Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/calendar.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week. Click on the colored titles to register online.

Babies' Music
Rhapsody Arts Center, 271 S. Main St., Verona (608)848-2045
http://www.rhapsodyarts.org 
Music class for ages 0-18 months.  Sing together at Rhapsody Arts Center's FREE "Babies Music" class! Sponsored by The Purple Goose of Verona, this class is for caregiver and baby. Strengthen the bond with your baby while encouraging the discovery of sounds, movements and textures. Your child's overall development will soar through enjoyable musical stimulation , and you will enjoy sharing experiences with other new parents.

Open Gyms at Madtown Twisters
7035 Old Sauk Road P.O. Box 620827 Madison (Corner of Old Sauk & Gammon)
http://www.madtowntwisters.com/Opengym-Fall.htm
This place rocks!  It's great for all age groups listed below.  They also have regularly scheduled gymnastics and dance classes during the week.  Some days I feel like we live there!

At-Home Dads
Happy Bambino 2045 Atwood Ave. 204-6147 [MAP]
Every Thursday, 9:30-10:45 am
http://www.HappyBambino.com
Come join a community of dads who have made the choice to stay at home with their child/children. The discussion will be led by the group, but topics may range from fatherhood and the novelty of being a stay-at-home-dad to topics completely unrelated to being a parent, like sports, music, and movies.  Snacks and drinks available for purchase or BYO.

New Mom's Group
Madison Birth Center 6720 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Suite 103Middleton  821-0123 [MAP]
Free drop-in group for mothers, babies & pregnant women
11 am-12:30 pm Thursdays
jody@madisonbirthcenter.com
Led by Jen Perfetti, MA, LPC and the Madison Birth Center midwives, this drop-in group is for mothers, babies and pregnant women. Each week a topic is discussed along with open discussion. Breastfeeding support is always available. You need not have given birth at the Madison Birth Center to attend.  When: Thursday mornings from 11 AM-12:30 PM  Cost: No charge

Storytimes Ages 2-6
University Book Store-Hilldale 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (in the Hilldale Mall) 238-8455 Madison  [MAP]
Thursdays - 10:00am 238-8455
Story Time for Children
The University Book Store - Hilldale Shopping Center

Weekly Crafts at Michaels Craft Store
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Every Saturday, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

Latte Da Espresso Lounge Preschool Storytime
864 Jupiter Drive Madison, WI 222-8817 
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
http://www.lattedaespresso.net/

Tuesdays at the Castle - Avol's Bookstore
315 W. Gorham St. 255-4730  [MAP]
ages 3-6, 11 am Tuesdays. 255-4730
Trudy Barash reads stories for children ages 3-6 years at Avol's Bookstore, (formerly Canterbury Booksellers).

Dan, Dan, the Story Man
Borders Books East 2173 Zeier Rd., Madison 240-0080
10:30 am Wednesdays
Call: 240-0080
Dan, Dan, the Story Man: stories, music and activities, Wednesdays at 10:30am

Drop-In Playtime
Family Enhancement 2120 Fordem Ave., Suite 210 (new location)
Weekly on Mondays and Fridays @ 9:00am Call: 241-5150 ext. 15
http://www.familyenhancement.org
Ages 9 months-4 years, 9 am-noon Mondays & Fridays, Family Enhancement. 241-5150 ext. 15

Drop-In Playtime
Child Development Inc. (lower level), 2012 Fisher St.
Weekly on Tuesday, 1:00pm-3:00pm Call: 241-5150 ext. 15
http://www.familyenhancement.org
Ages 9 months-4 years, 1-3 pm Tuesdays, Child Development, 2012 Fisher St. 241-5150 ext. 15

Preschool Crafts
Eager Free Library, Evansville 39 W. Main St. 608-882-2260
Tuesdays, 8:00am
This is a great way to ensure that your child is getting some great experiences with eye-hand coordination. Registration is not necessary for these craft programs.  Year Around Preschool Craft Time every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Muddy Moose Espresso
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd in Cottage Grove (in the Piggly Wiggly Mall, next to the Post Office) 839-5900
YOU ARE INVITED to have fun, get creative, learn something new, and widen your horizons!

