Ten Family Activities for Summer

I’m not a big Alice Cooper fan, but his song “School’s Out (For Summer)” has been playing in my head all weekend. 

My children’s last day of school was on Friday.  We had a fun-filled weekend and by 9:04 a.m. Monday morning I heard my first “I’m bored!”  Granted it was raining out and my boys had just gotten a new basketball hoop that they were anxious to play with, but the fact that they couldn’t find anything to do in the house made me think this is going to be a long summer.  I decided to sit down with them and plan out all the things we’d like to do the next three months.  We came up with quite a list. 

Whether your children are already on summer break or will be in a matter of days – here is a list of local summertime activities to keep your children entertained and keep you from hearing the dreaded, “I’m bored.”

1. Kid’s Bowl Free summer program – Bowling is a great “rainy-day” activity and even better when it’s free. Sign up at KidsBowlFree.com to get 2 free games of bowling every single day during the summer for your children.  Free to sign up… free to play… you’ve really got nothing to lose. 

2. Kinderberg Park – I hope many of you already know about this “gem” located just north of us in Germantown, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it because it’s truly a blast for kids in the summer.  In addition to the huge playground, baseball diamond, big hills to run up and roll down, there is a splash pad that has water shooting out from various sprinklers and bubbling up from the ground. A great way to spend a hot summer afternoon.  And once again, it’s free!

3. Menomonee Park – For a mere $5 entrance fee on the weekend, or $3 on weekdays, you can enjoy the sandy beach and swimming in the quarry.  If you decide to make a night of it, you can set up camp in one of the park’s family campgrounds ($14.50/night.) Pitch a tent, roast some marshmallows, and sleep under the stars for a great family experience.

4. Have a garage sale – I like this idea for so many reasons.  For one, I love getting rid of clutter.  With three children who go in and out of different interests (and clothing sizes) faster than I can keep up with, it’s a great way to dispose of gently-used toys and clothes. But having a garage sale also gets children excited about making a little money – a great incentive for them to purge unused items from their room and learn a little economics at the same time.

5.  Popcorn stand – A sure sign of summer in Menomonee Falls is the popcorn wagon on Appleton Avenue southeast of Pilgrim Road.  My husband and I love to surprise our kids with an impromptu jaunt to get some yummy popcorn on a nice summer evening.  The , sponsored by the Optimist Club, is open nightly from 6:30 p.m. to  9 p.m..

6. – Another great evening excursion is to visit the gazebo in Village Park on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to listen to some live music.  Braz’s Beef Factory will be serving up a variety of sandwiches – so you can have dinner out as well.  Or if you’re lucky enough to have a Friday afternoon free, take the kids to hear a concert at from noon to 1 p.m.  Food from is available those days.    

7. Mitchell Park Domes – This is actually a great year-round family activity, and if you haven’t yet ventured there with the kids, I highly suggest you do.  Tour the 3 domes: Tropical Dome, Desert Dome and the Floral Show Dome.  If your child likes magic as much as mine does, you’ll want to visit the domes on July 26 at 10 a.m. when Magic on the Move and Traveling Circus Company will be performing. 

8. – Speaking of magic, the library is hosting Jim Mitchell, Comedy Magician, at 1 p.m. on June 29.  The library offers so many activities, reading programs and events children love.  You’ll want to check out the library’s website to read up on everything and to register for programs.

9.  Farmers Market – Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. take the children for a stroll through the local Farmers Market in the parking lot.  With a variety of foods, produce, bakery, flowers and crafts, you’re bound to find something to take with you.  Your kids might just start liking their vegetables if they have a hand in picking them out at the market. Starting in July, the farmers market will also be open on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

10. Kids Summer Film Series – For only $2 your child can take in a special movie presentation at Marcus Cinemas-Menomonee Falls every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. from June 21 – August 11.  To see the movies offered, check out their website.