Discovery World

While we had out of town visitors we finally made it to Discovery World. It's very expensive so find a discount coupon if you can! But the aquariam is very neat and my 3 year old loved touching some of the "sea life". She also loved exploring the boat - so it's definitely worthwhile!

While there we also saw their live show "Tesla Lives" - which is HIGHLY recommended for all - and especially science geeks. Just don't take young kids as they electricity might scare them and Discovery World asks that 6 and under be left at home. So, this would be a very fun date night (or afternoon, showtimes are limited)! You can pay JUST to see the Tesla Show - no pricey Discovery World admission needed. As of now the website only gives showtimes through Feb 1st - not sure if that means this is a limited engagement - so do it soon if you can!

Cedarburg Winter Festival

A trip to Cedarburg is ALWAYS a favorite of mine and in February they open up their streets and shops for the annual Winter Festival. We've lucked out with amazingly warm weather in the past... not so sure we'll be as lucky this year. But the ice sculptures are so darn cool! And this year's theme is "A Winter's Knight" - so the ice carvings are sure to amaze! Check out the link above for more details but events include: pancake breakfast, kiddie treasure hunt, wagon rides, and a parade among other things.

Holiday Cheer...

I know this post comes to way too late... but there's always next year! So, in preparation for next Christmas take a few notes and keep these fun things in mind:

1. Jingle Bus - this big bus meets at the Downtown Grand Avenue Mall and takes you around town for $1 a person! Killer deal! It highlights several of the downtown parks/light displays and gives some fun facts about Milwaukee and the buildings - do this next year! It's a nice warm way to enjoy Milwaukee history and the holiday cheer of downtown.

2. Cathedral Square - while on the Jingle Bus I learned that Cathedral Square and 99.1 WMYX host Santa's Mailbox - where you can drop off letters to Santa AND get a response! I will be doing this next year! But go early as the deadline is mid-December (around the 14th). (There are also summer concerts here as well as other surrounding parks - click here for concert news.)

3. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival - again, I enjoyed these lights from the Jingle Bus - but there is lots to do during the Lights Festival - so check out their website.

4. Candy Cane Lane - a West Allis neighborhood teamed up with the MACCFUND and puts on a basic light display each year. Free admission, but donations are appreciated. It's a fun thing to do with the kids as you get to stay warm and dry in your own car. Check the 2009 calendar to see what "characters" - including Santa- will be making appearances.

5. Pabst Mansion - I myself have never done this tour during the Holiday Season, but it's a must-do for next year! I've been to the mansion during summer and it's a beautiful place to see. I can't wait to see how they deck it out for Christmas as I've heard it is truly amazing!!!

6. Holiday Night Lights at the zoo - again, something I have yet to go to, but it is on my must-do list for 2009! Starts in early December with an animal theme and visits from Santa and the Missus.

7. Outdoor Ice Skating - something I'm no good at, but kids always love it! A good way to get some physical activity during long winter months!

Volo Museum - Worth the Drive (and great for DADS!)

Have any of you had your dads or father-in-laws in town to visit and wondered what on earth to do?

Or, in my case after living here several years, I felt I'd done everything in the immediate area that my dad would enjoy - until my co-worker suggested the Volo Auto Museum!!! It is a bit of a drive down to Illinois - but sooooo worth it! And as a bonus, they have a huge antique mall as well.

We've been back a couple of times since our first visit and have always had a good time. Check out their website for directions, maps, hours, prices, attractions, etc - but here is why I love the place:

1. A big display of Military cars - cool for dads, brothers, husbands, ten year old kids and even me!
2. Classic cars galore - and most are for sale - it's always fun to dream!
3. Hollywood Cars from famous TV shows and movies! Check out the BatMobile, Back to the Future Time Machine, "Eleanor" from Gone in 60 Seconds - and lots more!
4. Kid's section of Hollywood Cars - climb into the Flintstone's Car for a photo-op!
5. Antique Mall - it's HUGE and was a hit with my mom and even younger sisters who are into "vintage" stuff.
6. Food court - a bit pricey, but decent basics: pizza, fries, ice cream and sandwiches.

So, surprise your Dad (or car-obsessed hubby) and take a day trip down to Volo!

Fruit Farms

Here is a list of Fruit Farms that I generated last June (07) when I was looking for Strawberry Picking. I think the numbers, hours, etc have remained the same - but double check before heading out! All the info was pulled directly from the Farms' websites, so can't personally vouch for the drive times given.

Now, I realize we have months to go before we can enjoy the sun-ripened fruit, but we need something to get us through these last weeks of winter. :) So, get those tastebuds salivating now - I've never had better strawberries!

Barthel Fruit Farm - 12246 N Farmdale Rd, Mequon
9 am to 6 pm Mon through Sat. 10 to 5 pm Sun. June and July pick your own strawberries. Open mid August through New Year or depending on crop. Pick your own as available. Cider, baked goods, pears, plums etc.Call 262-242-2737.

