Milwaukee has a long-standing tradition of celebrating this great American holiday with community events, dating back to 1911.

This year’s theme, “Working Together for a Better U.S.A.,” emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration.

Please note: The Lakefront Fireworks are canceled this year due to lack of sponsorship.

REMEMBER: Fireworks are illegal in the City of Milwaukee.

Participating Parks and Activities

Below is a list of parks that will be hosting daytime activities and/or fireworks displays.

For more information, visit the Milwaukee County Parks website.

Beyond Milwaukee

Take a short trip outside city limits to enjoy festive Independence Day activities in the Greater Milwaukee area. Here are some highlights:

Brown Deer

• Location: Village Park, 4920 W. Green Brook Drive
• Activities: Food trucks, beer tent, live music, games
• Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.

Cudahy

• Location: Less than 10 miles from Milwaukee
• Activities: Bike parade, free ice cream and Cracker Jacks, live music
• Fireworks: 9:15 p.m.

Franklin

• Location: Next to the Franklin Public Library
• Activities: 3-day event with live music, games, rides, contests, parade
• Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 2

Glendale

• Location: Kletzsch Park
• Activities: Parade, food truck festival, birthday cake giveaway, live music
• Fireworks: At dusk

Greendale

• Location: Historic downtown
• Activities: 4-day event with amusement rides, carnival games, festival food, craft beer and wine tasting
• Fireworks: At dusk on July 4

Greenfield

• Location: Konkel Park, Layton Avenue
• Activities: Beauty pageant, bike decorating contest, free ice cream, live music
• Fireworks: Approximately 9:45 p.m.

Hales Corners

• Activities: Firecracker Four Run/Walk, antique and classic car show, children’s parade with ice cream, patriotic pet costume contest, UW Marching Band performance
• Fireworks: In the evening

Oak Creek

• Location: Vista Park
• Activities: Citywide celebration
• Fireworks: At dusk

Shorewood

• Location: Atwater Park
• Activities: Live music, food, drinks
• Fireworks: 9:00 p.m.

Wauwatosa

• Activities: Parade at 9:00 a.m., followed by Family Fun Fest, live music, food
• Fireworks: Moved to August 7th for this year only.

West Allis

• Activities: Independence Day Parade on July 1 at 10:00 a.m., City of West Allis’s July Grandstand and Fireworks show at State Fair Park on July 4
• Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. on July 4

Whitefish Bay

• Activities: Parade at 11:30 a.m. on Silver Spring Drive, festivities at Klode Park including carnival games, fair food, rides
• Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy the vibrant celebrations and have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Related Post: 50 Best Things To Do in Summer With Kids Around Milwaukee

The post 10 Places To Watch Fireworks This Year in Milwaukee (2024) appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

This special event will take place on Friday, June 28th, from 10:30 AM to Noon in Margie’s Garden at the beautiful Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Dr in Hales Corners).

Special Performance

From 11 AM to Noon, enjoy a live performance by the beloved folk duo Fox & Branch on Margie’s Stage. Their engaging style and uplifting music is sure to delight both kids and adults.

Event Highlights

This family-friendly event is packed with fun activities designed to bring our community together and support the maintenance of Margie’s Garden. Here’s what you can expect:

• Scavenger Hunt: Explore the garden and find hidden treasures with our fun scavenger hunt. Maps will be provided!
• Potting Activity: Get your hands dirty and pot a plant to take home.
• Coloring & Cookies: Kids can enjoy coloring sessions and delicious cookies at our MKE with Kids table, located outside the Blue Flower Shop.
• Nature Education: Learn about the local flora and fauna with educational activities.
• Lemonade Stand: Refresh yourself with some tasty lemonade.

Admission and Support

Admission to “Mornings at Margie’s” is designed to be affordable for families:

• Under 3 years: Free
• Ages 3 – 12: $1
• Ages 13 and up: $8

All admission fees will directly support the maintenance of Margie’s Garden, which is fully self-funded by Margie’s Smile. The garden does not receive any funds from regular admissions or the county budget, so your participation helps keep this beautiful space thriving.

For those who wish to contribute further, you can become a Petal Partner or sponsor an annual flower bed.

For tickets, visit https://givebutter.com/morningsatmargies. You can also buy tickets at the door the day of the event.

Visit www.margiessmile.org for more information on how to support Margie’s Garden.

