Milmag Mini
BEING A KID IN WISCONSIN IS THE BEST – and it’s especially awesome in the summer! School’s out, the weather’s warm, and there are a million things to do: museums, pools, parks, beaches, festivals – the list feels like it could go on forever. Unfortunately, there’s just not enough time to do a million things, so we’re here to help. At Milwaukee Magazine, it’s our job to find the coolest places to go and things to do in this beautiful city and state. We gathered all that great info and put together this magazine especially for you. You’ll find tons of fun stuff for a kid to see and do before school begins again. Plus, we created some Milwaukee-themed games and puzzles! So grab a pen, turn the pages, and kick off your perfect summer!
– ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR AND FORMER FUN-LOVING KID
Contents welcome to
STATE FAIR AND SUMMERFEST Your must-do list at these local fests 2
ART Paint, draw, sculpt and more at summer classes. 4
WISCONSIN LEGENDS Learn about some mythical creatures and weird events. 6
ZOO MAZE Meet a few of our zoo’s friendliest faces when you solve this maze. 7
SUMMER BINGO How many Milwaukee activities can you do? 8
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FLUSH? Ever wonder? Well, we know the answer. 10
ZIPLINES Fly through the forest at these spots! 12
POOLS, BEACHES, SPLASH PADS Fun spots to splash and swim around Milwaukee. 14
MILWAUKEE WORD GAME Tell a wacky tale of a summer day! 15
ROAD TRIPS Wisconsin’s full of cool destinations to visit, from caves to amusement parks to museums and more. 16
TOY STORES Find your next favorite toy here. 18
MINI-GOLF Get a hole in one at these courses! 20
MUSEUMS Explore our city’s coolest exhibits. 21
SPORTS Swing, jump and score your way through summer! 22
EVENTS: All the best things to do for kids this summer. 30
CROSSWORD: When you’re done reading, can you solve the MilMag Mini puzzle? 32
Biggest Bashes Summer’s THE
Every year, the Wisconsin State Fair (July 31-Aug. 10) and Summerfest (June 19-21, June 26-28, and July 3-5) are two of Milwaukee’s greatest celebrations. Here’s how to have the most fun at each!
Your State Fair Must-Do List
Fly Down the Giant Slide
You might like the slide at your favorite playground, but this one’s probably got it beat. At 50 feet tall and 200 feet long, the State Fair’s Giant Slide, full of rolling waves, is a thrill that can’t be skipped!
Watch the Pig Races
Every day, these lil’ porkers sprint around their arena at the State Fair, racking up laps in epic, exciting races. The stands fill up fast, so get there early!
Eat a Cream Puff
Cream puffs are the heart of the State Fair – every year people eat about 400,000 of these cream-filled pastries over the fair’s 11 days!
Sip Flavored Milk
The Milk House is a State Fair tradition. People love it so much that there’s usually a long line. It’s just a buck for a glass of milk, in a bunch of delicious flavors, like strawberry cheesecake, cookies and cream, and even root beer.
Take a Ride at SpinCity
For kids of all ages, SpinCity has more than 40 rides and 25 carnival games to play. Get your thrills and maybe win some prizes!
See a Horse
The State Fair shows off lots of animals that Wisconsin farmers take care of, including a whole tent full of beautiful horses that you can see up close.
Must-Do at Summerfest
Climb the Playground
Summerfest has one of the coolest playgrounds in the whole city! The big jungle gym right near the lake is crawling with other kids during Summerfest, but it’s also open all summer long.
Ride the SkyGlider
See one of the best views of Milwaukee from a seat on this awesome ride – you can look over the whole Summerfest grounds from way up there!
Run Through the Splash Pad
Right when you walk in the main Summerfest gates, you’ll see this big splash pad. Quickly cool down – or bring your bathing suit and spend a while playing in the jets of water.
See a Show for Kids
Hundreds of bands and singers come to Summerfest every year. On Summerfest’s Children’s Fest Day, June 20 from noon-3 p.m., musicians will be playing just for kids!
Party at the Lil Gig
Also on June 20, the Summerfest playground is going to host a bunch of kid-friendly activities, too, like a dance party, crafting stations, face-painting and more. Be sure to stop by!
Crowd Control
Crowds can be scary. Here are some tips to help.
• Write your adult’s phone number in pen on your hand. If you cover the number with clear nail polish, you can still read it even if you get sweaty.
• Set up a meeting spot. Before you go, make sure you know where you’re supposed to meet your adults in case you get separated – somewhere obvious and easy to find like the main gate or the slide at the State Fair.
Staying Safe in the Sun
At the State Fair and Summerfest, you’re going to get a lot of sun. Here’s how to stay safe!
• Don’t stay in the sun too long, especially in the middle of the day. Every half-hour or so, be sure to take a break in the shade.
• Use sunscreen that says “SPF 30” or a higher number. Apply it every two hours.
• A hat and sun glasses keep the sun from hurting your skin!
• Check out other ways to beat the heat on page 13.
Off to a Fine Art
Do you love drawing, painting, chalk, collages? Well, there are dozens of ways for a budding artist such as yourself to get inspired. Take “Milwaukee’s Littlest Print Shop,” a vending machine that serves prints in snackable sizes for only 50 cents. Guess what you can find there this summer? A special edition Milwaukee Mag print! Find the machine’s latest location on Instagram @mkelilprintshop, and pick up one of the collectibles today!
