Thinkin' Spring, Hmmm?

Spring Break!
Staycation-Style
(Updated 6/10/2014)             

Written by Just Add Kids Founder,

Paula Herrmann

 

Not on your way to Phoenix or Florida or somewhere else south where your face won't freeze? Nah, me neither. It's spring break for a great number of us, and I'm sure like some of you, traveling far far away just wasn't in the cards for me and my family. C'mon and give a big "boo hoo" with me.

Well, dang it, we've got 40's in our future, and just because I'm stuck here in good 'ole Southeastern Wisconsin, doesn't mean I can't get escape the cold. Come with me as I share some options...Read more....

I'm not going to overwhelm you, or myself. I've got to work most of the next coming week, yet I am going to break away.  So, here are 3 unique ideas, I think!

The first thing that pops into my mind is warmth and water....Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark! Located in Lake Geneva, our destination is probably an hour or less away from any one of us. You can stay for the day, or spend the day and night (or a couple of them) on site. Day passes for the 50,000 square foot waterpark are now available, as in year's past, they were not. And get this, pay just $109 and you get 5 waterpark passes, and a hotel suite to boot for the day (based on availability). I like the idea of changing, eating, chillin' (no, not freezing...relaxing!) in the privacy of your own family suite. Click here for details. However, if you want to spend the night, you must check out this Just Add Kids EXCLUSIVE overnight offer, with rates starting at $99 per night.

Next on my mind for a mini escape? The Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee. There are 3 glass beehive shaped domes: the Desert, Tropical, and Floral Show domes that have a distinct climate and exhibit plants in a naturalistic setting. During this time, the Desert Dome is presently closed for maintenance, however, should be open in a few weeks....dang! However, I can fulfill my desire for humidity by visiting and taking in the beauty of the Tropical Dome. Ahhhh! And currently on display in the Floral Show Dome is the Gas Lamp Express: Garden Train Show where G-scale trains wind their way along 600 feet of track though a Victorian landscape, in celebration of the industrialized world in the age of steam-powered technology. I'm so there....kiddos in tow.  The Domes are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.  Admission ranges from $4.50 - $7. This Sunday, you can enjoy a slice of Ireland with your family at Irish Family Day and experience dancing, music, demonstrations, displays, arts, crafts, activities, and food! Click here to visit the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) webpage.

How about some indoor action? Gotta keep moving to keep warm, right? We're not getting too far over forty! There are a number of indoor activity centers for families with kids of all ages. Here's a list:

America's Action Territory - (Kenosha) A wide choice of indoor and outdoor attractions, games and food selections. Indoor options are: arcade, bumper cars, BallOCity, laser tag, and The Heist.
Monkey Joe's - (Kenosha and Waukesha) Children’s party and play destinations with 9 giant inflatable jumps and slides perfect for children 12 and younger includes the Mini Monkey Zone area for children ages 3 and younger.
Chasing Tales for Kids - (updated 6/10/2014 OPENING 6/21/2014) -(Oak Creek)  An indoor playground that offers both recreational and educational experiences for young children. Available for free play, birthday party hosting, story time, and special events.
Lotza Fun Room - (Muskego) Exciting play experience for children ages 5 and under.  We offer a clean and safe playroom with a variety of different toys and activities for children to enjoy.
Bounce Realm - (Greenfield) Indoor Party and Play Center for children 12 and under. Inflatable party place, playground,  arcade and movie theater.
Family Tree Haus -(Franklin) Indoor playground for children up to 10 years old.
JumpZone - (Franklin) Party and Play Center which features massive, themed inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses kids love, interactive games, toddler activities and more.
Up Up & Play (updated 6/10/2014 CLOSED) - (Bay View) Indoor playground and learning space. A place for imagination to run wild and kids to run free.
Bounce Milwaukee - (Milwaukee) Inflatable sports arena, laser tag, rock climbing, obstacle courses and much more!
The Big Backyard, LLC - (New Berlin) An indoor playground and birthday party center that provides a fun, clean, and safe place for children ages 0-8 to play, celebrate special events, and learn through our enrichment opportunities.
Helium Trampoline Park - (New Berlin) Features 140 trampolines with Open Jump All Day Everyday!
Kids In Motion - (New Berlin) Open Play area for toddlers/preschoolers, laser tag for ages 5 and older, arts and crafts, and cafeteria.
StoneFire Pizza Company - (New Berlin) A state of the art arcade area with touchscreen arcades, classic pinball, and old standbys like skee-ball; bumper cars, mini-bowling, multi-level BallOCity, Frog Hopper ride, candy store, buffet & sports bar!
Sky Zone Milwaukee - (Waukesha) Indoor trampoline park offering active fun for all ages.

UPDATE 6/10/2014....make sure to check this week's JAK Chat blog being published on Thursday, June 12th for additional list of options including rec centers such as bowling alleys, gymnastic clubs, and more!

So, do you think you can getaway? I hope so!
Think Spring!