Hi Everyone,
I hope you’re finding ways to embrace this winter wonderland!
I’ve updated our family activity guides and events for adults to include some creative, fun, and nature-based December and winter events as we head into 2026. Here’s just a glimpse!
I’m excited to be part of the following events this month! Save the dates, and I hope to see you there!
Lil’ Explorer Pop-Up Play Cafe from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 with and at the Lussier Family Heritage Center. We’ll be indoors (checking out the *new* playhouse) and outdoors (bring your snowsuit and boots) for these fun events geared toward caregivers and kids ages 0-5. ($10/child age 1+, register).
Christmas Sing-Alongs at The Wonder Studio. I’ll be bringing my toys and books along while kiddos and their caregivers enjoy a holiday sing-along led by Kindermusik parent Matt Clark-Sally at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 (register) OR led by Kindermusik instructor Miss Emma at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22 (register). ($10/family, all ages, please bring at least 1 nonperishable food item that will be donated to WayForward).
Waverly Braves the Breeze nature-themed activity and signed picture books and memory games for sale (along with many others from local authors and illustrators) on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 8-10 a.m. at Lakeside St. Coffee House and 3-5 p.m. at Doundrins Distilling in Cottage Grove. (Free to attend, cash or Venmo for optional book purchase).
Check out the other updates and guides below!
Looking for more events ? Try these resources:
Your local library!
I am grateful for all of you. And I hope some of these resources and upcoming gatherings can introduce you to or further connect you with the Madison area community. You are not alone.
Here’s the origin story of this monthly In A Nutshell e-leaflet, which highlights local events for families with young kids in the Madison, WI area, plus other community resources and my own musings as a toddler mom. Recently, I’ve added a second newsletter a month called On The Bookshelf, which is all about my children’s picture book journey and recommendations. Soon, I’ll be adding a third newsletter Through the Viewfinder (though probably not monthly) that will feature my digital nature photos, some of which will be turned into greeting cards available for purchase with a portion of proceeds donated to local environmental nonprofits. So, if you support nature, books, kids, and community, this Under the Drumlin Sun publication is probably the place for you! If at any time you want to change your subscription settings, you can learn how to do so here. Thanks for stopping by!
As always, thank you for being part of a community who shares this common thread:
At Playful Acorns, we value the following be(leafs):
Nature benefits from diversity, and so does humanity.
Children learn best through play.
Everyone deserves to have fun and be respected.
Life is a journey, and we are always growing.
The world is a better place with you in it.
In gratitude,
- Sam
Are you new to Playful Acorns? Welcome! You can read our story here and most recent posts here.
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