Weekend Family Fun Guide from Lake Country Family Fun!

Don't know which way to turn to find your fun for the weekend with these highlights? My friend, Melissa, over at Lake Country Family Fun has you covered! This weekend is packed with some of her favorite events for the summer. For a full listing check out her calendar page.



Friday July 26th-

German Fest- Hours are 4:00pm-midnight Friday

German Fest is Southeastern Wisconsin's premier German Festival, and is stakes claim to being “Milwaukee’s Original Haus Party.” There are plenty of wonderful entertainment acts, a Daschund Derby, bike safety, Soccer Tournament, Kohls Designit Lab! German Fest is held at the Summerfest Grounds in downtown Milwaukee.
Discount Deals: Friday - Disabled + Escort - Free admission, Friday July 26, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Fireworks begin at 10:30pm

Taste Of Lake Country- Friday July 26 from 5:00pm-10:30pm a

Located at Pewaukee’s Lakefront Park. This is a celebration of the local food, music and art in the Lake Country area. By bringing all together you are finding the best all in one location. Restaurants will be selling their signature food items, and there will be a main stage with local bands jamming throughout the event. There will also be local artists displaying their work!

Dousman Derby Days- Friday July 26th from 6:00pm-11:00pm

Join the festivities by watching the Boogie Men take the stage! Beer and food tents will be open and the carnival rides will be in full swing.

Freeman Friday Nights-

This will will have you dancing in the streets through downtown Waukesha. (This is a Lake Country Family Fun favorite). The event starts at 6:30 pm and runs through 9:00 pm each Friday night.

Starry Nights-

Pack a picnic blanket and some food and enjoy the music under the stars at the Wilson Center. on’t want to “pack ahead”? Delicious food and beverages are available for purchase from fine local cafes and caterers.

Summer Concert at the Beach-

Runs from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Rhodee Memorial Bandshell on Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc, WI 53066. Featuring Semi-Twang.



Saturday- July 27th



German Fest- Hours are Noon-Midnight Saturday

German Fest is Southeastern Wisconsin's premier German Festival, and is stakes claim to being “Milwaukee’s Original Haus Party.” There are plenty of wonderful entertainment acts, a Daschund Derby, bike safety, Soccer Tournament, Kohls Designit Lab! German Fest is held at the Summerfest Grounds in downtown Milwaukee.
$15 at the gate; $8 seniors age 60 and older, children under 12 admitted free with an adult.
Fireworks begin at 10:30pm

Dousman Derby Days- Saturday July 27th from 8:00am-12:00am

Join the festivities by watching the Nichole Kotte Band take the stage! Beer and food tents will be open and the carnival rides will be in full swing.

Taste Of Lake Country- Saturday July 27 from 4:00pm-10:30pm

Located at Pewaukee’s Lakefront Park. This is a celebration of the local food, music and art in the Lake Country area. By bringing all together you are finding the best all in one location. Restaurants will be selling their signature food items, and there will be a main stage with local bands jamming throughout the event. There will also be local artists displaying their work!



Sunday-July 28th

German Fest- Hours are Noon-10:00pm Sunday

German Fest is Southeastern Wisconsin's premier German Festival, and is stakes claim to being “Milwaukee’s Original Haus Party.” There are plenty of wonderful entertainment acts, a Daschund Derby, bike safety, Soccer Tournament, Kohls Designit Lab! German Fest is held at the Summerfest Grounds in downtown Milwaukee.
$15 at the gate; $8 seniors age 60 and older, children under 12 admitted free with an adult.
Discount Admission:
Sunday – Help The Hunger Task Force – Free admission if you join the Force! Bring a non-perishable food item to support The Hunger Task Force & get free admission, Sunday July 28, 1pm – 3pm, North Gate only.
Sunday July 28th – Free admission for all from 11:30 am – Noon for all at the South Gate only.

Dousman Derby Days-

Bring your best frog and compete in the frog jumping contest!

The parade is Sunday at 11am, and in our opinion it is one of the best in the area! It is a can’t miss parade for the Lake Country Family Fun family.

