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Attention: MadtownMoms.com is going away in June 2010. Please look for us on Meetup.com at this URL: http://www.meetup.com/MadtownMoms/
The information on this page will no longer be available after June 2010 on this website or our meetup website.
In order to continue to have access to the information on this page you will need to save a copy to your local hard drive. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the File menu of your web browser and choose 'Save Page As' and save this page to a location on your local computer's hard drive.
2. You can then double click on your saved page and you can follow the links on this page.
Local Links for Moms & Kids
For more links, support a MTM-member business the Madison Area Parent's Guide, a directory of kid-related resources. Download the latest issue today!
For a schedule of kid friendly events in and around Madison check out the "Moms in Madison" events calendar or the "Kid Stuff Madison" events calendar.
Check out our sponsor--Funky Monkey Photography
Check out our sponsor--Kindermusik with Debbie To view a complete ad for Kindermusik with Debbie click here.
Check out our sponsor--Regent Estate Law To view a complete ad for Regent Estate Law click here.
Links are for informational use only. Call to verify fees, hours and other information. No endorsement by Madtown Moms is implied.
A playground is a great place to get out of the house and let kids burn off some energy. You probably have a neighborhood favorite. For something new, try a new playground. Madison alone has more than 100 to choose from!
Monona Dream Park is located at 5303 Healy Lane in Winnequah Park. The Dream Park was built in 1997 through a community effort spearheaded by Tim and Karen Turino and the Monona Optimist's Club. The Dream Park resembles a large castle with turrets, walls and bridges, a painted moat at the entrance and a dragon sculpture rising from it. A wizard statue welcomes you into this magical land. A wooden fence surrounds the Dream Park. It contains many different kinds of play equipment, including a sandbox, sand diggers, tic tac toe game, two shaky bridges, mirror maze, tree house, climbing wall, fire pole, tunnels, a chain bridge, monkey bars, a stage and a fort. Outside of the castle area are two swing sets, one with a tire swing, a playhouse, balance beam, tot slide and a sand table. Nearby is a park shelter (also available for rent) that doubles as a warming house during ice-skating season.
Deerfield Dream Park This is the nicest dream park in the area and it is well worth the drive to visit. Enclosed all the way around (but for the entrance) so it is easier to keep the kids from 'escaping', gorgeous large tot play area which includes slides, playhouses, digging area (with digger), bells, swings, tunnels, and bridges. Bigger kids area includes climbing wall, jungle gym areas, several big slides, balance beams, tire swings and more. VERY new and VERY nice (just no shade). Restroom facilities with water fountain and clean changing table. How to get there: From Hwy 12/18 east, go north on Hwy 73. Turn left on Washburn Rd. and go left on Autumn Wood Pkwy. Located at 642 Autumn Wood Parkway, Deerfield, WI.
The Sun Prairie Dream Park is kid designed and community built. The park is handicapped accessible playground with a pirate ship, tree forts, fire truck, midget race cars a sea serpent and a large cave. The cave has a rock climbing wall as its exterior. The main entrance to the Dream Park is located on Park Street just off of Cty. Hwy. N.
Amusement park. Mini golf, go-carts, scenic train ride, concessions & more. Rides for kids of all ages - even little ones! Open daily thru August 31st, noon-6:00 pm. Open weekends in September and October. Ride the Pumpkin Train in October. 700 E. Main, Marshall (608) 655-3181
Bucky Badger Golfland Mini golf course. 4645 Highway 138, Oregon (608) 835-9592
New 18-hole indoor mini golf course, plus two 18-hole outdoor mini golf courses, baseball & softball batting cages, trampoline & more. 5501 West Beltline Highway, Madison (608) 271-1411
Go-karts, mini golf, batting cages and game room. 3110 Laura Lane, Middleton (608) 831-5559
Bowling Green Recreation Center Bowling, outdoor batting cages, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, game room, bar & grill and banquet room. 7625 Lisa Lane, Middleton (608) 831-2030
Bumper bowling for kids! 6815 University Avenue, Middleton 608-831-5238
12-mile
loop around Lake Monona
Starting
at Henry Vilas Zoo, route goes through the Arboretum and loops around Lake
Wingra, winding through Vilas Park and the Nakoma Neighborhood.