Every Friday until 8 p.m. Free drop-in event for families and friends. Many board games and puzzles provided or bring your own. LOG some quality time in our cozy cabin atmosphere! Free.

The weather-- A beautiful weekend is in store for us!  Get out and enjoy 60s on Saturday, 70s on Sunday.  The week will see rain (more likely later in the week) and more seasonably cool weather.

Enchanted Forest
McGaw Park, 5236 Lacy Rd. Fitchburg
Saturday, October 20, 6:00pm-8:00pm Call: 270-4285
http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=190466
The Fitchburg Recreation Department hosts a special family event, "The Enchanted Forest," on Saturday, October 20, 6-8:00 p.m. at McGaw Park in Fitchburg. This event is a magical experience for families with young children, toddlers to 10 years of age. The trail's 25 and more scenes capture kids' imagination and wonder. After visiting the trail, enjoy some special entertainment, take a horse drawn carriage ride or have some hot chocolate/cider and s'mores by the big bonfire.

• Clydesdales - Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
• Magician
• Entertainment Tent
• Illuminated Enchanted Trail
• Bonfire - Fitchburg Fire Department
• Concessions - Fitchburg Optimist Club: Popcorn, S'mores, Coffee & Hot Chocolate
• Bus Shuttle from City Hall to the Enchanted Forest

Cayuga Court Open House
Cayuga Court parking lot (just off the Beltline at University Ave in Middleton)
Sunday, October 21, 12:00 - 3:00pm  Call: 828-4413
Unlock Your Treasure at Cayuga Court. Win Thousands of Dollars in gift cards, certificates, and merchandise from area businesses. Seven chances to win. Pick up your key to unlock the treasure chests at any of the following Cayuga Court businesses: Diny's Jewelers, Elements Therapeutic Massage, Fitness Together, Infinity Marital Arts, The Little Gym, Soup Factory, & Tutto Pasta.

Other activities/events include: Haunted Fun House, Costume Contest, Dig for Diamonds, Make & Take Craft with Michaels, Free Massages, Live DJ, Free Food Samples, Demonstrations by Fitness Together & Infinity Martial Arts, and the Middleton Fire Department will have a fire truck on-site.

The Figureheads
Kid-friendly hip-hop group's DVD release concert
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church West 7291 Cty. Hwy. PD, Verona
Cost: $5 ($20 family; benefits Orchard Ridge Preschool scholarships) Call: 274-8407
Friday October 26, 7:00 p.m.
http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=190573
Figureheads Perform Live at Keep It Movin DVD Release Party

"The Figureheads ... drive to reach kids with words of affirmation and hope." - L.A. Times

Come see the award-winning children's musicians, the Figureheads, perform at the official Keep It Movin DVD release concert and party at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 26th. This energetic live concert will benefit the Orchard Ridge Preschool Scholarship Fund.

The Figureheads' music is dedicated to celebrating and affirming children and families. Their award-winning kiddo hip hop explores the universal themes of making good decisions, discovering one's voice and celebrating the power of family and friendship. Kiddo Publishing and the Figureheads invite you to join the movement and come celebrate the release of their first-ever live concert DVD.

Bursting with enthusiasm, motivation and a fresh approach to music and movement, Keep It Movin is a live concert experience where everyone will find a place and voice. Featuring the Figureheads, their award-winning music and fantastic dance moves, Keep It Movin' inspires and celebrates children.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling Orchard Ridge (608-274-8407) and are $5 for individuals and $20 for families. All ticket proceeds will go to the Orchard Ridge Preschool Scholarship Fund.

