Family Friendly Events In Madison WI

June 24- June 30
If you didn't make it out to do Strawberry Picking last week, you may want to go soon! We are at the peak of strawberry season right now. Just like last year, the kids let me take hundreds of pictures since it was Father's Day.

Remember to check the weather this week as there are chances of thunderstorms on the way.

Summer Faire - Greenway Station
Saturday, June 25- 10:00am - 5:00pm - FREE EVENT
Sunday, June 26 - 12:00pm - 5:00pm - FREE EVENT
Greenway Station Shopping Center, Middleton WI
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/promotions.asp
Here's an easy event the kids will love. Greenway Stations blocks off the road going down the middle of the shopping center and creates their very own entertainment venue. In addition to the events listed below, they will also have a kids activity area. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during the music for an inexpensive afternoon out as the restaurants get really crowded during events there.

Saturday, June 25th
10 - 11 am Magician
12 - 8 pm Horse-drawn carriage rides
12 - 2 pm Airbrush tattoos
12 - 2 pm Steel Drum Music
3 - 5 pm Od Tapo Imi Concert

Sunday, June 26th
12 - 2 pm Sean Michael Dargan
12 - 2 pm Airbrush Tattoos
12 - 5 pm Horse-drawn carriage rides
1 - 3 pm Bucky Badger
3 - 5 pm Phat Phunktion

Oregon Summerfest
Thursday, June 23 - Sunday, June 26
Parade - Sunday at 12:30pm
Family Activity Tent - Th/FR 5:00-9:00pm, Sa/Su 11:00am
249 Brook Street, Oregon, WI 53575
http://www.oregonwi.com/custom/custom.cfm?customid=36
Activities include a carnival midway, marching band competition, sport tournaments, beer tent featuring nightly live entertainment, family activity tent, home talent show tent, Oregon Youth Ambassador Program, bingo, arts & crafts fair, business booths, exhibits by area organizations, a large variety of food vendors, helicopter rides, dunk tank, bike rally, ping pong ball drop, fireworks, and a parade on Sunday.

EdZOOcation Zoomobile
Friday, June 24, at 12:15-1:00 pm
Fitchburg Community Center, 5510 Lacy Road
Dane County Library Service is hosting the Zoomoblie at the Fitchburg Community Center. The EdZoocation van takes small zoo animals and staff on road trips to educate the public. This service is funded by the Henry Vilas Zoological Society and staffed by volunteers. The whole family is invited to this free program. No registration is required. For more info about this program call Mary Driscoll at 266-4419.

A Bit Further Away...

Great Circus Parade
Circus World Museum ,550 Water Street, Baraboo, WI
Friday, June 24th - 9AM - 10PM
Saturday, June 25th - 9AM - 10PM - Parade at noon
Sunday, June 26th - 9AM - 6PM
http://www.circusworldmuseum.com/circusparade/festival.html
Note: Bring your wallet! This sounds expensive.
In reading this online it sounds like this is going to be really neat. The parade is huge, and they have many other great things for the kids. Activities listed on the website include Daily Death-defying Motorcycle Maniacs Over the Baraboo River, All New Big Top Circus Performances, All New Tiger Adventure, KidsWorld Circus, Giant Petting Menagerie, Elephant Rides, Camel Rides, Pony Rides, Miniature Train Rides, Carousel and Children's Rides.

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

Art Cart - Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Traveling Program - See link below for schedule
Just about every weekday until August 26 - FREE EVENT
http://www.mmoca.org/education/AC_schedule_2005.pdf
In looking online, it sounds like ages 5+ will enjoy this activity the most. The hands-on mobile art learning center is scheduled to visit more than 100 Madison area sites during the upcoming summer, offering morning and afternoon sessions Monday–Saturday and additional evening sessions to accommodate families busy daytime schedules. This summer, MMoCA will also offer Art Cart Extra!, which will make stops in Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Black Earth, Mount Horeb, Waunakee, Stoughton, Cross Plains, DeForest, Dodgeville, Verona and Mazomanie. Please visit http://www.mmoca.org for more details.