Summer Art Camps at the Milwaukee Art Museum
From June through August, the big, beautiful museum by the lake teaches kids how to paint, create art with technology, make prints, sculpt clay and more. Camps are split between ages 6-9 and 10-15 and normally last three days. mam.org
Cloud 9 Workshop
This community art studio offers workshops, classes and summer camps for kids of all ages, along with drop-in hours if you want to just stop by and make art! cloud9workshop.com
Cream City Clay Summer Camp
Kids from ages 6-9 and 10-14 can attend Cream City Clay’s artsy classes. There’s Morning Clay, a clay-building class with a different theme every week; and Art Afternoons, where you get outside in the sunshine and paint, tie-dye, sew dolls, bind books and more. creamcityclay.com
Creative Arts at UW-Milwaukee
Every summer, this local university offers a huge lineup of fun classes for kids, like jewelrymaking, photography, drawing, ceramics, book-making and way more. They tend to fill up fast, though, so make sure your parents sign up soon! bit.ly/uwmartsclass
Weird Wisconsin
Our state is home to some wild tales – bizarre creatures, strange sightings and much more. Are they real? Not likely, but the stories are fun! Here are just a few.
The Hodag
Up north in Rhinelander, people claim to have spotted this fanged creature. It walks on four clawed feet and has a row of spikes along its back. There’s a spring festival to celebrate the beast every year, and Rhinelander’s Hodag Store sells tons of hodag merch. It’s even the mascot of the local high school! But this mythical creature has been proven to be just a story – a guy named Eugene Shepard created a fake photo of it back in 1893 as a prank on the town. Although … who really knows?
The Lake Michigan Triangle
Milwaukee’s Psychic Detective
The so-called “psychic detective”
Arthur Price Roberts became famous in Milwaukee in the early 1900s when he helped police find a criminal just by looking at a few mugshots. In 1935, he was the talk of the town when he seemingly predicted a series of explosions that soon happened around the city, reporting them to the authorities eight days before they happened. Some folks celebrated Roberts, while others accused him of being a charlatan, someone who pretends to have powers in order to trick people. He was even put on trial at one point, but was never convicted.
This slice of Lake Michigan – between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan and south to Benton Harbor – has a reputation for unexplained occurrences. Starting with the disappearance of Le Griffon, a boat all the way back in the 1600s, this portion of the lake has seen sunken or missing boats and ships, and even UFO sightings. In 1950, a plane flying from New York to Minneapolis disappeared there. Some people think the Triangle is home to a strange “energy vortex,” others think aliens are to blame, but most folks think it’s all coincidence and a bit of overactive imagination.
The Beast of Bray Road
Did you know our state has its own Bigfoot? In Elkhorn, southwest of Milwaukee, folks have long claimed to see a big wolflike creature out in the woods walking on two legs late at night. It’s been spotted on highways and farms all around the area. A local reporter even covered the sightings and became convinced that the “Beast of Bray Road” really was out there. But more skeptical people think the beast is just a normal wolf that people are getting all freaked out about.
ZoomingZoo through the
Kash the Amur Tiger BIG CAT COUNTRY
Can you wind your way through Milwaukee’s favorite collection of creatures?
Stop by each animal and learn more about the Milwaukee County Zoo’s furry or scaly friends and then visit the real zoo to see them in person! milwaukeezoo.org
Baja Blast the Baja Blue Rock Lizard
AQUATIC AND REPTILE CENTER
If something scares one of these lizards, they flatten their bodies and squeeze into tiny spaces to hide. And if a predator grabs Baja Blast by the tail, he can detach it and grow it back!
Kitoko the Bonobo APES OF AFRICA
This ape’s name means beauty in Lingala, a language spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where bonobos come from.
Happy the Hippo ADVENTURE AFRICA
This big fellow weighs over 5,000 pounds – that’s more than a whole car! He may be galumphing out in the sun, or you can spot him underwater through his glass tank.
Ronnie the Grizzly Bear NORTH AMERICA
This mama bear has her own throne, a big rock where she looks over her visitors. She was brought to the zoo over 20 years ago and had triplets! Her three cubs are still with her today.
These tigers come from the freezing cold regions of eastern Russia, but Kash was born right here in Milwaukee in 2016 along with three other sibling cubs. He loves attention, and struts his stuff when visitors come to see him.
Giuseppe the Sicilian Donkey FAMILY FARM
What makes a Sicilian donkey different from a regular one?
Besides loving salami (just joking!), Sicilian donkeys are miniature! They’re almost half the size of an average donkey.
DO IT ALL THIS SUMMER!
There’s nothing better than a Milwaukee summer. We made this bingo card to help you check off all the coolest stuff a kid can do to rock the season. Can you try all these Milwaukee summer activities?
Run through a splash pad
Spot summer birds at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Snap a selfie with the Bronze Fonz
Pedal a swan boat in Veterans Park
Zipline at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Hike the Seven Bridges Trail
Brewers game
Roller skate at Red Arrow Park
Time travel with a visit to Old World Wisconsin
See the animals at the State Fair
FREE SPACE
Take a boat tour on the river
Play at the inclusive Village Park Play Area in Menomonee Falls
Ride the Summerfest SkyGlider
Get sandy at Bradford Beach
Catch fireflies at Hart Park
Get lunch at a food truck
Say hi to the elephants at the Zoo
Watch fireworks on the Fourth of July
See the flowers at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Eat custard from Kopp’s
Visit the Domes
Take a Sprecher Brewery Tour – and sip some root beer
Walk or bike the Oak Leaf Trail
Fly a kite at at the Gift of Wings festival
Results:
ONE ROW
Now you’re having fun!
