September 23 - September 29
Last weekend was another great weekend for family fun.  One activity in particular that we took part in that I would highly recommend (for kids 8 and up) is to do the MSCR airplane rides.  My oldest son is now convinced he wants to be a pilot when he grows up!  The weather for the upcoming weekend is finally starting to look look a bit more typical for this time of year, so definitely double check before heading out.

Reminder: Madison Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 27.
MSCR has a Kids Day Out program.  See page 10 of http://www.mscr.org/files/guides/32.pdf for details.  Note that the registration deadline may have passed.  I did a search for other day programs for the 27th, but surprisingly, I didn't find much.  The next break for MMSD is October 27-28 and there is a program available through Keva Sports for kids during that break.  If you know of others, let me know and I will post them.

Parent's Night Out - Keva Sports
8312 Forsythia St Middleton
(608)662-PLAY
Friday, September 23 - 6:00pm-10:00pm
http://www.kevasports.com/
Need to get away from the kids for a while?  Keva Sports has a Parent's Night Out scheduled for this Friday.  Kids ages 4 and up can attend while parents get out for a while.

Eplegaarden Farm
2227 Fitchburg Road, Fitchburg, Wisconsin
(608)845-5966
Hours through October 31 - Mon. – Sat. 9 AM – 5 PM Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Live folk music Sundays 1:00pm-4:00pm
http://www.eplegaarden.com/happenings.html
You may have read in this week's newspaper that the apple season and pumpkin season are both going to peak early due to the hot weather.  So get out there now before there's nothing to pick!

Kinderstate 90 at Eplegaarden
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005 
Children ages 3-8 drive pedal cars around a 232 ft. long wooden track with landscape art covered safety barriers on each side. On this track, children will drive from Cleveland, passing through Madison and end in South Dakota. Free admission. You can also pick apples, raspberries and pumpkins, listen to folk music, go on a horse-drawn hayride and visit the Eplegaarden store.

Schuster's Farm
Schuster's Playtime Farm, 1326 Hwy 12 & 18, Deerfield
(608) 764-8488   email: playtime@chorus.net
Cost varies by activity (price list)
Saturday, September 24 2:00pm
http://www.schustersplaytimefarm.com
Join Schuster's Playtime Farm as they host Madison-area Urban Ministry's most recent communion of music, food and fund-raising. This original idea looks to incorporate the greatness of their old barn with the beauty of music and the generosity of attendees with the goodness of home-made apple pie and ice cream. The talented musical line-up includes soloists, Gospel choir, folk music, jazz clarinet and more. A free-will offering taken during the concert will benefit MUM's Mentoring Connections!! Concert begins at 2:00 pm and Auction starts at 4:00 pm.

Read more about Madison-area Urban Ministry

Other activities on the farm include hayrides, corn maze, barnyard activities, pumpkin picking and more.

Daytime hours:
Mon.-Thurs. 9:00am-7:00pm
Fri. & Sat. 9:00 am-9:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Flashlight Corn Maze hours:
Fri. & Sat. 9/2-10/8-entry allowed until 9:30 pm
Haunted Corn Maze hours:  
Fri. & Sat. from dark-10:00 pm (10/14-10/29) also Thursday 10/27

Family Workshop: Stories in the Sky
UW Space Place
2300 S. Park St., Madison
Saturday, September 24, 10:00am
http://www.mmoca.org/starrytransit/public_programs.php
Stories in the Sky will introduce children to six constellations named in Greek mythology. Participants will learn about Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Andromeda, Cetus, Perseus and Pegasus through a colorful star chart showing how the constellations are arranged in the sky. After hearing the stories, kids will complete their star chart by attaching images of the Greek figures featured in the myths. Co-sponsored by MMoCA and UW Space Place in conjunction with "Starry Transit: An Installation by Martha Glowacki" at Washburn Observatory.

