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.

Bean Sprouts Cafe (608) 826-6YUM
NOTES: Open Monday through Saturday, this 'kid
cafe' serves something daily especially for kids.  
In addition to being a quaint, eat-in restaurant,
they offer storytimes, cooking classes and more!
Their regular menu offers smoothies, fun &
healthy finger foods and home-made organic baby
food.  

Eugster's Farm Market (608)873-3822
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 a full-menu,
kid-friendly cafe with seating so plan to stay
awhile to enjoy your experience. Purchasing one
of several memberships makes it very
economical for larger families or repeat visits.
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 storytimes to crafts
and special events.  Be sure to check all
family-related categories in their calendar:
Kids/Families, Preschoolers and Babies/Toddlers

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. I've been scolded
by volunteers there when my child barely reached
to touch a train during their holiday train display
(understandably, but the volunteer wasn't  friendly
about it at all.) Also, butterflies can found on the
ground and I get very nervous about younger
ones unknowingly stepping on them (during their
summer Butterflies in Bloom.)

Physics Museum  (608) 262-3898
NOTES: 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
NOTES: 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 & at no charge or for a small entrance
fee.
Parents Date Night Events
(Event Schedules + Date Ideas)
RESTAURANTS
Featuring weekly kid's special or
entertainment
Copyright 2008-2010 Preschool Life, LLC
Notice: While it may be tempting to copy the information provided here for your own website, please consider that hundreds of unpaid hours have been devoted to
developing this website as a passion to provide resources for parents. For information on copyright law, which this site is protected under, see www.copyright.gov

Notice: Scroll down completely to view RECURRING events.

Ride the Drive Community Event
August 29 (Sunday) - John Nolen Dr & Various Locations
Enjoy food, festivities and fun from 10am to 4pm! RIDE THE DRIVE, the 2nd event this summer, is a celebration of
Madison’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. This kid-friendly community event takes place along a 6-mile
loop from East Washington Ave to State St to North Shore Dr to John Nolen Dr. Ride the Drive is an invitation for all
citizens to leave their cars behind to experience some of Madison’s most scenic byways a whole new way - by
riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of our city’s most beautiful streets. There are activities planned for
all ages, including bike decorating & parade, kite making class for kids & kite show, family fun & art activities with
MSCR, hula hoop making, musical performances, picnic areas, Oscar Mayer hot dog stands & much more. The
August Ride the Drive welcomes Lance Armstrong! Plan to join him for the 10:30 opening on the capitol square at
the top of E. Washington Ave. See website for schedule and other ways to get involved www.cityofmadison.com

Safe Harbor Run/Walk & Tot Trot
September 6 (Labor Day) - Vilas Park
The 9th annual Run/Walk to benefit kids starts with a free Tot Trot at 8:40am (donations welcome)... and kids get
their own race bib & medal!  The 5K & 10K begins 9:00am $20 early registration before Sept 3rd, or $25 late
registration. The 5K will have a stroller division, where runners can compete for "The Fastest Mom in Town" and
"The Speediest Dad Around". Enjoy live music, and a beautiful course through the UW Arboretum and Vilas
neighborhood. More information & online registration www.safeharborhelpskids.org Safe Harbor is a fully
accredited member of the National Children's Alliance. The National Children's Alliance (NCA) purpose is to
empower local communities to provide comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of
child abuse.


Kids Night at the Barn with David Landau
September 11th (Saturday) - Art in the Barn, Fitchburg
Performance begins at 3pm, admission $5 for ages 2 and up. Art in the Barn is a series of performances featuring
local, national and international performers and visual artists.  The series takes place in an 1870's restored barn
in a rural setting outside of Madison, Wisconsin, located at 5927 Adams Rd, Fitchburg. Click here for directions, or
David Landau's website.

Madison Active Sports Challenge
September 11th (Saturday) - Capitol Square
Be part of the excitement of Ironman Wisconsin race weekend - take the Madison Active Sports Challenge!  Youth
under age 18 can participate in a Run around the Capitol Square, complete with medals for everyone! Then, enjoy
family-friendly activities on the rooftop at Monona Terrace. Registration is 7:30 - 8:30am, race begins at 9am sharp.
Festival activities begin at 9:15, all are welcome - not just participants. www.visitmadison.com

Half-Pint Resale
September 17th & 18th - Goodman Community Center
Half Pint Resale, a very successful community event organized by two local moms is now taking consignor
registration and volunteers for their 6th semi-annual resale event, taking place on September 17-18, 2010 at the
Goodman Community Center. Consigning gently used kids clothing, baby toys and maternity clothes will return a
70% profit from sales you make - at the price you set!  Get all the info you need at www.halfpintresale.com  If you
have more of a need to find great deals to stock up for the fall and winter season than to sell items, be sure to save
the date, find childcare and a shopping buddy and don't miss this semi-annual event!

Scarecrow Days - Make a Scarecrow
September 20 thru October 9 (daily) - America's Best Flowers, Cottage Grove
Rain or shine, daily from 10am to 4pm come out with your family to make an adult-size or child-size scarecrow out
of material provided by ABF (for a small fee).  Bring your own clothing to suit your scarecrow or purchase used
clothing from ABF.  Small groups are welcome by calling ahead (608) 222-2269. Complimentary refreshments
available on the weekends. Located 4311 Vilas Hope Rd, Cottage Grove www.americasbestflowers.com

>>> Fall Festival & Halloween Listings to be posted soon!




Home Depot Kids Workshops
July 3; August 7, September 4...  -  The Home Depot stores
Drop-in 9am to Noon the 1st Saturday every month for a FREE "how-to" clinic for kids (recommended ages 5 to 12).
Real woodworking projects are often themed around Mother's Day, Father's Day, July 4th, etc. The workshops are
intended to encourage one-on-one time with adults and children, teach tool safety, and give children the sense of
accomplishment. They'll be proud of their kid-sized "official" orange apron and achievement pin they take home
with their project.  www.homedepot.com

Kids in the Rotunda
Every Saturday October thru May - Overture Center for the Arts
Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 9:30 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. The
popular performing arts series for children and families offers a relaxed, kid-friendly environment in which to enjoy
a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians, storytellers, jugglers, theater troupes, magicians and dancers.
The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted. Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.
Performances begin October 3rd, see website for schedule www.overturecenter.com

Waisman Center Children's Theatre
Shows return January, 2011 and take place in the Friends of the Waisman Center Auditorium at 1500 Highland
Ave, off of University Ave near the UW Hospital.  Admission to these short, family-friendly performances are usually
just $2 for adults and $1 for children, thanks to sponsorship from American Girl Fund for Children.  Click here for
full schedule, directions and how to obtain tickets.  


Do You Have An Event To Post Here?  
Please click here to see if your event meets our criteria.
Recurring Events/Activities
Events & Recurring Activities
(Scroll down here for list)