Train Rides on the Pumpkin Special
Location Mid-Continent Railway Museum E8948 Diamond Hill Rd Baraboo, WI Phone 1-800-930-1385
Saturday, October 20
Sunday, October 21
http://midcontinent.org 
What better way to pick your pumpkin for Halloween than from a train ride through the beautiful countryside of the Baraboo Hills! The seven-mile, 50-minute round-trip ride on a former branch line of the Chicago North Western Railway will include a stopover at the Quartzite Lake Pumpkin Patch. Passengers young and old can take a leisurely stroll through the patch to select their pumpkin for purchase. The train conductor will help you load your pumpkin on the train for the return back to North Freedom. Trains depart at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm. Dining Service: Dine in fine style with a multi-course gourmet meal served to you by uniformed friendly staff. Dinner trains board at 6:15pm for 6:30pm departure from North Freedom on Saturday only. Reservations required for dinner train.

SPOOKTACULAR DROP AND PLAY
Heros, The Party Experience · 8233 Forsythia St. Middleton, WI 53562 · 608-831-9569 
Friday, October 26, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
http://www.herosparty.com/
Parents let your kids Trick or Treat in a fun and safe environment while you enjoy a night out on the town. Our Heroes will make sure your kids never stop smiling.

Only $25 for the first child, $20.00 each additional child

Price Includes:
- 3 Hours of play time. - Unlimited pizza. - Unlimited drinks.
- Access to our eerie bouncers, mysterious Sandlot and
creepy carnival games. - Create your own goodie bag.

* Please register in advance. Space is limited.

Halloween at the Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo
October 21, 2007 - 10am - 4pm
http://www.vilaszoo.org/events/index.php


OCTOBER, 21st Not a trick!
We are having our Halloween at the Zoo just a little early this year.
We can't compete for parking with the activities at Camp Randall, so we picked a day without a Bagder football home game.

Family Concert: United States Army Field Band
Monona Terrace Madison Ballroom
Wednesday, October 24, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Free and open to the public
http://wmea.com/ 
The United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than half a century. The band is considered by music critics to be one of the most versatile and inspiring musical organizations in the world and has earned the title, "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army." The concert marks the beginning of the Wisconsin State Music Conference. For more information, go to www.wmea.com.

HOLLOWeen at the Cave
Cave of the Mounds 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd., Blue Mounds
Friday Oct. 26 5:00 - 7:00 PM Sneak-A-Peek with Candlelight Hike
Saturday Oct. 27 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM with Falconry Talks and Scavenger Hunt
http://www.caveofthemounds.com
Don't be afraid of the dark ... gemstone treats await costumed youngsters in the warm, lighted cave environment! Special Outdoor Hikes including a Candlelight Hike on Friday Evening and a Scavenger Hunt all day Saturday. Falconry talks, folk tales by firelight and seasonal refreshments will also be available.

Friday Oct. 26 5:00 - 7:00 PM Sneak-A-Peek with Candlelight Hike
Saturday Oct. 27 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM with Falconry Talks and Scavenger Hunt

All above ground events are free. The Special Halloween Treat Stop Tour is at our regular admission rates, no additional fees.

Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds, WI (about 25 minutes from Madison).  Regular admissions apply for Cave Tour at $14 Adult, $7 child 12 & under. Children under 4 are FREE; No additional charge for activities on-site. 608-437-3038 www.caveofthemounds.com 

One Sky One World 22nd International Kite Fly for Peace
(Rescheduled: rained out last week)
McKee Farms Park 2930 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg
Sunday, October 21, 11:00am - 4:00pm Free. 271-8265
With kite-making for kids. Bring picnic lunches.
http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=190611
Large Show Kites, Regional Kite Fliers, Kids Kite Making, Parachuting Critters and Prairie Glider Tosses

The wind has no borders. People in cities and villages around the world gather each year in mid October to fly kites for peace. The One Sky One World theme is awareness and respect for our diverse cultures and the environment that sustains us all. Come lift a kite for peace and harmony.

Bring your kites, friends and a picnic lunch.

