Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Go Figure!
Explore mathmatics with some of your favorite storybook characters. Help Frog and Toad sort buttons by size, color and number of holes. Help Arthur solve schedule conflicts on his calendar. And see how you measure up to the Three Bears. This nationally traveling exhibit will remain at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum through March 12. 929 E. Wisconsin. (414) 390-5437, bbcmkids.org.

Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes
Historic sculptures, paintings and other objects tell the story of the 264 popes who have headed the Roman Catholic Church, impacted world history and influenced Western civilizations. Feb. 4–May 7 at the Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St. (414) 319-4629, mpm.edu.

Stardate: Ancient Horizons
The Gary E. Sampson Planetarium presents an entertaining, enlightening program for school-age children and their parents. 7 pm. Free will donations accepted. Reservations required. Wauwatosa West High School, 11400 W. Center St. Wauwatosa. (414) 773-3390.

The Little Red Hen
An M&W Playhouse production tailored to children in preschool through 2nd grade. March 1–3 at 10 am. $8.75. Reservations required. Raggs Kids Clubhouse at Southridge Mall. (414) 272-7701, mandwproductions.com.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Annie Jr.
March 3–19. Theatre on Main presents a stirring musical production for the whole family. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. 25 S. Main St. Oconomowoc. For more information including ticket prices, call (262) 567-2238.

Friends of the Elm Grove Library used book sale
Huge assortment of books in all genres, as well as used music tapes, CDs, DVDs, books on tape and puzzles. Friday, 9 am–6 pm; Saturday Half Priced Book Sale, 9 am–5 pm; Sunday $3/Bag Sale, noon–4 pm. Elm Grove Library, 13600 Juneau Blvd. Elm Grove. (262) 782-6717.

Frosty Flicks
Enjoy popcorn and a family movie for just $2.50 at participating Marcus theaters including: Menomonee Falls • Ridge • South Shore • Hillside • North Shore • Marc Sheboygan

March 3–4 Yours, Mine & Ours
March 10–11 Hoodwinked
March 17–18 Eight below

THE SCIENCE BAG SHOW
"Ingenious Insects: Lessons We Can Learn From Them," by Rebecca Klaper, scientist, Great Lakes WATER Institute. This fun, interactive show is designed for families with kids ages 8 to teens. Fridays in March (March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31) at 8 p.m. Also a Sunday matinee on March 12  at 2 p.m. All shows are free and are in the Physics Building (corner of Kenwood Boulevard and Cramer Street), room 137. For more information, visit uwm.edu.

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers
2 pm performance presented by the Children’s Theatre of Wauwatosa. $3. Tickets will be available at the door. Wauwatosa East High School, 7500 Milwaukee Ave. Wauwatosa. (414) 476-6311.

Family Free Day at the Zoo
See the animals for free, courtesy of Jewel-Osco. 9 am–4:30 pm. Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Rd. (414) 771-3040, milwaukeezoo.org.

Get Ready for Camping
Have you ever wanted to go camping but just weren’t sure what to take, or didn’t know how to start a campfire? This family program covers the basics of camping, including putting up tents, starting fires and tying knots. 10:30 am–noon. Free. Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N. Hopkins St. (414) 527-0232.

The Three Wishes puppet show
Presented by Mark McKillip’s Puppet Arte Troupe. 10:30 am. Central Library’s Betty Brinn Children’s Room, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 286-3091, mpl.org.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Admirals Family Sunday
The Admirals take on the Chicago Wolves. 4 pm. Enjoy the excitement of an Admirals hockey game — then storm the ice and skate at the Bradley Center (bring your own skates). Ask for a Family Four Pack to get four $15 tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $34. Purchase Family Four Packs 24 hours in advance. 1001 N 4th St. (414) 227-0550, milwaukeeadmirals.com.

COMPASS Guide Coaching for teens
Teens receive free help finding college, scholarship and financial aid information. No appointment is necessary for these one-on-one sessions with a UW-Milwaukee COMPASS Guide coach. 1:30–4:30 pm. Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. For more information, call (414) 229-6453.