Location and Weather Plan

The event will be held at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Margie’s Garden. In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved indoors within the main building of the gardens.

We can’t wait to see you there!

For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to us at hello@mkewithkids.com. See you on June 28th!

Event Details at a Glance:

• Date: Friday, June 28th
• Time: 10:30 AM – Noon
• Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130)
• Performance by: Fox & Branch (11 AM – Noon)
• Admission: Under 3 years: Free, Ages 3 – 12: $1, Ages 13+: $8
• Support: All proceeds support the maintenance of Margie’s Garden

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/morningsatmargies | You can also buy tickets at the door the day of the event.

Learn more and support at: www.margiessmile.org

The post You’re Invited! ‘Mornings at Margie’s’ Concert in the Garden appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

From late spring to early fall, these gardens and flower farms are the perfect place to explore nature with your kids.

Not to mention there are some pretty stunning photo opportunities among the blooms.

Whether it’s an urban flower garden or a family farm, you and the kiddos will love being witness to the new life and growth found in these spaces.

Always be sure to check the farms’ websites and Facebook pages for the current growing season, open hours and admission prices (if applicable).

1. Margie’s Children’s Garden

9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130 (Inside Boerner Botanical Gardens)

‘Margie’s Garden’ opened May 1st, 2024 at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, and it’s unlike anything else in the Milwaukee area.

The new children’s garden opened two years ago and is like an enchanted floral village for kids.

It features an Alphabet Garden, a Numbers Garden, sound makers, playhouses, slides, a giant caterpillar and birds nest to play on, a “Flower Shop” (Sponsored by MKE With Kids!) a small stage and seating area, and more.

2. Boerner Botanical Gardens

Whitnall Park, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI 53130

Boerner Botanical Gardens opens for the season in May, and its formal gardens feature a rose garden and a peony garden, as well as variety of annuals and perennials. Plus, there’s a fragrant herb garden, a daylily path, and a serene rock garden with trickling streams and waterfalls.

Rest in the shade or have a snack inside the elegant gazebo, and don’t miss the regal shrub mall, historic garden house, and expansive arboretum. Kids will also love the stroller-friendly bog garden walk in the northeast corner of the property.

Ways to save: If you’re a resident of Milwaukee County, you’ll save $1 per ticket. The Gardens typically offer free admission during their summer concerts.

3. Bookworm Gardens

1415 Campus Dr., Sheboygan, WI 53081

Trust us when we say this one is worth the drive!

Bookworm Gardens is an absolute must-visit, whimsical children’s garden based completely on children’s literature. The two-acre garden offers the young and young-at-heart the opportunity for free, unstructured play in a beautiful and secure environment. Entrance to the garden is free.

Special elements of the garden include interactive stations, outdoor classrooms, a small amphitheater, a greenhouse and an outdoor creation station. Reading nooks and crannies are plentiful, as are benches for resting and chatting.

4. Alice’s Garden Urban Farm

2136 N. 21st St, Milwaukee, WI 53205

Alice’s Garden is a two-acre urban garden that is committed to wellness and community. The land here used to part of the Underground Railroad.

You can check their website for upcoming events such as yoga classes and movie nights, or you can drop by with your children and take a walk in the labyrinth.

This space is peaceful, relaxing, and really special. They also offer free movies for kids and families in the summer – check their Facebook page (or our Calendar) for dates and times!

5. Happy Day Farmhaus – Tulip Fest & Harvest

W188N13251 Maple Rd, Richfield, WI 53076

This 6-acre, small-scale farm uses organic practices to grow veggies and flowers, and hosts a tulip festival each year in partnership with other local businesses and vendors.

6. Lynden Sculpture Garden

2145 W. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217
lyndensculpturegarden.org

Admission is free at this garden that has wide open spaces for running around, magical trees the kids can hide inside of, frogs and turtles all over the place, and colorful sculptures. Don’t miss the bright polka dotted cows by the pond. Please remind your kids not to climb on the sculptures. Note: There are no paths. Bring suitable footwear. Donations encouraged.

7. For The Love of Flowers Farm

12114 W 5 Mile Rd, Franksville, WI 53126

Meander through rows of stunning blossoms and foliage to find your perfect bouquet at the For The Love of Flowers Farm in Franksville. Relish the warmth of summer, the soothing bird songs, and the tranquil country air. Make friends with our furry companions, or simply relax in the shade, embracing each peaceful moment.

