Other Side of the River
My Top Ten Places to take Kids in MKE
After my first child was born, I worked part-time as an MLL teacher. My husband did an amazing job taking care of our daughter, but it was so hard for me to be away. I cried almost every day. My husband did not want to give up his career either, so we worked opposite schedules. We rarely saw each other; and when we did see each other, it was not very pleasant. The transition was difficult for us, and we knew something needed to change.
I finished the school year and became a SAHM for the next 7 years. During my 7 years as a SAHM, I picked up odd jobs like nannying, tutoring, and household management. But my primary focus was my children. I love being a mom. Even though I complain about it sometimes, motherhood is the absolute best thing to happen to me. My kids and I have so much fun together, and I am so thankful for all of that time we had together when they were young.
As a SAHM, I found things operated better when my kids and I went out for the morning and did not return home until afternoon. I used this website called Miltown Moms to find events in the area. I think the website has since changed, but I no longer need to reference it because we already have a list of favorite spots we frequent.
I will start with my TOP TEN things to do and places to visit with your kid in the Milwaukee area. All are free unless otherwise listed.
Here we go....
1. COA at 909 E. Garfield Avenue in Riverwest - They offer a drop-in play group for parents and their littles, ages 0-5, Monday-Friday from 9am until 12pm. This place seriously changed my life as a new mom. The people you will meet there are amazing. They provide snacks for kids and coffee and tea for parents. They offer art projects, music, structured play, and many resources for parents. They also partner with Camp Helen Brachman, so if you are fortunate enough to be at playgroup on a sign-up day, your whole family can attend a weekend camp! All meals, activities, housing, and transportation provided. Join the Facebook group, COA’s Samson Family Resource Center, to stay up to date on hours and events. Ms. Leticia updates the Facebook group frequently, so you will know when and where to meet.
2. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center – This requires a yearly membership but it’s totally worth it. You can pack a lunch and spend hours there. There are endless trails outside, some paved for strollers, a boardwalk around a pond, beach access, a tower, and a lovely patio with huge rockers. There is also a large, open space indoors with animals to observe. The staff will occasionally take the animals out for kids to touch, let the kids feed the animals, and put on raptor shows where you can meet the birds. This was a weekly adventure for us!
* Bonus: Havenwoods State Forest - This is a smaller version of the Schlitz Audubon. It is free of charge, although some specific events may require a fee or registration.
3. Milwaukee County Zoo – Get a zoo membership! Most kids cannot handle the whole zoo in one day. If you get a membership, you can come and go as you please. Parking is included with membership. There are also plenty of indoor spaces, so the zoo is accessible in all seasons and weather.
4. Betty Brinn – Attend on the third Thursday of every month because it is free of charge. Expect to pay parking I like this museum, but not enough to get a membership.
5. MPM – Attend of the first Thursday of every month because it is free of charge. Expect to pay parking. We can’t do this all in one day, but we don’t like it enough to get a membership. Bring your own food and eat in the food court. Update: We recently purchased a membership because my kids are old enough to enjoy this musuem more!
* Bonus: Lynden Sculpture Garden – This is open sporadically but definitely worth checking out! Kids can play on the sculptures and take cute photos. Sometimes, they host events as well.
6. Bender beach – This is my favorite beach! I love that you can drive right down to the beach, it has a snack bar, and the little cove is perfect for swimming. I recommend getting there as early as possible so you can find decent parking.
7. Splash Pads – Humboldt Park in Bayview has a perfect little pool. Bring toys to play with in the pool and take advantage of the two playgrounds. One playground is right next to the splash pad and the other is near the pond. My all-time favorite splash pad is Carver Park. They have a pool and splash pad in one. Pack a lunch and plan to stay all day. Most splash pads are open 10a-3p but check the Milwaukee County Park and Recreation website for exact hours. You could make a whole summer by touring the various splash pads of Milwaukee.
8. Doctors Park – This is a great park with a playground, and you can walk down to the beach. My kids swim here, but I don’t encourage it because of the drop-offs. This is a perfect beach for collecting rocks.
9. Shorewood Library – They have a whole room dedicated to toddler play. Your kids can play while you read a book or meet other parents. If you like, you can get right in there with your kids and play along!
10. Red Arrow Park and City Hall via the HOP – Park on the Eastside by Burns Commons and take the HOP downtown. It’s completely free to ride and the kids love it! Bring your ice skates in winter and roller skates in summer to skate around Red Arrow Park. Bring some extra money to get a hot chocolate at Starbucks. If you aren’t much into skating, visit City Hall and ride the elevators. The building is open to the public, and it can take a long time to get all the way to the top floor if you stop along the way. That pancake statue out front is a kid favorite.