Good (rainy Election Day) Morning,

As many of you may know, Playful Acorns emerged in 2023 from the desire to create meaningful connections between kids, caregivers, nature, and the community. My intent has always been to create a space where we could gather and grow throughout the changing seasons of our lives.

While we have yet to find a permanent home (a consistent indoor and outdoor gathering space), we have popped up and partnered with dozens of wonderful organizations and families throughout the Madison area. It’s been incredible to witness many of you and your kids forming friendships, meeting up to play, and offering support.

Through this collaborative model (and especially after dreaming up our spring Earth Mama gathering with three other local mothers who have now become dear friends), nature has reminded me that a key part of my vision is also to scatter and sow…

• Like a bursting milkweed pod by spreading seeds of encouragement for families to explore, learn, create, and play together throughout Dane County and beyond. Think of the incredible transformation of butterflies who depend on these plants.
• Like a nut-loving squirrel by nurturing the sense of agency that *anyone* can plant a tiny idea and grow it into something beyond their imagination. Think of the mighty oak trees that came from one small acorn.

We were made to live in community, but our ability to find our village (especially as parents, it seems) has been disrupted. I believe that working together for the common good as opposed to competing for limited resources is the best way, and perhaps only way, for us and our children to thrive. That’s why I’m committed to amplifying opportunities for connection in our area, whether or not Playful Acorns is directly involved. I look forward to unveiling a new resource that will hopefully make it easier for you to navigate everything that our community has to offer. Please reply to this email if you’re interested in providing feedback on the early version. :)

And, a friendly reminder if you haven’t already voted…please make your voice heard between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 5th. In addition to the presidential election, there are many local races on the ballot, and depending on where you live, potentially state, local, and school referendums as well. At myvote.wi.gov you can see what’s on your ballot, how to register, and more about the general election. If your polling place is nearby, bring your umbrella, raincoat, a stroller, and some toys (maybe stop at a Little Free Library along the way to borrow a book), and take along your kid(s) to show them what democracy looks like. Your vote matters! And so do you!

Our Values

Playful Acorns values 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.

So, whether you're parenting solo or with a partner, providing care as a grandparent or nanny, or any other version of your village, this community embraces you and the kids you love. Come as you are.*​

* (If you're not feeling well, please stay home, rest up, and we'll see you next time!) 

If there's anything we can do to be more inclusive, please let us know. Thank you!

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

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, 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)
• Henry Vilas Zoo (Stroller Safari: select Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
• 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)
• Belleville WI Moms (Our Backyard Playgroup in Verona: Fridays)

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

• Tuesday, Nov. 5: General Election, Your Polling Place (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) (myvote.wi.gov/en-us/)
• Wednesday, Nov. 6: MOMS Club Open House & Playdate, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison
• Thursday, Nov. 7: Outdoor Classroom Day Resources
• Thursday, Nov. 7: Baby Play Date, Goodman South Library, Madison
• Thursday, Nov. 7: Creative Movement from Global Perspectives with Isthmus Dance Collective (series through 12/19, no class 11/28), MYArts, Madison
• Friday, Nov. 8: Madison Babywearing Meeting, Oregon Public Library, Oregon
• Friday, Nov. 8: Tinkering Tots (2-3:30 p.m.), Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
• Saturday, Nov. 9: Free Playgroup, University Houses Parent Co-op Preschool
• Sunday, Nov. 10: 9in|9out New/Expecting Parents & Baby Expo, Union South, Madison
• Sunday, Nov. 10: Kids on the Prairie, Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton
• Sunday, Nov. 10: Harvest-themed Class with Lagom: Music and Yoga Education, Lioness Fitness, Fitchburg
• **Sunday, Nov. 10: Crafting in the Wild, Hoyt Park, Madison
• Monday, Nov. 11: Holiday Music Classes with Miss Julie (series through 12/9), Orchard Ridge UCC, Madison
• Monday, Nov. 11: Wiggles and Words (weekly storytime through 12/16), Goodman South Library, Madison
• Friday, Nov. 15: Madison Area Nature Playgroup, Yahara River Trail, Stoughton
• Friday, Nov. 15: Tinkering Tots (2-3:30 p.m.), Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
• *Friday, Nov. 15: Full Moon Night Creature Search, Donald County Park, Mount Horeb
• Saturday, Nov. 16: Kindling Community Arts: Colorful Tree Creation, Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
• Saturday, Nov. 16: Ice Age Trail Tyke Hike, Hwy 113 Trailhead, Lodi
• Sunday, Nov. 17: Family Nature Program: Preparing for Winter, UW Arboretum, Madison
• **Sunday, Nov. 17: Learn to Grow Native Plants, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
• Monday, Nov. 18: Toddler Yoga, Wishing Tree Studio, Oregon
• *Tuesday, Nov. 19: Family Sing-Along, The Wonder Studio, Verona
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Trail Tuesday LC Babywearing Hike & Optional Photos for a Cause, TBD
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Season of Thankfulness Musical Playdate, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Play & Learn (en Español), 4-C, Madison
• Saturday, Nov. 23: Bird & Nature Adventures, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona
• Thursday, Nov. 28: Birdie Derby 5K/10K benefits Tri 4 Schools, Agora, Fitchburg