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI  Read more...

Consumable Gifts

by Amy Jo Jones

December 16, 2008

No, not cookies or breads, although those make great consumable gifts as well. This is about gifts you can give that people can use to do things or go places. Also great for bigger families; Instead of buying multiple gifts, why not buy them something that the whole family can enjoy? Here are some of my favorites to give (and receive- hint hint..) Milwaukee County Zoo : Always  Read more...