My children have informed me that there are 9 days left of school, which makes my insides feel a little panicky. I sat down this week and started making some plans once summer comes--because if my kids are flopped in front of the tv while I clean up their breakfast, so help me...
It starts with the morning. I plan on insisting they make their beds and tidy their rooms before breakfast. I will enforce teeth brushing--no tantrum is going to change my mind. I am stone deaf to their pleas and bickering, especially before 9a.
We know that Milwaukee is the city of festivals in the summer time (here is a pretty extensive list), but there's so much more to do. Here's the highlight reel of summertime happenings to get your party started (after you make your bed and brush your teeth, of course):
Outdoor movies: The Journal Sentinel put together a crazy good list of places to catch an outdoor flick. Remember to pack mosquito spray, a blanket, lawn chairs and snacks.
Indoor Movies: Marcus Theaters is featuring their Kids Dream Summer movie lineup for those days when you need to get out of the house but the weather is crummy. Best part is that it's $3 and there's discount popcorn. I already bought tickets because I don't mess around.
Outdoor + Chill: Need more zen in your life? I thought so. Schlitz Audubon is a beautiful space to spend a morning or afternoon. Milwaukee Magazine compiled a list of the best trails in Milwaukee area, so let's dust off the Birkenstocks, hug a tree and enjoy some tranquility.
Local Library: Yes their calendar is a bit jumbled, but if you do some digging, you'll find magicians, jugglers, cupcake classes, story times, movies, classes, tutoring and more. Sign the kids up for the Super Read Squad, find great book recommendations for kids, or for your book club.
Possibility Playground: This will be new to us this summer, but I've been hearing about it for awhile. It's an inclusive playground set up to be accessible for kids with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities to foster play between kids with disabilities and kids without. Also, it's just a great, well-designed playground.
Bookworm Gardens: this is a short drive to Sheboygan but it's a great way to spend the afternoon. Kids enter into the scenes of some of their favorites tales and get to experience the story with hands-on activities.
Colectivo: The folks at Colectivo care about your summer, which is why they faithfully line up free music all summer long. Check out Musica del Lago (Thursdays at 7p) or the Florentine Opera (time/location varies) and go connect with your city.
Meetup: Check out meetup.com if you're looking for a book club, or if you want to check out the best food spots with some new faces. Maybe this is the summer you want to try outdoor yoga, running, or find a good fish fry. Go find something fun!
Kids Bowl Free: This is new on my radar this year. From what I've found out, you can sign your kids up to bowl for free all summer long. As their designated adult, you pay $30 and you can bowl with them all summer. This may be worth checking out if you keep losing against your friends in bowling--hopefully, you'd be able to beat a group of little kids and boost your self-esteem.
Groupon: I always snag the deal for Green Meadows Farm because the kids love it (check Groupon often for promo codes and score a deeper discount). Check out their website often to find something new to do for less around town.
Old World Wisconsin: This is one of our favorites places because my kids still love the Little House on the Prairie books. Here's a link to our trip there last summer. If you haven't visited there before, this is a perfect day trip and you can pack a picnic. The best part is that memberships are 40% off through May 31, so this is the perfect time to join if you've been thinking about it.
Local Recreation Department: I cannot sing the praises enough of our local recreation departments. For the last couple summers, our girls have joined a softball league and tried out gymnastics and art courses. Rec departments are a great way to let your kids give a new hobby or sport a try without the crazy expense or time commitment.
I hope this gets the ball rolling! What are your favorite things to do in summer?