From Sip & Clip events to “muffins and moms” mornings, the farm’s events and charming scenery make it a favorite among visitors. With friendly staff and a variety of breathtaking flowers, your creative juices will flow as you create memorable bouquets in this picturesque haven.

8. Lapham Peak Butterfly Garden

W329N846 County Hwy C, Delafield, WI 53018

Located in Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Lapham Peak Unit is near the top of our list for best natural places to visit. When you get done hiking Plantation Path, a one-mile, blacktopped, handicapped accessible trail through a prairie and wooded area, find the Butterfly Garden just east of this path. (Check the map before you go!) There are many flowers there, plus a memorial brick pathway. Vehicle admission sticker required.

9. Mitchell Park Domes

524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is a living plant museum with a permanent collection of over 1,800 plant species that represent plant life from across the globe. The conservatory, also known as the Domes, is located in Mitchell Park in Milwaukee.

There are three different domes – the floral dome, the desert dome and the tropical dome – and each is a miniature version of the horticultural environment that it represents. Milwaukee County residents save $1 per admission.

10. Northwind Perennial Farm

Northwind Perennial Farm, nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin, has grown into a horticultural haven since its founding in 1991 by friends and partners Steve Coster, Colleen Garrigan, and Roy Diblik.

Their combined talents have created a unique and inspiring landscape, blending stunning perennials, artistic decor, and Steve’s stonework, which continues to weave through the pathways and walls even after his passing in 2019.

Northwind remains a beloved destination for its exceptional plants, innovative garden designs, and warm, knowledgeable staff. Visitors are enchanted by the magical tree in the silo, native plants, friendly goats and chickens, and a barn filled with unique gifts and garden artifacts.

They invite all to explore its relaxing pathways and soak up the creative spirit that makes it so special.

More Gardens to Explore:

Lamm Gardens

2708 Sherman Rd., Jackson, WI 53037
lammscape.com

Lammscape’s beautifully landscaped grounds are open to the public for events and workshops throughout the season (Some of them are free!). Check out their kid-friendly events on their website. In the past they’ve hosted train-themed events, pumpkin painting parties, and more.

The Collaborative Farm

5500 W. Silver Spring Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53218
thecollaborativefarm.org

This historical urban farm also serves as a music venue, outdoor classroom, animal habitat, farmer’s market, community gathering space and more. It’s actually the last remaining piece of property in Milwaukee that is still zoned as a farm. Here, more than a dozen private farmers grow food for the local community, and visitors can learn about a healthier way of living. The historical greenhouses were built in 1926, and you can see chickens, ducks, goats, and fish on site.

Grohmann Museum Rooftop Garden

1000 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website

Located on the Grohmann Museum on the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) campus, this rooftop garden features a dozen large, bronze statues of men at work – toiling in the field and foundry, heaving hammers or pinching molten metal with hot tongs.

Each sculpture is about 9 feet tall and weighs a thousand pounds. From their perch along the roofline, they have a commanding view of the city that was built on the hard work they depict.

The Grohmann Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.

Native Wellness Garden

3780 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221

Nestled in the Garden District on Milwaukee’s South Side, the Native Wellness Garden quietly nurtures agricultural practices rooted in millennia-old traditions. This community garden, a collaboration between the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center and UW-Extension, emphasizes food as medicine and supports individuals in cultivating healthy living and growing habits.

Rowley Creek Lavender Farm

E13901 County Rd. W Baraboo, WI 53913
rowleycreekfarm.com

Aside from taking home some fresh cut lavender from the Farm Cottage, walking the lavender field is one of the best ways to experience the farm! Enjoy the stunning hillside views decorated with 13 cultivars of lavender. Stop by the farm cottage for authentic lavender goods and savor some raw lavender honey.

Farm visit appointments must be made prior to your visit. The contribution fee of $5 per vehicle goes a long way in supporting the farm.

Richardson Adventure Farm

Located just over the Illinois border, this farm grows 600,000 tulip bulbs in 30 different varieties next to a private, 36-acre lake. About 500,000 of the bulbs were planted in colorful blocks with a central design, perfect for those family photo ops. The rest are mixture of colors planted in a pick-your-own area.