2005 Saris Spoke Out to Prevent Child Abuse
Olin Park
Sunday, September 25, 11:00am-2:00pm
http://www.preventchildabusewi.org/
Here’s a chance for you to raise money to prevent child abuse and neglect while enjoying a ride around Lake Monona or a walk along Wingra Creek.  The Schwinn BMX Stunt Show will be a special feature of this year's Saris Spoke Out.  All participants in the Saris Spoke Out are invited to watch and meet the riders after the show.  Note that if the actual bicycling route is the same as previous years, it is not the most kid friendly route.  So if you are going with the kids, stick to the walk and enjoy the entertainment while raising donations for a very worthy cause.

UW Women's Volleyball - Recommended Event
UW Field House
Friday, September 23, 7:00pm
Sunday, September 25, 1:00pm
http://www.uwbadgers.com
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!

Buy Tickets Now For...

Schoolhouse Rock
Overture Center
Various dates from October 7 - October 30 
$24 Adults, $16 Students, children 12 and under, and seniors, Thursdays are half price
http://www.madisonfamilytheatre.org/shows/index.html#school
This award-winning story of a nerve-wracked instructor who finds inspiration for teaching his students with imagination and music will have the audience humming along. Features your favorite songs from the television series: "Unpack Your Adjectives," "Just A Bill," "Conjunction Junction," and many more! 

Ongoing Activites...

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, September 24 - December 10, 11:00am - 1:00pm - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

Entertainment this week: Atimevu Drum and Dance - African Dance and Music

Live Jazz at Greenway Station
Greenway Station in Middleton
Saturday, September 24 - 6:00-8:00pm - FREE
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/default.asp
Swing on by Greenway Station for some ice cream and enjoy a bit of live jazz music.  It's a great way to let the kids wind down a bit after a busy Saturday.  Music is on each Saturday through September 24.

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/
This year's maze is in the cat and the fiddle, with friends the cow, the moon, the little dog and the very challenging dish and spoon labyrinth. Enjoy a unique experience-find your way through our 10-acre cornfield maze with over 3 miles of twists, turns and dead ends. Challenge yourself, your friends and family members to solve the maze and find all the clues in this mind-boggling living puzzle. There's a special prize for those persistent enough to find ALL the secret locations in the maze. In October, you can also take a horse drawn wagon ride through the beautiful Wisconsin countryside to the pumpkin patch.

Normal Hours through November 14
Saturday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Kids Corner Classes - Olbrich Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue Madison, Wisconsin
various days through November
http://www.olbrich.org/Education/Classes/Childrens_Classes/kids_corner_class_fall.htm
Olbrich offers hands-on plant workshops for children.  Each class includes a take-home component.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attend at no charge.  Maximum of 4 children per adult.  Some activities are geared for the toddler age and some for the 5 and up crowd.  Check out the details online at the link above.

September 16 - September 22
I hope each of you were able to catch the family fun downtown this past weekend.  We thoroughly enjoyed the peace day activities in and around the Children's Museum and the Overture Center.  Here are some pictures of our experience on Saturday.  The weather for the upcoming weekend is finally starting to look look a bit more typical for this time of year, so definitely double check before heading out.

Pajama Night with David Landau
Monona Public Library
Wednesday, September 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
1000 Nichols Rd. 608-222-6127 Monona  [Map]
http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/moo/calendar.html
Kids and parents - wear your favorite pajamas and robe to Pajama Night! David Landau presents "Kids and Kitties." David Landau is a former teacher turned storyteller and performer of children's music. His personal appearances are upbeat musical programs that involve children as active participants. The kids sing some, move some, act some, dance some, shout just a little bit, and laugh a bunch. The adults just sit back and enjoy the show. Staff at the Children's Museum said David's performance was "fun, funny, very interactive. The kids loved him!" The program is geared for toddlers to age 8, however, everyone welcome.

