Hello! Leaves are falling and temps are cooling...Autumn is officially here! October is full of NEW programs that we're so excited to share with you, including two new Pop-Up Play Cafe locations, yoga and music classes, and community events -- some are FREE! Playful Acorns will also be donating a portion of program proceeds to local nonprofits.
Here's a glimpse of our exciting October schedule with Playful Acorns Pop-Up Play Cafe offerings, collaborative music and yoga classes, and free community events. All events are geared toward caregivers and their kids (ages 0-5) unless otherwise noted. Please note that some event registration is through our partner websites (linked in the descriptions). As always, we encourage you to share with your friends. Hope you can join us!
October 7 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday): Community Event (FREE)
Mental Health and Wellness Fall Festival - Mount Horeb, Snapdragon Farm
We'll be featuring a StoryWalk®, plus enjoy art, live music and more!
All ages; open to the public. No need to RSVP.
October 11 (9-11 a.m. Wednesday): Pop-Up Play Cafe Trial (FREE, RSVP)
Pop-Up Play Cafe - Verona, Rocket Velocafe
Enjoy coffee while your kids (ages 0-5) play with games, toys, and books.
Space is limited; book your FREE spot online in advance.
STAY TUNED FOR THE PHOTO REVEAL AND COLLABORATION STORY
Oct. 12 - Nov. 16 (9-10 a.m. Thursdays): 6-Week Yoga Session (RSVP)
'Mini and Me' Yoga and Stories in the Park - Middleton, Lakeview Park Shelter
Ease into fall mornings with coffee, books, and yoga by little om BIG OM.
Space is limited; book online by 10/11 for you and your kid (ages 0-5).
UPDATE 10/31/23: The November classes have a few spots left and can be booked here.
October 16 (9:15-10:30 a.m. Monday): Pop-Up Play Cafe (RSVP)
Pop-Up Play Cafe - Cross Plains, The Creekside Scoop
Enjoy coffee while your kids (ages 0-5) play with games, toys, and books.
Space is limited; book your spot online in advance.
October 16 (10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday): Community Event (FREE)
Ice Age Trail Exploration - Cross Plains, Esser Square and Zander Park
Make a nature craft, meet Monty the Mammoth, and go on a StoryWalk®.
No need to RSVP for the craft; sign liability waiver if joining the hike.
October 20 (9:45-10:45 a.m. Friday): Music Class Trial (FREE, RSVP)
Autumnal Melodies Music Class - Madison, Friendship Hall, 1501 Gilbert Rd
Music with Julie Mazer, coffee and playtime, and outdoor StoryWalk®.
Space is limited; book your spot online in advance.
October 25 (9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Wednesday): Pop-Up Play Cafe (RSVP) (UPDATE: CANCELED DUE TO FAMILY MATTER, WE WILL RESCHEDULE SOON)
Pop-Up Play Cafe - Verona, Rocket Velocafe
Enjoy coffee while your kids (ages 0-5) play with games, toys, and books.
Space is limited; book your spot online in advance.
STAY TUNED FOR THE PHOTO REVEAL AND COLLABORATION STORY
October 27 (9-11 a.m. Friday): 'Creepy Crawlies' Pop-Up Play Cafe (RSVP)
Lil' Explorer Pop-Up Play Cafe - Madison, Lussier Family Heritage Center
Sorta spooky special event with coffee, indoor/outdoor play, and animals.
Space is limited; book your spot online in advance.
Giving Back
One of our goals when creating Playful Acorns was to find ways to highlight the work of local nonprofits -- not only to increase awareness, but also to support them in their missions. Each month we will spotlight a new nonprofit, and a portion of sales from Pop-Up Play Cafe (Cross Plains and Verona) bookings will be donated to that cause.
- Through Oct. 10th: NAMI Wisconsin
- One of our values is rooted in the be(leaf) that "the world is a better place with you in it." In memory of my friend's husband Ryan, in support of his family and those who you hold dear, and in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month (September), Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 1-7), and World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10) we encourage you to donate to NAMI Wisconsin, whose mission is to improve the quality of life of those affected by mental illness and to promote recovery. To reach the Suicide & Crisis 24/7 Lifeline, dial or text 9-8-8. Stay;
- Oct. 11th-31st: Mikayla's Grace
- As an organization devoted to bringing together caregivers and their babies, toddlers, and young kids, Playful Acorns would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the deep impact that loss in any stage of life can have on families. In recognition of Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Awareness Month (October), in memory of each life, and in support of their families, we are highlighting the efforts of Mikayla's Grace, which supports families with a baby in the NICU (neonatal ICU) and those who experience the death of a child or pregnancy loss at hospitals in Wisconsin.
A Note of Gratitude
Today, I am grateful for good health. I want to extend a sincere thank you to the following people after what has been a stressful last few weeks at our household:
- The families who understood the unexpected cancelation of the 9/25 Pop-Up Play Cafe in Cross Plains and temporary pause in our programs.
- The doctors and nurses who treated my daughter for her illnesses.
- Our family and friends, especially my husband and mom, for helping care for and support Z and me.
Thank you all! - Sam
Connecting with the Community
Thank you to the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area and Dane County Parks for inviting Playful Acorns to have a presence at its Wellness in Nature event in September! It was a beautiful afternoon (albeit too windy for canoe rides) to explore the trails, enjoy a picnic, and listen to speakers at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park. We especially enjoyed flute-playing by Bill Quackenbush, Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, and hearing Dr. Roopa Shah, MD SSM Health, and Bill Lunney, Foundation for Dane County Parks President, talk about the benefits of nature to our physical and mental health. We had fun creating a nature scavenger hunt for the kids' craft table (pictured above). You can also view and download the pdf. We'd love to see what you find and color -- snap a photo and tag #playfulacorns on Facebook or Instagram!
Resources for Families
Are you looking for more ways to get outdoors and connect with other kids and caregivers? Here are some local resources that offer FREE family hikes and nature play opportunities. Follow them on Facebook to see their upcoming events and become part of their supportive online communities. Happy hiking, exploring, and playing! Are there other local resources you'd like us to share on our Playful Acorns platforms? Let us know here!
- Dane County Forest Friends (offers several weekly events)
- Hike it Baby Madison WI (offers many meet-ups as part of We Are OutGrown; several other groups also post opportunities on this page, including the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Lussier Family Heritage Center)
- Madison Area Nature Playgroup (offers monthly hikes around Dane County)
- Ice Age Trail Alliance - Lodi Valley Chapter (offers monthly weekend Tyke Hikes, including the next one on October 28th)
#WittyWildlife
Research shows that nature has healing benefits for our bodies and minds. We also know that laughter can sometimes be the best medicine. So, why not combine the two? From time to time you may see a humorous meme pop up on your social media feeds/stories. I'll provide the graphic from my library of nature photos, and you'll generate the funny phrase (puns are always welcome, just keep them family-friendly, please). Then, we'll vote for our favorites! Share the photos with a friend who could use a smile or chuckle, and submit your own #WittyWildlife caption for photos, like this rabbit munching on a dandelion. Have fun!
“As the crickets’ soft autumn hum
is to us
so are we
to the trees
as are they
to the rocks and the hills.”
- Gary Snyder (first introduced to me through song at the September Flicker at Donald County Park, pictured at top).