Path
runs from Memorial Union to Picnic Point
Begins
east of Madison in Cottage Grove, passes through the towns of Deerfield,
Lake Mills and Wales and finishes 37 miles east in Waukesha this 39.7 mile trail is 8 feet wide with a packed limestone surface. Take Seminole Highway west out of Madison to pick up the trail near the intersection of County Highway PB and US Highway 151 in Fitchburg
Safe, fun, and positive learning environment where children of all ages and abilities can participate in gymnastics. Preschool open gym Fall, Winter & Spring Friday 10 am – Noon. Children ages 1-5 $5 for members, $6 for non-members. 6901 Schroeder Road, Madison 608-271-1885
Sports classes and camps for all ages. Youth open play starting in September. 5964 Executive Drive, Madison 608-288-9600
Modern, safe and fun place to do gymnastics, tumbling and cheer. Open gym Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11 am – Noon. Children up to age 6 $5 for members, $7 for non-members. 6300 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg 608-848-FLIP (3547)
Gymnastics, sports skills and karate 1920 Cayuga Street, Middleton 608-836-3028
Indoor sports for children and adults--basketball, soccer, volleyball, rock climbing, gymnastics, ultimate Frisbee and more. Open gym September 6th-May 31st Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 am – 1 pm. Children under 18 month free. Age 18-24 months $2. Age 2+ $4. Two children $6. Family $8. 8312 Forsythia Street, Middleton (608) 662-7529
Gym welcomes children with bright colors and the ultimate in gymnastics and other equipment. Open gym Monday-Friday 11 – 12:45 pm and Saturday 3 pm - 4:45 pm. Children under age 3 $5. Ages 3-6 $8.
West 7035 Old Sauk Road, Madison 608-829-2922
East 808 Walsh Road, Madison 608-245-9565
Gymnastics and volleyball. 3001 South Stoughton Road, Madison 608-222-4922
Pump It Up Inflatable Party Zone Giant inflatable structures for parties and play. Pop-In Playtime for ages 2 to 6. Tuesdays and Fridays 10 am - 11:30 am. 2911 Marketplace Drive, Fitchburg 608-442-6386
Thursday and Friday 10-11:15 AM (ages 7 and under). 4009 Felland Rd. Madison 608-244-4386
Family Enhancement Center Fun Zone! Mon., Wed., and Fri 9am - noon (ages 5 and under) 2120 Fordem Ave. Madison 608-241-5150
Family Enhancement Center PAL Zone! Tues., Wed., and Thur. 9:30 am - 11:30 (ages 5 and under) Various locations around Madison. See website for more details. 608-241-5150
My Y Gym Class. Walkers through Preschoolers. Locations: West - Wed 10 am - 11 am 5515 Medical Circle, Madison (608) 276-6606
East - Fri 9:30 am - 10:30 am 711 Cottage Grove Road, Madison (608) 221-1571
Sun Prairie - Tues 10 am - 11 am 160 South Street, Sun Prairie (608) 837-8221
The Legacy Academy Activity Center Youngsters enjoy playing at our comfortable 6,000 square foot indoor facility which includes padded activity floors, swing sets, short basketball hoops, a Rainbow Castle Play set, gymnastics tumbling mats, bouncy balls, tricycles, a recreational room, table games, and other play equipment. Preschoolers are welcome to participate. Children under the age of seven must be supervised by an adult relative or nanny. The cost for each open gym session is $5.00 per child with no charge for supervising adults or tots under one year old.
Open gym sessions are held:
Madison School and Community Recreation -
MSCR Tuesday and Thursday 9:45 am - 11:45 am 3802 Regent St., Madison 608-204-3000
PARENT/CHILD PLAY TIME -
MSCR @ Warner Park Mon., Wed., and Fri. 9:30 am - Noon 1625 Northport Dr., Madison 608-245-3669
At Boulders, they say if the child is old enough to walk, they are old enough to climb. They have a special rate of $6/climber for any child 6 and under (vs. the normal $16/climber Clip-In rate ). Hours during the summer are M-F 4pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-8pm, and Sun 12pm-6pm. No appointment is needed. Just come on in and climb! Located between Highways 30 & 151, on Commercial Avenue, just off Stoughton Road (Highway 51). (608) 244-8100
Madison Metropolitan School District Planetarium The planetarium offers programs during the school year for small groups, individuals, and families. They are usually on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, October through April. The shows are different each month. Located inside the Memorial High School on Gammon Rd. (608) 663-6102
The observatory is open to the public on the first and third Wednesday of every month. During the summer months, the observatory will be open every Wednesday. The Open House sessions are hosted by volunteer astronomers. The public viewing sessions are informal, so there is no lecture or tour. The dome is open to the outside air to let the telescope look out, so dress appropriately. Click the link for the current schedule, as it varies monthly according to daylight hours. Located at 1401 Observatory Drive.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - free playgroup This free playgroup during the school year only that is open to all children from birth through children who are about to enter Kindergarten. Toys and ride on toys are provided. At 10:00 AM, at each location, there is an optional story time and craft that children are welcome to take part in. It also provides Moms, Dads, any caregivers a chance to get out and socialize during the week.
It's free and open to all area families, even those outside the Verona School District. Parents, child care providers and even high school age siblings or babysitters are encouraged to bring children they care for. Caregivers are required to stay with the children and interact with them as they play and learn. Located inside the Sugar Creek Elementary School at 420 Church Ave in Verona.