Frenz Orchard and Garden Center - 505 N Main, Thiensville
Mon to Fri 8 am to 7 pm. Saturday and Sun 8 to 5 pm. All year. Bedding plants, perennials, fruits and vegetables. Apples, apple cider, baked goods, Christmas trees and wreaths, gift baskets, honey, jams and jellies, maple syrup, pumpkins.Call 262-242-1060.

Hazeltines Strawberries - Six miles west of Janesville on Hwy 11. 8212 W State Rd 11, Janesville
Fifteen acres of pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries. Call 608-876-6161.

Kallas Honey Farm - 5500 West Douglas Ave, Milwaukee
Open year-round, 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Pure honey and various products made with our honey. Pure maple syrup, horseradish and garlic.Call 414-462-3530.

Kirschbaum's Strawberry Acres - 20 minutes North of Madison, N5802 Hwy 151, Beaver Dam
Pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries available during season, mid-June to mid-July. Call 920-887-7530.

Squire's Strawberry and Pumpkin Farm - Church Rd, Burlington
Call 262-534-6547.

Stauss Farms - Two miles N of Northridge Shopping Center
Hours variable depending on weather, etc, so please call immediately before coming. Freshly picked super sweet sweet corn available August and September. Also pick your own fall raspberries available August and September.Call 262-242-0815.

The Elegant Farmer - At Cty ES and J between Mukwonago and East Troy.
Visit The Elegant Farmer for Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag and Ciderbaked Boneless Ham. Farm kitchen culinary delights, prize winning cheeses, deli and specialty foods. May: hothouse tomatoes and Jersey Giant hybrid asparagus. June: strawberries and green arrow peas. July: jumbo red raspberries and fresh picked blueberries. August: tree-ripened freestone Michigan peaches and fresh Door county cherries. Sept and Oct hayrides to pick apples, pumpkins and squash. Open everyday year-round. Summer 8 am to 8 pm. Fall/ winter/ spring 9 am to 6 pm.Call 262-363-6770.

Thompson's Strawberry Farm (35 minutes) - Two miles W of I-94 on Hwy 50.
Mon-Fri 7 am to 7 pm, Sat 7 am to 5 pm, Sun 8 am to 5 pm. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins.Call 262-857-2353 or 262-857-2351.

Valley View Berry Farm (1 hour drive) - Hwy NN and Springfield Rd, Lake Geneva
2-1/2 miles W of intersection of Hwys 120 and 36 on Springfield Rd. 7:30 am to 5 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am to 5 pm Sun.Call 262-248-1398.

Walvoord's Berry Farm - W2160 Smies Rd, Cedar Grove
1 mile N of Cedar Grove on Smies Rd. 7 am to 7 pm Mon-Sat. Open some Sundays.Call 920-668-6481.

Preschool Open Gyms

Thanks to Leslie and Amy for this list!


Swiss Turners– 2214S. 116th St. West Allis. 414-321-4340 Mon: 12-1:30p; Wed: 10:15-11:45 am Thursday: 10a-11:30p.

La Fleurs-W189 N10991 Germantown. 262-255-9700. Sept-May Thurs 10-12; Fri 12-2pm $5 over 2; $3 under 2.

M&M Gym– 16760 W. Victor Rd. New Berlin. 262-789-6885 M-F 12-1pm. $3.

Wild Card Gym- 2028 N. 60th St. Wauwatosa (At the back entrance of a church bldg). 414-303-5195 Mondays 9a-11a $4.

Tykes– 915 Adelmann Ave, Brookfield. (262) 617-8698 Mon: 11-12:30; Tues: 10:30-12; Wed: 11:15-12:30; Fri: 11-12:30 Sat: 9:30-11:30 $4

Swimming Holes

1. Check out Milwaukee's FREE wading pools - also at a park, most with picnic tables and bathroom facilities.
2. Brookfield's Wirth Park is a family favorite! Check out their evening hours in the summer! Great for when husbands finally get off work and you all need to cool down and unwind. Or try the dive-in movies. Season passes available.
3. Cool Waters in West Allis - a bit pricey, but still a super fun splurge!
4. Menomonee Park - has a Quarry Lake and beach area. Also great for camping and hiking!
5. Wisconsin Dells - the "Waterpark Capital of the World" - choose from LOTS of indoor/outdoor waterparks within resorts. You can stay overnight, or just buy a swim pass. Definitely a splurge as it's a 2 hour drive and pricey - but they often have AWESOME off season deals!
6. Hilton's Paradise Landing - a super short drive downtown! An indoor waterpark much closer than the Dells. Honestly not sure if they allow you just to by swimming passes - but may be worth the splurge when you have cabin fever.
7. Blue Harbor Resort - just an hour or so north in Sheboygan, another indoor-waterpark like the Dell's offers. Pricey but fun for a splurge.
8. Fox Brook Park in Brookfield.
9. Naga-Waukee Park in Harland - offers a beach area, picnic areas, fishing, etc.
10. Beaches - well, as tempting as Lake Michigan looks - it's pretty darn dirty! But you can head north and swim there. Try Harrington Beach or Kohler-Andrae State Park.

OK - I'll try and add more as they come to me. Also - note that the links above are from TODAY (snowy, cold February 20) and will likely be updated soon with Summer '08 schedules!