Sunflower Farms

Sunflowers typically bloom in late July, and there’s just something about them that makes us smile. Sunflowers can grow 5-10 feet tall, and a sunflower field provides the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. Plus, most farms will let you cut a few stems to take home and use in floral arrangements to decorate your front porch.

Soak up the last sunny days of late summer by visiting one of the many sunflower fields we found throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Some are nearby, while others require a day trip.

Open dates and times for sunflower season depend on weather and flower maturity. Be sure to call ahead for hours and the latest information.

Browse our list of sunflower farms near Milwaukee >>

Related Posts:

25 Fast-Growing Seeds For Kids To Plant Today

101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids

The post 10 Best Gardens & Flower Farms For Kids and Families (2024) appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

The new children’s garden opened two years ago and is like an enchanted floral village for kids.

It features an Alphabet Garden, a Numbers Garden, sound makers, playhouses, slides, a giant caterpillar and birds nest to play on, a “Flower Shop” (Sponsored by MKE With Kids!) a small stage and seating area, and more.

There’s also a potting shed where kids can play in the dirt with tethered tools.

It is an accessible space that is wheelchair and stroller friendly, with a pavilion for shade and benches for resting.

There are restrooms in the Garden House and the Heirloom Garden, both of which are open until Margie’s Garden closes.  There are also restrooms in the main building, open from 9a – 4p. 

The entire garden is fenced in with one main entrance and exit (with emergency exits on each side).

Entrance to Margie’s Garden is included in paid admission to Boerner Botanical Gardens. Children 2 and under get into the gardens free.

Here are some places to visit while you’re there:

• The Potting Shed
  • Get your hands dirty and play in the rich soil at the vibrant red Potting Shed. A perfect blend of rest and mess!
• Celebration Garden
  • Marvel at Margie’s favorites. Find four rose sculptures and a blue butterfly in this vivid, blooming area of the garden.
• Kaleidoscope Mini-Garden
  • Spin and peek into the kaleidoscopes and watch a swirling, vibrant spectacle of plants dance before your eyes.
• Flower Shop Playhouse
  • Strike up a tune on flower-shaped instruments outside the whimsical Flower Shop Playhouse, sponsored by MKE With Kids.
• Bird’s Nest
  • Nestle into the ‘egg’ rocks, pick a book, and dive into stories amid nature’s embrace.
• Number Garden
  • Practice your numbers with plant beds that grow with learning in the Number Garden.
• Boardwalk
  • Stroll the Boardwalk and enjoy the whimsical wind chimes, and see who has sponsored the garden in “Petal Partners Promenade”.
• Alphabet Garden
  • Sing your way through the alphabet with plants for every letter in this tuneful garden.
• Secret Garden
  • Sneak into a world of hidden delights, where flowers create a living hideaway that changes through the summer.
• Sunflower Garden
  • Stand tall and measure up against the towering sunflowers.
• Sound Garden
  • Bang on bongo drums and tickle chimes in a garden where every plant has its own beat.
• Pollinator Garden
  • Hop on frogs and snuggle up with ladybugs in this soft play area designed to delight and educate about our pollinator pals.
• Amphitheater
  • Sing, dance, and perform your heart out on the natural stage set for family fun and storytime magic.
• Enchanted Village
  • Wander the footpath from the Amphitheater to discover a world of enchantment. Cross the Troll Bridge and explore a cottage straight out of a storybook.
• Pavilion
  • Find a special spot and enjoy a family picnic under the shade of the Pavilion.

Additional Activities:

• Pathway Play: Zip and zag through the winding paths designed for little explorers.
• Cardinal Quest – Keep your eyes peeled for the four hidden cardinals. Can you spot them all?
• Greet Emmy the Bear – Don’t forget to wave hello to Emmy the Bear as you venture into the Enchanted Garden.
• Plant I.D. – Scan the QR code at the entrance to discover the botanical wonders planted this season.

New This Year

Be sure to stop by the Flower Shop Playhosue, which is sponsored by MKE With Kids this year.

Improvements were made last year to the interactive musical features, which now include drums, chimes, and colorful instruments shaped like flowers.

Look for a new statue placed on the pedestal outside of the main gate depicting a woman gardening wearing a big sun hat and Keds (like Margie), surrounded by children.