X You’re not letting the sunshine go to waste!
STACK OF 3 Great work making the most of Milwaukee!
EVERY SQUARE
Wow, you had an amazing summer! It’ll be hard to have an even better one next year, but we know you’ll try.
GROW A Garden
Gardening is a super fun activity that you can do with your whole family. You’ll spend plenty of time outside, get a little dirty, have the satisfaction of watching tiny seeds turn into big plants and, when you’re done, have a bunch of delicious and healthy food to try! Children’s Wisconsin recommends gardening as a great way to get outside, learn about nature and try new foods.
Follow these steps to get started:
FIND YOUR SOIL SPOT
Feel Good Gardening
We all know gardening is fun, but it’s also good for you. The experts at Children’s Wisconsin share a few reasons why:
It Makes You Happier. Did you know if you don’t get sunlight, it can make you grumpy? That’s because sunlight gives us vitamin D, which helps the brain create chemicals called serotonin and dopamine that boost our moods. Just 15 to 20 minutes out in the garden can give you a jolt of happiness!
It Helps You Concentrate. Scientists have found that kids can pay more attention when they spend time in “green spaces” like a garden.
It Relaxes You. Getting moving outside helps calm people down fast!
No matter what food you want to grow, you’ll need a patch of soil to grow it in. If you have a backyard, you can plant right in the dirt out there or set up flat beds to hold the dirt. If not, you can fill pots with soil and use those.
KNOW WHAT TO GROW
Now you’ll need to figure out what food you want to grow. Some great ones to start with are carrots, green beans, lettuce, spinach and zucchini. With just seeds and some careful care and watering, you’ll see results in just a few months!
DESIGN THE DIRT
Get out your markers and colored pencils – it’s time to sketch this out. On a piece of paper, draw your gardening space and then mark where you’ll plant everything. You’ll need help from adults to figure out how to fill the space and make sure each plant has enough room to grow.
GO SHOPPING
Head to the garden store with a full list of supplies! That’ll include the seeds and plants you want to grow, but depending on what you have at home, you could need more. You might want:
• Gardening gloves (Some of them come in fun colors!)
• A trowel (it's like a little shovel)
• A hand rake
• A watering can
• A garden cart or tub
• Soil and fertilizer
It Improves All Your Senses. When you’re watching a screen, you’re really only using two senses – hearing and sight. When you’re in your garden, you use them all. Hear the birds chirping, smell the plants, touch the dirt, the soft grass, and of course once your plants are ready, taste the delicious food!
PLANT!
This is one of the most fun parts of gardening. Spend a sunny day filling the soil with seeds or seedlings.
FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE
Plants need lots of sunshine and water! Make sure you water every two to three days, and be sure to pull out any weeds you see growing around your plants.
EAT AND ENJOY
After about three months for most plants, you’ll have something to eat! Pick the plants and have a snack. Depending how much produce you get, you might want to share some with friends and neighbors, too!
For more health and safety tips from Children’s Wisconsin, visit childrenswi.org/
when you
What Happens flush?
Have you ever wondered? Well, we did. Here’s how the journey goes – from bowl to basin.
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When you flush, that ... stuff doesn’t just go away. It’s the
4
The wastewater enters circular settling tanks. As the wastewater sits there, oils and grease float to the top – a rotating arm scrapes it away and disposes of it. At the same time, remaining solids (called sludge) settle at the bottom of the tank, where they’re removed from the water.
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The remaining wastewater is pumped into basins – long, rectangular tanks. These basins are filled with microbes, or little bacteria, that eat the … we’re running out of polite ways to say poop. The bacteria clump together and form what is called biomass. The biomass is removed, dried and heated, and then bagged and sold as Milorganite fertilizer – you might have seen the blue and green bags at the store.
Flushing is just the start. About a quarter of all toilets across Milwaukee connect to a giant sewer going as far as 50-60 feet underground. There are about 300 miles of sewer pipes down there – that’s almost the length of Wisconsin from north to south!
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The sewer pipes take the mess underneath Milwaukee to South Shore Water Reclamation Facility in Oak Creek or Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility in Milwaukee.
3 You ever wonder why Walker’s Point stinks sometimes? That’s the fresh and funky whiff of Jones Island. When all that wastewater enters the facility, it goes through a screening for solid materials that accidentally got flushed. Tight concrete bars block any debris larger than a quarter-inch, like towels or rocks. The trash is sent to a landfill.
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The remaining water, now free of waste and biomass, is disinfected with chlorine. That’s the same stuff that makes your eyes sting in swimming pools. The chlorine is then cleaned out and the water is pumped back into Lake Michigan. In total, the entire process from flush until it hits the lake usually takes 6-8 hours when it’s raining, or as long as a whole day when the weather is dry.
7 Then the process starts over! Milwaukee Water Works pulls water from Lake Michigan, treats it, and then pumps it out to faucets and toilets all across Milwaukee.
ZIP!