Sunset Celebration at Union Terrace - Recommended Event
UW Memorial Union Terrace (on the water between Park and Lake Streets)
Saturday, June 25 7:30-8:30pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.union.wisc.edu/events/index.asp?Month1=6&Day1=25&Year1=2005
Here is a fun way to have a Saturday evening picnic with the kids for a great price (FREE). Created along the lines of Mallory Square in Key West, this celebration is held every Saturday night an hour before sundown from June 11 to August 13. Once the Hoofers Sailing Club steam whistle blows, invited street performers will exhibit their skills until the sun goes down and a local celebrity announces sunset. If the kids are still having a good time, stick around for live music starting at 9:00pm.

Cave of the Mounds - Recommended Event
20 miles west of Madison just off U.S. Highways 18 and 151 between Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds
Tours every 20 minutes from 9:00am - 6:00pm
Adults $12, ages 4-12 $6
http://www.caveofthemounds.com/tourinfo.htm
It may be hot outside, but underground it is a chilly 50 degrees! The Cave of the Mounds offers a 1 hour tour of their caverns. Bring a jacket as it will be cold! While you are out that way, why not check out some of the more obscure attractions that area has to offer by visiting the Mustard Museum.

YMCA Activity Hour - 6 Activity Stations - Recommended Event
Monona Terrace Rooftop
Wednesday, June 29, 10:00am - 11:00am - FREE EVENT
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Come to the Monona Terrace rooftop on Wednesday mornings and enjoy this fun children's program. Local performers and organizations will provide entertainment, hands-on fun, and learning for children ages 4 to 8.

Rockabilly Music at Capital Brewery - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, June 17 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
I've never heard of this band, but it's always a great venue for families. Don't forget to pack your picnic, picnic blanket, toys (think large plastic cars), bug spray, and camera. If you haven't been, there are always at least 30 kids running around and the whole place is fenced in (except for a small passageway just to the right of the stage). It is one of the easiest family venues for live music.

http://www.themidwesterners.com/

Pontoon Boat Rides: Pirate Treasure
Tenney Park - 608-204-3000
Saturday, June 25, 1:00pm-4:00pm - $6/person
http://www.mscr.org, see page 29 of http://www.mscr.org/files/guides/31.pdf
Designed for the K-4 age group, each youth receives a pirate map, flag and spyglass; watch out for pirates! Take home your own pirate's treasure. Parents must attend with youth, other family members welcome to attend. The Pirate Treasure schedule is as follows, every session is from 1pm to 4pm: 5/28; 6/4; 6/9; 6/14; 6/20; 6/25; 7/1; 7/12; 7/18; 7/30; 8/5; 8/10; 8/19; 8/27; 9/10; 9/17

Barnes & Noble
Storytimes - East and West Sides - FREE EVENT
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/find_an_event.do
Barnes & Noble bookstores has a wide variety of weekly storytimes and events for the toddler (3 and under), preschool (3-6 yrs), and beginning readers (5-8 yrs).

Madison Children's Museum - Recommended Event
100 State Street - FREE EVENT (for members)
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/events/events.php
Check out the events offered at the Children's Museum at the link above.

June 17- June 23
Greetings from Disneyworld! It's been fun visiting with the family and seeing Disney. I have to tell you, there is still no place like home-- especially when home is Madison, Wisconsin in the summertime!

Don't bother checking the weather this week-- every day is going to be beautiful! Don't forget your sunscreen!

Strawberry Picking - Recommended Event
Multiple Locations near Madison
Starting NOW through early/mid July
http://www.wiberries.org/who/region2.html
The strawberry picking season is just now starting up. If you are looking for a great photo op for good spring pictures this is a great opportunity. Last year I took the kids to JenEhr Farm and took hundreds of pictures (since it was Father's Day the kids were extra patient with me and my camera). You definitely want to check the status of the fields before heading out. The wisberries link above will give you locations, phone numbers, and website for many different pick-your-own fields.

