Simple things for students in the summertime in Milwaukee

The smell of grills stacked with brats and other goodies combined with the sound of music drifting from street festivals and the Summerfest grounds blankets Milwaukee. Anyone not from Milwaukee would immediately appreciate the dogged determinedness of Milwaukee County residents when it comes to getting outside and enjoying summer days.
The Milwaukee County Parks offer a variety of beautiful and relaxing places to have a picnic with family or friends and to fire up the grill. Some parks have fixed grills in place, while others require that you bring your own grill. One of the many wonderful spots people enjoy grilling and chilling is at McKinley Marina-Veterans Park along the lakeshore adjacent the Milwaukee Art Museum. If you park near the Veterans Park Kite Shop and walk north towards the marina and the Brady Street pedestrian bridge, you will find numerous grills that rotate (helps with the shifting winds off the lake), cans for hot coals, benches, tables and a public restroom facility. Near the pedestrian bridge the park has a covered pavilion (need to get here early on the weekend due to popularity) and some nice shade trees.
Bradford Beach is the place to see and be seen on the Milwaukee summer scene. It's a great long beach and dogs are allowed at the northern section. You can ride a bicycle north on the Oak Leaf trail which will take you to Shorewood. The Shorewood Nature Preserve Trail offers an opportunity to escape the feeling of being in the city and also walk along a more secluded beach. Continuing north, Atwater Park and Beach has a paved trail down the side of the bluff that allows access for wheelchairs and strollers. Children seem to enjoy the two playgrounds at the park.
Yay, it's summertime and the living is easy! Cheers, remember  to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen.Wishing you an EPIC summer MATC!