Fly across the Wisconsin wilderness at these
awesom e ziplines
Have you ever wanted to swing through the trees? To zoom across the forest like an eagle? Well, ziplines are the best (and safest) way to do that – once you’re hooked up to the line, you can fly from tree to tree! Here are just a few of the coolest zipline destinations across Wisconsin.
Northwoods Zipline
MINOCQUA, AGES 7 AND OLDER
You can soar over Wisconsin’s beautiful northern forests from as much as 100 feet above the ground on this tour! You’ll glide over a lake, maneuver through a treetop course, and much more with a view that can’t be beat. northwoodszipline.com
Boundless Adventures
BRISTOL, AGES 7 AND OLDER
This park breaks up its ziplines – and other rope-climbing adventures – by age and difficulty. There are four different levels, starting at age 7, from a lowerspeed zip all the way up to the 14-and-older, full-intensity flying. boundlessadventures.net
Bigfoot Zipline
WISCONSIN DELLS, AT LEAST 43 INCHES TALL
There’s a lot of stuff to do at the Dells, but this attraction is particularly awesome. Bigfoot Zipline has seven different runs that carry for 6,000 feet. Its newest line has the coolest name, too: “Zipzilla!” bigfootzip.com
Lake Geneva Zipline
LAKE GENEVA, AT LEAST 4 FEET TALL
The coolest way to experience this beautiful woodland and prairie property southeast of Milwaukee? Dueling ziplines! This place has two 1,200-foot lines set up side by side so you can race to the finish and see who’s the fastest lakegenevaadventures.com
Stay Hydrated!
Zipping around the woods is tough work! You’ll be sweating in no time, and it’s important that you keep hydrated. Here are a few tips from the folks at Children’s Wisconsin.
Drink water before you start
If you drink up before exercising, you’re less likely to get overheated!
Take lots of water breaks
When you’re working hard on a hot day, you should stop every 30-45 minutes for water.
Forget the Gatorade
Water’s all you really need to stay hydrated and healthy!
Have some fruit
Apples, grapes, bananas and other fruit are a healthy snack that will keep you hydrated, too. SPONSORED
If your child shows any symptoms of heat exhaustion,
SPLASH & Swim
Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a swim in the sunshine. Jump, float and cool off at these pools, beaches and splash pads!
Pools
TOSA POOL AT HOYT PARK
Fly down a big water slide, play in the sand next to the pool, or come out for one of the special events, like ice cream sundae night. 1800 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa
COOL WATERS AQUATIC PARK
This place has the tallest waterslide in the entire county! Not to mention water toys and a playground. 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis
SCHULZ AQUATIC PARK
Hoop it up with some water basketball at this awesome pool – or prank your friends with the water spray jets and bucket dump! 1301 W. Hampton Ave.
Beaches
ATWATER BEACH
Make sure to stop by the cool statue of a guy made entirely of letters on the way down the big bluff to this beach! There’s a playground on the sand. 4000 N. Lake Dr., Shorewood
BRADFORD BEACH
This is Milwaukee’s most popular beach, and it’s often packed with people (So maybe try one of the others if you don’t like crowds.) But the people watching can be fun, and you can also play or watch beach volleyball. 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
GRANT PARK
Take a walk through the wooded park on your way to this beach. Once there, you’ll find plenty of sandy space to splash around. 100 E. Hawthorne Ave., South Milwaukee
Safe Swimming
Tips from Children’s Wisconsin for a trip to the pool or beach:
• Kids under 5 should never be further than an arm’s reach from an adult who can swim.
• If you need help floating, use a life jacket, not water wings or pool noodles. They might be fun, but they’re not helpful in an emergency.
• Never dive into shallow water. And don’t push, dunk or run anywhere near pools!
• Check Milwaukee’s beach water quality before a visit at bit.ly/mkebeachwater.
• At the beach, always wade in feet-first, and slowly. It can be hard to see rocks and other uneven surfaces beneath you!
• Always wear waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Wearing a swim shirt is also a great way to protect against sunburn!
Splash Pads
HART PARK
After you’re done splashing, swing around the playground next to this splash pad – you can have tons of fun with the climbing ropes and balance beams. 7300 Chestnut St., Wauwatosa
NIXON PARK
Take command of one of the frog water cannons and have a water war with your friends at this bright, decorated splash pad! 175 E. Park Ave., Hartland
GORDON PARK
Run through puddles at this splash pad. It’s next to Riverside Park, so you can check out the Urban Ecology Center’s nature programs, too. 2828 N. Humboldt Blvd.
in Milwaukee A Summer Da
You’ll need at least two people to fill this one out. One reads the types of words you need to fill in the blanks, and then the other answers. Once you have it all filled in, read the story through aloud and see what kind of day you had in Milwaukee!
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First, we went to the Milwaukee Public Museum, where we around all the ehibits. The Milwaukee Public Museum Ehibit was !
Then we went to the Public Market and ate sandwiches.
I really wanted to see the Mitchell Park Domes, so we went there and around the were so
Then we to the County Zoo, where we saw the . The was
Of course, a Milwaukee summer day wouldn’t be complete without going to , so we went there last. It was !
And that was that! What an day. Milwaukee is way better than !
Take aTrip
Buckle your
seat belt – these places around Wisconsin are worth a drive.
