Go behind the scenes at the fire station, discover what happens when you drop a letter in the mailbox, see how root beer is made and more by taking a tour of a local business or service. Tours are a fun way to learn more about the things we take for granted -- and most of them are inexpensive or free.

Sprecher Brewing Co.
701 W. Glendale Ave.
(414) 964-2739 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Cost: $2 for adults; kids 12 and under are free
Hours: Friday 4 p.m.; Saturday 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Reservations required.
Sprecher is a small local brewing company in Glendale, known for its German-style beers and delicious root beer. Samples are given at the end of the tour.

Knight's Popcorn
4435 W. Forest Home Ave.
(414) 541-0012
Cost: Free
Hours: Tours are given from January through October. Call two weeks in advance.
This small gourmet popcorn store has been in business for 55 years and features popcorn in every flavor imaginable. Tour the popping facilities and watch the popcorn get popped and bagged. Yep, there are free samples at the end.

SkyWaukee Tour
Grand Avenue Information Center
161 W. Wisconsin Ave.
(414) 277-7795
Cost: $7 adults; $2 student; kids free
Hours: Saturday 1 p.m. Call ahead to confirm.
Learn the history of Milwaukee while strolling through Downtown's glass skywalks. It's a great way to stretch your legs during the winter months.

U.S. Post Office
345 W. St. Paul Ave.
(414) 287-2530
Cost: Free
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call ahead.
Look up "United States Government Postal Service" in the blue section of the white pages to find a post office near you. Kids learn about the entire postal process -- from mailing a letter to receiving one.

Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center
1405 W. Silver Spring Dr.
(414) 228-7655
Cost: Free
Hours: Mornings; call ahead.
See exam rooms and kennels, live animals and hear how animals now receive acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.

Shakey's Pizza
9638 W. National Ave.
(414) 541-9260
Cost: $2.50 per person, includes mini pizza and soda.
Hours: Flexible; call ahead.
Learn all about pizza by making and baking your own mini pie.