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/family/feature/famf69fruit/famf69fruit4.html - Make A Strawberry Shortcake Snake
http://www.talewins.com/Treasures/Kids/straw.htm - Strawberry Facts and Fancy

Boy Scout Troop 164 Annual Farm Breakfast
Eugster's Farm Market, 3865 Hwy 138, Stoughton, WI (608) 873-3822
Saturday, June 18, 7:00am - 11:00am - Adults $5; Ages 3-11 - $3.00; 2 & Under - Free
http://www.wisdairy.com/jdm/_private/event.asp?recordid=397&mpage=complete
The Stoughton Farm Breakfast is organized and hosted by Boy Scout Troop 164. All proceeds support the Boy Scouts. Come out and enjoy a real all-you-can-eat farm breakfast, dance to live fiddle music, take a hay ride, have your face painted, and visit the petting farm. All you can eat ham & eggs, pancakes, strawberry sundaes, coffee, milk, & orange juice.

Cottage Grove Fireman's Festival
Fireman's Park, Cottage Grove, WI
Thursday, June 16 - Sunday, June 19
http://www.cottagegroveonline.com/news/newsdetail.asp?id=475
There will be carnival rides, baseball games, a parade, children's tractor pull, bingo, a giant horse pull, live entertainment and fireworks displays. Food and refreshments will also be available on the grounds. Notable times for kids include:

Saturday
11:30 a.m. PARADE - MAIN ST. COTTAGE GROVE
1:00 p.m. FIRE DEPARTMENT WATER FIGHTS
Sunday
5:15 p.m. KIDS PEDDLE TRACTOR PULL
5:30-8:00 p.m. “KIDS CORNER” (dunk tank, face painting, kid karaoke, & treasure hunt)
Fireworks in the evening

Juneteenth Day
Penn Park, Madison, WI
Saturday, June 18, 2005, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
http://www.nehemiah.org/ Map to Penn Park
Here is a great cultural learning experience! Juneteenth Day commemorates the freeing of the last African-American slaves on June 19, 1865. In Madison's Juneteenth Celebration, sponsored and organized by the Nehemiah Corporation, black community members celebrate and learn more about their common heritage, history and achievements and share them with the thousands of other Dane County residents who enjoy the event. Enjoy ethnic food, dance, live music, special children's activities and much more!

Feast With The Beast - Vilas Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall St.
Saturday, June 18, 2005, 12:00pm-8:00pm - $15/family (food extra)
http://www.vilaszoo.org
My experience in the past with this event is that it is a bit expensive ($15 gets the family in the door but all food is extra) with difficult parking and big crowds. The value of the interactions you can have with your kids at the zoo is much higher on a regular day than during this event. Event highlights include: stilt walkers, face painters, characaturists, inflatable bouncers, juggling and storytelling, food carts featuring local foods, two music stages and the new "celebrity dunk tank." Tickets are $5 each or $15 per family. Member discount: $3 each or $12 per family.

Dinosaur Camp Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street
Monday, June 20 through 23, 9:00am-12:00pm - $60-70/child
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/events/events.php
Dig into the world of dinosaurs during a week of paleontology projects and Mesozoic madness. Ages 6-8. $60/member child; $70nonmember. Limited space; registration required. Camp meets 9 a.m.-noon, Mon.-Thurs.

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

R&B Music at Capital Brewery - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, June 17 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
I've never heard of this band, but it's always a great venue for families. Don't forget to pack your picnic, picnic blanket, toys (think large plastic cars), bug spray, and camera. If you haven't been, there are always at least 30 kids running around and the whole place is fenced in (except for a small passageway just to the right of the stage). It is one of the easiest family venues for live music.

http://www.reverendraven.com/

Lakeside Kids-Natyarpana School of Dance (Indian Classical Dance) - Performance and Workshop - Recommended Event
Monona Terrace Rooftop
Wednesday, June 22, 10:00am - 11:00am - FREE EVENT
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Come to the Monona Terrace rooftop on Wednesday mornings and enjoy this fun children's program. Local performers and organizations will provide entertainment, hands-on fun, and learning for children ages 4 to 8.