Bookworm Gardens SHEBOYGAN
What stories do you love? The Magic School Bus? Goldilocks? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? This garden brings those stories and a bunch more to life. The decorations in the sprawling wonderland are all inspired by kids’ books, so when you visit you can explore your favorite characters. 1415 Campus Dr., bookwormgardens.org
EAA Aviation Museum
OSHKOSH
Yes, this museum has amazing historic planes. Yes, you can try out a B-25 bomber flight simulator. And yes, at the KidVenture area, you can even pilot a radio-controlled airplane. But we think the coolest part of EAA is the Young Eagles Flights – kids from 8-17 get a free ride soaring over the museum in a real plane! 3000 Poberezny Rd., eaa.org
Bay Beach Amusement Park
GREEN BAY
You might know Green Bay best for the Packers and Lambeau Field – but it also has this historic amusement park, where you can speed
down a giant slide, spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl, zoom on the Zippin’ Pippin’ roller coaster, ride the Ferris wheel and more. (And your parents will love the crazy-low prices.) 1313 Bay Beach Rd., bit.ly/baybeach
Newport State Park
ELLISON BAY
Whether you’re a newbie to camping or you and your family roll out the sleeping bags all the time, this is one of the best spots in Wisconsin. In beautiful Door County, right next to Lake Michigan, the park has some of the best hiking and swimming around. Plus, it’s a “Dark Sky” park, which means that at night you can see so many more stars. Trust us, it’s way more stars than you’ll see in your backyard. 475 County Rd. NP, bit.ly/newportsp
Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park SUMPTER
So this is probably the weirdest place on this list. (Maybe the weirdest in the whole magazine?) Back in the 1980s, a guy named Tom Every decided to build a giant sculpture with a bunch of strange scrap he’d collected, including lightning rods, chunks of an old power plant, and even a piece from the Apollo 11 spaceship that went to the moon. The huge twisting sculpture is a sight to see. S7703 US Hwy. 12, worldofdrevermor.com
Crystal Cave SPRING VALLEY
Have you ever explored underneath the earth? No? Well, you can at this cave! Crystal Cave stretches an entire mile below Spring Valley, making it the longest cave in the entire state. Besides tours, the cave also has gem-panning, where you can sift for little treasures, and even an (aboveground) mini-golf course. W965 State Rd. 29, acoolcave.org
Little Amerricka MARSHALL
Fly on old-fashioned roller coasters, hop on the merry-go-round, race go-karts, smash bumper boats and much more at this 1950s-style amusement park. Stop between rides for some cotton candy and ice cream! 700 E. Main St., littleamerricka.com
Wisconsin Maritime Museum MANITOWOC
During World War II, the USS Cobia zoomed under the oceans. Now you can explore the submarine at this museum that’s all about ships and sailing. Be sure to visit the Waterways and Little Lakefarer rooms, where you can operate a steam engine! 75 Maritime Dr.,
SPONSORED CONTENT FROM
Feeling Sick on Vacation? Here’s What to Do.
Bumps, bruises, upset stomachs, etc. – they can be pretty scary when you’re away from home. Thankfully, Children’s Wisconsin has you covered with virtual ways to get a quick check up. Here’s what you can do:
Urgent Care Video Visit
If you need quick help, Children’s Wisconsin offers urgent care video visits at childrenswi.org/ urgentcare. Get on the video call, and a medical pro will figure out what you should do.
Check Your Symptoms
You’ll find the Children’s Wisconsin Symptom Checker in the app or at childrenswi.org/ symptomchecker. It just takes a few quick steps – entering your age, gender, what your symptoms are – and the checker will give you an idea of what might be the issue. Maybe you should schedule a visit, or maybe you just need to rest.
Toy Shops
From frisbees to action figures to board games and much more, these toy stores are some of the
American Science & Surplus
You could spend a whole day wandering around this store and not discover everything it has! There are kazoos and wind-up teeth and model kits and glow-inthe-dark finger puppets and way, way more. You just have to see all the weird and wacky options.
6901 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Bricks & Minifigs
Do you like Legos? Well, this store is all about them! They sell special sets you won’t find anywhere else and pieces to perfect your own Lego cre ations. Locations in Brookfield, Fox Point and Franklin
& Variety
This toy store has been around for nearly half a century! You’ll find sports equipment, art supplies and, of course, lots of toys.
629 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
Art Smart’s Dart Mart
This mart of Art Smart’s stocks tons of frisbees, disc golf supplies, kites and boomerangs – and obviously, darts. The little store also has tons of funny toys, too, like fake teeth and mustaches, squirrel underpants and rubber chickens. 1695 N. Humboldt Ave.
Too Much To Do!
Summer can be a lot of fun – filled with things to do and places to go – but it can also just be a lot. Sometimes all of it might make you feel a little worried or anxious. We talked to Children’s Wisconsin about healthy ways to help deal with those feelings.
A LITTLE WORRY’S NOT BAD!
While it might not be fun, some worrying can actually be a good thing. That little bit of worry makes us study and practice and make smart, safe decisions. It’s totally normal! That’s different from serious anxiety, which is when worry gets to be too much.
RECOGNIZE ANXIETY
Are you having trouble sleeping? Can you only think about something that’s making you nervous? Are you getting stomachaches or headaches? Is it making it harder for you to pay attention in school, or have fun with your friends? These are signs that you might be crossing that line from healthy worry into anxiety. But there are ways to help!