Tuesdays 8:30 - 11 AM Wednesdays 8:30 - 11 AM
Goodman Swimming Pool - Madison Outdoor. Located at 325 E. Olin Avenue. Open daily during the summer, the pool features 2 waterslides, 8 lane 25-meter lap area with diving boards, and a number of shallow water play features for pre-school aged children. Daily fees $2.75-$4.25. 608-264-9292.
Goodman Swimming Pool - Verona Outdoor. Located at 7767 County Road PD. Open daily during the summer, the pool features 6 25-meter lap lanes with diving boards and a shallow water play features for pre-school aged children. Water is heated and salt water filtered. Daily fees $5.00 for 16t and older and $4.00 for younger than 16. 608-848-1822.
Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center Outdoor. Features zero depth entrance to pool, waterslide, drop slide, diving boards, fountains, rainmakers playground with wet sand area, sand volleyball courts, concession stand & more! Daily fees $3-$5. Intersection of Bird Street & Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie 608-837-7433.
Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center Outdoor. Zero depth pool, competitive pool, diving well, waterslides, sand volleyball, sand play area & concession stand. Daily fees $2-$4.75. 2400 Park Lawn Place, Middleton
608-836-3450 Outdoor. Membership required. Competition/leisure pool with 8 lanes and diving well, water slide with plunge pool, zero-depth entry area with features for young children. 88 Hawks Landing Circle, Verona 608-848-4295
Outdoor. Annual membership required. 901 North High Point Road, Madison 608-831-8486
Indoor. Classes starting as young as age 6 months. Click for open swim dates and times. Plus Friday Family Fun Nights in summer. 5200 Anton Drive, Fitchburg 608-441-KITT
Indoor. Swim classes starting as young as 6 months. Two locations: West 5515 Medical Circle, Madison (608) 276-6606
East 711 Cottage Grove Road, Madison (608) 221-1571
Outdoor. Annual membership required. The Monona Community Pool is 25 meters by 8 lanes. The pool has an attached diving well with two boards, a water slide, and a separate "kiddie pool." 1011 Nichols Road, Monona 608-222-4167
Indoor. The Oregon Pool is owned and operated by the Oregon School District. The Oregon pool is a 25 meter, six-lane pool with a 12' deep diving well. The Oregon Pool also has a hot tub that is kept at 100-104 degrees. Classes available in swimming, log rolling, water aerobics and Lifeguarding. 249 Brook Street, Oregon 608-835-8617
Outdoor. Membership required. The main pool is multifunctional. One end is 3'6" with a very gradual slope to the deep end at 5'6". The pool is 25 meters with six lanes and diving well. A secure baby pool is near the shallow end of the main pool. Basketball, volleyball and tennis also available. 1 N Yellowstone Drive, Madison (608) 233-3573
Indoor. Premier health club offering fitness equipment & training. Open 24 hours. Free childcare for members. Family swim Saturday 10 am – Noon, Sunday 1 – 3 pm. Two locations: West 8080 Watts Road, Madison 608-833-2639
East 1726 Eagan Road, Madison 608-241-2639
Outdoor. Annual membership required. Lessons for children ages 3+. “Moms and Tots” class also available. 5109 Barton Road, Madison 608-441-0240
Seminole Pool & Tennis Association Outdoor. Summer membership required. Facilities include a six lane racing pool with two diving boards and an adjacent shallow area, as well as separately fenced, zero-depth wading pool for small children, and three full size tennis courts. 5948 Schumann Drive, Fitchburg 608-273-6030
Indoor. Daily pass or membership required. Year-Round Lessons for infants to adults. Two locations West 1001 Deming Way, Madison 608-831-6829
Near West 6220 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg 608-276-7946
Outdoor. Annual or seasonal membership required. 5533 Odana Road, Madison 608-273-1955
ALNC connects students of all ages with nature by offering positive and constructive learning opportunities. 300 Femrite Drive, Monona 608-221-0404
2.5 acre outdoor classroom provides many opportunities for students while offering visitors a peaceful respite amid a multitude of horticultural delights. 620 Babcock Drive, Madison 608-262-8406
The highest point in southern Wisconsin, the park offers spectacular views along with unique geological features. Plus swimming pool. 4350 Mounds Park Rd , Blue Mounds 608-437-5711
Capital Springs Centennial State Recreation Area Encompassing Dane County's Lake Farm Park and newly acquired state land into a cooperatively operated and managed park. It includes familiar wildlife and recreation areas like the Monona Conservancy Wetlands, MMSD Wildlife Observation Area, Nine Springs E-way, Nevin Fish Hatchery, Jenni and Kyle Preserve, and Lussier Family Heritage Center. 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison (608) 224-3606
Boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming at the 500-foot sand beach. Restored prairie and savanna, effigy mounds, boat launch, swimming area, pet swimming area, hiking and ski trails. No camping. 5140 County Hwy. M, Waunakee (608) 831-3005
Swimming beach and pet swim, sand volleyball, two playgrounds, water-skiing, sailing, and motor boating. 2405 Door Creek Road (608) 873-9695
59 acre park that is home to tennis courts, soccer fields, softball diamonds, sand volleyball, Kids Crossing playground, 1 basketball court. Outdoor concert series in summer. 2930 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg
Explore the mystery and beauty of nature in 16 acres of outdoor display gardens including Olbrich's award-winning Rose Garden and Thai Pavilion and Garden. Outdoor gardens are open daily and free to the public. Enjoy a tropical paradise year-round in Olbrich's Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, fragrant orchids and free-flying birds. 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison (608)246-4550
Pack a picnic lunch and go for a hike! Miles of hiking and biking trails through over 1,200 acres of restored prairies. Located near the Henry Vilas Zoo. (608) 263-7888.
