by River Roshana

Created on: April 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 09, 2009

Summer in Milwaukee is a delight because this is THE place where parks and nature sanctuaries have activities FIT for the hot season.Enjoying during the warm summer season isn't expensive even when you decide to bring your friends or family along. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, boating, swimming, or simply nature tripping are some of the things you and your family can enjoy during the summer months.

- First to visit is the Milwaukee Country Parks Department if you wish to plan a day of outing near the Milwaukee river. This river flows through the most picturesque route through the city so be prepared to see several other low rapids.Enjoy kayaking or try riding the canoe as you flow from the North Avenue to reach the harbor. Feel the excitement as you stream through different access water pathways before you reach the harbor.

- Have fun at the Havenwood State Forest at Hopkins Street which is basically some 200 plus acres of wildlife and old trees hidden within Milwaukee's urban scene. If you are a nature lover, you may enjoy the parks' recreational summer activities such as hiking through a mini forest, enjoying a "nature trail" tour or simply having a fun camping day with your family.

- Try a visit to the Schlitz Audubon Center in 1111 E. Brown Deer Road which is a surprisingly recreational and educational place which offers both locals and tourists nature exhibits and workshops, but that's not all. This place also is a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can get involved in activities such as sightseeing, hiking six miles of trails, or even trying climbing a 60-foot "tower" within the park. When you reach the top, the awesome reward is the spectacular sight of the whole sanctuary and Lake Michigan!

- Summer and flowers go together like hand and glove so also drop by Boerner Botanical Gardens. Treat your senses by enjoying the colors and scents of a thousand different kinds of flowers.This is known as one of the world's best "horticultural exhibit" for florists, garden enthusiats and nature lovers.

Visit the 1000 acre Whitnall Park Arboretum, and see the different landscaped assortments of perennials, herbs, and annuals. There is also a Rock Garden but do not miss the largest ornamental Crab Apple Tree collection in America! Go shopping for seeds and flowers so you too can have your own floral garden when you get home.

- The Wehr Nature Center in 9701 W. College Avenue is another nature center where you can take your family during the summer. This center was created and is managed by the University of Wisconsin to inform visitors of the need for more environmental awareness. Enjoy a filed trip or attend a lecture as you are given a tour through this special place and see the woods, the prairie lands and the lake.

- Summer is more comfy when you spend it in a Dome and that's what the Mitchell Park Horticultural Domes offer during the spring and summer months. Known by the locals as "The Domes", these are three horticultural glass structures that are about 6 stories high. Each dome has a theme : there's the Arid Dome which shows visitors a prototype of the deserts of Africa,South America and Mexico; then there's the Tropical Dome which is basically a tropical rainforest featuring some 1000 species of tropical plants including flowers, foliage and trees and even a waterfall. The Show Dome is where the best floral displays are displayed.

Most of these parks offer activities such as water sports, summer camps, fishing, boating, and hiking. Summer in Milwaukee can never be boring as long as you love nature and you own a camera! Keep clicking as you enjoy the spectacular scenery.

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