For Parents: Getting Help
TAKE A BREAK
Everyone needs to rest. It’s important to make time every day to just chill for a while. When we’re taking a break, our minds go through our feelings and memories and help us understand them a little better. Taking those rests can help bring down your anxiety – and if you don’t have the time to rest, check out the next tip.
KNOW WHEN TO QUIT
Sometimes you might want to quit something new you’re trying, like an instrument or sport. Most of the time it’s a good idea to keep going – activities usually get more fun with time! But sometimes it’s good to know when to quit – or, as the folks at Children’s Wisconsin say, “recommit” to something else, like time with friends. If an activity is taking away from your sleep, your friendships, your time to do schoolwork, and you’re still not enjoying it, then you should think about calling it quits.
HAVE A CHAT
One of the best ways to help with anxious feelings is to talk about them. Sharing what’s on your mind with your parents can sometimes be enough to make you feel better all on its own. And if not, it gives parents the opportunity to find you the right kind of help.
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, the Children’s Wisconsin team is a great place to start. Call 414-266-3339 or visit childrenswi.org/gethelp to connect with staff. After you explain your concern, they’ll connect you with an appropriate resource – maybe a center in your community, a walk-in clinic, or one of Children’s Wisconsin’s therapists, depending on the situation. Every Children’s Wisconsin primary care office also has a behavioral health consultant on staff who works alongside the pediatricians and can help with any concern.
If you need help immediately, Children’s Wisconsin has two mental health walk-in clinics – one in Milwaukee and one in Kenosha – where you can bring your child at any time with no appointment.
For more tips and resources, visit childrenswi.org/ mentalhealth
H IT A HOLE IN ONE!
Putt, bounce and avoid the sand traps at these local mini-golf courses.
Moorland Road Golf Center
Be careful with your shots here – there are rock walls that’ll bounce your ball away, waterfalls that’ll steal it, and creeks that can capture it and send it floating away. This is a tricky one, but it’s also tons of fun! Be on the lookout for the “wise wizard” guarding one of the holes. Be sure to toss a penny in the course’s wishing well for luck! 5900 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, moorlandroadgolfcenter.com
Prairieville Park
The center of this 18-hole course is a rocky mountain with a stream coursing down it. Work your way around the wild and winding course. (And if you’re into baseball, hit the batting cages next door and take some swings.)
2507 Plaza Ct. Waukesha, prairievillepark.com
Swing Time
Winding streams, steep hills and three different waterfalls fill this course, which even has its own kid-friendly driving range. Plus, check out one of the longest mini-golf holes in the country – over 70 feet long! If you score a hole in one on that, you’re a real mini-golf pro. W197 N10340 Appleton Ave., Germantown, swingtimegolf.com
Logger’s Park Sports Complex
Cross bridges, stroll along streams, and putt for par at this scenic course. You can also fuel up for a hole in one with some burgers and pizza at this complex’s restaurant. 1751 State Hwy. 167, Richfield, loggerspark.com
Missing Links
The “Great Lakes Adventure” course will have you avoiding two rivers, three ponds, two waterfalls and lighthouses to golf your way to victory. New features will be unveiled this summer, so stay tuned. 12950 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, missinglinks mequon.com
Moorland Road Golf Center
Your MilwakeeChecklist
Milwaukee has a bunch of cool, weird, fun museums to explore. These experiences are perfect for a rainy day – or any day!
Find the Secret Snakes at the Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum is home to two hidden snakes. These slithering serpents are part of the exhibits, but you can’t see them unless you press a hidden button that makes them appear. Want to find them on your own? Then don’t read the next few sentences – spoilers ahead!
If you’d like some help – one snake is on the first floor in the Montana Badlands exhibit, and the other is on the second floor in the buffalo hunt. But where are the buttons that reveal them? Check underneath description panels and between rocks. 800 W. Wells St., mpm.edu
Lie on a Bed of Nails at Discovery World
Does this sound kind of scary? It’s really not. Discovery World is all about showing you the wacky ways science works – and one of those ways is by having you lie on a bed made of nails without it hurting at all. Turns out physics is actually a lot of fun! 500 N. Harbor Dr., discoveryworld.org
Create and Explore at the Milwaukee Art Museum
The Art Museum is full of beautiful art other people made – but you can make some of your own when you visit, too!
At the ArtPack Station, you can pick up a SketchPack and an ArtPack, which let you draw and learn more about the art around you. 700 N. Art Museum Dr., mam.org
Don’t Step in Hot Lava at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
For kids under age 8, this exhibit is a ton of fun! The room is filled with pretend rocks, planks and wooden beams and tiles that you can use to build. After you build, try crossing over the “hot lava” floor. 929 E. Wisconsin Ave., bbcmkids.org
Nod Along at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
Do you like “Stranger Things”? Home Alone? Monsters Inc.? This museum has bobbleheads from those and many other movies and TV shows, as well as athletes including Giannis and Jordan Love. Stop by to see them all, and you can buy a bobblehead or two to take home. 170 S. First St. bobbleheadhall.com
Play Sports!
Swing, jump, catch and more at these local gyms, programs and parks.
