In A Nutshell: Inside, Outside, Upside Down

Indoor and outdoor family events in December 2024 and winter 2025 nature series

Hello Playful Acorns Friends,

I realize this may be the gazillionth email you’ve received in the last few days between shopping and donating opportunities… However, I did want to let you know about some fun winter activities coming up for you and your family if you’re looking to get out of your home. Some may require extra layers of clothing. And patience. :)

With how busy the holidays can get, I’m reminded of The Berenstain Bears book title, “Inside, Outside, Upside Down.” Indeed, events are happening all around and it can be dizzying — especially when they grab for our attention with ribbons and sparkly lights. Remember to slow down, take care of your mental health, and don’t feel obligated to overcommit. Events listed here are merely invitations.

If my people-pleasing tendencies creep up this season, I’m going to use this mantra: “When in doubt, sit it out.” I’ve already had to cancel or reschedule more calendar invites than ever before lately with illnesses circulating, so I’m getting used these changes. Do what works best for you and your family!

Maybe I’ll see you around soon! In the meantime, try to stay warm and healthy. I’m so grateful for you!

- Sam

Are you new to Playful Acorns? Welcome! You can read our story here and most recent posts here.

We have a blast moving and grooving with Kirsten from Lagom and Angie from The Wonder Studio!

December Yoga & Music Collaborations

Need to move your body? Sing? Dance? Breathe? Play? Listen to stories? Join us!

• Sunday, Dec. 8th from 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Penguin-themed Family Yoga & Music with Lagom: Music and Yoga Education at Lioness Fitness, Fitchburg ($20/family, register in advance)

• Thursday, Dec. 19th from 9:30-10:45 a.m.: A Sprinkle of Hope Musical Playdate with The Wonder Studio and Playful Acorns, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli ($20/family, register in advance)

Just a couple of toddlers exploring in nature at Owen Conservation Park in Madison for an #OptOutside hike. Pro tip: Bathrooms are open year-round here!

Winter Nature Play Groups

Registration is now open for the following winter nature series for kids and their caregivers in the Madison area starting up in January 2025. Older kids might enjoy offerings through OASIS, Outdoors We Learn, Sprouts Nature School, and Wild Harvest Nature Connection.

• Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona

  • Baby Bugs (ages 1-2) for 1 hour on Wednesday afternoons from 3-4 p.m. $110 for all 11 classes or $12 drop-in per class if space is available.

  • Wonder Bugs (ages 2-4) for 75 minutes on some weekday or weekend mornings (days and times vary). $198 for all 11 classes.

• Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison

  • Lil’ Explorer Adventure (ages 3-4 preferred) for 1.5 hours on Mondays or Saturdays from 9:30-11 a.m. $55 for all 5 classes.

• Naturing in Madison, meet at Westmorland Park, Madison

  • Wintering in the Park (ages 2-8) for 1.5 hours on Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. $88 for all 4 classes.

Upcoming Community Events

Playful Acorns programs/those that Sam are involved in are bolded. There are several other local organizations holding awesome family-friendly events that might be of interest to you, too! Many of these events focus on nature exploration, true play, and process art. Remember to check out more events listed at Macaroni KID, NatureNet, Dane County Forest Friends, Hike It Baby Madison WI, Madison Area Nature Playgroup, Friends of Urban Nature, Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison Parks, MMSD Play & Learn, Monroe Street Arts Center, Madison School & Community Recreation, local libraries, gyms, and more. Here are a few recurring events to check out!

• Monona Public Library (Nature Playgroup: select Tuesdays)

• Olbrich Gardens (Story and Stroll: select Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays)

• Neighborhood House (Busy Town: Tuesdays and True Play: Thursdays)

• Aldo Leopold Nature Center (Baby Bugs: Wednesdays)

• Schumacher Farm Park (Kids on the Farm: Wednesdays)

• Our Backyard Playgroup (6705 Wesner Ln, Verona: 9-11 a.m. Fridays)

• Fitchburg Public Library (Playdates: Saturdays through 12/7)

Please confirm registration details, costs, and age ranges at the links below. Stay tuned for more events in the next email!

* Events with one asterisk are evening events
** Events with two asterisks are for adults only

• Thursday, Dec. 5: Baby Play Date, Goodman South Library, Madison

• Thursday, Dec. 5: Creative Movement from Global Perspectives with Isthmus Dance Collective (series through 12/19), MYArts, Madison

• Friday, Dec. 6: CI Pediatric Therapy Play Group, Middleton Public Library

• *Friday, Dec. 6: Indoor Playground, MSCR West, Madison

• Saturday, Dec. 7: Saturday Playdate, Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg

• Saturday, Dec. 7: Yule Log Decorating Family Workshop, Schumacher Farm Park, Waunakee

• Sunday, Dec. 8: Hike & Heal Wellness Family Adventure Club, TBD

• Sunday, Dec. 8: Yoga & Music for Kids with Lagom: Penguins, Lioness Fitness, Fitchburg

• Sunday, Dec. 8: “May You Always Find Wonder” Book Launch Garden Party, Grace Coffee, Cottage Grove

• Monday, Dec. 9: Wiggles and Words (weekly storytime through 12/16), Goodman South Library, Madison

• Tuesday, Dec. 10: Tiny Play Cafe, Alicia Ashman Public Library, Madison

• Wednesday, Dec. 11: MOMS Club Open House & Playdate, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison

• **Thursday, Dec. 12: Learn to Grow Native Plants, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison

• Friday, Dec. 13: Madison Area Nature Playgroup: Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona

• Friday, Dec. 13: Music Together with Catherine, Middleton Public Library

• Friday, Dec. 13: Madison Babywearing Meeting, Hawthorne Library, Madison

• Friday, Dec. 13: STEAM Time: Beaks, Feathers, and Adaptations, Madison Children’s Museum

• Saturday, Dec. 14: Winterfest, Madison Waldorf School, Madison

• Saturday, Dec. 14: Free Playgroup, University Houses Parent Co-op Preschool

• Saturday, Dec. 14: Free Kindling Community Art, Eastmorland Community Center, Madison

• Sunday, Dec. 15: Yoga & Music for Kids with Lagom: Snowy Animals, Present Not Perfect Play Co., Lake Mills

• Sunday, Dec. 15: Family Nature Program: Animal Tracks, UW Arboretum, Madison

• Sunday, Dec. 15: Winter StoryWalk Celebration, Community Park, Cottage Grove

• Sunday, Dec. 15: Family Sing-Along: Christmas, The Wonder Studio, Verona

• Monday, Dec. 16: Toddler Yoga with little om BIG OM, Oregon Public Library

• Tuesday, Dec. 17: Open Play, 4-C, Madison

• Tuesday, Dec. 17: Tiny Play Cafe, Alicia Ashman Public Library, Madison

• *Tuesday, Dec. 17: Family Sing-Along: Christmas, The Wonder Studio, Verona

• Thursday, Dec. 19: A Sprinkle of Hope Musical Playdate, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli

• Saturday, Dec. 21: Welcoming Winter (3-5 p.m.), Hoyt Park, Madison

• Saturday, Dec. 21: Flicker Winter Solstice Sacred Circle and Wild Wander, Farley Center, Verona

• Friday, Dec. 27: Winter Crafternoon, Verona Public Library, Verona

• Saturday, Dec. 28: Bird & Nature Adventures, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona

• Saturday, Dec. 28: Friends of Urban Nature Winter Solstice Walk, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton

Looking to make a difference this holiday season? Join me in supporting local nonprofits like these!

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