To celebrate dads, the Milwaukee County Parks is offering families a variety of fun activities, including pig roasting, hiking and a sauna.
Military Vehicle Display
Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive (in Whitnall Park)
Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dads can come and enjoy restored and unrestored former military transportation vehicles courtesy of the members of the Midwest Military Vehicle Association. Vehicles range from a Vietnam-Era ambulance to large, armored vehicles.
The Botanical Gardens open at 8 a.m. for those that want to enjoy the flowers early.
Admission:
- Adults (18 and up): $5.50
- Students (with ID): $4.50
- Seniors (60 and up with ID): $4.50
- Youth (6-17): $3.50
The gardens will also offer a special Father’s Day brunch, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations and pricing are available here.
Call the Botanical Gardens at (414) 525-501 for more information.
Nature Hikes & Kids Nature Programs
Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Ave. (in Whitnall Park)
Sunday, June 18, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Families can participate in self-guided hikes of the prairie, woodlands, wetlands, the oak savanna and Mallard Lake.
The NatureNauts program, Flickering Fireflies, is for families with 4- to 6-year-old children. From 1 to 2 p.m., kids can discover the secrets of fireflies. Kids will make and take home a firefly craft that lights up.
Admission:
- $12/child for the NatureNauts program (non-resident of Milwaukee County)
- $10/child for the NatureNauts program (Milwaukee County resident)
- $7/child for the NatureNauts program (accompanied by member of Friends of Wehr)
For more information, call Wehr at (414) 425 – 8550.
Father’s Day Pig Roast
Whitnall Park Beer Garden, 8831 N. Root River Parkway, Greendale
Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dads can enjoy a craft brew (with 24 tap selections) while enjoying barbecue from the grill. The beer garden opens at 11 a.m. and the pig roast will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Beginning at 3 p.m., enjoy the sounds of modern folk and indie rock.
Enjoy other beer gardens around the city:
South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden – 2900 S. Shore Drive
Grant Park, Picnic Area 5 – 100 E. Hawthorne Ave. (Traveling Beer Garden)
Froemming Park – 8801 S. 51 St. (Traveling Beer Garden)
Details are available here. Last call is at 9 p.m.
FinnishTraveling Sauna
Juneau Park – 900 N. Prospect Ave
Sunday, June 18 – Monday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Families can experience the traveling sauna on a first come, first served basis, for a donation of $10 per person. The cultural event will feature Nordic beer, Finnish stories, music, desserts and merchandise. The Gouda Girls food truck will also be on-site, selling soups and sandwiches.
The sauna seats five bathers. Participants must wear a bathing suit and bring a towel. A shower will be available. For more information, contact Lindaspensala@aol.com or visit travelingsauna.com.
Summer Floral Show
The Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd.
Sunday, June 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Families can enjoy the “Ultra Violet” floral display as they stroll through a purple garden, with purple-hued plants and sculptures. A variety of summer flowers and abstract sculptures will also be on display.
Admission:
Adults (age 18 and up): $7
Seniors (60 and up w/ ID): $5
Students (w/ ID): $5
Children (5 and under): Free
For more information, call The Domes at (414) 257 – 5611 or visit countyparks.com.
For $99, Dad can enjoy a gold package to be used at Currie, Dretzka, Grant, Greenfield, Oakwood, and Whitnall, Golf Courses (and $115 at Brown Deer). Dad receives:
- A certification for 18 holes of golf with a car, valid anytime during the 2017 season
- A golf shirt chosen by the family
- A cigar or sleeve of premium balls (Titleist Pro V1, TaylorMade TP5 or Callaway Chrome Soft) chosen by the family
For more information, visit the county golf course website.
