Family Friendly Events In Madison WI

July 22 - July 28
The weather this week is hot and cool, rainy and sunny! I'm so conflicted! You probably ought to check the weather before going out!

Mallards Baseball
Warner Park (map)
Friday and Saturday, July 22-23 - 7:05pm
http://www.mallardsbaseball.com/current/
The Mallards are finally home! Friday marks their first home game since July 4th! We will be there Friday (celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary) in the duck blind. If you haven't been to a Mallard's game, they are much more fun than the major leagues. The kids have space to run around on the hill behind the first base line, the tickets are inexpensive, and we have a rockin' good team!

Fiesta Hispania
Warner Park (map) - FREE EVENT
Saturday, July 23rd, 11:00am - 10:00pm (kid activities until 6:00pm)
http://www.centrohispanomadison.org/fiestahispana.html
Fiesta Hispania is a colorful and joyful public celebration of Hispanic heritage with ethnic foods, music, and dancing. Kid oriented activities include the Mobile Children's Museum, face painting, cultural crafts, petting zoo, and more. Watch a real mariachi band, see demonstrations of the tango, samba, and salsa. Check out the many different booths they have. If you are looking for your traditional carnival games and rides, this is NOT the place for you. If you are in search of a cultural enrichment opportunity for your kids (especially grade 1 and up) then you have come to the right place.

Related Resources:

http://www.homeschoollearning.com/units/unit_09-13-01.shtml - Homeschooling curriculum on Hispanic culture.
http://www.soyunica.gov/mybody/liketoeat/recipe.aspx - Hispanic recipes that kids can make (with the help of an adult).

MSCR Outdoor Fair
Olbrich Park - 3330 Atwood Ave - 608-204-3000
Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
http://www.mscr.org/
Try canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, wall climbing, archery, carriage rides, pontoon boat rides and other outdoor activities. Advance tickets: $7.50/family & $3/person. Day of event: $10/family & $3/person. Youth under 2 are free.

Dane County Fair
Alliant Energy Center
Wednesday-Sunday July 20-24 - Adults $6, ages 5-12 $3, under 5 FREE, free parking
http://www.danecountyfair.com/home.cfm
It's time again for the big fair! There is a lot to do in one space ranging from animal exhibits, to carnival rides, to live entertainment. Detailed events schedule is located at http://www.danecountyfair.com/today.cfm.

Summer Art Classes - Williamson Street Art Center
1020 Williamson St. 256-8878
Tuesday-Wednesday July 19-20 - 3:00pm-5:00pm - $15 per class
Summer Art Classes for children ages 4 and older - Tuesday - 3:00P.M.- 5:00 P.M. Wednesday - 3:00P.M.- 5:00 P.M. July 19/20, August 2/3, August 16/17, August 23/24.

I am not familiar with the art center, but the write up for it I found online makes me want to get off the computer right now and go...

The Williamson Street Art Center is a new art school run by artist Sharon Kilfoy. She has over 20 years of experience teaching art to people of all ages and abilities. She has been a guest through numerous artist-in-residency programs in schools and neighborhood centers throughout Dane County. For 19 years Sharon has made art with children at the Respite Center, a 24-hour emergency/crisis childcare center in Madison, where she was Program Manager for over 10 years and is currently Curriculum Developer. In founding the Williamson Street Art Center, Sharon combines her joy of making art with her ability to offer inspiration to others. She is enthusiastic about providing a positive experience for those who choose to work with her or visit the center. Sharon is one of Williamson Street’s most long-standing artists. She embodies the spirit of hopefulness, inclusion, and generosity for which Williamson Street is known.

Doesn't that just make you want to go just so you can meet this lady?

Capital Brewery - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, July 14 6:00-9:00pm - Zydeco music - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
Band info at http://www.westsideandy.com/

Bike for Boys and Girls Club
Starts at Edgewood High School
Saturday, July 23
http://www.bike4bgc.com/
Here is a great opportunity to demonstrate philanthropy with your kids while having a really good time. We have done the 10 mile ride for the past 2 years and have had a great time. It is a pretty far ride for young pedalers, but all in all is a nice course. We used trailer bikes to make this event work. Most of it is on local bike paths. If you do this, definitely make sure to tell your kids about the Boys and Girls Club and what they do for other kids. Their web site is http://www.bgca.org/.

Further away, but worth the drive...

EAA AirVenture
EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Monday - Sunday, July 25-31
Adult $30, Student (14-18) $17, Youth (8-13) $12, (7 & under) FREE
http://www.airventure.org/2005/events/kidventure.html
This is not close or cheap, but it's quite an adventure. This is the largest airshow in the world! What makes it great for kids is their KidVenture area with tons and tons of stuff for kids. They have pedal powered airplane cars, hands on remote controlled airplane lessons, build your own gliders, interactive booths, and more. The main AirVenture area includes tours of many different airplanes. This year White Knight/Space Ship One will be there!

