Adventure Awaits in Waukesha County Parks During 2020 Waukesha Janboree
Get out and embrace winter in Waukesha County Parks during the 35th Annual Waukesha JanBoree. The event will run for 10 days from January 17 – January 26, 2020, and offers many opportunities to try unique winter activities throughout Waukesha County.
“Come out and take advantage of all the wonderful things to do in Waukesha County throughout the winter,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “There is something for everyone to enjoy indoors and outdoors!”
Waukesha JanBoree is produced by the City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept. along with many community partners, including the Waukesha County Park System. JanBoree events taking place in the Waukesha County Park System are highlighted below. For more information, visit: http://www.janboree.org/, or call WPRF at 262-524-3737.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Friends of Retzer Nature Center’s Nature Passport Expedition (Noon. to 4 p.m.)
Trek on over and travel through various Nature Passport Expedition Stations to discover and learn about the wildlife found inside and out, weather permitting. Guided Winter Wildlife Hikes at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:00 pm (45 min. each). Or explore the nature trails on your own by hiking or with free use of snowshoes, weather permitting. Retzer Nature Center is located at S14W28167 Madison St. in Waukesha.
Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium Show (Noon to 3:30 p.m., 30 minute show every half-hour.)
Watch “A Teenager’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Created and hosted by cosmically curious teenagers from Milwaukee schools, this unique cosmic experience takes you on a dynamic journey across the universe and through time. Topics include black holes, cosmology, origins and fate of the universe, star cycles, sun, earth, origins & history, water origins, and chemistry. The School District of Waukesha’s planetarium is located at S14W28167 Madison St. at the Retzer Learning Center in Waukesha. For more information, call (262) 970-4139.
Ice Skating at Eble Park Ice Arena (2 to 4 p.m. - Doors open at 1:45 p.m.)
Bring your family and friends to Eble Park Ice Arena for free public skating! Open to the first 300 people. Skate rental is extra ($3/pair) and quantities are limited, so bring your own if you can, we can’t guarantee rental skates availability. Eble Park Ice Arena is located at 9400 W. Bluemound Rd. in Brookfield. For more information, please call (262) 784-7512.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Winter Tyke Hike at Retzer Nature Center (9 to 10 a.m.)
In the winter months, nature records fascinating activities of animals. We can tell a lot about animals by the signs they leave behind. Children ages 2-5 are invited to join us as we search for signs of animal activity and footprints. Use Retzer’s snowshoes or bring your own (snowshoe quantities may be limited). A trail hike will replace snowshoeing if snow cover is not adequate. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration (per child only, please do not register any accompanying adults) is required by January 17th, limited to the first 25 children. Register at https://www.janboree.org/2242/Winter-Tyke-Hike.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Sky Map Talk & Skywatch at Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium (6:30 to 7 p.m.)
Explore the night sky outside of the Planetarium using a sky map as a tool. Participants learn the basics of observing the night sky with little to no equipment. Pre-registration is required by January 22nd, limited to 50 people. Register at https://www.janboree.org/2243/Sky-Map-Talk.
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Adventures in Minooka Park (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Celebrate winter with fun activities all day long in Minooka Park, located at 1927 E. Sunset Dr. in Waukesha. The park entrance fee will be waived for visitors throughout the day to experience all the fun in the park!
- NEW! Frosty Pups Event & Photo Contest (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Vendors Noon to 3 p.m.)
Bring your pup for a frosty frolic in the off-leash Dog Exercise Area! Vendor giveaways from Noon-3 p.m. Submit a photo of your pet wearing their best winter attire on Waukesha County Parks Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WaukeshaCountyParks/ between January 20-24, for a chance to win a special pet prize basket!
- Ice-fishing Clinic (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Join the Muskellunge Club of Wisconsin for this hands-on ice fishing clinic. Stop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn great tips and tricks from fishing experts. Equipment and bait will be provided.
- Alaskan Malamute Dog Pull (11 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m.): Watch the dogs from the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin show off their strength by pulling up to 3,000 pounds on a wheeled cart! Held with or without snow.
- Candlelight Hike & Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden (3 p.m. to 7 p.m., hikes at 4 p.m.): Join Delafield Brewhaus in the enclosed shelter at Picnic Area 3, while taking in Minooka Park’s winter beauty. Keep warm by the campfire and venture on a self-guided candlelight hike. Chili and beverages available for purchase.
Ice Skating at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (3 to 5 p.m.)
Bring your family and friends to Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena for free public skating! Open to the first 300 people. Skate rental is extra ($3/pair) and quantities are limited, so bring your own if you can, we can’t guarantee rental skates availability. Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena is located at 2699 Golf Rd. in Delafield. For more information, call Naga-Waukee Ice Arena at (262) 646-7072.
All Week! Saturday, January 18 – Saturday, January 25, 2020
Frozen FootGolf at Moor Downs Golf Course (Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Try Winter FootGolf! A combination of golf and soccer. Kick a soccer ball into an oversized hole in the fewest amount of kicks. Bring your own soccer ball, a limited supply of balls will be available. Held with or without snow. Moor Downs Golf Course is located at 438 Prospect Ave. in Waukesha.