Margie’s Garden will open Monday, May 1st through October 31st between 8 a.m. – 7 p m., seven days a week.

Once the Thursday night concerts in the garden start at Boerner, the children’s garden closes at 4 p.m. on Thursdays. 

More updates are expected this year, and we will be sure to include them here as we get them.

How It Began

Soon after Margaret “Margie” Kezman passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer, her family wanted to honor her passion for gardening and her love for children and family.

They met with the Friends of Boerner and asked what was on their wishlist. When the Friends said they wanted to put in a children’s garden, Margie’s family knew it was the perfect way to honor their mother.

Margie’s daughter Jennifer says “Kids were just drawn to my mom like a magnet and she loved teaching them, spending time with them.”

“Ever since I was a little girl, I remember seeing her outside gardening, putting her whole heart into it.”

To make Margie’s Garden happen, Margie’s family organized a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Margie’s Smile. The mission is to build and maintain an environment which fosters the same loving spirit that Margie shared with everyone who knew her.

The nonprofit has gifted Margie’s Garden to the Milwaukee County Parks to be a part of Boerner Botanical Gardens.

To raise funds to maintain the garden for years to come, they’ve partnered with Givebutter. Donors can give securely and easily using a variety of payment methods. 100% of donations raised goes directly towards maintaining the garden. (Donate here.)

More information about their mission and story can be found on their website and Facebook page, or you can email them at info@margiessmile.org.

Related Posts:

24 Gardens & Flower Farms Around Milwaukee

Boerner Botanical Gardens: What to See and Do With Kids

25 Fast-Growing Seeds For Kids To Plant Today

The post Margie’s Children’s Garden: Here’s What’s New in 2024 appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

Our family visits every year and it’s always one of our most peaceful and memorable days of the summer.

With the addition of Margie’s Children’s Garden, there’s never been a better time to visit with kids.

The gardens were established in 1929 by Alfred Boerner, a landscape architect and Charles Whitnall, Secretary of the Milwaukee County Park Commission.

For its sprawling 12 acres of diverse gardens, it’s easily one of our 24 Favorite Gardens and Flower Farms.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for visiting Boerner Botanical Gardens with young kids to help you make the most of your family outing.

Get in Free

Milwaukee County Parks, in partnership with Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, Inc. (FBBG), present free admission to Boerner on the last Thursday of the month.

This special offer will run from May – October 2024. Attendees will also receive free admission to Boerner on Sunday, May 19th for an informal event celebrating FBBG’s 40th year of dedication to Boerner.

Where to Start

Pro Tips

Get in free: Admission to attend the summer concerts is free. Attendees are welcome to walk through the gardens after 6:00 p.m. at no additional cost.

Guided Tours: To make the most of your visit to the Garden, consider a one-hour guided tour, available through the website.

Did we miss anything? Email hello@mkewithkids.com.

Related Posts:

24 Gardens & Flower Farms Around Milwaukee

Tulip Festivals Happening This Year

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The post Boerner Botanical Gardens: Free Admission & What to Do With Kids appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

Whereas other Milwaukee museums are typically indoors, these living history museums and historical parks in the Milwaukee area make the past come alive for kids in a unique and hands-on way in the great outdoors.

Know of others we’ve missed? Email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.

1. Old World Wisconsin

W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, WI 53119
(262) 594-6301
oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org

Old World Wisconsin brings 19th-century history to life like no other place in Wisconsin. In fact, it’s the largest outdoor museum of rural life in the entire country. Original structures from across the region were painstakingly dismantled and reconstructed to build this 600-acre open-air living history museum. There are over 60 buildings to explore, including a schoolhouse, church, and furnished houses.

In the Crossroad Village, visitors can learn iron-crafting techniques, watch shoemaking demonstrations, and experience what a typical church experience was like in the late 1800s. On the farmsteads, you’ll see horses, roosters, pigs, sheep, and other livestock, and learn about old-fashioned farm machinery, tools, and agricultural techniques.

Throughout the interactive exhibits, visitors can learn about food preparation and preservation techniques in a world of harsh winters. You’ll see authentic woodstoves, outdoor cooking demonstrations, and learn about holiday food traditions. You can also learn about gardening techniques and stroll through beautifully maintained heirloom gardens filled with lavender, herbs and seasonal produce.