Pontoon Boat Rides: Pirate Treasure
Tenney Park - 608-204-3000
Monday, June 20 and Saturday, June 25, 1:00pm-4:00pm - $6/person
http://www.mscr.org, see page 29 of http://www.mscr.org/files/guides/31.pdf
Designed for the K-4 age group, each youth receives a pirate map, flag and spyglass; watch out for pirates! Take home your own pirate's treasure. Parents must attend with youth, other family members welcome to attend. The Pirate Treasure schedule is as follows, every session is from 1pm to 4pm: 5/28; 6/4; 6/9; 6/14; 6/20; 6/25; 7/1; 7/12; 7/18; 7/30; 8/5; 8/10; 8/19; 8/27; 9/10; 9/17

Madison Public Library - Summer Library Program
Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/youth/slp.html
It's that time of the year again - time for the Summer Library Program! From June 10 to August 13 we celebrate Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds - and reading, of course. Preschoolers through eighth graders can enjoy activities at several of our local public libraries. Check the link above for the full scoop.

Mad City Ski Team Performance - Recommended Event
Law Park (just east of Monona Terrace)
Every Sunday at 6:00pm until Labor Day - FREE EVENT
http://www.velocitycomputing.com/madcity/index.html
We went to the opening day performance on May 29. It's a great show. with an even better price--free! Parking is easy at Monona Terrace, but is a bit of a walk. Consider bringing the bikes and pack a dinner. Take a family bike ride along the paved bike path along the lake and have a picnic during the show.

Mallards Baseball - Season Is Underway! - Recommended Event
Warner Park - 2920 N. Sherman Avenue
http://www.mallardsbaseball.com/current/
For family value, minor league ball is 10 times better than the majors! It's $6 for adults and $4 for kids. Bring your kids baseball mitts and a few balls. When they get restless, take them to the hill behind the grandstands to play catch! Take your camera to get a photo op with the larger than life mallard mascot!

A Bit Further Away...

Reedsburg Butter Festival
Penn Park, Madison, WI
Tuesday, June 14 - Sunday, June 19
Reedsburg Website
You learn something new everyday-- and today is no exception for me. Reedsburg is about 15 minutes from the Dells and considers itself the "Butter Capital of America" because the Wisconsin Dairies plant there produces an average of 50,000,000 lbs of butter each year. To celebrate their buttery status, they have an annual festival complete with carnival rides, kids activities, parades, demolition derby, and more. Saturday looks especially promising for kid friendly events. A map to Reedsburg is at: http://www.reedsburg.org/visitor/area_map.htm.

Asian Moon Festival
Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuesday, June 17 - Sunday, June 19 - Adults $9, under 12 FREE
http://www.asianmoonfestival.com/activities.html
Asian Moon Festival offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience in a single event the richness of the Asian Pacific Islander, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cultures.

June 10-June 16
This week's email covers a week of events that my kids and I will miss as we visit my parents in Florida-- but don't feel to bad for us-- we get to go to Disneyworld! My wife, April, is a bit ticked off that she doesn't get to go with us, but at least I know there will be plenty for her-- and all of you-- to do back in Madison.

With that said, make note that next week's updates will not be online or emailed until late in the week.

Weather for the weekend is looking pretty tropical. Looks like we will be in the 80s with a 30-40% rain chance so double check the weather right before you head out the door.

Accordion Swamp Rock - Concerts on the Rooftop
Monona Terrace Rooftop
Thursday, June 9, 6:00pm - 8:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Spend your summer evenings on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. Listen to some of the area's best music while enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Monona and the Capitol. Community Concerts are open to the public at no charge, so bring your family and friends. Seating on the rooftop is limited so bring a blanket or lawn chair. Concessions (sandwiches, snacks, beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks) are available beginning at 5:30PM. Just a reminder... state law prohibits alcoholic beverages from being brought to the rooftop of Monona Terrace.

Verona Hometown USA Days
Lincoln Street (opposite of the Culvers) in Verona
Thursday, June 9 - Sunday, June 12
http://www.veronahometowndays.com/?s=Events
Looks like your standard small town festival with a carnival, truck pulls, parade, petting zoo, lumberjack show, live music, face painting, magic shows, and other kid oriented events. Check the website listed above for the schedule.

