Welcome, friends!
Playful Acorns partners with local experts to offer play-based and nature-inspired music, movement, stories, art, and outdoor exploration in the Madison area. There will also be opportunities for adults to enjoy coffee and chat, co-work, meal plan, and learn about resources geared toward families -- all while their kids (ages 0-5+) play and socialize in a safe and fun environment. While we search for a place to put down roots, we'll be collaborating with other organizations and parks to host meetups -- potentially near you!
GATHER
GROW
Photo by Jessica Skarlupka
About
Playful Acorns emerged in 2023 from the desire that Sam Haas had as a new mother to create meaningful connections and learning opportunities between kids, caregivers, nature, and the Dane County community. Join us as we gather and grow together throughout the changing seasons of our lives!
Photo by Jessica Fiess-Hill
Our Vision
Caregivers need opportunities to fill their own cups to be fully present with and responsive to their kids, and Playful Acorns hopes to make that easier for them to do. For some people, that looks like a literal cup of coffee to jumpstart their day. For others, that means finding a quiet moment in nature or moving their bodies to feel centered and ready for whatever comes their way.
Taking care of kids is hard work. It's not all rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it can feel incredibly isolating, overwhelming, and as though you're losing parts of yourself along the way. We aren't meant to do this alone.
If you've been wanting to gather with those who "get it" in a place that fosters your child(ren)'s curiosity, you're in good company. Playful Acorns was created for those who are craving connection with more caregivers and the healthy benefits of being immersed in the natural world, all while their kids play and socialize together.
Our Values
At Playful Acorns, we value the following be(leafs):
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Nature benefits from diversity, and so does humanity.
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Children learn best through play.
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Everyone deserves to have fun and be respected.
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Life is a journey, and we are always growing.
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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!
Testimonials
Parent of 2 year old
"We liked meeting other children and moms. My son enjoyed having a chance to play with new toys and books and liked running around outside! It was great to have the coffee shop right there and bathrooms and changing area right across the hall. Bonus that there's walking trails and parks so close by!"
Parent of 3.5 and 1 year old
"We played at the nearby park beforehand and my older child loves the zipline swing. My younger child really enjoyed exploring the indoor play space. It's fun to meet other parents and then invite them to join for outdoor adventures."
Parent of 2.5 year old
"I appreciated the well chosen materials to interact with (beautiful, high quality, safe for many ages), and my daughter enjoyed playing with other kids her age. We could have our snack, the park and library were within walking distance, and the coffee shop itself was nice."
Parent of 1.5 year old
"I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of activities available for my busy son! It was great seeing him interact with other toddlers and I enjoyed meeting other parents in the community. The fresh coffee from the cafe was a great perk as well!"
Our Partners and Programs
Are YOU Our Next Partner?
Playful Acorns thrives on collaborations, and we're always looking to expand our offerings and network. Contact Sam!
BRNC and Rooted host Playful Acorns play groups and music and yoga classes at Cora' Cafe and the playground.
CI Pediatric Therapies, which also holds free events in Dane County, was our special guest for a 4-C Play Group in 2025.
We enjoy holding free activities in collaboration with Dane County Parks staff and Friends groups.
Fellow Earth Mama Sophia Tollefson has led nourishing yoga classes for kids and caregivers.
Leslie Cao is a Certified Babywearing Consultant who hosts Trail Tuesday walks and carrier checks. We partnered for Birding with Babies in 2025.
Publisher Aaron Seligman has attended our Play Group with 4-C to share resources and events.
Christie Moser co-led a spring nature craft activity in Waunakee with Outdoors We Learn.
Based in Cross Plains, this library has held nature craft and StoryWalk® events with us.
Playful Acorns was invited to hold a butterfly StoryWalk and nature wander at a local park.
Playful Acorns was invited to set up a nature scavenger hunt and StoryWalk during the farmers market.
Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C) has been our nonprofit partner to sponsor a series of Play Groups in 2024 and 2025.
Sam serves on the planning committee for the annual (Every Child Outside) ECO Madison Summit, formerly the Madison Area Green & Healthy Schools Summit.
Moira Farrell offers parent and child nature play groups and other outdoor opportunities.
We offered our first "Mini and Me"' yoga classes with little om BIG OM, owned by Jamie Gale.
Our partner in offering programs at Lakeview Park, which features trails, playgrounds, and shelters.
Weslie Cymerman co-led a spring nature craft activity in Waunakee with Naturing in Madison.
The Wonder Studio and Playful Acorns host Musical Playdates and Storytimes in the Milk Haulers Lounge.
Formerly Tri 4 Schools, Active Youth Wisconsin partners with Playful Acorns and The Wonder Studio for events in Paoli.
Leda Rawlins, Certified Parent Coach, led a parenting discussion during our Snack & Chat speaker series at Miggy's Bakes.
Playful Acorns was invited to set up a nature-themed StoryWalk and toys for the sacred circle at Donald County Park.
Monty the Mammoth mascot has joined us on Ice Age Trail hikes in Cross Plains.
Owner Kelley Sinclair has opened her new fitness studio in Fitchburg to us for music & yoga classes!
Our partner in offering storytime programs at the library and nearby San Damiano Park in Monona.
Sam and other hike hosts volunteer to lead walks with caregivers and their young kids in the Dane County area.
Susan Sandford offered a seed ball making activity and plants during a butterfly storytime in Cottage Grove.
Angie Richter owns The Wonder Studio, which leads interactive and fun Kindermusik classes.
Owner and fellow mom Kaitlin Rohowetz partnered with Playful Acorns to co-host a postcard making event in 2025.
Connected Equine Development And Rehabilitation Center hosts the annual Mental Health and Wellness Fall Festival in Mount Horeb.
Neighboring cafe of The Creekside Scoop, also owned by entrepreneur Katy Ripp.
Mary Frost has been a featured guest at several of our Pop-Up Play Cafe and Snack & Chat events to share organizing tips.
Kirsten offers playful and educational music and yoga classes with us held at Lioness Fitness in Fitchburg.
Located at Lunney Lake Farm Park, this center hosts our Lil' Explorer Pop-Up Play Cafe.
Julie Mazer leads indoor and outdoor music classes at Orchard Ridge UCC in Madison.
Mount Horeb author Elizabeth Seeliger wrote "Big Feelings," our first interactive StoryWalk®.
Head baker bee Gretchen Becker leads decorating classes like our Cozy Winter Cookies collaboration.
Sam develops some resource guides in collaboration with YPC, and they also co-host some events.