The best part about a visit to Old World Wisconsin is participating in hands-on activities, including making ice cream, crafts, outdoor games, churning butter, domestic chores, and walking on wooden stilts. They also host vintage baseball games during the summer.

New for 2022: Celebrate Wisconsin’s brewing history and traditions in the brand new brewhouse. See how beer is made as part of the Brewing Experience presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family. It’s the first step in a multi-phase overall redevelopment that reimagines a Welcome Experience, with new structures and amenities that will help guests plan and enjoy an unforgettable journey into the past.

Old World Wisconsin is open Wednesday through Sunday in the summer (June 15-Aug. 28), from 10 a.m. to 4 p,m. During Spring (April 30-June 12) and Fall (Sept. 3-25), it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased onsite or in advance online.

Read more >>

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2. New Berlin Historical Park (FREE!)

19885 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146
(262) 679-6508
newberlinhistoricalsociety.org

Part of the City of New Berlin park system, Historical Park is open year-round, and visitors enjoy free admission. Tour the grounds anytime on the Prospect Hill Settlement District, and explore historic structures and sites like the former Freewill Baptist Church building, a carriage house and barn, a little red schoolhouse, the Alice Weston Memorial Garden, the Weston Antique Orchard, a gazebo, a charming log cabin, an old-fashioned windmill, two former homes, and a small, accessible museum. Historical information is posted on all buildings. 

Open House events are held at Historical Park four times a year. There’s an ice cream social in July, Historic Day in mid-September and Applefest in early October. Group tours are available by appointment.

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3. Old Falls Village Historical Park & Museum (FREE!)

N96 W15791 County Line Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(262) 250-3901
oldfallsvillage.com

Nestled on the grounds of a beautiful 17-acre park, Old Falls Village features a log home, school house, barn, railroad depot and dairy, plus antiques and artifacts from the 19th century. The highlight of the park is the 1858 Miller-Davidson House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Buildings are open to tour during Village Events, including a Saturday night beer garden (May-October); Revolutionary War, Civil War and World War II battle reenactments; a classic car show in September, and Halloween Family Fun Nights in October. Visit their event page for details.

Soon, the park will be the new home for Menomonee Falls’ original two fire engines – one that is completely restored and another that is awaiting restoration. Both are from the early 1920s. Stay tuned for updates.

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4. Pioneer Village

4880 County Road I, Saukville, WI 53080
(262) 377-4510
ochs.co.ozaukee.wi.us

Pioneer Village celebrates Ozaukee County legacy through the experience of pioneer life. It features 17 buildings from the 19th century, including fully furnished homes, barns, and the original Cedarburg Railroad Depot.

Between May 21 and October 9, the Village is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Autumn is an especially great time to visit, as the Village is “haunted” on select Fridays and Saturdays in October. Special events include a Train Show in September and Autumn Farm Days in October. Get more info here >>

Admission costs $8 per adult and $6 per child. Children under 5 get in FREE. Group rates available upon request.

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5. Richfield Historical Park

Entrance for Events: 1896 Hwy 164, Richfield, WI 53076
Entrance for Most Tours: 4399 Pleasant Hill Road, Richfield, WI 53076
(262) 628-0252
richfieldhistoricalsociety.org

The 33-acre Richfield Historical Park is part of the Village of Richfield park system and is adjacent to the 92-acre Richfield Nature Park. It’s home to many restored historic buildings maintained by the Richfield Historical Society. The beautiful Coney Creek meanders among various wooded areas. Hiking trails also wind throughout the park. Picnic tables and benches are available for visitors to enjoy.

One section of the park is the Messer/Mayer Mill and Homestead, which includes the 150-year-old mill, mill house, horseshoe, woodshed, smokehouse, outhouse, and barn. On the north end of the park, you’ll find the Lillicrapp Welcome Center, a restored home that is now accessible. At the south end of the park are the Motz Log Cabin and Messer Log Barn. The Timber Frame Area includes a granary, sugar shack, and blacksmith shop. You can also learn more about the park through Adventure Lab geocaching.

The Park Hours are 7 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. , but the historic buildings in the Park are only open during Scheduled Tours and Richfield Historical Society Events (don’t miss the Harvest Festival in September and Maple Syrup Family Day in March).

Tour rates are $5 per person, $3 for kids 6-12 years old, and children 5 and under get in free.

