Family Friendly Events In Madison WI

August 26 - September 1

Hello, I am out of the country for the next full week, so I am going to have to send this update a few days early. My wife is sending me away to relax and recover from what has been one hectic summer (thanks April, you're the best!). Enjoy the last week of the kids' summer break for me, and don't forget to double check the weather before you head out.

Annie - Oregon Straw Hat Players
Oregon School District's Performing Art's Center
456 N. Perry Parkway Oregon, WI 53575
August 20 - 8pm, August 21 - 3pm, August 25 - 8pm, August 26 - 8 pm, August 27 - 3pm, August 27 - 8pm
Adults $12, Students/Seniors $8
http://www.oregon-straw-hat-players.com/OSHP.html
Here is an event that comes to us on recommendation of one of our website subscribers. The Oregon Straw Hat Players in a volunteer amateur theatre troupe in the Oregon, Wisconsin area. The story of Little Orphan Annie and her visit to the opulent mansion of Oliver Warbucks is retold in this fun, captivating, and loved musical. The trials and adventures of Annie as she tries to find her parents lead her throughout New York and all the way to FDR's White House.

Middleton Good Neighbor Festival
Fireman's Park in Middleton - Map
Friday, August 26 - Sunday, August 28
http://www.middletonfestival.com/
It's time once again for the annual Middleton Good Neighbor Festival. Come on out and enjoy a weekend of family fun. The link above has a full list of activities including the Banana Lady, parades, live music, a kiddie dog show and much more.

Capital Brewery Live Music - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, August 26 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
This week's entertainment is "Puppy Costello" performing live blues music. This is the last concert of the summer series so enjoy it while you can-- it's going to get cold again soon!

UW Women's Volleyball Family Festival - Recommended Event
UW Field House
Saturday, August 27 4:00pm
http://www.uwbadgers.com
Unfortunately it's a bit too early to know the exact scoop here. I would guess that they are going to have some extra stuff just for kids at this pre-season game. If you have not taken your kids to a UW Women's Volleyball game before, I would highly recommend it. Try to sit on the front row of general admission (the ends of the court) so that the kids can jump around and dance during time outs. Bring your camera to get pictures of your kids with Bucky Badger!

Family Game Night - Barnes & Noble East
East Towne Mall - 608-241-4695
Friday, August 26 7:00pm
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=F967F5C801D78EF4F9F57F384063C19A?store=2174
Family Game Night: Would You Rather?
Would you rather have a head twice the normal size or half the normal size? Neither is not an option! Join us in the kid's department when we play Would You Rather?, a game of wacky and mind-boggling questions! It's guaranteed to provoke ridiculous fun and open a unique window into the wild imaginations of friends and family!

Kids Discovery Day - Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 300 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI, 608-221-3038
Sunday, August 28 12:00-3:00pm - FREE Event
http://www.naturenet.com/alnc/Events/Kids_%20Discovery_Day.html
Enjoy this free family, fun-filled day of outdoor adventure!

Take a hike through the Prairie
Explore the Wetlands
Learn about the Critters in the Pond from an Experienced Naturalist
Check out the Children's Shack
Z104 will be on-site doing a live broadcast

Madison Public Library Events for August
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_aug.html
Use the link above to find the upcoming library events for every school age group!

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

Mad City Ski Team Performance
Law Park (just east of Monona Terrace)
Sundays through August 6:00pm
http://www.velocitycomputing.com/madcity/index.html
The Mad City Ski Team performs free ski shows every Sunday evening at Law Park, located just in front of Monona Terrace on scenic Lake Monona. Pack a picnic and enjoy the show.

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.

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

August 19 - August 25

With the exception of Friday, the weather for the weekend is going to be beautiful!

Juniopalooza - Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street - FREE EVENT for members
Saturday, August 20, 10:00am-1:00pm
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
As you start to look toward the new school year, enjoy one last summer fling at MCM’s 8th annual Juniorpalooza festival and birthday party. This year’s celebration begins outside the museum at 30 on the Square, with music by Ken Lonnquist and the Kenland Band at 10 a.m. Following the concert, enjoy a slice of birthday cake and make puppets and banners to take part in the museum’s birthday parade at 12:30. The State Street spectacle will feature Puppet Farm’s giant puppets, Jolly Giants strolling on stilts, a birthday bicycle float, and enough costumes to turn every child into a circus star. Free admission for outdoor events; regular museum admission applies for indoor activities.

Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival
Angell Park - 102 Park Street Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Thursday, August 18 - Sunday, August 21
http://www.sunprairiechamber.com
Start with carnival rides and a petting zoo, mix in family games and live entertainment, then add 70 tons of sweet corn, and you'll get Sun Prairie's annual Sweet Corn Festival! Head out to Sun Prairie's Angell Park to enjoy the Midwest's favorite corn celebration.

Capital Brewery Live Music - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, August 19 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
This week's entertainment is Michael Coleman & the Backbreakers who describe their style of music as "Funky Blues".

Aldo Leopold Nature Clubs
Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 300 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI, 608-221-3038
Various dates on weekdays through the end of August
http://www.naturenet.com/alnc/sumcamp.html
OK, I am a little late in the season for this one as the program is about to end for the summer, but it sounds pretty good. Want to connect with your child and with Nature? Check out the new Toddler Time Nature Clubs for Parents and Toddlers or their regular Toddler Camps and join in the fun! (ages 2-3 - adult buddy required) Every Thursday in June, July, and August, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., join our Toddler Time Nature Club - Outdoor exploration, discovery and curiosity are at the heart of the Toddler Clubs. Toddler time involves children in stories, song, puppet shows, crafts and games. All programs are held rain or shine.

Madison Public Library Events for August
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_aug.html
Use the link above to find the upcoming library events for every school age group!

A Mother - Daughter Bonding Opportunity

Hilary Duff Concert
Alliant Energy Center
Sunday August 21 - 7:00pm - $48.50/ticket
http://www.co.dane.wi.us/danedept/expo/events/events.asp order at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07003AAB9E118989?artistid=882305&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1
Hey Mom, show your pre-adolescent daughter your cool and hip side! April and Maya have front row tickets to this teeny-bopper event! They are so excited! I usually wouldn't turn down a concert, but I think I will happily sit this one out with the boys!

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

August 12 - August 18

Indoor Activities - In Case of Rain

Boulder's Climbing Gym - Kid's Night Every Friday - Recommended Event
3964 Commerical Ave. (East Side) - 608-244-8100 - map
Friday Evenings - children 7-15 $8, children 6-under $6
http://www.bouldersgym.com/
Here is a cool opportunity to try something completely different with your kids-- indoor rock climbing! Keep this one in your back pocket for rainy Friday evenings. It's a great self esteem booster for kids to be able to do something like this.

Here are some pictures from when we went this time last year - http://www.whatacoolfamily.com/photos/2004_08_rockclimb/index.htm. It was a very rainy Friday evening and we just drove out there on the spur of the moment for something to do. Note that you need one adult to do the ropes. I took three kids so I was able to only help one climb at a time. Needless to say the kids got a little restless between their turns to climb. A two kid to one adult ratio is best. I would not recommend this activity for kids under 5.

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
Escape the rain underground! 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.

Here are some pictures from our last couple of visits to the cave:

http://www.whatacoolfamily.com/photos/2005_06_jordan_web/
http://www.whatacoolfamily.com/photos/2004_09_cavern_web/index.htm

Madison Public Library Events for August
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_aug.html
Use the link above to find the upcoming library events for every school age group!

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).

Outdoor Activities

Capital Brewery Live Music - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, August 12 6:00-9:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
This week's entertainment is the Swing Crew. We have seen their act at Capital Brewery the past two years and they are great fun! The first half of their act is very clean and family oriented. The second half of their act gets a bit more risqué. They hand out maracas made out of recycled water bottles filled with popcorn kernels and bumper stickers. Last year I even got to play the washboard on stage for a song. Check out the pictures at http://www.whatacoolfamily.com/photos/2004_09_capbrew_web/index.htm.

UW Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families - Nocturnal Animals
Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway. 263-7888
Saturday, August 13, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
http://www.uwarboretum.com/events/
Unless you are out at night and can see in limited light, you may never meet some of your animal neighbors. We’ll introduce you to live, night-time critters for an opportunity to learn about some fellow citizens. Seminole Highway entrance may be blocked by road construction. Use South Mills Street entrance.

Also, don't miss:
Pond Stuff
Sunday, August 14, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
This walk introduces children to the fascinating world of pond life.

Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave
Now through August 14th, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Adults $5, children 3-12 $3
http://www.olbrich.org
Sunday is the last day to enjoy this event! See my detailed write up from last week.

Oregon Summer Concert Series - Ken Lonnquist
Waterman, Triangle Park in Oregon - FREE EVENT!
August 16, 6:30pm (music starts at 7:00pm)
http://www.oregonwi.com/custom/custom.cfm?customid=24
Ken Lonnquist provides songs and laughter for children of all ages. His songs include themes on the environment and regional lore.