If you go, bring a wagon or oversized stroller (the off-road type). Fill it with plenty of drinks, snacks, sun block, and some airplane related toys/trinkets from the dollar store. They have food on-site and a gift shop, but expect to pay a premium. Expect to do some major walking-- much of it through fields. Don't expect to see any air conditioning along the way-- so if it's really hot, be prepared! Some of the airshow airplanes are loud-- really, really loud! So bring ear protection for anyone with sensory issues. Oh, and one last challenge... the highway system is not designed to handle the type of traffic that will be there with you, so expect a small traffic jam on your way in and out. Gee, I sure hope this paragraph hasn't talked you out of going, because it really is a fun event despite the challenges for families.

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, July23 7:30-8:30pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.union.wisc.edu/events/index.asp?Month1=7&Day1=23&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.

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).

Cork 'n Bottle String Band
Every Thursday - 5:30-7:30pm
UW Memorial Union Terrace - FREE EVENT
http://www.bignew.com/
http://www.union.wisc.edu/events/index.asp?Month1=7&Day1=7&Year1=2005
How about a little bluegrass music along the lakefront? Bring a picnic or buy some food at the Union and enjoy some live music on the Union Terrace every Thursday evening this summer. Note: food and drink lines can get long at peak times.

July 15 - July 21
The weather this week looks great but hot, hot, and hot. I did some searching for a few indoor options (in addition to the usual Children's Museum stuff) and came up with a couple of ideas that I've included below...

Kid's Day At The Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo - 702 South Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715
Saturday July 16 - 10:00am - 4:00 pm
http://www.vilaszoo.org/znoo/index.php?category_id=569
Kids Day is fun filled with many interactive activity booths, sponsored by many local businesses. The Zoo's education animals and EdZOOcation volunteers will make informal visits for your chance to get an up close look.

I am not familiar with the art center, but the write up for it I found online makes me want to get off the computer right now and go...

The Williamson Street Art Center is a new art school run by artist Sharon Kilfoy. She has over 20 years of experience teaching art to people of all ages and abilities. She has been a guest through numerous artist-in-residency programs in schools and neighborhood centers throughout Dane County. For 19 years Sharon has made art with children at the Respite Center, a 24-hour emergency/crisis childcare center in Madison, where she was Program Manager for over 10 years and is currently Curriculum Developer. In founding the Williamson Street Art Center, Sharon combines her joy of making art with her ability to offer inspiration to others. She is enthusiastic about providing a positive experience for those who choose to work with her or visit the center. Sharon is one of Williamson Street’s most long-standing artists. She embodies the spirit of hopefulness, inclusion, and generosity for which Williamson Street is known.

Doesn't that just make you want to go just so you can meet this lady?

Middleton Fireman's Festival
Firemen's Park, 7400 Lee Street, next to Middleton High School
Friday-Saturday July 16-17
http://www.visitmiddleton.com/events.html
It wasn't clear on the website exactly what they had for kids at this festival, but if you are close by, you might want to give it a go. Here's what the website says-- Raffle, Music, Food & Beer Tent Firemen's Park. Friday: 5pm-12am -- Kids under 12 eat free when accompanied by an adult from 5-8pm, Bucky Badger, Music by Red Hot Horn Dawgs and Wild Heart. Saturday: 5pm-12am -- Music by: The Love Monkeys. Raffle- Grand Prize is a "His and Hers" set of Harley Sportster motorcycles. Raffle tickets available at the Festival.

Artrageous Craft Adventures
Monona Public Library - 1000 Nichols Rd. - Monona, WI 53716 - Map
608-222-6127
Thursday, July 21 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. FREE EVENT
Ages 5 to 12. First come, first served. Space for 24.
http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/moo/slp.html
Crowns and Crests - Design a crown and a coat of arms fit for a king or queen!

This is just one of many weekly activities the Monona Public Library has for kids-- for FREE! Check out all of the opportunities for designed for every age group through their web site link above. This would be a great website to keep in your back pocket for rainy days (if it ever rains again!).

On The Horizon...

Bike for Boys and Girls Club - Sign Up Now!
Starts at Edgewood High School
Saturday, July 23
http://www.bike4bgc.com/
Here is a great opportunity to demonstrate philanthropy with your kids while having a really good time. We have done the 10 mile ride for the past 2 years and have had a great time. It is a pretty far ride for young pedalers, but all in all is a nice course. We used trailer bikes to make this event work. Most of it is on local bike paths. If you do this, definitely make sure to tell your kids about the Boys and Girls Club and what they do for other kids. Their web site is http://www.bgca.org/.

A Bit Further Away...