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The post 6 Outdoor Historical Parks Your Kids Will Love to Explore (2023) appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

The Lynden Sculpture Garden announced this week that goats from Kettle Moraine Grazing, LLC have arrived on the grounds and are chewing through the buckthorn there.

Over a period of two to three weeks, they will be grazing in different areas to control woody invasive species. This is one part of Lynden’s prairie restoration plan that also includes targeted treatments and prairie burns.

The goats will return in subsequent growing seasons for follow-up grazing.

The goats are currently the west side of the property in the lower ravine area. There’s a good view of them from the labyrinth.

Visitors are welcome to view the goats. There are some safety issues to consider:
• The goats are surrounded by an electrified fence that should not be touched by humans or canines.
• No feeding, petting, or taunting the goats.

The Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium (SEWISC) awarded the Lynden Sculpture Garden funding for this project.

Lynden Sculpture Garden is outdoor art museum that offers a unique experience of art in nature through its collection of more than 50 monumental sculptures across 40 acres of park, lake, and woodland. 

Don’t miss the whimsical and colorful cow sculpture (actually called Des Vaches: Mo, Ni, Que by Swiss artist Samuel Buri. )

Admission is free at this time. Click here for more information.

The post Lynden Sculpture Garden Welcomes Goats to Graze Invasive Species appeared first on Milwaukee With Kids.

There will be a Grand Opening celebration for Margie’s Garden, a new Children’s Garden, at Boerner Botanical Gardens this Friday, July 8th at 12:30 p.m., hosted by Milwaukee County Parks.

Organizers will provide small flowerpots for kids to plant seeds, and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith, Milwaukee County Supervisor Patti Logsdon, and Margie’s Smile Executive Director Tim Kezman will be there.

‘Margie’s Garden’ is now open at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, and it’s unlike anything else in the Milwaukee area.

The new children’s garden is an enchanted village for kids, featuring an Alphabet and Number Garden, fiddlehead path, twig hut and mushroom chair rings, a sound garden, a bug garden with friendly bug sculptures, a playhouse, a storybook nook, a pollinator garden, sunflower garden, a small stage and seating area, and more.

There’s also a potting shed where kids can play in the dirt with tethered tools.

It is an accessible space that is wheelchair and stroller friendly, with a pavilion for shade and benches for resting. Bathrooms are in the main Boerner building.

The entire garden is fenced in with one main entrance and exit (with emergency exits on each side).

Entrance to Margie’s Garden is included in paid admission to Boerner Botanical Gardens. Children 5 and under get into the gardens free.

How It Began

Soon after Margaret “Margie” Kezman passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer, her family wanted to honor her passion for gardening and her love for children and family.

They met with the Friends of Boerner and asked what was on their wishlist. When the Friends said they wanted to put in a children’s garden, Margie’s family knew it was the perfect way to honor their mother.

Margie’s daughter Jennifer says “Kids were just drawn to my mom like a magnet and she loved teaching them, spending time with them.”

“Ever since I was a little girl, I remember seeing her outside gardening, putting her whole heart into it.”

To make Margie’s Garden happen, Margie’s family organized a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Margie’s Smile. The mission is to build and maintain an environment which fosters the same loving spirit that Margie shared with everyone who knew her.

The nonprofit has gifted Margie’s Garden to the Milwaukee County Parks to be a part of Boerner Botanical Gardens.

To raise funds to maintain the garden for years to come, they’ve partnered with Givebutter. Donors can give securely and easily using a variety of payment methods. 100% of donations raised goes directly towards maintaining the garden. (Donate here.)

More information about their mission and story can be found on website and Facebook page.

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The ‘Faerie Gardens’ summer floral show opened at the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee this month.

It is inspired by the storytelling traditions from when human beings lived in a world that was directly connected to the Earth itself and the nature within.

Miniature fairy gardens will be surrounded by a colorful floral display, including ‘dragon wing pink’ begonias, ‘gnome mix’ gomphrena, ‘fairy queen’ salvia, lavender, impatiens, snapdragons and more.

“This season’s show is packed with tiny, magical fairy gardens and rare plants. We encourage visitors to take their time, to wander, and discover what they can see.” Says Doris Maki, Mitchell Park Domes Director.

