You’ve apple picked, you’ve pumpkin patched and now, how else can we entertain our kids (and ourselves) before the snow arrives?

1. The Milwaukee Public Museum never gets old and it’s open again! It recently announced its plans to move to the Deer District, along with Betty Brinn’s Children Museum though a timeline wasn’t provided.

2. Milwaukee Food and City Tours aren’t just for adults. Consider booking a private family tour and choosing one of their suggested itineraries or picking your own for a small or large group.

3. Bug and Goose Play Cafe is a new play cafe in the village of Elm Grove and it’s geared toward busy (and messy) toddlers. Sign up for a private visit, story times and more. Great for socializing if you’re kids aren’t in school yet.

4. Take a hike at Havenwoods State Forest. Did you know that Wisconsin's only urban state forest is just 15 minutes from the North Shore? There is 237 acres of grasslands, woods and wetlands, and six miles of trails to explore. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by sandhill cranes like we were on our last visit.

5. Ride the Hop Streetcar - Check their site often because they do organize tours and events from time to time, but kids always love the novelty going for a ride. Even if you just park at the Intermodal station and ride the Third Ward loop a few times, it’ll kill an hour and give your kids plenty to look at.

   One last suggestion from a self-proclaimed organizing addict – being stuck home when the weather is cold doesn’t have to be a curse. Make it a productive and cathartic day by purging and organizing your space. I’ve found that my kids play more when there is less clutter in their play room. Also, simply by moving toys around from one room to another, they’ve rediscovered many old toys that didn’t get much use.

   Of course once the snow comes there is much more to consider like skiing, sledding and ice skating, but I think we’re all fine to hold off on potentially troublesome snow for a few months after the way this year has gone, right?