Skate Express

Ah, a good old-fashioned roller rink!  My kiddo had such fun skating for the first time!  She's been taking ice skating lessons, so I was curious how the roller skates would go.

Let's just say she appreciated when a "walker" became available :)

And, yes, in case you were wondering, they do have the requisite roller rink carpet.

Skate Express
 N9668 Frohling Drive ~ Watertown, WI ~ (920) 206-0555
Admission: $4-$7 depending on the session you choose, roller skate rental included

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac

Being on maternity, I had the opportunity to accompany my daughter on her daycare field trip to the Children's Museum of Fond du Lac.  It was a great time!

I had hoped to take my kiddo to this museum awhile ago, but they were closed while they were updating.  I'm not sure what the museum was like before, but we enjoyed it now.  It was smaller than some of the others I've been to.  There was plenty to keep the whole group of three- and four-year-olds occupied for the morning. 

The theme of the museum seems to be exploring the world, although I think most of the exhibits could have done a better job of really connecting to that theme.  One obvious one was the Persian Palace.

 

 My kiddo also enjoyed riding on the various modes of transportation.  That was actually what I noticed most throughout the whole museum.

 The Children's Museum also has a health area with a large climber and physical activitites.

I, for one, also appreciated the nursing area.  It is housed in the toddler area, which can be closed off to keep little ones in - or out! 

The Children's Museum of Fond du Lac is definitely worth checking out, and even though we probably tried just about everything there, it would be fun to go play again.

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac
75 W Scott St ~ Fond du Lac, WI ~ (920) 929-0707
Admission: $6, $5 seniors, under 1 free, membership available

Preview Post: Rieck's Lake Park

Rieck's Lake Park sounds like a great smaller alternative to the nearby Merrick State Park.  Rieck's Lake also has a (non-reservable) campground.  There is plenty of walking, and the park is home to a sheltered picnic area.  The playground has your average climber with a couple of slides and a few old-school pieces of equipment as well.  Plus, there's a ball diamond!

Rieck's Lake Park
North of Alma on State Highway 35 ~ Alma, WI ~ (608) 685-3330

Preview Post: Merrick State Park

Merrick State Park houses a campground on the Mississippi River.  It sounds great!  It's a big park with lots of trails.  They also have canoe rentals.

There are multiple picnic areas; some are reservable.  The park also has a playground.

Merrick State Park would be a great place to take the family for the weekend!

Merrick State Park
S2965 State Road 35 ~ Fountain City, WI ~ (608) 687-4936
Admission: A state park vehicle pass is required.  Daily ($7) or Annual ($25) passes are available.  They cost slightly more for out-of-state vehicles.

Preview Post: Castlerock Museum

This looks to be a unique museum.  Totally fascinating for kids who are interested, complete boredom for those who are not.  Castlerock is an armory museum with a wide array of old metal gear.  This is the kind of place I would stop if we needed a break on a road trip.  Or I would send my husband with the child who was interested if we happened to be in the area ;-)

Castlerock Museum
402 S 2nd St ~ Alma, WI ~ (608) 685-4231
Admission: $6 Adults, $4 Children, Under 4 Free

Preview Post: Buena Vista Park

This sounds like a great little park with quite a view!  I found a description on the Wings Over Alma website.  It sounds like a nice little spot for a picnic.  There are benches and a bit of a playground.  Restrooms are listed, but not sure if they're built or portable.

Buena Vista Park
Cty Rd E ~ Alma, WI

Preview Post: Alma Public Beach

So...Alma Public Beach.  I'm having a really hard time finding anything about the beach!  Anyone been there?  I think I found just one or two pictures, and if they really are the same beach, it looks like it would be nice for wading and playing in the sand.  Check it out and let me know!

Alma Public Beach
1 Mile north of Alma ~ Alma, WI