Sean Michael Dargan at Capital Brewery - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, June 10 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
We made it to the last two Friday nights at Capital, and I'm a bit ticked off that we have to miss this Friday. Sean Michael Dargan puts on a good show-- original pop music. Don't forget to pack your picnic, picnic blanket, toys (think large plastic cars), bug spray, and camera. If you haven't been, there are always at least 30 kids running around and the whole place is fenced in (except for a small passageway just to the right of the stage). It is one of the easiest family venues for live music.

http://www.seanmichaeldargan.com/

TerraceFest - Recommended Event
Wisconsin Union Terrace
Saturday, June 11, Noon - Midnight (kid's stuff until 7pm) - FREE EVENT
http://www.union.wisc.edu/terracefest/
This is a really fun family opportunity at a price that can't be beat! Ride a Wisconsin Dells Duck, kids crafts, face painting, climbing walls, science fun, Bucky Badger, the alumni band, cowboy rope tricks, and more all for FREE! Check the website for the full scoop.

Cows on the Concourse
Capital Square at MLK Blvd.
Saturday, June 11, 8:00am - 1:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.wisdairy.com/jdm/_private/event.asp?recordid=404
June is Dairy Month (who knew?)! So if the Farmer's Market is on your activity list, be sure to visit the Diary Board's display of 14 cows, bluegrass music, and dairy based food. The mayor will speak at 10:00am.

Wisconsin Dairy Kid Zone - http://kidzzone.wisdairy.com/
The Story of Milk - http://www.moomilk.com/
Coloring Pages and Facts - http://www.byrnedairy.com/byrnsiesplace_coloringbook.cfm

Lakeside Kids-Diversity Performing Troop - Recommended Event
Monona Terrace Rooftop
Wednesday, June 15, 10:00am - 11:00am - FREE EVENT
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Come to the Monona Terrace rooftop on Wednesday mornings and enjoy this fun children's program. Local performers and organizations will provide entertainment, hands-on fun, and learning for children ages 4 to 8.

Michael Martin Murphey's Horseback Concert Spectacular
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Alliant Energy Center
Sunday, June 12, 3:00pm
General admission: $26.50. Children 12 and under $15.25 (ouch!)
http://www.alliantenergycenter.com
Michael Martin Murphey's Wildfire Horseback Concert Spectacular will feature Michael's AQHA Palamino, "Wildfire," the top hands champion Rodeo Drill Team, The Wild West Revue with Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, trick riders, trick shooters, The Deadwood Stagecoach, The Buckaroo Brass Band, "Ivan the Cossack," "Lance and Sword," cowboy mounted shooters and 7th Regiment, U.S. Cavlary.

Weekly Activities

June 3-June 9
Too bad Saturday, June 4 2005 is only one day long, because there is about a month's worth of entertainment going on that day! Weather for the weekend is looking pretty good-- in the 80s and a 30% rain chance so check out the list and let's get going!

Festa Italia
McKee Farms Park - Fitchburg (McKee Rd, west of Fish Hatchery Rd)
Friday, June 3, 5pm-11pm
Saturday, June 4, 11am-midnight
Sunday, June 5, 10am-5pm
http://www.iwcmadison.com/festa/index.html
Join the Italian Workmen's Club for Festa Italia 2005 at City of Fitchburg's McKee Farm Park for lots of food, carnival rides, children's activities, musical entertainment and more. Festa Italia features children's games by Marla King from 1-3pm on Saturday and Sunday, a carnival midway, adjacent playground, pasta eating contest, Mary's School of Dance and the Tradizione Vivente (Italian Dancers). There is also a youth Bocce contest (8-14 years old) from Noon-1pm on both Saturday and Sunday. We have not made it to Festa Italia before, so this will be a new experience for us. McKee park is always a safe bet because if the event is a bust, you can always fall back on the humongous jungle gym in the park.

Cajun Music at Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, June 3 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
Yep, you will see this venue on the list all summer long. It's hard to beat-- especially at the price- free! This week they are featuring cajun music. Pack a picnic blanket, food, and non-alcoholic drinks (beer/wine sold on site). Oh, bug spray, don't forget the bug spray! We brought a bunch of cheap plastic toy cars and dinosaurs for the kids to play with last week, and they had a total blast! There must have been about 40 kids running around the grounds last week (despite the cold weather). Here are some pictures from last year's concert series.