Lake Mendota · Marshall Beach · Spring Harbor Beach · James Madison Beach · Tenney Park Beach · Warner Park Beach
Lake Wingra · Vilas Beach
Lake Monona · Esther Beach · Olin Beach · Brittingham Beach · BB Clarke Beach · Olbrich Beach
In the spring, there is tender fresh picked asparagus. Early in the summer there is pre-picked strawberries picked daily on our farm. Beginning Labor Day weekend Pick-Your-Own raspberries and pre-picked raspberries are available on the farm everyday through the month of September. While picking raspberries up on the ridge, it is easy to enjoy family and friends or your own solitude with the fresh air from a wide blue sky with sweeping country views. Starting the last weekend in September, we are open every Fri., Sat & Sun from 10am-5pm through the month of October for fall farm activities such as pumpkin picking, corn maze and wagon rides. You can come enjoy a fresh crisp caramel apple while taking a hayride to the pumpkin patch. After, you can challenge yourself in our 3 acre corn maze, Pick-Your-Own apples in the orchard and let the little ones enjoy the kid activity area. Labor Day thru September - Raspberry picking October - pumpkin picking Sutter Drive, Mt. Horeb, WI (608) 832-6445
Corn maze, haunted corn maze, wagon rides, sleigh rides, pumpkin picking and field trips. 3680 Egre Rd., DeForest, WI (608) 577-7813
Friendly and adorable animals of all types can be touched or fed. Open daily mid-June until Halloween. Season passes are available. 3865 Highway 138, Stoughton (608) 873-3822
Children's zoo and petting area, Herpitrarium & Discovery Center, several playgrounds & beach. Children's zoo opens Memorial Day. Open daily 9:30 am - 5 pm. Free admission. 702 South Randall Avenue, Madison (608) 266-4733
Located just North of Oregon, WI A-Z farm provides opportunities for families and groups to watch sheep shearing and lambing, and they welcome scheduled farm tours along with other gatherings with a farm setting. They also sell lambs, sheep and wool along with poultry, rabbits and associated farm-raised products. (608) 835-5553
Located in Deerfield, WI Schuster's farm features hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn maze and a barnyard area. Located at 1326 US Highway 12 and 18.
York Farm Stables Ride horses alone or in a group. No reservations required. Open 9 am - 5 pm every day weather permitting. Poynette. (608) 635-9916.
Free story time with a snack on Mondays at 10:30. Children's cooking classes, tea parties, puppet dinner theatre and Kids eat free days. Full cafe with many organic choices. Makes and delivers organic baby food. Full calendar of events. 6719 Frank Lloyd Avenue, Middleton. (608) 826-6YUM
Kids in the Rotunda is a family-oriented performance series offering free shows on Saturdays during the school year. Each scheduled artist is expected to play three 45-minute shows on his or her contracted Saturday. Shows start at 9:30 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. The 1 PM show is sign language interpreted. Located at Overture Center for the Arts 201 State Street, Madison.
Babcock Hall Dairy Plant & Store Visitors are welcome to watch how the university's famous ice cream is made. Monday-Friday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday 10 am – 1:30 pm. Ice cream is only made from 9-10 AM. 1605 Linden Drive, Madison. 608-262-3045
Open skating 11 am – 1 pm Tuesday and Wednesday. 2616 Pleasant View Road, Middleton 608-821-1230
1856 pioneer homestead. 3576 Hwy JG North, Blue Mounds (608) 437-3038
Hands-on exhibits and programs are designed to inspire lifelong learning through play, celebrating children’s imaginations. 100 State Street, Madison 608-256-6445
Train rides daily from May 22 - August 29. E8948 Diamond Hill Road, North Freedom. (608) 522-4261
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All photos, excluding those by Madtown Moms members, courtesy Stock.XCHNG. Website design by Kris Hammargren, 2007.
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