Monday, March 06, 2006

Maple Magic
Bring your little one to Wehr Nature Center to discover the source of sweet maple syrup. Hear the story of Maggie, the Maple Tree, make a maple craft, wrap your arms around a tree trunk, and taste some syrup on top of a flapjack. 9:30–10:30 am (for 2-year-olds); 11 am–noon (for 3-year-olds). $7/child. Register one week in advance. 9701 W. College Ave. Franklin. (414) 425-8550.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Stardate: Ancient Horizons
The Gary E. Sampson Planetarium presents an entertaining, enlightening program for school-age children and their parents. 7 pm. Free will donations accepted. Reservations required. Wauwatosa West High School, 11400 W. Center St. Wauwatosa. (414) 773-3390.

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Brain Games for Babies and Toddlers
Early childhood experiences play a dramatic role in determining how a child's brain is wired. Learn fun, interactive games designed to optimize your child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Cheri Farnsworth and Robin Webe of Ozaukee Family Services will facilitate. 10:30 am–noon. Free. Logemann Community Center, 6110 W. Mequon Rd. Mequon. Preregister by calling (262) 376-7774.


For Better or Worse
Learn ways to improve communication and listening skills, and strengthen feelings of empathy and enjoyment with your spouse. Mequon Clinical Associates therapists Colleen Lantzy, MA, LMFT, and Bob Blazich, LCSW, will facilitate. 6:30–8 pm. Free. Preregister. Ozaukee Family Services, 885 Badger Cir. Grafton. (262) 376-7774.

Friday, March 10, 2006

Frosty Flicks
Enjoy popcorn and a family movie for just $2.50 at participating Marcus theaters including: Menomonee Falls • Ridge • South Shore • Hillside • North Shore • Marc Sheboygan
The Frosty Flicks lineup is:
March 10–11 Hoodwinked

Tom Sawyer
March 10–April 9. Tom and his best friend, Huck Finn, have a fondness for making mischief in their hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. But their sometimes dangerous adventures leave them with more than scrapes. Follow their journey of friendship, love and heartbreak during a First Stage Children’s Theater performance at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts’s Todd Wehr Theater. $9.50–$19.50. 929 N. Water St. For tickets, call (414) 273-7206 or visit firststage.org.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

It’s Artastic!
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s new permanent exhibit helps kids explore the visual, language and performing arts. Conduct a virtual performance of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra using cutting-edge software. Learn different dances from around the world or create your own choreography. Use hand and shadow puppets, marionettes, props and sound effects to produce a performance in the kid-sized theater. Make craft masterpieces to take home, and enjoy storytelling, poetry and ad-libbing activities. It’s Artastic! opens March 11. 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.

Journey into Space
A Retzer Nature Center Family Fun program in cooperation with the Carles Z. Horwitz Planetarium. Families spend time together learning about space, watching the night skies and creating model constellations to take home. 10 am–noon. $10/family of four, $2.50/additional person. Register by March 8. S14 W28167 Madison St. Waukesha. (262) 896-8007.

My Amazing Body
What’s the largest organ in the human body? What are the five senses? What organ is the boss of the body? Kids ages 3 to 6 learn the answers to these interesting questions — and more — during an interactive science program at North Shore Elite Fitness and Racquet Club. 5–8 pm. $30 fee includes a healthy snack and drink. 5750 N. Glen Park Rd. Glendale. For more information or to register, call Jodi Schmidt
(414) 351-2900.  


Once on this Island Jr.
The Milwaukee Youth Theater presents a Caribbean adaptation of the popular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. Enjoy the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a young man from a wealthy family. The production includes lively Caribbean music. 12:30 pm. For families with children ages 3 and up. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414)
390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.


Play in the Water Cycle
Become part of a giant water cycle during this fun family program at Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center. Travel down a river, go through a plant and even get licked up by an animal! Drop in anytime, 9 am–noon. Free. 6141 N. Hopkins St. (414) 527-0232.

Wearin’ of the Green
Enjoy a storytime with a St. Patrick’s Day twist with storyteller Judy Farrow-Busack. 10:30 am. Central Library’s Betty Brinn Children’s Room, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 286-3091, mpl.org.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Children’s acting auditions: The Wizard of Oz
Children ages 5 to 15 are invited to audition for Waukesha Civic Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Auditions take place Sunday, 5–8 pm; and Monday and Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 pm. No appointments necessary. Ralph North Studio Theatre, Margaret Brate Bryant Civic Theatre, 264 W. Main St. Waukesha. For more information, call (262) 547-4911 or visit waukeshacivictheatre.org.

