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Links to Area Kid Attractions:

Aldo Leopold Nature Center (608) 221-0404
The Aldo Leopold Nature Center specializes in connecting children, their families and teachers to the outdoors.
Through hands-on, guided experiences, children and adults come to discover and explore the wonders of the
natural world! Visit website for activities & events.

Cave of the Mounds (608) 437-3038 ...Blue Mounds, WI - just off of Hwy 12/18
IF YOU GO: Dress for 50 degree temp, some damp areas under your feet, and bring a camera - and maybe a little
spending cash to pick up a special treasure in the gift shop. Cave of the Mounds, open to the public since 1940, is
considered a national natural landmark, offering daily educational tours of beautiful natural cave formations. A
guided tour of the Cave, which is a constant 50 degree temperature, takes you past a varied collection of colorful
stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other formations. Tours last about an hour and are offered daily either hourly
or 30 minute intervals, with extended tours offered to scheduled groups. Participants can participate in mining for
gemstones, and learn about each one. Visitors can also enjoy the park-like grounds with picnic areas, walking trails
and rock gardens as well as the rock and souvenir shop. Snack bar, open Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Mounds
also offer summer camps and other year-round, and seasonal activities.

Crawdaddy Cove (608) 826-0500... Holiday Inn & Suites - West Madison
IF YOU GO: The "just right sized" water park for younger children, located inside the Holiday Inn West, sells day
passes Sunday through Thursday. There is two separate pool areas; one is 3 ft deep & up, with a small, but long
water slide. The other area is zero-depth entrance reaching only ankle deep (adult) with a ship, water features and
small slide. IF YOU GO: Try and find a 2-for-1 coupon! $$$. Also, the small restroom is the only changing area so pack
for an easy way to change your family. Crawdaddy Cove also offers birthday party packages, with a party room right
near the pool.

Eugster's Farm Market (608)873-3822 ...Stoughton, WI
IF YOU GO: Good place to meet up with a small playgroup, play and end with a picnic lunch. It's not too big - don't
have to walk far to see their animals. Kids can wander with goats, chickens and pet or hold kitties. There is a small
play set with a slide & swings, and trikes to ride around their patio. They have a bathroom, and a small shop where
you can purchase ice cream, a drink, or farm fresh produce. They offer several hand-sanitizer stations. Goats are
gentle and friendly, but beware: they will grab things from your stroller, or your shoe laces (but they're in a fenced
area.)

Henry Vilas Zoo (608)266-4732
IF YOU GO: To protect animals, the zoo does not provide straws (or lids) when purchasing beverages. You may want
to bring your own cup that fits in the stroller cup holders, and transfer a beverage you might purchase while there
(and sippy cups for the kids, of course.) Also, visiting the zoo on Fridays before school lets out (into early June) can
be chaotic (long bathroom lines). Bring a blanket or beach towel for diaper changing or snack time.

Madison Children's Museum 256-6445
IF YOU GO: MCM celebrated their re-opening at 100 N. Hamilton in August, 2010! There is much to explore, including
fun things to watch and interactive, hands-on activities, plus Roman Candle restaurant with seating within the
museum, so plan to stay awhile to enjoy your experience. Purchasing a membership makes it very economical for
larger families or repeat visits. FREE admission the first Wednesday each month after 5pm for Twilight Wednesdays,
open until 8pm. MCM offers regular classes, work shops, summer camps, birthday party venues and other special
events throughout the year.

Madison Public Library (608)266-6300
NOTES: All branches offer something for preschool-age children, from story times to crafts and special events. Be
sure to check all family-related categories in their calendar: Kids/Families, Preschoolers and Babies/Toddlers.

Little Amerricka (608) 655-3181
An amusement park offering 26 rides & attractions, specifically for younger children (toddlers to pre-teen), open
seasonally Memorial Day weekend through September, with special their Pumpkin Train running on weekends in
October. The 11-acre park is located just off Hwy 73 in Marshall, WI - easy access from town, parking is withing close
proximity to ticket office, concessions and the park full of rides. Admission to the park is FREE, and food/beverage
carry-ins are allowed, which is great for families with toddlers! Rides can be purchased ala carte or a wrist-band
purchase makes for a convenient and affordable way to make use of the park for a few hours.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens (608)246-4550
IF YOU GO: It's very warm & humid inside the Bolz Conservatory (don't wear a sweatshirt.) Also, everything there is
for looking, not touching - it can be difficult to keep curious fingers in control, especially when you have multiple
children in-tow, or distracted from trying to chat with friends during a playgroup. Annual events include their Holiday
Express, a display with a model train running along a track through beautiful poinsettias and their Butterflies in
Bloom. They also offer a variety of kids classes throughout the year and various music venues, many are
family-friendly.

Physics Museum (608) 262-3898
The L.R. Ingersoll Museum is a free, public, hands-on physics museum on the UW Madison campus at Chamberlin
Hall, Room 2130. Curious, interactive exhibits to inspire future inventors! Open to public Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, or call for
group tours. Recommended ages 5 & up, but all ages welcome! (Stroller friendly)

Verona Public Library (608) 845-7180 ...Verona, WI
This beautiful, newer library has a large children's room with a reading castle, nice big restroom by the children's
info desk and offers many story times, including crafts, movies and other special events.

West Towne Mall (608) 833-6330
IF YOU GO: A mostly enclosed play area with soft climbing structures is located in front of JcPenney. Food & drinks
are not allowed. You need to keep a close eye on your kids. Early morning is a quiet time to be there, where
lunchtime and weekends can be a zoo (& often unsupervised bigger kids.)

The above listing represents popular attractions that are open year-round, and offer something for young children
almost daily.

Local News!

Oompa Toy Store in Middleton is
closing their business, discounts on
remaining stock up to 50% as of
May, 2011.

Bean Sprouts Cafe, which closed
their Middleton location is also
closing their cafe within the
Madison Children's Museum. The
Roman Candle, which offers pizza,
pasta dishes & salads will open on
the main level as of June 11, 2011.

Welcome & Congrats!

East Towne Mall recently
celebrated the opening of it's new
PLAY AREA, nearest JcPenney. It it
is different than West Towne Mall.
Sponsored by Kraft/Oscar Mayer,
the space is called the Play and
Learn Area, and offers educational
activities, monthly sessions and
development screening. (An "if you
go" review will be added to the left
once I've visited!)