While summer provides a lovely break from the chilly Wisconsin winters, as the temperatures rise here in Milwaukee, Brookfield and New Berlin in July, you may be looking for ways to beat the summer heat. And since the kids and grandkids have been out of school for a month or so, they might be getting to the point where boredom is setting in. Luckily, there’s no better time in this area to get out and about in the dog days of summer – and you can still stay cool with this list of recommended day trips:
David F. Schulz Aquatic Center in Lincoln Park
Summer is the perfect time to check out one of the newest spots for cool family water fun in Milwaukee County. For a small entrance fee, kids and adults can enjoy the Aquatic Center’s waterslides, lazy river, lap swimming, interactive water toys, and more. You’ll also want to check out “Tot Time” for little ones under seven. For parents and grandparents, you can lounge by the leisure pool and enjoy snacks and drinks.
The Milwaukee Public Central Library
Just because school is out, doesn’t mean the kids can’t learn! And there’s no better place to learn than this grand, historic library. Built in October of 1898, the structure is beautiful and features both French and Italian-Renaissance styles. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can tour the library for free every Saturday morning at 11 AM, or if that doesn’t work, you can call to make an appointment for a tour.
When you’re done with your tour, stick around to peruse the 2.7 million books and other materials that call the Milwaukee Public Library “home.” You can research interests, browse for a classic for some summer reading, or use their computers.
Don’t make your friends who live on the Atlantic or Pacific coasts make you feel like you’re missing out on the beach lifestyle. You’re just a drive from the relaxing, family-friendly, and affordable-to-visit beaches along the Great Lakes. Whether it’s North Beach in Racine, Big Bay Beach on Madeline Island, or Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, as you lounge on these ocean-like beaches and play in the water, you’ll forget you didn’t even have to get on a plane to enjoy a beachy summer break. As an added bonus, many of these beaches are surrounded by great local shops, restaurants, and cultural destinations like art galleries.
Visit our State Capitol Building
The beautiful, historic Wisconsin State Capitol Building in Madison is only about an hour and a half away for families of Milwaukee and New Berlin. It’s the third capitol building that has been built. Construction began in 1906, and because of how expensive it was, and the need to have somewhere for the government to function, the building was completed one wing at a time over a number of years. It was designed by George B. Post & Sons of New York. Post was known for pioneering the use of steel to make taller and stronger structures. From the impressive rotunda, to the Lantern Balcony, the Senate chamber, and more – a tour of this structure is a rich lesson on our state’s great history. Plus, the sixth-floor museum and observation deck are only open during the summer, so it’s the perfect time to go. One of the best parts of the tour? It’s air conditioned!
The Capitol Building is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily at specific times, and you can find all the information you’ll need for your visit at their website.
In our line of work, we see firsthand the importance of making every moment in life count. Don’t let these warm summer days slip by without having some fun – take some time with your family to learn about our great area and most of all, make precious memories together. We’d also encourage you to share this blog post with your friends on social media!