YMCA Halloween Events
East YMCA-Cottage Grove Rd. (221-1571), West YMCA-Medical Circle (276-6606) and Sun Prairie YMCA-South St. (837-8221)

Family Halloween Party - Friday, October 26 • 6:30-8:00pm - Northeast
Our Halloween party will include games, music and fun. Wear your costume, and enjoy a fun evening with your family! Please register by October 17th.
M $3.00/child • P $6.00/child

UW Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally and Fireworks
Location Gilman and State streets, Memorial Union Terrace
http://uwalumni.com/homecoming 
Friday, October 26, 5:00 PM
The Homecoming parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. on State Street and the pep rally & fireworks will begin at 7:00 p.m. on the Memorial Union Terrace.

RSVP for Positively Pumpkins
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
Thursday, October 25, 2:30 pm
Registration Deadline: October 18, $5 member/$7 public
http://www.olbrich.org
Ages 5+, set for 1-2:30 pm, 10/25, Olbrich Gardens. $7 (bring pumpkin). RSVP by 10/18: 246-4550

Have you ever seen a pumpkin with a flower nose and fuzzy grass eyebrows? How about a crown made of cornhusks? Enjoy your day off from school with this fun fall class and decorate your own pumpkin with dried plants from the outdoor gardens. Pumpkins NOT provided; please bring one pumpkin for each paying participant. Ages 5 & up.

RSVP for Pioneer Living
Aldo Leopold Nature Center 300 Femrite Dr., Monona
Friday, October 26, 2007
Session 1: 9 am - 12 pm
Session 2: 1 - 4 pm
http://www.naturenet.com/alnc
Vacation day program for ages 6+, with sessions set for 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm, 10/26, Aldo Leopold Nature Center. $12. RSVP by 10/23: 221-4038

How did early settlers prepare for Wisconsin's long, cold winter? Play pioneer at the Nature Center Shack as you learn first hand how to stack wood, grind corn, and get warm by the fire. Then warm your tummy with bread and apple butter made the old fashioned way! Appropriate for children ages 6 and older.

Family Concert at Monona Terrace
Madison Ballroom, Monona Terrace® Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI Phone 608.261.4042
Wednesday, October 24, 7:00 PM
http://www.mononaterrace.com 
The United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than half a century. The band is considered by music critics to be one of the most versatile and inspiring musical organizations in the world and has earned the title, "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army." The concert marks the beginning of the Wisconsin State Music Conference. For more information, go to http://www.wmea.com.

Bubble Wonders Show at Hilldale with “Bubblologist” Geoff Akins
Sunday, October 21, 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 in Hilldale’s main atrium
As part of its Hilldale-O-Ween celebrations, Hilldale along with sponsors Playthings & Morgan’s Stride Rite Shoes are pleased and delighted to present “bubblologist” Geoffrey Akins for 3 shows Sunday, October 21st. Geoff found his passion for bubbles while working with special education students. One of his students was autistic and never responded to people around him but one day, Akins said he started playing with bubbles for his own amusement and was shocked when the bubbles mesmerized the autistic child. Geoff says it only took the simplicity of bubbles to bring the child out of his own world.

"From that point on, I became obsessed with bubbles," Akins said. "I wanted to create a colored or glow-in-the-dark bubble, but discovered many other things along the way."

Joy and laughter will abound at this event as Geoff creates huge wobbly electric dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, hand-blown bubbles, bubble caterpillars, bubble ice-cream cones, bubble snowmen, smoke-filled volcano bubbles, a fully functioning bubble merry-go-round & even the impossibubble square bubble! Geoff has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood and you can see portions of the segment on YouTube under "Bubble Magic on CBS with Charles Osgood".  This show is guaranteed to entertain children and adults alike! Be prepared to be amazed and remember to believe that anything is possible!

