Summer in December: Families visit Mitchell Park Domes Friday for 'Winter in the Tropics' party

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — With many still taking days off work ahead of the new year, families are looking for a way to beat the rain and cold, all while entertaining the kids.

A Milwaukee landmark is working hard to be that spot, now and in the future.

"It felt like this was something the boys would like to come do in the middle of kind of a gloomy day," said Spencer Cook, as he joined his kids on a scavenger hunt at the Mitchell Park Domes.

Visitors of all ages donned their leis Friday for the domes' "Winter in the Tropics" party.

"We're celebrating getting out of the cold and enjoying some nice, warm, tropical fun," said Serio Magaña, the bilingual interpretive educator at the Mitchell Park Domes.

With fruity snacks, crafts, and games, it's a small taste of summer in December.

"This is one of our busiest weekends in Milwaukee at the domes," Magaña said.

Domes staff expect to see more than a thousand visitors between now and Sunday, from locals to tourists, like Ross and Charlie Michel from Chicago.

"It's cold in Chicago. I saw they had an event today, so we said, hey, let's wake up early, no school, let's do it. Daddy-daughter adventure," Michel said.

It was also a first-time visit for Paula Ramos, from Florida, as she spent time with her uncle in Milwaukee.

"I wanted to see plants and flowers," Ramos said. "I think it's interesting here, and I like it."

"It's beautiful, it's beautiful, because to see these outside, it's impossible," said Eusebio.

Last month, Milwaukee County supervisors approved funding to repair and expand the domes, and visitors say they're looking forward to the future.

"These are such a landmark in Milwaukee, it's nice that they're still here," Cook said.

The staff wants to continue to host events like these, encouraging fun education on a rainy day.

"A love for nature is what I wish they take home with them, and also a desire to come back to see us," Magaña said.