Family Film Fun Party hosted by Cinematters
American Legion Post 333, Sun Prairie, WI
Saturday, September 17 - 2:00pm - 6:00pm - $10 per person
Tickets must be purchased in advance - NO WALK INS
Recommended ages: 6-12
http://www.cinematters.com/filmfun/
Cinematters is a monthly syndicated column that helps parents use recent movies as a connection point with their children to have meaningful learning opportunities and conversations.  The authors of the column are hosting a Family Film Fun party based on a "treasure island" theme.  They are rolling out the red carpet for families like us to enjoy a swashbuckling lesson, group games, information about special effects, pirate themed munchies, and of course a movie!  Bring a blanket and pillows to watch the movie "picnic style".

I don't know much about this event, but if it is anything like their column, it will be well worth it.

UW Women's Volleyball - Recommended Event
UW Field House
Friday, September 16, 7:00pm
Saturday, September 17, 7:00pm
Sunday, September 18, 5:00pm
http://www.uwbadgers.com
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!

Willy Street Fair
~900 block of Williamson Street
Saturday, September 17, 2:00pm - 7:30pm
Sunday, September 18, 11:00am - 7:30pm
http://www.cwd.org/community/wsf/wsf.aspx
Looks like Sunday is the main day for this event.  On Sunday afternoon they have a Children's Stage with different events happening on the hour.  Check out the web site for more details.

Badger Spirit Day at Greenway Station
Greenway Station in Middleton
Saturday, September 17 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm - FREE
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/default.asp
Join Greenway Station for a day filled with music, food, fun and spirit! Live performances by the University of Wisconsin Spirit Squad, Alumni Band and local high school pep band and cheer squads. Enjoy FREE brats from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (while supplies last), plus fun Badger Trivia where you could win a pair of tickets to an upcoming Badger home game along with Badger gear and merchandise! Bucky Badger will be making an appearance from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.! Show your spirit with a cozy oversized red fleece throw blanket - FREE to the first 150 event attendees!

Scarecrow Building/Decorating Contest at Schuster's Farm
Schuster's Playtime Farm, 1326 Hwy 12 & 18, Deerfield
(608) 764-8488   email: playtime@chorus.net
Saturday, September 17 and Sunday September 18
Cost varies by activity (price list)
http://www.schustersplaytimefarm.com
The opening to autumn at Schuster's starts with an invitation to try our hands at creating scarecrows and scene decorating for beautifying the farm for the fall season.  The winner will receive a $25 certificate for Schuster's Playtime Farm.  Other activities on the farm include hayrides, corn maze, barnyard activities, pumpkin picking and more.

Daytime hours:
Mon.-Thurs. 9:00am-7:00pm
Fri. & Sat. 9:00 am-9:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Flashlight Corn Maze hours:
Fri. & Sat. 9/2-10/8-entry allowed until 9:30 pm
Haunted Corn Maze hours:  
Fri. & Sat. from dark-10:00 pm (10/14-10/29) also Thursday 10/27

Monster Trucks
Alliant Energy Center Coliseum
Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 - 7:30pm
http://www.co.dane.wi.us/danedept/expo/events/events.asp
When was the last time you had a boys night out with your boys?  There's nothing like the smell of exhaust and the sound of crunching cars to bring a father and son closer together!  Alright dads, here's your chance to have a great father-son experience!  Monster trucks are coming to town-- so grab your hearing protection and get out there!

Airplane Rides through MSCR
Dane County Airport - Call MSCR at 204-3000 to register
Saturday, September 17 - various time slots during the day
http://www.mscr.org/files/guides/32.pdf
Ride in a single engine airplane at the Madison Airport. Parents must attend with children; only children fly. Must complete Young Eagle waiver forms. See pages 5 and 14 of the Fall 2005 MSCR catalog linked above (.pdf file).

Halloween Marshmallow Craft Event
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Saturday, September 17, 10:00am - 3:00pm
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayArticle?articleNum=ae0353
Here's a Free Family Event where crafters of all ages are invited to create marshmallow folk. Visit your local Michaels store between 10am – 3pm for this come and go family fun activity.  Participants will have the opportunity to make marshmallow friends such as Frankenstein, Pumpkin Man, or a jack-o-lantern pin. These fun characters will bring lots of smiles - attach a pin to make a button, glue on a magnet and stick to the refrigerator, or simply give them as thoughtful friendship gifts.

