Get Outside for 2021 Janboree in Waukesha County Parks
Get out of the house an enjoy winter during the 36th Annual Waukesha JanBoree in Waukesha County Parks. A variety of socially distant events will run from January 15 through January 24, 2021.
Waukesha JanBoree is produced by the City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department (WPRF) along with many community partners, including the Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use. JanBoree is committed to safety for all events by offering socially distanced options this year. Many events require registration due to attendance limitations. For more information and to register for events, visit www.janboree.org or call WPRF at 262-524-3737.
JanBoree events taking place in the Waukesha County Park System are highlighted below:
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Winter Wildlife Exploration at Retzer Nature Center (Registration required; four time options)
Set out on the trails in search of winter wildlife. The free self-guided hike includes a map and talking points highlighting key features, with a scavenger hunt included too! Explore the nature trails on your own by hiking on foot or reserving a free pair of snowshoes when registering (weather permitting). Retzer Nature Center is located at S14W28167 Madison St. in Waukesha.
“Big Astronomy” Show at Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium Show (Registration Required; limited capacity; five 30-minute show options)
Watch “Big Astronomy – People, Places, and Discoveries.” Join us for free to enjoy the view from telescopes in the remote mountains of Chile and meet the people who make sure they operate day and night. Explore ALMA, VLT, and the Vera Rubin Observatory – and how these incredible facilities are changing our view of the cosmos. Recommended for ages 8+. The School District of Waukesha’s planetarium is located at S14W28167 Madison St. at the Retzer Learning Center in Waukesha.
Indoor Ice Skating at Eble Park Ice Arena (Registration Required; limited capacity)
Free admission for public skating with registration. Skate rental is extra ($3/pair) and quantities are limited, so bring your own if you can. Eble Park Ice Arena is located at 9400 W. Bluemound Rd. in Brookfield.
Monday, January 18, 2021
“Sunset Meditation” Show Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium (Registration Required; limited capacity; five 30-minute show options)
How do STEM workers and NASA professionals cope with stress? Meditation is a powerful tool maintaining psychological health. Join us for free to view an amazing sunset traveling from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole, ending under a star-filled night. Recommended for ages 10+. The School District of Waukesha’s planetarium is located at S14W28167 Madison St. at the Retzer Learning Center in Waukesha.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Winter Tyke Hike at Retzer Nature Center (Registration Required, limited capacity, one morning time option)
In the winter months, nature records fascinating activities of animals. Children ages 2-5 are invited to join our staff Education Naturalist for a free guided hike as we search for signs of animal activity. Reserve a pair of snowshoes when registering if you’d like, or bring your own (snowshoe quantities may be limited, weather permitting). A trail hike will replace snowshoeing if snow cover is not adequate. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Retzer Nature Center is located at S14W28167 Madison St. in Waukesha.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Winter fun in Minooka Park (Reservation Required for many events as noted below, limited capacity)
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 the day!
- Frosty Pups Event with HAWS & Photo Contest (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Vendors present Noon to 3 p.m., limited capacity, no registration required)
Join in on the free fun by bringing your pup for a frosty frolic in the off-leash Dog Exercise Area! Separate areas are designated for small and large breed dogs. Vendor present from Noon-3 p.m., including HAWS Mobile Adoption Unit and Behavioral Specialist, and Bentley’s Food Stuff. Take a pic of your pup at our Selfie Station, and submit a photo on Waukesha County Parks Facebook page between January 23-24 for a chance to win a special pet prize basket!
- Ice Fishing Clinic (Registration Required; four time options)
Join the Muskellunge Club of Wisconsin for this free hands-on ice fishing clinic. Equipment and bait will be provided.
- Alaskan Malamute Dog Pull (11 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.; limited capacity, no registration required)
Watch the dogs from the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin show off their strength as they compete by pulling up to 3,000 pounds on a wheeled cart! Snow is not needed for this event, spectator attendance is limited.
- Sunset Candlelight Hike (Registration Required; four time options)
Enjoy a free self-guided candlelit hike while taking on Minooka Park’s natural beauty. Dogs are welcome as long as on a 6’ leash.
- Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden (4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Limited Capacity)
Join Delafield Brewhaus at Picnic Area 3, while taking in Minooka Park’s winter beauty. Food will be available for purchase. Attendance is limited, outdoor seating only.
Indoor Ice Skating at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (Registration Required; limited capacity)
Free admission for public skating with registration. Skate rental is extra ($3/pair) and quantities are limited, so bring your own if you can. Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena is located at 2699 Golf Rd. in Delafield.
Going on Daily January 16 – January 24, 2021
Frozen FootGolf at Moor Downs Golf Course (Registration Required: multiple time options daily)
Try free 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. Can be played with or without snow. Moor Downs Golf Course is located at 438 Prospect Ave. in Waukesha.
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