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Wisconsin Parent

Three Unique and Fun Things to do in Milwaukee

Mar 25, 2013 08:21PM ● By Guest Contributor

flickr Ed Bierman

Spring Break is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about fun things to do in Milwaukee while the kids are off of school.

An actual vacation to someplace warm is always fun, however if that isn't an option consider a staycation in the Milwaukee area (or a mini vacation to Milwaukee if you aren't from southeastern Wisconsin). Milwaukee offers many options for families. From unique Milwaukee icons like the Domes, to some of our fantastic museums like the Milwaukee Public Museum and Discovery World, there is no shortage of things to do in the area.

For those who are looking for something different, I have put together a list of three fun things to do in Milwaukee that residents or frequent visitors to the area may not have done before.

Palermo’s Pizza Factory Tour

palermos pizzaPalermo’s Pizza offers factory tours at Villa Palermo - their headquarters and manufacturing facility in the Menomonee Valley just east of Miller Park. Learn the history of Palermo’s and watch frozen pizzas being made. Tours start at $6.50 per person and include a slice of pizza at the conclusion of the tour.

If you’re not in the mood for the tour, the Palermo’s Pizzeria & Cafe offers fresh (not frozen!) pan pizzas that are made to order. The cafe offers indoor seating as well as a beautiful Tuscan-themed outdoor patio area. While you’re waiting for your pizza, browse the Palermo’s Company Store and pick up frozen pizzas and other Italian specialties to take home with you.

Visit the Palermo’s Pizza website for tour schedules.

Villa Palermo 3301 W. Canal Street Milwaukee, WI 53208

Miller Park Behind The Scenes Tour

Miller-ParkIf you have baseball fans in your family, check out the behind the scenes tours of Miller Park. Visitors will be able to see areas of the stadium that are typically off-limits to the general public.

Miller Park tours take place from April through September and feature an up-close look at the dugout, luxury suites, press box, and visitor’s clubhouse.

Tours cost $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 & under and seniors ages 60 & older. Children 2 & under are free. An MVP tour giving fans access to areas such as the interview room and batting cages is a few dollars more.

Tour availability varies depending on the Brewers schedule. For a full list of available dates and times, visit the Milwaukee Brewers website.

Miller Park One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214

Urban Ecology Center

urban ecology centerThe Urban Ecology Center is an indoor and outdoor classroom where visitors can learn about nature and the ecosystem of Milwaukee. There are three branches of the Urban Ecology Center in the city with the main branch located in Riverside Park along the Milwaukee River.

Along with 15 acres of natural habitat, the Riverside Park branch features a "green" building that houses a 40-foot rock climbing wall, a rooftop garden, and a display of live animals including snakes, turtles and frogs. The building also features an observation deck with beautiful views of the city.

Admission to the Urban Ecology Center is free! Learn more about the center and the other branches on the Urban Ecology Center website.

Urban Ecology Center 1500 E. Park Place Milwaukee, WI 53211

Your Turn...

Do you have any suggestions for unique and fun things to do in Milwaukee? If so, please leave a comment and let me know! :)