McFarland Family Festival
McFarland High School, 5103 Farwell Drive (Map)
September 16 - September 18
http://mcfarlandfamilyfestival.org/default.htm
Do you have the urge to go to one more small town festival/carnival before the season ends?  This has to be one of the last opportunities to do so.  A carnival midway goes on each day, and there are family friendly activities (Vilas Zoo "Edzoocational Animals", Treinen Farms hay wagon shuttle, and more) scheduled for Saturday afternoon.  See the web site for details.

Ongoing Activites...

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, September 17 - December 10, 11:00am - 1:00pm - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

Entertainment this week: Ace Willie - Comedy Magic and Balloons

Live Jazz at Greenway Station
Greenway Station in Middleton
Saturday, September 17 - 6:00-8:00pm - FREE
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/default.asp
Swing on by Greenway Station for some ice cream and enjoy a bit of live jazz music.  It's a great way to let the kids wind down a bit after a busy Saturday.  Music is on each Saturday through September 24.

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/
This year's maze is in the cat and the fiddle, with friends the cow, the moon, the little dog and the very challenging dish and spoon labyrinth. Enjoy a unique experience-find your way through our 10-acre cornfield maze with over 3 miles of twists, turns and dead ends. Challenge yourself, your friends and family members to solve the maze and find all the clues in this mind-boggling living puzzle. There's a special prize for those persistent enough to find ALL the secret locations in the maze. In October, you can also take a horse drawn wagon ride through the beautiful Wisconsin countryside to the pumpkin patch.

Normal Hours through November 14
Saturday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Kids Corner Classes - Olbrich Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue Madison, Wisconsin
various days through November
http://www.olbrich.org/Education/Classes/Childrens_Classes/kids_corner_class_fall.htm
Olbrich offers hands-on plant workshops for children.  Each class includes a take-home component.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attend at no charge.  Maximum of 4 children per adult.  Some activities are geared for the toddler age and some for the 5 and up crowd.  Check out the details online at the link above.

September 9 - September 15
Looks like we have survived the first week of school!  The weather this week will be warm but a bit unpredictable, so check online before heading out.

Kid's For Peace Day
Outside of the Children's Museum - FREE (outdoor activities)
Saturday, September 10 - 9:00am - 2:00pm
The Madison Children's Museum neighborhood comes alive on Saturday, September 10, for the 9th annual Kids for Peace Day celebration, held outside the museum at 30 on the Square. The full day of multicultural performances and activities honors the United Nations' International Day of Peace & Hear the Children Day, which are observed annually in September. Kids for Peace Day features free performances and art activities outside the museum from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and 25¢ museum admission all day. Featured guest artist Gemma Bulos will lead a family workshop and a group performance of her international-touring project "A Million Voices, One Peace." For more information on this global peace-building initiative, visit www.asingledrop.org. 

Schedule:
9:00 Suzuki Strings of Madison
10:00 Kalaanjali School of Dance
10:30 MadCAP
11:00 Stuart Stotts
11:30 Natyarpana School of Dance
12:00 Gemma Bulos and the Allied Drive Peace Club
12:30 T'ai Chi Animal Frolics
1:00 Atimevu Drum and Dance Ensemble
Featuring Master of Ceremonies Rich Baumann

India Day
Children's Museum - 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Mall near Memorial Union - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday, September 10 - FREE
The Kalaanjali dancers will perform Indian Classical Dance - Bharatanatyam for the Kids for Peace Day at the Madison Children's Museum from 10:00am-10:30am (see related event).  Association of India is celebrating India Day at the Library Mall near Memorial Union. They will have cultural program and delicious India Food on sale between 11:00am and 1:00PM.  

Astronomical Scavenger Hunt
UW Space Place (new location) Map
Saturday, September 10 - 10:00am, call 262-4779 - FREE
http://spaceplace.wisc.edu/
Space Place family workshops are for children ages 6-10 and their parents, and are offered the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required for any of the workshops.