The Ability Center
This center is all about making sure everybody can play. It doesn’t matter if you use a wheelchair or have trouble seeing – The Ability Center has sports that everyone can enjoy together, like wheelchair basketball. Whether or not you have a disability, the center welcomes kids to sign up and try out the accessible sports! tacwi.org
Milwaukee Yard
Play soccer, basketball, football and other sports at this indoor complex. Besides leagues and open play time where everyone can join in, you can even plan an over-the-top birthday party here, with tons of fun sports and games – and goodie bags! milwaukeeyard.com
Bumps and Bruises
Playing sports usually means getting a little banged up. Injuries ranging from a sprained ankle to a broken bone can be helped at Children’s Wisconsin. Your in-person options are urgent care and the emergency department. Here’s how to choose:
Urgent Care
Urban Air
Adventure Park
This place takes playgrounds to the next level. Swing around the rope-climbing course, work your way up the climbing walls or play “Wipeout” with your friends. urbanair.com
Milwaukee
Recreation Sports Camps
Every summer, Milwaukee Rec hosts camps for kids who want to play T-ball, basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, volleyball and more. If you’re new to the sports, you can learn the basic skills, or if you’re league!
Children’s Wisconsin has six urgent care clinics, including Kenosha, Milwaukee, Delafield, Mequon and New Berlin. They can treat bruises, cuts, and other minor injuries the same day they happen. If you’re just looking at a scrape or bruise, and the pain isn’t that bad, urgent care is the place to go.
Emergency Department
The Children’s Wisconsin Emergency Department in Milwaukee is the only 24/7 emergency department in the state that treats only kids and teens. If there’s a lot of bleeding, trouble breathing, a severe headache, a broken bone, or just really bad pain, you should go here. If it’s a minor injury, urgent care is the better option.
Still not sure? Check out childrenswi.org/urgentcare for a symptom checker, a full list of locations and more.
Local Spotlights
Looking for an awesome trip for the whole family? A fun store? A new school? We’ve gathered some of our region's coolest businesses, destinations and more to highlight here.
Milwaukee Jewish Day School
It’s more than a school, it’s a community that’s waiting for you. Give your child the MJDS advantage. At MJDS, students learn through individualized instruction, cultivate a growth mindset, forge deep connections to Judaism, engage in hands-on experiences and navigate challenges with confidence, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.
414-964-1499
6401 N. Santa Monica Blvd. mjds.org
WhirlyBall Brookfield
WhirlyBall Brookfield is a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue offering high-energy games like WhirlyBall, LaserTag and Bowling, paired with chef-driven food and craft cocktails. Perfect for group outings, parties and corporate events, WhirlyBall delivers unforgettable fun in a dynamic, all-in-one space for guests of all ages.
262-786-7777
185 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield whirlyball.com
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin and among the finest orchestras in the nation. Since 1959, the MSO has found innovative ways to give music a home in the region, develop music appreciation and talent among area youth, and raise the national reputation of Milwaukee.
414-291-7605
Bradley Symphony Center
212 W. Wisconsin Ave. mso.org
Kenosha Public Museums
Discover, explore, and be inspired at the Kenosha Public Museums. From world-class art and cultural exhibits to Civil War history and dinosaurs, the three museums offer something for everyone. Hands-on activities, immersive experiences and rotating exhibitions make each visit unique. Plan a trip at KenoshaPublicMuseum.org
262-653-4140
5500 First Ave., Kenosha kenoshapublicmuseum.org
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
Since 1956, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has been nurturing, challenging and inspiring young minds through music, profoundly changing lives and our community for the better. MYSO has grown from one orchestra and 30 students to become one of the largest youth orchestras in the country, and one of the most respected. To learn more and join, visit myso.org.
414-267-2950
325 W. Walnut St.
myso.org
Ruckus & Glee
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, Ruckus & Glee is a toy, game and puzzle store for kids and kidults. Visit Ruckus & Glee and learn a new game, send a wind-up toy on its way, or build a marble run. Ruckus & Glee chooses products for their quality and their ability to activate important developmental skills.
Bricks & Minifigs North Shore MKE
Bricks & Minifigs North Shore MKE, an authorized LEGO® retailer, sells not only new LEGO sets, but also carries retired sets, pre-owned sets, loose bulk pieces, minifigures and unique aftermarket products. Customers can sell or trade in LEGO products. The store also hosts parties, events and summer camps for the biggest LEGO fan in your life.
414-395-3201
805 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa
ruckusandglee.com
Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel
Springs Water Park offers over 45,000 square feet of indoor year-round fun. Water Park attractions include tube and body slides, a lazy river, activity pool, indoor/outdoor hot tub, and zero-depth pool entry. Additional features include an arcade and snack bar. Value-rich overnight packages, birthday parties, day passes and group rates are available throughout the year.
262-547-0201
2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee
414-206-0114
8681 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point
bricksandminifigs.com/northshoremke-wi
Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin
Variety of Wisconsin empowers kids with physical or developmental special needs and their families to live life without limits! From adaptive equipment and service grants, including adaptive bikes, to inclusive events, including cheering on the Brewers, Variety ensures that every family can join in on the summer fun. Visit our booth at Rally Round for Children’s Wisconsin this September!
262-777-2090
12425 Knoll Rd., Suite 120, Elm Grove
varietywi.org
Photo by: Ron Oshima
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the MilMag CalendaR Kids
Fill your days with fun at these amazing events!
