Milwaukee Classic ... Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin

Milwaukee: More than Cheese, Beer and Football

You may be surprised to find so many attractions in Milwaukee that are fun for the family. Whether your family enjoys indoor or outdoor activities, sports or history, you'll have options to choose from in this beautiful city on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Starting with the Lake itself, you can enjoy its beauty from the shore. If you're in Milwaukee during the warmer months, you can do some wading in the lake. Small fishing boats are available for rent. If you're lucky enough to make a catch, you can find vendors on the pier who will clean your fish.

There is an array of other options for enjoying Lake Michigan by boat. Your family may enjoy a nighttime sailing, with views of the illuminated city.

If your style leans more toward the historic, a trip on the Wisconsin Lake Schooner is a good choice. It's a triple-mast schooner that started life as a floating classroom and has been refurbished to provide rides to the public.

Edelweiss Cruises offers another option. -- a bit pricier, but probably the best narration of the sites as you cruise along.

For a great family outing, check out the Milwaukee County Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the nation. You'll enjoy spacious exhibits showcasing the thousands of animals that make their home here.

There's more outdoor fun at Havenwoods State Forest. In summer, it's great for campers and hikers. In winter, it comes alive with cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.

If your family likes skating, head for the Pettit National Ice Center. It's the home rink of many gold-medal-winning Olympic speed skaters. You can rent skates and try your style on the large oval track. Call ahead for public skating times.

The Humphrey IMAX dome theater is a great place to see an engrossing film and have a bit of a rest during your busy day. Check ahead for the day's films and schedule.

Take into account your family's tastes when deciding whether to tour the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion from the late 1800s. It's elegant, but may not be something young children can appreciate.

However, don't let traveling with kids keep you from a highlight of Milwaukee -- the breweries. Miller Brewing Company and Pabst Brewery both offer guided free tours and welcome families. Most kids are fascinated by the equipment, assembly line and process that produce Wisconsin's well-known beverage.