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, September 10 - December 10, 11:00am - 1:00pm - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

Entertainment this week: Reid Miller - Folksinger/storyteller

Kids Corner Classes - Olbrich Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue Madison, Wisconsin
various days through November
http://www.olbrich.org/Education/Classes/Childrens_Classes/kids_corner_class_fall.htm
Olbrich offers hands-on plant workshops for children.  Each class includes a take-home component.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attend at no charge.  Maximum of 4 children per adult.  Some activities are geared for the toddler age and some for the 5 and up crowd.  Check out the details online at the link above.

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/
This year's maze is in the cat and the fiddle, with friends the cow, the moon, the little dog and the very challenging dish and spoon labyrinth. Enjoy a unique experience-find your way through our 10-acre cornfield maze with over 3 miles of twists, turns and dead ends. Challenge yourself, your friends and family members to solve the maze and find all the clues in this mind-boggling living puzzle. There's a special prize for those persistent enough to find ALL the secret locations in the maze. In October, you can also take a horse drawn wagon ride through the beautiful Wisconsin countryside to the pumpkin patch.

Normal Hours through November 14
Saturday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Live Jazz at Greenway Station
Greenway Station in Middleton
Saturday, September 10 - 6:00-8:00pm - FREE
Brad Pregeant Trio
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/default.asp
Swing on by Greenway Station for some ice cream and enjoy a bit of live jazz music.  It's a great way to let the kids wind down a bit after a busy Saturday.  Music is on each Saturday through September 24.

Register now for...

Creative Dance for Ages 3-5
1957 Winnebago Street - Map
9 Week session starts September 12
Creative dance class for 3-5 year olds at TAPIT/new works, 1957 Winnebago Street. Nine week Fall session begins September 12, cost $36. Please call Donna Peckett, 244-2938 for registration and information.

On the horizon...

Monster Trucks
Alliant Energy Center Coliseum
Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 - 7:30pm
http://www.co.dane.wi.us/danedept/expo/events/events.asp
When was the last time you had a boys night out with your boys?  There's nothing like the smell of exhaust and the sound of crunching cars to bring a father and son closer together!  Alright dads, here's your chance to have a great father-son experience!  Monster trucks are coming to town-- so grab your hearing protection and get out there!

September 2 - September 8
Wow!  Hard to believe that school is already back in session!  The weather this week is looking great!  Enjoy it while it's here!

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw
Marion Park, Prairie du Sac, WI - map
Friday, September 2 - 7:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday, September 3 - 9:00am-11:00am
http://www.wiscowchip.com/events.htm
Here is an event that looks and smells just like Wisconsin.  Fun starts tonight with a kid's stage, and an adult stage with the Swing Crew performing in the early evening.  Kids can do their own cow chip throwing on Saturday morning.  Check out the event listing web page (above) for the full scoop.

Houdini Club of Wisconsin 67th Annual Magic Convention
Public Magic Shows!
Madison Marriott West Hotel (1313 John Q. Hammons Dr.
Middleton, WI)
Friday, September & Saturday, September 3 - 8:00pm - Doors Open at 7:15 p.m.
General Admission, Tickets Available at door.
Price: $8.00 adults/ Children 12 & under $5.00 (With $2.00 off coupon available at door)
I called the information number and it turned out to be Wayne the Wizard!  Wayne has worked his marketing magic this year and is expecting a big crowd appear before his eyes for these shows.  Get their early so you can claim a good seat with the kids!  For more information call: (608) 274-9411

Coming Soon...

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, September 10 - December 10
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

Kids Corner Classes - Olbrich Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Avenue Madison, Wisconsin
various days through November
http://www.olbrich.org/Education/Classes/Childrens_Classes/kids_corner_class_fall.htm
Olbrich offers hands-on plant workshops for children.  Each class includes a take-home component.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attend at no charge.  Maximum of 4 children per adult.  Some activities are geared for the toddler age and some for the 5 and up crowd.  Check out the details online at the link above.