A Mother - Daughter Bonding Opportunity

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

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.

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.

August 5 - August 11

Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave
Now through August 14th, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Adults $5, children 3-12 $3
http://www.olbrich.org
OK, don't stop reading this one yet. When I first heard that my wife was taking 2 of the kids there I thought that it was going to be a disaster in the making. I had envisioned my 6 and 7 year olds terrorizing a bunch of little old ladies at their garden club. Boy was I mistaken!

The butterfly program is actually a really neat educational opportunity for kids and is quite kid friendly. Each kid gets a "passport" that they take from station to station throughout the gardens. At each station a volunteer asks them questions and then stamps their passport. Once you have filled the passport you get a free Michaels frozen custard. Not a bad deal at all if you ask me!

The butterfly exhibit was apparently pretty cool too. There were volunteers throughout the exhibit to help point out stuff along the way. One note is that a very limited number of people are allowed into the exhibit at a time so as to not upset the ecosystem they have going on. So this is something you may want to do during the weekday if your schedule allows.

All in all, this event gets two thumbs up!

Related Events
Tuesday, August 9, 2005 11:00 AM
Join Olbrich storytellers on the Great Lawn and listen to a tale about creepy-crawly bugs this summer. Then load up the strollers for a ride through the fragrances, textures, and colors of nature at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Olbrich offers the Toddler Story and Stroll from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays July 26, August 2, and August 9.
The Toddler Story and Stroll, on July 26, August 2, and August 9, is for children who are walking up to age 4. The cost for each class is $3 per child for the public, and $2 per child for Olbrich Botanical Society members. The cost for the entire series (3 sessions) is $4 per child for Olbrich members and $6 per child for the general public. An adult must accompany children, and adults attend free. Registration is not required. Class will be cancelled in inclement weather.
Saturday, August 13, 2005 2:00 PM
Children can go on a quest for beautiful butterflies and other flying insects with Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ Butterfly Backpack Adventure. This one-hour, single-session class for kids is offered every Thursday and Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. during Olbrich’s Blooming Butterflies exhibit.
The Butterfly Backpack Adventure class is for children ages 6 and older. An adult must accompany children, and adults attend free. The cost is $5 per child for Olbrich Botanical Society members, and $6 per child for the general public. The registration deadline is July 14 for the July 21 and July 23 classes; July 21 for the July 28 and July 30 classes; July 28 for the August 4 and August 6 classes; and August 4 for the August 11 and August 13 classes. Class will be cancelled in inclement weather.

Treinen Farm Corn Maze
W 12420 Hwy 60, Lodi - map
Now until it gets really, really cold!
Adults $7, children 6-11 $5
http://www.treinenfarm.com/
No, this is not a misprint. The Treinen Farm corn maze is already up and running.

It just doesn't seem right to be trudging through the fields when it's still summer. It's kind of like putting up your Christmas lights in October! At any rate, this could be a great change up to the normal summer routine. Also note that on Saturday evenings until 9pm there will be an opportunity to do the corn maze in the dark (well I guess dusk would be more appropriate right now) followed by a campfire at the farm.

Concerts at McKee Farms Park
McKee Farms Park - Fitchburg (McKee Rd, west of Fish Hatchery Rd)
Monday, August 8, 6:30pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.fitchburgchamber.com/events.php
Concerts at McKee Farms Park can be really fun and easy. This Monday the Reptile Palace Orchestra 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!

National Mustard Day
100 West Main Street, Mount Horeb
Saturday, August 6, 10:00am - 4:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.mustardmuseum.com/news_events/day/index.htm
On Saturday, August 6 you’re invited to paint the town yellow with a fun-filled day for the whole family during the 2005 National Mustard Day Celebration! This favorite annual event will include a visit from the weinermobile, mustard games, face painting, baseball & mustard exhibit, a mustard cook-off, live entertainment, mustard bowling, mustard painting and of course delicious mustards and other delectable treats. More details at: http://www.mustardmuseum.com/news_events/day/Mustard%20Day%202005%20Factsheet.doc.

Atwood Summerfest
2000-2100 blocks of Atwood Ave
Saturday, August 6, noon - 7:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.atwoodcc.com/forms/sfestposter.pdf
Help support the Atwood Community Center by attending the Atwood Summerfest. The fest has a climbing wall, obstacle course, children’s games, food including chili dogs and roasted corn from the Atwood Food Booth, craft vendors, street entertainment and three stages with live music.