Thanks, Melissa!

German Fest Starts TODAY!

German Fest is this weekend!  July 25-28th at the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds

Enjoy German cuisine, brewing contests, folk instruments, organs,"tracht" clothing, vintage car display,

Family Fun: 

Tinkerers Workshop Thu. & Fri at 6 & Sun. at 4

Danceworks youth performance Thu. at 7

Parade on Sat. at 4 

Dachsund Derby Race Sun. from 1-5

Children's Parade Sunday at 3

TODAY, Thursday ONLY, get $3 admission+

Free admission for all 11:30-12:00 on Sunday. 

Free admission Sunday from 1-3 at north gate with 1 non-perishable

Kids under 12 always free.

August Nights Concerts in the Park at Jackson Park

Check out this fun Concerts in the Park series at Jackson Park!

Concerts take place on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30.  There's a little something for everyone!

Tuesday, August 6:  King Comets
Tuesday, August 13:  Semi-Twang
Tuesday:  August 20:  Garlic Mustard Pickers
Tuesday, August 27:  D'Calleson

These concerts will be held at Jackson Park, 3500 W Forest Home Ave, Picnic Area 2

Weekend Family Fun Activity Guide 7/19 - 7/21

 If you are looking for some family fun this weekend, I highly suggest checking out the list that my friend, Melissa, over at Lake Country Family Fun put together!  These events are primarily in the Lake Country area, but there are some sprinkled throughout the Milwaukee area.  If you don't follow her now, I highly recommend doing so.  She's amazing!

Friday, July 19, 2013



Waukesha County Fair-

Head over to the Waukesha County Fair this weekend! It is full of the fantastic fair food, and unlimited carnival rides deal begins at 1pm-11pm and cost $23.  Cheap Trick will take the main stage at 8pm. It is a cash only admission at the gate for $9, $3 for children ages 6-12 years old and children 5 and under are free! Free daily admission to active military personnel with valid military ID. The daily parking is $5 and is subject to availability.



Festa Italiana-

Festa Italiana is possibly the most family friendly festival this summer, children 12 and under get in free! The cost for adult admission is $13 and there is no extra ticket required for the entertainment at the festival. Friday night headliners include country superstar Colt Ford, along with local country sensation Bella Cain and internationally renowned Dee Jay Silver. Don’t forget the evening’s 10:30 p.m. fireworks show. Did I mention that there are FREE carnival rides on all four days, amazing.



Waterford Hot Air Balloon Fest-

Waterford is filling up the sky this weekend with hot air balloons and the ground with fun activities for the whole family. There will be helicopter rides, kids activites, a craft fair, live bands, square dancing, food vendors and an evening balloon launch. The fun continues on Saturday with even more activities planned.



Milwaukee Trolley Loop-

Wednesdays through Saturdays you can "Hop 'n Shop, Wine 'n Dine" aboard the Milwaukee Trolley Loop. The Milwaukee Trolley loop offers visitors a way to connect to activites and attractions through Westtown, East Town and the Historic Third Ward. Notable stops on the Milwaukee Trolley Loop are the Milwaukee Public Market, Delta Center, Milwaukee Public Museum, Jazz in the Park, River Rhythms, farm markets, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, and the theater and hotel districts.

There are two trolleys that will service the route to offer 20-minute headways at designated stops. One complete loop is 40 minutes. Fare is $1 per person, round trip.





Freeman Friday Nights-

Downtown Waukesha if filled with a variety of stages and types of music every Friday night from 6:30pm until 9pm. This is a Lake Country Family Fun approved event that pleases our littlest one to even my husband. The local businesses are open late to accommodate strolling through to see what each store has to offer. There are stages scattered through downtown and all vehicular traffic is blocked so it is a safe environment for all the pedestrian traffic.





Starry Nights Brookfield-

Starry Nights begins at 6:30 pm The Bad Sneakers Orchestra: Steely Dan Tribute is a 14-piece, high energy band comprised of Chicago’s finest musicians will bring the songs of Steely Dan to life and “make your night a wonderful thing.”