"The Hobbit" by Traveling Lantern Theatre Co.
Waisman Center 1500 Highland Ave.
Sunday, October 21, 1:00pm and 3:00pm
Cost: Free Call: 263-5837
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu
"The Hobbit" by Traveling Lantern Theatre Co., 1 & 3 pm, 10/21, Waisman Center. $2; sign-interpreted. 263-5837

Opera for the Young - "Orpheus Returns"
Stoughton Opera House 381 E. Main St., Stoughton
Saturday, October 20, 2:00pm   Cost: $7  Call: 877-4400
Featuring local students from Kegonsa Elementary
Orpheus Returns: Orpheus, the Mythical singer whose music has magic powers, is called upon to return to the Underworld. On this perilous journey, he is accompanied by his trusty Harp. Their mission: to use the power of song to rescue the world's endangered species from the sinister clutches of Pluto and Persephone. Told through sparkling melody and humor, this adaptation of and age-old story illustrates the universal importance of seeking harmony among living creatures and preserving our fragile environment.

Opera for the Young brings live, professional opera to audiences of all ages. Productions are fully staged, sung in English and adapted especially for kids and their cultural enjoyment.

Schumacher Farm Public Day
Schumacher Farm County Park, Waunakee, 5682 Hwy. 19  Call: 849-4559
http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=175907
Free farm activities, prairie walks & refreshments, 2-4 pm, plus family sing-along, 2 pm

Sweet Street Halloween Expo
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Way, Madison
October 20, 9:00am to 5:00pm  Cost: $4 ages 2-12 ($3 adults)
http://www.pmishows.com
Everything Halloween has to offer is at Sweet Street Halloween held in Exhibition Hall on
October 20 from 9am to 5pm. As a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating this family friendly
event is great for children of all ages with activities such as inflatable games, carnival games, Pumpkin Bowling, Haunted Village, Kiddie Coral Maze and of course trick-or-treating where thousands of pieces of candy will be handed out. Visit www.pmishows.com for more information.

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com

Event: Halloween Party
Wear your costume and head to State Street’s kid-friendly Halloween celebration! Museum activities include art projects, face painting, and a special holiday concert by Ken lonnquist at 11 a.m.
October 26, 2007 — 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Demonstration: Tools and Trades
Meet guest volunteers from construction careers, who will demonstrate the tools and special equipment they use on the job. This prorgam is part of National Careers in Construction Week, sponsored by KSW Construction.
October 20, 2007 — 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
October 21, 2007 — 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Drop-In Program: Toddler Time
Visit the First Feats exhibit gallery for informal activities for children ages 18 months-3 years. Program takes place every Monday, 9:30-10 a.m.
October 22, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Drop-In Program: Art Dabblers
Visit the art room each week for informal “Art Dabblers” projects, recommended for ages 2-5.
Programs take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30-11 a.m. Program themes:
October 23, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am
October 24, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Tots in Motion
Join Kathleen Madden for games and other physical activities to strengthen gross motor skills. Prorgam takes place every Tuesday, 9:30-10 a.m.
October 23, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Class: Toddler Music
Kjerstie Johanson’s popular class features songs, rhythm and music-making activities recommended for ages 1-4. $1/child program fee. No registration necessary.

Toddler Music programs take place Thursdays at 9:30 and 10 a.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. No programs on October 26, November 22 and November 23.
October 25, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am
October 25, 2007 — 10:00 am to 10:30 am

Barnes & Noble Activities
#1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 241-4695
West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 827-0809
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/find_an_event.do

October 20, 2007 10:00 AM	Musical Performance Monster Concert!	Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 608-241-4695
October 20, 2007 10:30 AM	Storytime Super Saturday Imagination Storytime Performed by the Five Amazing Tacos! Children's	Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 608-241-4695
October 22, 2007 10:30 AM	Storytime Amy's Story Corner Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)	Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 608-241-4695
October 23, 2007 10:30 AM	Storytime Various Themes Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)	Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 608-827-0809

October 23, 2007 10:30 AM	Storytime Super Sarah Storytime Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)	Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 608-241-4695
October 24, 2007 10:30 AM	Storytime Language Circle Storytime Children's	Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 608-241-4695