FREE Family Sunday - Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street - FREE EVENT
Sunday, August 7
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
On a budget and not a member of the Children's Museum? No worries. It's free this Sunday! 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

Madison Public Library Events for August
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_aug.html
Use the link above to find the upcoming library events for every school age group!

Regularly Scheduled Activities/Events

July 29 - August 4

Capital Brewery - Cuban Music - Recommended Event
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton
Friday, July 29 6:00-9:00pm - Cuban music - FREE EVENT
http://www.capital-brewery.com/events/music.html
Band for tonight is Que Flavor - http://www.queflavor.com/. They do a Cuban and Latin style of music that will certainly have the kids up and dancing. Here are a few links related to this style of music that you can use to help your older kids understand this genre:

http://www.mamborama.com/cuba_music.html - Cuban Music 101
http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/soc/ccameron/soc215/cuba/cuba.htm - Cuba and it's music
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Cuban_musical_instruments - Wikipedia list of Cuban musical instruments.
http://maria.fremlin.de/stagbeetles/instruments.html - Shows a couple of instruments.
http://www.pitara.com/discover/geography/index.asp - Compare basic facts about Cuba with the US.
http://www.coloringcastle.com/pdfs/flags/flag-cuba-123.pdf - Cuban flag coloring page.
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/class/wr/article/0,17585,90053,00.html - Time For Kids recent history of Cuba.

Wauna-fest 2005
Downtown Waunakee
Thursday, July 28th - Sunday, July 31
http://www.webdadi.com/WebMgmt/Content/waunakee/Default.asp?CategoryID=36&SectionID=111&PageID=995
Waunakee's annual festival is going on this weekend. I have never been, but it sounds like your pretty standard small town carnival with a midway, etc.

Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival
Lake Farm Park at 3880 Libby Road
Friday, July 29 - Saturday, July 30
http://www.sugarmaplefest.org/
The Sugar Maple Festival is a celebration of traditional music. This year they will have children's music (on Saturday), a kid's activity area, and a learning stage. There is also a playground nearby, and it is located on the Capital City Bike Trail-- so you can make it a family bicycle, music, and festival outing.

Children's Music Performers:

Dave Landau - http://www.happytrails.biz/

Ken Lonnquist - http://www.kenland.com/

National Night Out Against Crime
Fireman's Park 7400 Lee Street, next to Middleton High School
Tuesday, August 2, 5:00-7:00pm - FREE EVENT
http://www.visitmiddleton.com/events.html
National Night Out is an opportunity, for communities to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention initiatives and neighborhood camaraderie. The following attractions are scheduled; Med Flight, a “Jaws of Life” demonstration, U.W. Mounted Police, Dane County K-9, and the bike rodeo safety course. There will be booths set up which focus on various aspects of safety and/or crime prevention including.

The Middleton Police Department will also have a booth which will include the opportunity for parents to have their children photographed and fingerprinted. This is part of an initiative through The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There will be face painting, prizes and plenty of “freebies” for everyone attending.

Other National Night Out Town Events:

http://www.madison.com/communities/oregoncc/events/index.php - Oregon, WI

http://www.veronawi.com/events/ - Verona, WI

Resources:

http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/about.html - National Night Out Web Site

Wisconsin PBS Kids' Open House
Vilas Hall fourth floor terrace, 821 University Ave - 263-3364
Friday, August 5, 9:00-11:00am - FREE EVENT
(bring a used sweater/sweatshirt for the Mister Rogers' Sweater Drive)
http://wpt.org/kids/whats_new/index.html
This year the theme is "el doble de amigos/twice as many friends" and features appearances by Maya & Miguel, 10-year-old bilingual Latino twins, from the popular PBS series. Maya & Miguel airs 3:30 p.m. weekdays on WPT.

Children also will have the chance to play games based on their favorite PBS programs and receive free goodies, and parents can get a sneak peek at WPT's fall children's broadcast schedule.

Community participants, Henry Vilas Zoo, Poison Control Center of Madison, Madison Fire Department, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Federation of Museums, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Dane County Humane Society and Madison Children's Society will be on hand with activities, demonstrations and handout materials.

Attendees are encouraged too bring a gently worn sweater or sweatshirt for the Mister Rogers' Sweater Drive.
WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Madison Public Library Events for August
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_aug.html
Use the link above to find the upcoming library events for every school age group!

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