preschooler

I am currently working on this area. It will be mostly a collection of links from throughout the site that are especially applicable to this age group!

fun things to do

tike hikes - Join other moms for 'hikes' with toddlers & preschoolers this fall. Once or twice a month we meet at 'short and easy' trails in the Dane County area for nature walks with children ages 2-5 (younger welcome in a carrier/pack). If you are interested, please write to Denise - scorch_dc@yahoo.com

Tuesday at the Castle. Memorable stories for children 3 to 6 years old told in Canterbury’s original castle, Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments served. Avol’s Bookstore, 315 West Gorham Street at State, (608) 238-4448.

Henry Vilas Zoo - Free zoo with a wide variety of animal species, a gift shop, food area and nice park to the west of the zoo. Parking is challenging, so getting there early is the best bet.

Olbrich's Tropical Bolz Conservatory- The tropical Bolz Conservatory houses over 750 plants representing over 70 families and over 550 different species and cultivars. This is the perfect place to let your kids roam. Birds, trees, koi, waterfalls, flowers, and more. It is especially nice to go in the winter, when it is freezing outside, and walk into a warm steamy tropical paradise. Check out the butterflies in the summer and the train show in the winter.

Boulders Climbing Gym - At Boulders, they say if the child is old enough to walk, they are old enough to climb. They have a special rateof $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! 608.244.8100

All Star Gymnastics Family Play Time/Open Gym- 808 Walsh Road (behind east side Walmart) Madison, WI 53714 (608) 245-9565. Come and play with all of our toys, swing on the bars and bounce on our trampoliines. On special days we'll get out the bouncy house. We also have an eating area where you can bring lunch to refuel before you go play again. Play groups are welcome.
$3 - Ages walking to under 3 yrs old
$5 - Ages 3 and over
As of January 1st the new Family play schedule will be:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (Closed during holidays and special events)

Studio You - Paint your own pottery store. Kids pick out a piece of pottery, paint it, and take it home to bake it in the oven and make it permanent! 2701 Monroe Street. Call 231-2505 for more information.