Beloit Riverfest
Beloit (45 mintues south)
Thursday-Sunday July 13-17 - Adults $10, Kids $3
http://www.beloitriverfest.com/river/index.html
Clowns, face painters and roving artists are part of the entertainment planned for kids. Children will also enjoy interactive crafts and a variety of carnival rides just for them. Music group Accompany of Kids will be doing numerous stage shows on Friday and Saturday. This group will perform primarily on the south end of the grounds surrounding the food court, Turtle Island and The Beloit Daily News/Harry Moore Pavilion Stage.

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

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.

July 8 - July 14
Summer is rolling along. The weather this week looks great with the exception of some possible thunderstorms Saturday.

Capital Brewery - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, July 8 6:00-9:00pm - Tex Mex music - FREE EVENT
Saturday, July 9 1:00-5:00pm - Cheers for a Cure - $20-25 for adults
Saturday, July 9 1:00-5:00pm - New Orleans style music - $5 (I don't know if kids are free)
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
There are events both Friday and Saturday at Capital Brewery! Cheers for a Cure is a fundraiser for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. All profits from their beer/wine/cheese tasting event will go to the charity. The evening events are definitely more kid friendly than the fund raiser itself.

Art Fair On The Square
The Capitol Square
Saturday, July 9 - 9:00am-6:00pm - FREE EVENT
Sunday, July 10 - 10:00am-5:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.mmoca.org/events/AFOTS_05_performers.pdf
OK, I know what you are thinking-- the only thing your kids appreciate less than asparagus is fine art! No worries! They have a kid's stage with events for kids on both days. Bundle this event with activities at the Children's Museum (see below) and have yourself a fun day downtown!

Note: Art Fair Off the Square is also going on during this time (towards Monona Terrace). I called them to see what kind of kid events they have, and their events are limited to crafts with the kids.

Kid's Invention Fair - Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street - FREE EVENT (for members)
Sunday, July 10, 1:00-3:00pm
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
Calling all young Edisons! Madison Children’s Museum seeks young inventors and designers to share inventions and ideas as we kick off Invention Week with a Kids’ Invention Fair. Learn about famous young inventors and show off your great ideas, whether they are fully built contraptions or drawing board dreams. To register your child as an exhibitor, please contact Kia Karlen at 608.256.6445, ext. 21, or email kiak@kidskiosk.org.

Don't forget that the Madison Children's Museum has great activities planned throughout the week. Check them out at http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/events/events.php

Concerts at McKee Farms Park
McKee Farms Park - Fitchburg (McKee Rd, west of Fish Hatchery Rd)
Monday, July 11, 6:30pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.fitchburgchamber.com/events.php
Concerts at McKee Farms Park can be really fun and easy. This Monday Westside Andy will be providing blues music. In past years they set up the band at the shelter near the huge jungle gym. Pick a spot close to the jungle gym so you can watch the kids and the music at the same time. Food vendors will be on site to make it an easy event or pack your own picnic for an inexpensive night out. Bring picnic blankets and bug spray!

Ken Lonnquist - Concerts at The Zoo
Vilas Zoo - 702 South Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715
Tuesday, July 12, 6:30pm-8:00pm
http://www.vilaszoo.org/znoo/index.php?category_id=569
The Zoo will stay open later than normal for the concerts so come early, enjoy the animals, buy a tasty hot dog, some pop corn and find your spot to listen to some great music!

Flying Colors Juggling Show
McFarland Municipal Center - 5915 Milwaukee St
Thursday, July 14, 2:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.mcfarland.wi.us/calendar.asp
Part of the McFarland Library program. Events run 45-60 minutes long. Call 838-4590 with questions.

Play Literacy - Let's Play Camping
Monroe Street Public Library
Monday, July 11 6:30-7:30pm
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/about/monroe.html
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/playliteracy.html
Play Literacy supports the idea that children learn best through play. Young children can learn the fun, as well as the importance, of reading and writing in everyday life through imaginative play. This series has been extremely popular. If space is not available for July, be sure and mark your calendars to register for the August session.

Let's Play Camping - July 11. Learn everyday ways your family can have fun with literacy. Explore a dramatic play theme with stories, writing activities (real or pretend!) and toys. For families with children, ages 3-8. Call 266-6390 beginning Monday, June 27 to register.

Let's Play Pizza Parlor - August 11. Learn everyday ways your family can have fun with literacy. Explore a dramatic play theme with stories, writing activities (for real or pretend!) and toys. For families with children ages 3-8. Call 224-7100 beginning Thursday, July 28 to register two weeks in advance.

Ongoing Attractions

Little A-Merrick-A
Marshall, WI (see directions below)
12:00-6:00pm every day through August
Under 42" $10, 42" and up $13
http://www.littleamerricka.com
Little A-Merrick-A is less expensive than the big traveling carnivals and geared more specifically to the kids. They have a vast assortment of rides (at a better price than the carnivals) and a 1/3 scale train that wanders though a nature area with some exotic animals. Pack a snack or grab a bite at the concession stand. Don't forget the camera as there are many great photo opps here!