Shall We Dance?
Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony presents a classical concert for all ages, highlighting the music of the ballet. 3 pm. A pre-concert children’s orientation session begins at 2:45 pm in the east lobby. $14/adult, $8/child. The Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St. For tickets, call (414) 286-3663 or visit pabsttheater.org.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Self-esteem, Social Skills Last Forever
Children enhance their self-esteem and social skills through specially-designed activities. For families with children ages 5 to 12 years old. Mondays through March 27, 5:30–7 pm. Call for details or to register. Parents Place, 1570 E. Moreland Blvd. Waukesha. (262) 549-5575.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Eat to Live — Well!
Good food builds healthy families. Parents and children, together with Children’s Health Education Center staff, learn what foods the human body needs to stay healthy and strong. Call for a schedule of activities. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.

Furaha!
African Music Workshop for families Special guest Mut Sanut shares African songs, dance and instruments during this fun, cultural program at The Family Resource Center of Sherman Park. All ages are welcome. 10–11:30 am. Free. 3302 N. Sherman Blvd. Please call to register. (414) 444-5760.


Jewel-Osco Neighborhood Night
Enjoy free admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 5–8 pm, courtesy of Jewel-Osco. An Artists Working in Education workshop for kids ages 3 and up will take place 6:30–7:30 pm. Create your own masterpiece to take home! Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.


My Tag Is Itchy and My Socks Feel Funny
Is your child overly bothered by tags on clothing, food textures or loud sounds? Learn more about sensory integration and find ways to work with your child’s sensitivities instead of against them. This seminar will be led by occupational therapist Diane Vepraskas of the Grafton School District. 6:30–8 pm. Free. Preregister. Ozaukee Family Services, 885 Badger Cir. Grafton. (262) 376-7774.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Frosty Flicks
Enjoy popcorn and a family movie for just $2.50 at participating Marcus theaters including: Menomonee Falls • Ridge • South Shore • Hillside • North Shore • Marc Sheboygan
The Frosty Flicks lineup is:
March 17–18 Eight below

Gymboree’s Pajama Party
Bring your child (age 1 to 5) and have a great time hanging out in your jammies! Sleep in the “bunk beds” or take a “bubble bath,” then enjoy a bedtime snack. 6–7 pm. $20. Preregister. Gymboree Play & Music, 2205 N. Calhoun Rd. Brookfield. (262) 641-0414.


Music Makers
Kids ages 2 1/2 to 5 play rhythmic instruments, move and sing, experiencing the benefits of early music and movement activities with Wisconsin Conservatory of Music education staff. 1 pm. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Action Songs and Stories
Central Library hosts a children’s sing-along with entertainer Douglas Udell. 10:30 am. Betty Brinn Children’s Room, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 286-3091, mpl.org.

Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers
2 pm performance presented by the Children’s Theatre of Wauwatosa. $3. Tickets will be available at the door. Wauwatosa West High School, 11400 W. Center St. Wauwatosa. (414) 476-6311.

Howlers: Coyotes and Foxes
Did you know that there are foxes and coyotes at Havenwoods? Drop in and learn about these canines, make some fox ears, pretend to be a coyote, play a game of “Coyotes and Geese” and more. All ages welcome. 9 am–noon. Free. Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N. Hopkins St. (414) 527-0232.

Story Time in the Galleries
Explore artwork, artists and authors throughout the Milwaukee Art Museum’s galleries. Read a book that relates to a Museum artist or artwork, then create interpretive drawings of the story to take home. Children ages 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30 am. Free with general admission. 700 N. Art Museum Dr. (414) 224-3200, mam.org.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

JuggleFest
Shorewood High School hosts Milwaukee’s first ever JuggleFest! Enjoy an extravaganza of flying clubs, knives, balls and items you never saw fly before. See professional jugglers Mark Hayward and Jason Kollum, plus local kids who can really juggle! Bring some items to juggle or purchase some after the show to join in the fun. 1–3 pm (show); 3–4 pm (juggling clinic). $8 at door, $5 in advance. 1701 W. Capitol Dr. Shorewood. For tickets or to enroll in a juggling class, call (414) 963-6913.