Storytime at the Domes
EVERY WEDNESDAY, MITCHELL PARK DOMES
Have you ever been to the Domes? When you walk into the huge glass buildings full of strange plants, it’s like you’ve left Milwaukee and stepped into an African rainforest or the Saharan desert. And every Wednesday morning at 10, the Domes host storytime sessions for kids. Stop by to hear a few tales, and then explore the Domes’ exotic environments. milwaukeedomes.org
Adventure Days at the Urban Ecology Center
JUNE 11-13, URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER
The UEC’s three parks are islands of nature in the middle of the city, with rivers and trees and fields. Each of the center’s locations – in the Menomonee Valley and Washington and Riverside parks – kicks off the summer with three days of outdoor adventure. The activities are split by ages, from 4-17. You can learn about all the amazing animals living in the woods and waters, practice the basics of fishing, bike the trails, or kayak and canoe. Sign up online for the activities that sound most fun! urbanecologycenter.org
Lakefront
Festival of Art
JUNE 13-15, MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
This museum might just be the coolest building in Milwaukee. I mean, it has wings! And this weekend in June, the whole outside is taken over by this party. Check out paintings, sculptures and jewelry from over 100 artists, try some tasty treats, and then make art yourself at the event’s Art Studio! mam.org
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
JUNE 28-29, DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG
Cakes, jams, candies, drinks – is there anything that can’t be made with strawberries? This festival celebrates the awesome fruit and all the delicious strawberry treats you could ever imagine, and some you maybe couldn’t – like strawberry brats! You’ll just have to try them all! cedarburgfestival.org
Mini Fest
JULY 12, ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
This is big crafts party just for kids! You can make all kinds of cool stuff, learn new skills, eat delicious food and more. There will be a bunch of fun art-making workshops to try out, and you’ll leave with plenty of swag (including your own artwork!). instagram.com/minifest.fun
Milwaukee Air & Water Show
JULY 19-20, MCKINLEY PARK
You might want some earplugs for this one! Every summer, some of the best pilots in the world come to Milwaukee to show off absolutely wild tricks over the lake at this event. You’ll see the Blue Angels flipping and spinning around each other at hundreds of miles per hour in their Super Hornet fighter planes. mkeairwatershow.com
Sprecher Root Beer Bash
AUG. 2, BAVARIAN BIERHAUS FESTIVAL GROUNDS
Say what you want about Wisconsin, but does any other state have the world’s largest root beer float festival? Nope! This celebration of all things root beer has face-painting, a petting zoo, a dance party and, obviously, lots and lots and lots of root beer. Don’t forget to stop by the free root beer float giveaway! bit.ly/rootbfestival
Snooze at the Zoo
AUG. 7-9, MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Want to have a sleepover with tigers and elephants? Spend a night under the stars at the zoo at this event – you just need to bring a tent, pillow and sleeping bag. After you sign up online, the zoo provides food, entertainment and even s’mores. zoosociety.org
Sesame Street Day with
the Brewers
AUG. 10, AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
Cheer on the Brew Crew at this “Sesame Street”-themed game against the Mets. Special tickets include a Brewers Big Bird bobblehead! bit.ly/sesamebrew
Rally Round 2025
Sept. 13, State Fair Park
There are so many things to do at this new festival – jump in a bounce house, dance to rocking music, picnic with your friends and family, play basketball, duck through obstacle courses, plunge someone into a dunk tank, watch jugglers, make crafts, get your face painted and more!
Children’s Wisconsin is hosting Rally Round to help raise money for all the work it does helping kids and their families. Besides all the fun activities, there will be a run, walk or roll at the Milwaukee Mile, with folks doing laps around the racetrack.
Come out for food, fun, and to contribute to a good cause! childrenswi.org/rallyround SPONSORED
Irish Fest
AUG. 14-17, HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
The Irish know how to throw a party! This festival on the lakefront has foot-stomping music, high-kicking dancing, delicious food and even a Leprechaun Village! irishfest.com
Art & Chalk Fest
AUG. 16-17, MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART
Do you like drawing with chalk on the sidewalk? Well, the artists at this fest are really, really good at that. They fill the ground with giant, detailed, beautiful drawings. Check them out, and then go make some chalk art of your own! wisconsinart.org
CROSSWORD the milmag mini
We hope you had fun reading this magazine – and found a bunch of cool things to do this summer! To end this special issue, we put together this puzzle for you. The answers are terms you can find in the stories that came before this. See if you can figure them all out!
Across
2. These curly-tailed little animals race all day at the State Fair.
5. Where can you meet Ronnie the mama bear grizzly?
6. Ms. Brinn has a whole museum named after her. What’s her first name?
8. A “doctor” built a crazy sculpture park in Wisconsin. What’s his nickname?
10. Press a special button at the Milwaukee Public Museum, and you’ll see a what?
12. You’ll find an awesome pool at this park in Wauwatosa.
13. The man, the myth, the legend who runs the Dart Mart
1. Every year, this soda maker hosts a Root Beer Bash.
3. This “Big Gig” is a giant music festival next to Lake Michigan! And one of the best parts of a Milwaukee summer.
4. If you go to Mitchell Park, you’ll see these giant glass buildings filled with plants.
7. This beach is always bumping in the summer! It’s the most popular one in the city.
9. Deep in the woods of
Rhinelander, this strange creature is said to lurk.
11. When you visit the Milwaukee County Zoo, be sure to stop and visit this orange, striped friend of ours. What’s his name?