Gather your family and friends, pack your blankets and picnic baskets, and find your perfect spot in the Wilson Center’s backyard for another incredible series of free outdoor concerts. With the beautiful backdrop of Brookfield’s Mitchell Park, you can gaze at the stars upon the stage and in the sky—it’s an idyllic setting to enjoy the sounds of summer!

Don’t want to pack ahead? Delicious food and beverages are available for purchase from fine local cafes and caterers.



Saturday-



Waukesha County Fair-

Waukesha County Fair- Head over to the Waukesha County Fair this weekend! It is full of the fantastic fair food, rides and entertainment. Slaughter and Great White are the main stage acts and will take the main stage at 7pm. Admission is a cash only at the gate for $9, $3 for children ages 6-12 years old and children 5 and under are free! Free daily admission to active military personnel with valid military ID. The daily parking is $5 and is subject to availability.





Festa Italiana-

Festa Italiana is possibly the most family friendly festival this summer, children 12 and under get in free! The cost for adult admission is $13 and there is no extra ticket required for the entertainment at the festival. There will be over 40 different entertainment acts to keep you entertained the whole time you are visiting. Did I mention that there are FREE carnival rides on all four days, amazing. There is also a parade that begins at the south gate, that is sure to bring a smile to your face on Saturday and Sunday that begins at 5:30pm.



Museum Storytime at MAM-

Saturdays at the Milwaukee Art Museum there is story time in the Galleries beginning at 10:30 am. The stories relate to works of art within the galleries and then you are able to create your own drawing or story to take home. There is an open studio as well on both Saturday and Sunday fom 10 am through 4 pm to allow your little ones to explore different art mediums and techniques. The Milwaukee Art Museum is located at 700 North Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202.



Milwaukee Firkin Craft Beer Festival-

Firkin Fest is Milwaukee's preeminent craft beer festival. Guests can sample and vote for 100+ craft beers from around the country and 30+ different firkins available for sampling. In case you are wondering what a Firkin is, it is a quarter of an ale or beer barrel. The Extra Crispy Brass Band will be taking the stage during the event. Admission begins at 4pm and ends at 8pm.



Three Bridges Park Grand Opening-

Milwaukee County Parks are having a grand opening for their newest park, Three Bridges Park. Gather at one of the three bridges at 10 am for a dedication and group procession into the park! The festivities will begin at 10am and end at 2 pm. They will be featuring De La Buena, and will have free and fun activites for the entire family including, bike rides, fishing, kayaking demonstrations and more.



Cathedral Square Park Farmers Market-

Stop by Cathedral Square Park on Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm for fresh produce, locally made crafts, prepared foods, live entertainment and great activities. Over 100 Wisconsin farmers, craftsmen, bakers and chefs offer seasonal, fresh and unique items. Everything is made or grown locally, so shopping here is the GREEN thing to do! Click here if you are interested in being a vendor. Each week, enjoy fresh produce, prepared foods, yoga sponsored by the WAC starting at 9am, live music, dance lessons from Danceworks and more.



Milwaukee Trolley Loop-

Thursday through Saturday you can "Hop 'n Shop, Wine 'n Dine" aboard the Milwaukee Trolley Loop. The Milwaukee Trolley loop offers visitors a way to connect to activites and attractions through Westtown, East Town and the Historic Third Ward. Notable stops on the Milwaukee Trolley Loop are the Milwaukee Public Market, Delta Center, Milwaukee Public Museum, Jazz in the Park, River Rhythms, farm markets, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, and the theater and hotel districts. There are two trolleys that will service the route to offer 20-minute headways at designated stops. One complete loop is 40 minutes. Fare is $1 per person, round trip. The trolley operates from 11am until 9pm.



Pink Heals Tour-

Pink Heals Lake Country has planned a day full of activities for families to come and celebrate life. To give love and hope to those fighting cancer. The 2012 event was great, but there was room for improvement. This year the event is scheduled for a Saturday. There will be a motorcycle ride with open registration to anyone interested. The ride will begin promtly in the morning and will conclude in Delafield, WI at noon. The ride and Pink Trucks arrival at noon will be the kick off of a day long event intended for everyone. We are increasing the number of activities available for family and children to so.