Admirals Family Sunday
The Admirals take on the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights. 4 pm. Enjoy the excitement of an Admirals hockey game — then storm the ice and skate at the Bradley Center (bring your own skates). Ask for a Family Four Pack to get four $15 tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $34. Purchase Family Four Packs 24 hours in advance. 1001 N 4th St. (414) 227-0550, milwaukeeadmirals.com.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

March Movement Madness!
Warm up with some basketball fun. Try dribbling drills, ball-passing and relays in Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s Toys By Us area. After the warm up, shoot some hoops, create your own basketball trading cards, meet Bango — the Milwaukee Bucks mascot — and receive a Milwaukee Bucks poster. 1–2 pm. 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.

VeggieTales Rockin’ Tour LIVE
Silly songs ensue when Bob the Tomato — who stars as the show’s stage manager — tries to keep the crew to a strict song list. This Big Idea production is all veggie — and all about God. Shows at 4:15 and 7:15 pm. $8–$15, $5 for ages 2 and younger. Elmbrook Church, 777 Barker Rd. Brookfield. For tickets, call the Garden of Readin’ at (262) 796-5720.

Saturday, March 25, 2006

11th Annual Yo-Yo Convention & Celebration
The Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum in Burlington hosts yo-yo contests, demonstrations and hands-on experimentation with a variety of these popular toys. 3–5 pm. Preregister for a 9 am yo-yo class. Meet yo-yo masters and collectors during a special exhibition, 6–8 pm. Call for costs or to register for the class. 533 Milwaukee Ave. Burlington. (262) 763-3946.


American Girls Fashion Show
Girls, mothers and grandmothers celebrate the spirit of girlhood during an American Girl-themed fashion show at Boerner Botanical Gardens, featuring historical and contemporary American Girl fashions and Bitty Baby outfits for younger girls. Attendees enjoy the show, refreshments, party favors and the photo station, and have the chance to win American Girl dolls and accessories ($5/raffle ticket). This event is not recommended for girls under 5. Saturday shows ($30) at 9 am, 1 pm and 5 pm. Sunday Bloomin’ Breakfast Buffet show ($50) is at 11 am. Preregister. 5879 S. 92nd St. Hales Corners. (414) 525-5653.

Maple Sugarin’ open house at Riveredge Nature Center
March 25–26. Hear the legends of how sap was discovered by various Indian tribes and how white settlers adapted the process. Play pioneer games, make a spile (a spout placed in a tree to direct sap), carry buckets of sap to the evaporator, and taste fresh maple syrup on a homemade flapjack. Stop in Saturday or Sunday, 10:30 am–3 pm. $4.25/adult, $2.25/child (ages 4 to 12), free for ages 3 and under. 4458 W. Hawthorne Dr. Newburg. (800) 287-8098.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Feast for the Beasts Pancake Breakfast
This Zoological Society fundraiser benefits the animals of the Milwaukee County Zoo. Enjoy all the pancakes you care to eat, Usinger’s Famous Sausage, applesauce and beverages. 7:30 am–1 pm. $5.25/adult, $3.75/child (ages 2 to 12). Advance tickets cost less. Parking is free, but zoo admission is not included. Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W. Bluemound Rd. (just east of the zoo). Tickets can be purchased at Tri City National Bank locations and online at zoosociety.org. For more information, call (414) 258-2333.

Wisconsin State Yo-Yo Contest and beginner’s class
Kids ages 8 and up learn 10 yo-yo tricks and get a good yo-yo to keep during a 10 am beginner’s class at the Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum ($22. Preregister). At 1 pm, Wisconsin’s Annual Yo-Yo Contest will begin, with prizes for various age divisions ($5/person). Due to space limitations, no strollers will be allowed in the Museum. 533 Milwaukee Ave. Burlington. (262) 763-3946, topmuseum.org.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Music Jamboree
Sing, dance and explore your imagination. Families with children ages 5 and younger enjoy a music education program featuring the nationally-recognized Music Together method. 10:30 am. Space is limited. Register at the Information Desk the day of the workshop. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, bbcmkids.org.