Race for the Cure
Alliant Energy Center - Willow Island
Saturday morning, June 4
http://www.madisonraceforthecure.com/
Jacob (age 8) is doing the 5k walk with April again. It's become one of those mother/son traditions for them. If your kids are not up for a 5k walk, there's also a 1 mile baby stroller course. It's a great way to provide an object lesson for kids using an attainable physical activity. Be sure to check online about registering for this event. Here are pictures of April and Jacob getting ready for the event last year.

Dozer Days - Wingra Stone
One block west of the Hwy 18-151 and Hwy PD intersection
Saturday, June 4 starting at 10:00am
http://www.wingrastone.com/community2.htm
We love this event! Wingra Stone opens up it's doors for families to experience construction equipment up close and personal. It's a fundraiser for Thursday's Child so spend a few bucks on food and t-shirts while you are there too. It starts at 10:00am, and you want to get there early as it will get very crowded as the day goes on. If you haven't been before, here are some pictures we took last year.

Related learning resources for your kids:

http://www.kenkenkikki.jp/zukan/e_index.html - All about heavy machinery
http://www.infratech.com/kids/buldozer.htm - Build a bulldozer
http://www.scholastic.com/earlylearner/timetogether/preschool/constructionsite.htm - Activity for you and your preschool children
http://www.butler-machinery.com/showcase/kids/index.asp - Coloring books to print

Dane County Breakfast on the Farm
R & G Miller and Sons, Inc. 1762 Hwy. V Columbus, WI Phone 608-513-2780
Saturday, June 4, 7:00am-11:00am
http://www.danecountydairy.com/dairybreakfast
Entertaining and educational for activities for adults and children will keep you and your family busy throughout the morning. Sample dairy products, enjoy live music, tour the farm, view farm equipment and animals, wagon rides, live music, and learn about the dairy by joining in one of our many activities! The breakfast will be held rain or shine. The event admission includes breakfast. Our famous eggs, sausage, milk, coffee, cheese, coffee cake and strawberry ice cream sundaes will be a few of the many items served from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Event Admission (includes parking, breakfast and all entertainment): Ages 12 and up = $6.00; ages 3 - 11 = $4.00; ages 2 and under = Free.

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ca/agforkids.htm - California's Farm Service website for kids
http://www.friendlyfarmclub.com/ - Interactive farm/countryside website
http://www.agr.state.il.us/kidspage/ - Illinois Department of Agriculture kids page

Safety Saturday - Capital Square
Capitol Square at Main Street & Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Saturday, June 4, 8:00am-1:00pm - FREE EVENT
Safety Saturday returns to the Capitol Square at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, and Main St. for the 9th year on June 4, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Hands-on learning opportunities are the order of the day, including live demonstrations of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, Jaws-of-Life Vehicle Rescue, and Technical Rescue.

Combine this event with the Farmer's Market and a trip to the Children's Museum (make percussion shakers from 12:00pm-1:00pm) for a full day! Too bad the event competes with Dozer Days (my personal favorite).

Free Sunday - Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street
Sunday, June 5, 12:00pm-5:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
The price is right--free! One Sunday a month, the children's museum does not charge admission. Also, from 2:00pm-3:00pm your kids can take part in a game show styled nutrition challenge.

Mad City Ski Team Performance
Law Park (just east of Monona Terrace)
Every Sunday at 6:00pm until Labor Day - FREE EVENT
http://www.velocitycomputing.com/madcity/index.html
We went to the opening day performance on May 29. It's a great show. with an even better price--free! Parking is easy at Monona Terrace, but is a bit of a walk. Consider bringing the bikes and pack a dinner. Take a family bike ride along the paved bike path along the lake and have a picnic during the show.

Mallards Baseball - Season Starts
Warner Park - 2920 N. Sherman Avenue
Wednesday June 1, 7:05pm
Thursday June 2, 7:05pm
Friday June 3, 7:05pm
Saturday June 4, 6:05pm
http://www.mallardsbaseball.com/current/
For family value, minor league ball is 10 times better than the majors! It's $6 for adults and $4 for kids. Bring your kids baseball mitts and a few balls. When they get restless, take them to the hill behind the grandstands to play catch! Take your camera to get a photo op with the larger than life mallard mascot!