Attend the event and watch the parade of pink fire trucks roll into Downtown Delafileld

8AM to Noon – Motorcycle Ride

Leaving promptly at 9AM from Oconomowoc Fire Station #2 (1400 Oconomowoc Parkway)

Noon to 1PM – Kickoff Ceremony- Pink fire trucks get a motorcycle escort into Delafield-Cancer survivor tribute

1pm until 10pm – Enjoy a variety of fun family activities! There will be food, kids activities, face painting and a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.

Live Music Line Up- 1pm is H&M2, 3pm is Nate Morales, 5pm is Tim Clausen, 7pm is Stuey & Myles, 8 pm is Myles to Brooklynn.



Waterford Hot Air Balloon Fest-

Waterford is filling up the sky this weekend with hot air balloons and the ground with fun activities for the whole family. There will be the balloon launch at 6 am through 7:30am and there will be food vendors available. The day will be filled with helicopter rides, a car show, a craft fain and kids activities (wristband is required). The fun continues with a petting zoo, a meet and great with the pilots. Live bands will fill the evening with tunes and there will even be a helium balloon release in memory of loved ones.





Hartland Chamber of Commerce Street Dance-

The Annual Hartland Chamber of Commerce Street Dance will be going on from 5:30pm until 11:00pm through downtown Hartland. There is a children’s area that opens at 5:30pm with a rock wal, dunk tank, the mini-train, face painting and bounce houses. The Boogie Men will take the stage at 6:30 and will be filling the village with their music until 11:00pm.





Sunday-

Waukesha County Fair-

Head over to the Waukesha County Fair this weekend! It is full of the fantastic fair food, and unlimited carnival rides deal begins at 12pm-8pm and cost $23, and The Spinners will take the main stage at 6pm. There is an admission deal, you need to beat the clock and get there before 1pm and admission is only $5, but if you don’t make it in time it is a cash only admission at the gate for $9, $3 for children ages 6-12 years old and children 5 and under are free! Free daily admission to active military personnel with valid military ID. The daily parking is $5 and is subject to availability.



Festa Italiana-

Festa Italiana is possibly the most family friendly festival this summer, children 12 and under get in free! The cost for adult admission is $13 and there is no extra ticket required for the entertainment at the festival. There will be over 40 different entertainment acts to keep you entertained the whole time you are visiting. Did I mention that there are FREE carnival rides on all four days, amazing. There is also a parade that begins at the south gate, that is sure to bring a smile to your face on Saturday and Sunday that begins at 5:30pm.



Bradford Beach Kids Day-

Sunday, July 21st is KIDS DAY at Bradford Beach from 1pm to 4pm to benefit Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin! We'll have games, snow cones, bounce house & much more all free for kids.



Gift of Wings-

This Sunday, July 21st, the Chicago Fire Kite Team will be performing in Veterans Park from 10 am until 2:30 pm. They will be flying the giants kites as well. They would like to invite everyone to come down to Veterans Park on Sunday and fly kites with them during this fun fly. The event is part of Roots and Wings run/walk. Lets make all of the runners feel welcome and put kites in the air!



To find a full listing of all the events in the area, please check out the Lake Country Family Fun calendar.

Check out Dinos Under Glass at the Mitchell Park Domes

Mitchell Park Domes has a fantastic new exhibit called Dinos Under Glass.

Experience what it was like to walk with the dinosaurs in the tropical world at The Domes. Stand in a dinosaur footprint, learn about fossils, find the dinosaur nest, and see plants that were part of the dinosaur landscape millions of year ago!

The exhibit will be running from July 13th-November 3rd, so there is plenty of time to plan your visit. The dinosaurs are inhabiting the Tropical Dome nestled among the plants and they range in size from 9 to 16 feet. The Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Dromaeosaurus are easily viewed from the walking paths. The exhibit includes interactive dinosaur-related activities, such as a scavenger hunt and crossword puzzle. You will have the opportunity to step inside a dinosaur print as well!