“We’re hoping the show will also inspire visitors to create their own miniature gardens and share their photos on social media with the hashtag #domesfaeries”

The Summer Show also includes ‘Sticker Wednesdays’, when visitors will receive a free sticker. Visitors will also be able to purchase their favorite Faerie Gardens items at the Domes gift shop.

The Fairie Gardens summer show will run until September 11, 2022.

Additional Details

The Domes are located at 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215.

Admission is $8 adult, $6 juniors, $5 students, free for kids under 5. Milwaukee County residents get discounted entry with ID. Admission is free for Members of the Friends of the Domes.

The Mitchell Park Domes opens 9am-5pm on Wednesday-Friday and 9am-4pm on weekends. Last entry is one hour before close.

More information and reservations for the show can be found at www.mitchellparkdomes.com.

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Boerner Botanical Gardens are home to formal gardens situated on Boerner Drive in Whitnall Park in the village of Hales Corners, about 15 minutes from Milwaukee.

The Spring Garden at the Boerner Botanical Gardens opens in May, when the fresh blossoms of spring appear.

There is an Education and Visitor Center and a gift shop with regular hours.

A must-visit stop when you visit Boerner is a stroll through Margie’s Garden, a stunning children’s garden that opened in 2022.

The new children’s garden is an enchanted village for kids, featuring an Alphabet Garden, a Numbers Garden, sound makers, playhouses, slides, a giant caterpillar and birds nest to play on, a “Flower Shop” with complimentary postcards, a small stage and seating area, and more.

Another favorite for visitors is the peaceful rock garden and trickling waterfall towards the back of the property.

The rock garden is located due north from the Visitor Center, towards the back.

Visitors can walk through the rose garden and peony garden, as well as variety of annuals and perennials. Plus, there’s a fragrant herb garden, and a daylily path.

THere’s a beautiful gazebo near the entrance that is perfect for resting little legs and taking a snack break.

The gazebo is the perfect place to rest in the shade or have a snack.

Dont’miss the regal shrub mall, historic garden house, elegant gazebo, and expansive arboretum.

And, your kids will love the bog garden walk in the northeast corner of the property.

The stroller-friendly garden bog walk is a highlight for kids and families. Photo: Instagram, @wiscoteque

Events

The gardens offer kid-friendly programming throughout the year including family yoga, nature-inspired crafts like tiny fairy gardens, and workshops, and “Enchanted Evenings in the Gardens.”

They also host events like China Lights, an impressive Chinese lantern festival, in the fall. This event features asian folk-culture performances and beautifully illuminated displays. In addition, they’ve recently hosted a holiday light show called Winter Wonders, offering a one-way route through the gardens with a winter wonderland backdrop.

In the Summer, The Concerts in the Gardens are sponsored by Wimmer Communities, and occur every Thursday. Admission is free, and attendees are welcome to walk through the gardens after 6:00 p.m. at no additional cost.

Zilli Hospitality Group is the exclusive caterer at Boerner Botanical Gardens and typically offer special brunches throughout the year.

Boerner is also a popular spot for weddings, offering a garden setting and designated bridal room.

For other events, the Garden Room is a large, well-lit space for large meetings, luncheons, and events with access to Boerner Hall.

General Info:

Where: Whitnall Park, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI 53130, United States

When: The gardens are open late April to late September, daily from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Get in free: Though currently suspended, the Gardens used to offer free admission to Milwaukee County residents with proof of residency on the first Tuesday of each month, May through September. Check their website for the most updated information.

Admission Fees:

Adults: (ages 18 & up): $7.00 Milwaukee County Residents / $8.00 non-resident

Seniors: (Milwaukee County Resident, ages 60+): $5.00

Disability: (any age): $5.00

Student: (with ID): $5.00

Junior: (ages 6-17): $5.00 Milwaukee County Residents / $6.00 non-resident

More info:

Phone Number: (414) 525-5650

Website: boernerbotanicalgardens.org

Parking: There is a parking lot with free parking spaces near the gardens in Whitnall Park.

Fun Fact: The Gardens were named for the landscape architect who designed the original five formal gardens, Alfred L. Boerner.

For more information, visit the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens. The mission of the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens is to provide a garden setting for learning that nurtures understanding, enjoyment & stewardship of our natural world, while nourishing & preserving the gardens for future generations.

Related Posts:

24 Gardens and Flower Farms in Milwaukee

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