Take I-94 EAST towards Milwaukee to SR-73, Exit 250.
Go North 4 miles to SR-19.
Turn right onto SR-19 which is also Main Street.
Little A-Merrick-A will be on your right.

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

July 1 - July 7
It's hard to believe that the 4th of July holiday is this week.

Remember to check the weather this week as there are chances of thunderstorms towards the end of the holiday weekend.

Fireworks Displays
Around Dane County
http://www.channel3000.com/entertainment/4532411/detail.html
The link above will give you a list of all of the fireworks displays going on near us. Remember, with kids, bigger is not necessarily better. You may find that a small town display give you more bang for the buck (pardon the pun)!

Cork 'n Bottle String Band
Thursday, June 30 - 5:30-7:30pm
UW Memorial Union Terrace - FREE EVENT
http://www.bignew.com/
http://www.union.wisc.edu/events/index.asp?Month1=6&Day1=30&Year1=2005
How about a little bluegrass to celebrate the red, white, and blue this weekend? Bring a picnic and enjoy some live music on the Union Terrace every Thursday evening this summer.

Great Plains Rodeo - Stoughton Fair - Recommended Event
Mandt Park, Stoughton WI
Thursday, June 30 and Friday July 1 7pm - Adults $8, Kids $4
Fair runs through Monday, July 4
http://www.stoughtonfair.com/schedule2005.htm
Jacob, my oldest son had the best time in the world at this rodeo last year. He had stumbled across rodeo bull riding on cable TV and was mesmerized by it. So last year I took him to the fair to see the rodeo. It was great fun! We played up the whole cowboy thing and really enjoyed the whole experience.

Moon Gypsies at Capital Brewery - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, July 1 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
http://www.moongypsies.com
The Moon Gypsies play that all American bluesy, rock, southern stuff. You'll feel like you stepped into the town of Muscle Shoals. Pack a picnic or order a pizza to be delivered for an easy dining experience. Note that there is a hole in the fence to the right of the stage and apparently there is another hole on the left of the stage now too. So when your little ones wander, make sure you keep an eye on those areas for any escapees!

Mallards Game/Rhythm & Booms
Saturday, July 2 All Day, Game at 5:05pm, Fireworks at 9:45
Warner Park
http://www.rhythmandbooms.com/event/index.php?category_id=698
http://www.mallardsbaseball.com/current/
http://www.zooperstars.com

If you want an easy way to get good seats for Rhythm & Booms, give the Mallards game a try! Here is what we do for Rhythm & Booms, and it has worked pretty well so far with the kids (although last year was a bit wet).

Right now either drop by the Mallards park or go online and purchase your tickets (hint: get reserved seats so you have a predictable spot all lined up). Between now and Saturday, run to the dollar store and get some glow sticks, baseballs/gloves and other new, but cheap, patriotic items for the kids. On Saturday, load up your little red wagon with a bunch of snacks, a cooler of drinks, picnic blankets, bug spray, flashlights, and all of the inexpensive patriotic toys you just bought for the kids (much cheaper than buying them from street vendors). Take your kids' pajamas in the car (and any other things for them to start their nighttime rituals). Park in the Sherman Plaza strip mall parking lot (I think $10 to park and a bit faster to exit than the Mallards lot).

Enjoy the game, some post game entertainment, and the fireworks from one spot. The post game entertainment this year is a group called the "Zooperstars". Apparently they are a group of traveling larger-than-life animal mascot/caricatures of famous names in sports. It looks like it should be really neat!

Also, remember the ball field has a family area behind third base that has some play equipment on it. They also have a big hill behind the first base line that is always a fun place for kids to play ball. So if the game is too long for the kids, you have plenty of play options.

After the fireworks, get the kids back to the car and while you are waiting the 30 or so minutes to get out of the lot, get them ready for bed. After a long hot day they will all be snoozing away long before you get home.

Things to bring:

games, toys, American flags, baseballs, and mitts
bug spray
glow sticks (it's easier to find your kids in the dark that way)
flashlights
snacks and kid drinks
camera - lots of Kodak moments to be had here
hearing protections for any kids that easily suffer over stimulation

A Bit Further Away...

SummerFest
SummerFest Grounds, Milwaukee, WI
Thursday, June 30 - Sunday, July 10 - Adults $12, ages 3-10 $3
http://www.summerfest.com/
This is indeed the world's largest music festival-- and it is only 90 minutes from home! They have activities specifically for families listed at http://www.summerfest.com/funstuff/familyactivities.htm. Also note that there will be some more activities for the kids on July 5. Before packing for the day, double check their policies on what you can and cannot take into the festival grounds. I don't know how strict they are, but it sounds pretty harsh for us families who must have kid gear in tow!

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

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.