Winter has finally come and gone. And it was a long one.

In April, we begin to plan and dream about long summer days. Mostly to cope with a month that can bring endless cold and rainy days, where your will to live decreases each day it doesn’t get above 40 degrees. This is the one month where we all collectively declare that THIS IS THE YEAR WE WILL LEAVE MILWAUKEE FOREVER.

And yet we don’t. Because May leads to June and four glorious months of weather where you can spend every single minute outside.

But this year, summer was slow to arrive, so we did what all true Milwaukee dwellers do in the darker months of the year.

Oh, and dream of all of the things we’ll do once the weather cooperates.

Here are some things you can do this summer with your bored kids, now that the days are getting longer and the main reason they were shuttled to bed by 7:59 each Sunday night is gone.

5 things to do this summer in Milwaukee

1. Bookworm Gardens
   • This one always tops the favorite list. Inspired by children’s literature, Bookworm Gardens is a magical space. Wander through flower lined pathways (forged by fairies?). Sit in the natural spaces and read books you once loved as a kid. This is a Milwaukee area gem.
2. Lynden Sculpture Gardens
   • Another natural space where the kids can run and explore, Lynden has more than 50 sculptures placed across 40 acres of park, lake and woodland. Bring a sketch book and a blanket. Prepared to be inspired.
3. Old World Wisconsin
   • Grab your Laura Ingalls hat and head over to Old World Wisconsin, where you can pretend that you are living circa 1860. For the middle school kids who are SO OVER pretending and embarrassed by your prairie dress, there is still a lot of history they can learn. At the very least, they might come to appreciate all of the modern amenities like flushing toilets and running water.
4. Atwater Park
   • Everyone knows about Bradford Beach for city beach fun. Atwater Park is slightly less popular. Perhaps due to the steep stairs down to the beach – but be brave, it’s well worth the effort. Pack a picnic, get ready to climb, and enjoy a less crowded beachfront.
5. Any of the Milwaukee Beer Gardens
   • When all else fails, remember that most of the beer gardens are located near playgrounds. A win for all.