Definitely great for kids and train enthusiasts. The website is not as helpful with FAQs and…read moreticketing left our group a little confused. We were hoping to get on at Elegant Farmer and ride to the depot but opted to just go straight to the museum/depot instead due to the ticket instructions. They don't have a direct line, just an answering service. The answering service staff was unhelpful and sounded irritated by taking a message. We were irritated for leaving messages that were never returned. If you have questions, reach out via the contact us option on their website at least 2 days in advance and you should be good. They are doing a lot with a little and making it enjoyable for the kiddos. Probably won't return but happy we tried it.

This weekend my husband and twin toddler sons went to Railfest at East Troy Electric Railroad. It…read morewas such a fun little event! They had trains doing rides every on the hour for a reasonable price and toddlers under 2 were free. Unfortunately, we didn't get to ride because the boys hadn't napped but it was so fun watching the trolleys and electric trains and hearing them go "choo choo" as my boys say. They had reasonable food - hot dogs and root-beer and model railroads to look at. My husband and k agreed that we will definitely bring the boys back next year and look forward to riding the trains! We also want to try the dinner train someday for a date night! How fun does that sound?!

First to review? How is that possible?…read more While I had some time on my own in Wisconsin, I decided to check out the Hoard Historical Museum (and National Dairy Shrine Museum). And even though I stopped by more than a few breweries in the four days I was there this stop was by far one of my favorites. First, the National Dairy Shrine Museum. I have a whole new respect for the dairy farmers after realizing how much I take for granted. For example, I never gave much thought to the fact that there are different breeds of cows. Or how much time, energy, money and science goes into their breeding. The National Dairy Shrine Museum displays not only these majestic creatures but the trophies and prizes that can be won through the dedication to the progression of the dairy farm. Upstairs there is a room of dioramas showing the history of the dairy farm and a detailed timeline along the walls. Downstairs there is a hall of fame where I learned about some of the pioneers in the field, pictures of champion cows and early equipment used in dairy farming. The Hoard Historical Museum features some great local history. There is the Lincoln room where I learned a bit about the Black Hawk War and how the Civil War affected Wisconsin. I was fascinated by the exhibit about the mounds left by early Native Americans and the efforts to preserve them. Part of the Hoard House is open as well. Very little is off limits here. You can sit in the parlor or the library and learn about the Hoard family (leaders in the field of dairy farming). Upstairs and through the kitchen I came upon a room full of taxidermy birds. Another room displayed dolls and figurines. One special room was dedicated to local poet Lorine Niedecker. Don't let this place fool you, there's more here than you might expect. I spent over two hours here and still felt rushed. The friendly and hands-on experience is always fun making this a good place for families and kids. I was greeted by Sandy and made a point of telling her how much I enjoyed the place. She was happy to hear it. I noticed several signs hanging up around the entrance for special gatherings and events held here. I also liked that many of the exhibits led to interest in other local historic places and parks. The Hoard Historical Museum seems to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the local community. Did I mention this place is free? Donations are of course accepted.

Great little museum in a great little town. They have a civil war era wing, part of the original…read moreHoard house, a dairy section, art work, a section devoted to indigenous people of the area and the mounds nearby, some wildlife stuff, just a really cool museum full of friendly people.

This place was on my list to visit the next time we were in town. We popped in on a Saturday…read moremorning and it turned out there was no charge since they only had the beer exhibit on the first floor. Normally $8. You can park free on the street in front on Saturdays. The building itself is stunning and worth it. The vaults are incredible. The beer exhibit is very detailed and very informative. I am not sure what would normally be on the second floor but they said there was a wedding later that day - there are many weddings here on Saturdays. I was hoping for more.

Love, love, love this spot! If you want to learn more about Milwaukee County history, this is the…read moreplace to go. They have thoughtfully curated exhibits that are periodically changed. The main exhibit might be up for a 2-3 years and then there's a new neighborhood exhibit series that is set to change up more frequently. I visited my first time during Milwaukee Museum week so admission was FREE. But I would pay full admission ($8) if you really want a deep dive into Milwaukee. When I dropped in, the beer exhibit was up so everything displayed related to Milwaukees's beer culture and history. It was FASCINATING. There's also an actual bank vault inside the building that was used in the filming of the movie, Public Enemies, with Johnny Deep. You can walk inside the vault. The space is also worth mentioning - lots of marble. It's just a fun place to escape to. I recommend you plan to spend at least two hours here if you want to really read all the information on display and see all the artifacts. Parking might be tricky - street parking is the way to go if you can find a spot.

We are lucky to have the Milwaukee County Zoo! It's such a nostalgic place to visit with the…read morekiddos, I love the walking routes and ease of navigating. They've made some really great updates through the years while still maintaining the integrity of the original charm (looking at you carousel and choo choo!) I haven't been all summer and it seems they've recently updated their payment process which went smoothly. Instead of stopping at the front check points, you drive right through and pay online for parking via a barcode. We then bought our tickets at the front entrance. Love all the misters sprinkled throughout the zoo and indoor areas where you can cool down if needed. We had lunch at the new "Crust and Copper" which is the big lunch facility by the grizzly bears and I must say - they're chicken salad pita with peaches, radishes and lettuce was SO tasty!! Will definitely be trying to recreate that one at home!