Before leaving, stop in the Domes Gift Shop and bring home some great dinosaur souvenirs!

Regular admission applies. Friends of the Domes Members FREE

**Remember that if you are a Milwaukee County Resident, you will get into this exhibit for FREE on Mondays!**

The Domes, located at 524 S. Layton Blvd., are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $6.50 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 6 to 17. Children under 6 are free.

Thanks, Lake Country Family Fun!

Family Movies at Greenfield Public Library on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM Starts this Tuesday, June 11!

Starting Tuesday, June 11 through July 30 at 2:00 pm, you can enjoy Family Movies at the Greenfield Public Library for FREE!  All movies are rated G or PG and will be shown in the Community Room.  Snacks will be served.

Lake Park Concerts: Wonderful Wednesdays in the Park...Music for Families

Wonderful Wednesdays is a series of five concerts geared for children and their families. These presentations will be held June 26, July 10, 17, 24 and 31.

The Wonderful Wednesdays concerts are just one hour in length, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

These concerts are FREE and open to the public. All concerts take place at the new Lake Park Summer Stage in Lake Park Picnic Area #3, just south of the playground and tennis courts.

Here's the lineup for this concert series:

June 26:  One Drum
July 10:  The Hollands
July 17:  Ken Baron
July 24:  The Cash Box Kings
July 31:  The Chickadees

Jazz in the Park Starts Tomorrow, June 6! Check out the Lineup for this year!

Jazz in the Park is Milwaukee's favorite free, outdoor, summer music series, featuring an eclectic lineup of jazz, big band, funk, R & B, reggae, blues and more. Performers come from across town or across the country.

Concerts take place Thursday evenings, 5pm-9pm from June 6 through September 5, in Cathedral Square Park. Music starts at 6pm, but stop by early for Jazz in the Park Happy Hour and get great drink specials from 5-6pm!

Jazz in the Park is produced by a non-profit organization and asks that you leave your adult beverages at home. You can purchase wine, beer and cocktails from the various Jazz in the Park beverage tents. All proceeds from sales at Jazz in the Park help offset the high costs of production and ensure the continued success of the festival. Please do your part to support this event.

• June 6 - Extra Crispy Brass Band
• June 13 - Davina & the Vagabonds
• June 20 - Soule Monde (featuring members of Trey Anastasio Band)
• June 27 - Natty Nation
• July 4 - Happy 4th of July! No Jazz in the Park
• July 11-14 - Bastille Days Programming
• July 18 - Tweed Funk
• July 25 - Torn Soul
• August 1 - Fo/Mo/Deep
• August 8 - Snarky Puppy
• August 15 - The Uptown Savages
• August 22 - The Jazz Corporation
• August 29 - Eddie Butts Band
• September 5 - De La Buena

Boerner Botanical Gardens FREE Concerts in the Parks Lineup...Starts June 27

Did you know that Boerner Botanical Gardens in Whitnall Park has a summer concert series?  Check out the FREE concerts available in the Gardens from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  Admission to the Gardens will be free after 6pm on concert nights.

• June 27:  Paul Spencer Band:  Jazz that Rocks
• July 4:  NO CONCERT
• July 11: The Britins:  The Beatles Tribute Band
• July 18:  Swing Nouveau:  Big Sassy Swing Band
• July 25:  Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound: R&B, Soul, and Afro Rhythms
• August 1:  Liam Ford Band:  Johnny Cash Tribute Band
• August 8:  Concord Chamber Orchestra:  Intimate, Classical Pops
• August 15:  Pink Houses:  Mellencamp Tribute Band & More
• August 22:  Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns:  Dance, R&B and Funk
• August 29:  (6:30 to 9:30 Extended Hours):  The Jimmys:  Authentic Blues, Soul, and R&B

The Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Milwaukee Public Museum: Family Summer Exploration Pass $45

An item so unique, so unusual, it's found nowhere else in the world: The Milwaukee Public Museum's $45 Family Summer Exploration Pass. It's the only deal like it in existence. With this pass, your entire family can enjoy free general admission on visits to MPM throughout the entire summer.

