Free DNR Ice Fishing Clinics for Kids on Saturday
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring free ice fishing clinics for kids ages 15 and younger on Saturday, February 4. The clinics are being held at six local parks throughout the area. Children will learn the basics of ice fishing including ice safety, fishing techniques, equipment use, and knot tying. Each of the clinics is hosted by local fishing clubs. Clinics begin at 9 a.m. and run hourly until 3 p.m. (the last clinic starts at 2 p.m.)
Locations of the free fishing clinics are:
Milwaukee County
- Humboldt Park
- McCarthy Park
- McGovern Park
- Scout Lake Park
- Wilson Park
Waukesha County
- Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry
For more information, check out the DNR website.
Family Free Day at the Zoo on Saturday, February 4
Saturday, February 4 is Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. All visitors will receive free Zoo admission (parking fees still apply). The zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
North Shore Bank and Fox 6 sponsor several Family Free Days during the off-season. Family Free Days typically fall on the first Saturday of the month from November through April. The next Family Free Day is March 3.
More information on the Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Days can be found on the Milwaukee County Zoo website.
Buy One Get One Free Skate Rental at Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park
Rent two pairs of ice skates for the price of one at the Slice of Ice skating rink at Red Arrow Park with this week’s LivingSocial Families offer. For $8, you’ll receive a voucher valid for the rental of two pairs of skates. Red Arrow Park is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee at 920 N. Water Street (at the North East corner of Kilbourn and Water).
Although the description of the LivingSocial offer states that this deal includes “two general admissions”, admission to the Slice of Ice is always free. The only cost is ice skate rental. The LivingSocial vouchers can be used between 2 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The Slice of Ice can comfortably handle about 100 skaters, and since it’s refrigerated, it can stay open in warmer temperatures – as high as 50 degrees! In addition to ice skating, the park offers a warming house with restrooms, lockers, skate sharpening, and a Starbucks.
The Slice of Ice skate rental deal is available for the next week on the LivingSocial website.
Family Free Day at the Zoo on Saturday, January 7
Saturday, January 7 is Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Visitors will receive free Zoo admission (parking fees still apply). The zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
North Shore Bank and Fox 6 sponsor several Family Free Days during the off- season. Family Free Days typically fall on the first Saturday of the month from November through March. The next Family Free Day is February 4.
More information on the Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Days can be found on the Milwaukee County Zoo website.
Seven Affordable Things To Do in Milwaukee on New Year’s Eve
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to finalize your plans for New Year’s Eve! Here are some options and advice we’ve compiled for affordable New Year’s Eve events in Milwaukee.
Dining Out – A number of restaurants have special menus and require reservations for New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking to dine out, we suggest you call the restaurant of your choice and inquire about their menu and reservation options. If you’re looking to use a coupon, be aware that the Entertainment Book coupon policy states the coupons aren’t valid on major holidays such as New Year’s Eve. However, if you have a coupon you’d like to use, we suggest contacting the restaurant to see if they will accept the coupon. Chances are some businesses will still accept the coupons on a holiday as they won’t want to turn away business.
New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at the Mitchell Park Domes – The popular annual New Year’s Eve celebration is loaded with entertainment including children’s entertainers, crafts, balloons, and live music. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids (children 5 and under are free). The event takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information and to make reservations, visit the Friends of the Domes website.
Winter Fest Family Fun New Year’s Eve Celebration – A new celebration this year, Winter Fest offers many different family friendly activities. Starting at 6:30 p.m., there will be live entertainment, games and activities from Radio Disney, and Winter Fest activities including free ice skating and skate rental. At 8:30 p.m. and midnight, there will be a New Year’s countdown and ball drop. Admission is $15 at the door or $12 in advance from Ticketmaster. Children under three are free.
Free Ice Skating – Due to the warmer weather so far this winter, skating will not be available at any Milwaukee County ponds. The skating rink at Red Arrow Park is open, and free ice skating is available until 1:00 a.m. on New Years Eve/Day. Skate rentals are available.
As an alternative, the Pettit National Ice Center has open skate from noon to 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for kids. In Waukesha County, Eble Ice Arena is open from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A buy one, get one free admission coupon for Eble is available in the Entertainment Book.
Watch a movie at home – Watching movies is a popular choice with people who like to stay at home on New Year’s Eve. If you reserve a movie in advance on Redbox.com, you’ll pay only $1 (if you rent directly at a Redbox machine, the price is $1.20). Reserving in advance online is a good idea since the selection on New Year’s Eve may be limited.
Harlem Globetrotters at the Bradley Center – The Globetrotters are back for their annual New Year’s Eve appearance. Games are at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Bradley Center, and tickets start at $19 plus fees. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster and the Bradley Center box office. We recommend visiting the box office to avoid Ticketmaster fees.
The Polar Express at the IMAX – See the popular holiday movie, The Polar Express, at the Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater located at Milwaukee Public Museum. Show times are 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults ($8 for seniors/students/teens and $7 for children), and can be purchased online at the Milwaukee Public Museum website.
Do you know of any other fun and affordable options for New Year’s? If so, please leave a comment! Also, if you’re willing to spend a little more cash out on the town and are looking for a party, this list of from Between the Bars Milwaukee is a great resource.