This zoo was over hyped as being the best zoo in the Midwest, and I gotta say I wasn't too…read moreimpressed. Too much wasted space with not enough attractions. Paying for parking seems a little much when already paying for the zoo. And again some exhibits were nice, but a rather empty zoo comparing to others I've seen, even close by in the Midwest!

Dedicated employees, amazing history, and a real step back in time without any hoaxes or…read morepretentiousness. The workers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This is a great place to take anyone who is interested in history, particularly those interested in the abolition of slavery and 19th century America. Great for smaller groups. Call ahead for a tour. Tours are about 1.5 to 2 hours, and worth it. Best museum experience of all time (and I don't really like museums), I have been twice and will go back again.

The Civil War Days are so much fun. A live period event that really teaches kids and the community…read moreabout our history. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and the canon was super cool. Would recommend anyone who is near to stop in and check it out!

Hawthorn Glen is a 23-acre nature center that primarily serves as a field trip location on weekdays…read morefor 12,000 children annually. Natural features include steep bluffs, flood-plain hardwood forest, spring-fed wetland, and a restored prairie. Visitors to this urban nature center can explore five different habitats interconnected by a trail system. The public is welcome to utilize the facility and the well-marked ¾ mile self-guided nature trail in the evenings or on weekends (the lower trail is mostly blacktopped and ADA accessible). Many seasonal programs are offered on the weekends. Trails are designated for hiking only. Hikers are reminded to leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories, and watch for wildlife. Hawthorn Glen is home to deer, foxes, raccoons, opossum, rabbits, chipmunks, woodchucks, two species of hawks, many migratory birds, and songbirds of all kinds year-round. The website states, also, "Come visit our Nature Museum and see native animals of Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles and our six foot bullsnake. It is open weekdays (4:00-5:00 pm) and weekends (11:00-11:45 am and 3:00-4:00 pm). Admission is FREE." Check out the Hawthorn Glenn YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru99rqELBcA

A lovely and unexpected sanctuary in the middle of the city. Located in Wauwatosa, Hawthorne and…read moreGlen is a perfect place for families, couples, or anybody who wants to go on a hike, have a picnic, or go into their little educational center. If you're just up for a short, beautiful hike, I recommend going here. You will not feel like you are in the middle of the city. It is beautiful, and we had an incredible hike! It would be a beautiful place to have a picnic, or bring your kids as they have children's playgrounds and the educational center. They even have goose ducks and a few animals that you can go look at.

Ah, Camp Edwards. A second home. I earned my purple last year, and the ceremony was probably one of…read morethe best experiences I've ever had. I am already signed up for Session 3 2024!! Let's go, baby!! Last year as a Trekker, and I already know I'm doing LIT and JL. The cabins are great, you get to swim in the lake.. What more could you want? My counselors and JLs from previous years have been amazing. Enthusiastic, fun and very nice. I would give this a 100/5 if I could. From a camper who has been going here for six years, SEND YOUR KIDS HERE!! They will love it.

Went to this summer camp as a kid for 6 years. I'm now 18 and I still miss going there. Some of the…read morebest experiences of my life. Definitely recommend for any parents looking for a camp for their kids.

We had a great experience at Greek Fest this year…read more We didn't know what to expect as this was our first time but they did a great job with posting offerings, prices and locations of each beforehand on their site. The portions were generous. The lamb dinner came with delicious rice, salad and plenty of lamb. The gyros were also stacked and the souvlaki was perfect. We also started with the saganaki- perfectly crispy and salty cheese. The drinks were offered by the same company that handles State Fair so you can get cans of beer for $8-9, glasses of wine or they had some frozen cocktails. My only gripe was that they didn't post which gate to enter from. There are so many and when we walked to the pedestrian gate from 2024, we were told we couldn't walk through the grounds to greek fest. The staff helping with food and drinks were great - cooking and bringing up food as quick as they could. Friendly, too! Wish the music would've started sooner but we opted to head out since it was mostly food, games/rides for kids or a small area for greek shopping. However, food was worth it! Definitely check it out!

Ok,this is the 2nd year the chicken was so tough like rub and way over seasoned!…read moreA waste of $15 for one whole chicken. The salad not very good, only 2 olives and 1 piece of cheese 2 cherrie tomatoes, one small dressing,piece of bread,such tint olives for $10 was definitely not worth it. I though I could get filled up on the rice but it was literally crunchy and hard! No easy access for people with disabilities. Had to have my mom walk in for the food to take home because drive through was already closed. Such a waste of money for 3 bites of rubbery smokey over seasoned chicken,lame salad and crunch rice made me decide to not go back for a 3rd time. They are rushing the cooking and not tasting b4 selling to make huge profits. That's stealing people's money. Wauwatosa Greek Fest chicken was horrible last year however, nice and tender this year,great salad,olives,cheese,rice,bread,gyro and portions were worth the price! Please stop rushing the cooking time and taste test b4 selling...I mean how can you mess up rice!?