It's a February weekend, folks, which means we're a wee bit closer to swing sets, sprinklers and Summerfest. In the mean time, let's brave the cold and giddy-up this weekend.

Saturday

GO FISH
The Milwaukee County Parks present free ice fishing instruction for kids 15 and under. (Small children must be accompanied by an adult.) Members of local fishing clubs teach the classes, and sessions occur hourly at Humboldt, McCarty, McGovern, Scout Lake, Wilson, and Fox Brook Parks, starting at 9 a.m. and the last session starts at 2 p.m. Learn ice safety, proper equipment use and techniques. All equipment will be provided. Classroom instruction will take place regardless of the weather, but ice fishing is dependent on conditions. For more information, call (414) 263-8614.

STORIES AT SCHWARTZ
The Schwartz Bookshop on Downer Avenue has a free story hour at 10:30 a.m.

DO THE ZOO IN THE WINTER, TOO
There's another Family Free Day at the Zoo and it's Saturday.  Parking fees still apply. During your visit, be sure to stop in the tropical Aviary to see the three new red-billed hornbill chicks.

=====SPONSOR=====
Freckle Face Boutique
407 E. Buffalo St.
(414) 298-1488
A specialty childrenswear boutique offering apparel,
footwear, bedding, books and other specialty gifts for the 0-7
year-old.
=====SPONSOR=====

SNOW QUEEN
A play called "The Snow Queen" runs this weekend, presented by the Children's Theatre of Wauwatosa and performed by Concordia University of Mequon. Show takes place at Wauwatosa West High School. Tickets available at the door for $3; box office opens at 1:30 p.m.

Do you have a topic for "Motherfest," OMC's exclusive column about parenting in Milwaukee? If so, email: molly@staff.onmilwaukee.com

Sunday

FRENCH MUSIC FOR LITTLE FOLKS
The Pabst Theatre presents "C'est Musique-French Romantics" concert for kids and their parents as part of their "Symphony Sunday Concert" series. Festival City Symphony will present the beauty and romance of France when performing two works: Vincent dIndys (1851-1931) piano concerto "Symphony On A French Mountain Air" with piano soloist; and Cesar Francks (1822-1890) melodic and inspiring "Symphony in D Minor." The cost is $14 for adults and $8 for kids and seniors. The show starts at 3 p.m. (There's a special children's orientation at 2:45.) Call for more info, (414) 963-9067.

GO TO "THE GIVER"
First Stage Children's Theater presents "The Giver" at 1, 3:30 and 7 p.m. In the far distant future, 12-year-old Jonas lives in a Utopian community that has chosen him as its Receiver of Memories. As he trains for the role, past and present collide revealing forsaken emotions and calculated deceit. Finally, Jonas escapes in a daring attempt to confront the world about its forgotten humanity. "The Giver" is part science fiction, part mystery and part adventure. This incredible play will keep your family talking long after you've left the theater. Don't miss this one! Tickets range in price from $9.50 to $20. Call for more information, (414) 273-7206.

All weekend long

TRAINS AT THE DOMES
"The Last Train to Toon Town" chugs around The Domes' until March 18. The Domes is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults; $3.50 for kids 6 and older. Call for more information, (414) 649-9800.

SWIMMING IN BROWN DEER
The 27th Annual Schroeder YMCA A+ Swim Meet is this weekend and it is the region's most competitive swim meet of the winter with a field of more than 1171 athletes from 71 teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa and more. The event features three star athletes. Athens Olympian, Adam Mania, 2007 USA World Championships Team Member, Mary Descenza and 2007 USA World University Games Team Member, Tim Liebhold.  It's all at the Schroeder Brand YMCA & Aquatic Center, 9250 N. Green Bay Rd. Call (414) 357-2807 for times.