Family Summer Exploration Pass Tips
Visit as many times as you can between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2013. No matter if you visit one time, or 100 times, your immediate family will never have to pay admission during this time period. Take advantage of discount rates for Dome Theater programs: $6 adult, $6 seniors and students, $5 children.

Sign up now for the Summer Camps at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Did you know that the Milwaukee Public Museum offers Summer Camps?  You can sign up to have your child attend one of the camps .  There are two age groups:  3 - 5 and 6 - 8.  Click here to learn more about these fun camps for your children!  Discounts are available for Members of the Museum.

Have you ever signed your child up for one of these camps?  I'm curious as to what you thought, please let me know!  My daughter really wants to do the Museum Detectives Program!

Greenfield Public Library Summer Club Sign Up Begins Monday, June 3!

Here's another great summer reading program!  The Greenfield Public Library Summer Reading Club starts on Monday, June 3.

This is what I found on the Greenfield Public Library's Facebook Page:

Summer Reading Club sign up starts June 3 for Kids, Teens, and Adults. Come to the website and click on "Events" or "Kids" or come to GPL to pick up a brochure to see what will be going on for Summer activites and entertainment. We look forward to seeing you.

"Chill on the Hill" at Humboldt Park Begins June 4 and runs through August 27

Have you heard of "Chill on the Hill" at Humboldt Park?  I am excited to see that the first "Chill on the Hill" will be June 4!  Get more information about who will be playing and "Join" here on the Facebook page!

"Chill on the Hill" will run weekly June 4 - August 27!

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program

Here's another great summer reading program that you may want to take advantage of with your little ones! The Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program is for children ages 14 and under. This program gives out free Half Price Books gift cards to kids who read for at least 300 minutes between June 1 and July 31, 2013.

Rewards Available From the Half Price Books Summer Reading Program (from website):

• Read for at least 15 minutes each day in the months of June and July. (Grown-ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning.)
• Add up your minutes and have your parent or guardian initial each week.
• Once you’ve read 300 minutes, turn in your completed log to earn HPB Bookworm Bucks for each month.
• We’ll award one top reader per age group each month with a TOP READER prize - a $20 HPB Gift Card!*

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program: Earn a FREE Book!

Here's a fun reading program for the summer!  Check out the Free Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for kids in grades 1st – 6th!

Here Is How It Works:

1. Read any 8 books and record them in the Reading Journal
2. Bring the completed Reading Journal to your local B&N store.
3. Choose a FREE BOOK from select books on the Reading Journal list at the store.

Sign up today for the Milwaukee Public Library Super Reader Summer Reading Program!

Make sure your children are ready for school and retain what they learned throughout the school year with the Milwaukee Public Library Super Reader Summer Reading Program.  Your child can earn prizes while reading all summer long!  Sign up today!  This program runs through August 29.  Click here to learn more about the program.

Here's more information:

Sign up for the Super Reader program starting Monday, May 13.

When you sign up, the librarian will give you a reading folder to track the number of minutes you read to yourself or when someone reads to you. For each hour of reading, fill in a clock inside the folder.

Check in with your librarian to get your folder officially stamped.

Each time you complete a level, show your librarian and receive a prize!

Super Reader Prizes

• COMPLETE LEVEL 1 and receive a Cousins Subs coupon for a free 5” mini sub and a coupon sheet.
• COMPLETE LEVEL 2 and receive a coupon for a free personal pizza from Pizza Hut and an additional coupon sheet with free or reduced admissions to fun places around town.
• COMPLETE LEVEL 3 and receive a free book and a certificate of completion!

Reach Level 3 by July 31st and be automatically entered into the grand prize drawing for the Super Reader on-field recognition at the Sunday, August 18th Milwaukee Brewers game! One winner will be selected from each Milwaukee Public Library.

Sign up to Register for your Child to Bowl FREE ALL Summer Long

All summer long your kids can bowl FREE!  I signed up for this last summer and we went a few times.  Registered kids each get 2 FREE Games of bowling every day all summer long!  Sign up now and they will email you when registration is open!