FREE EVENT
Join us for a fun day of nature play!
Saturday, June 1, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Olin Terrace and all around Madison
Rain or shine
Spending time together outdoors brings families and friends closer and creates memories that last a lifetime. Enjoy some of your favorite outdoor activities or try something new!
Stop by our Nature Everywhere Day activity hub at Olin Terrace (in front of Monona Terrace) to take the Vitamin N Challenge, enjoy arts and crafts, and learn more about nature-based activities happening across Madison.
Do you have questions about Nature Everywhere Day or is your organization or community group interested in participating? We are accepting activities through 5/1. Contact us at: conference@childrenandnature.org.
Brought to you by the Children & Nature Network and:
OutGrown: Baby Wearing Gear Library & Nature Walk
Beginning at 10 AM and throughout the day
Olin Terrace
Come visit the OutGrown table at Nature Everywhere Day to browse their wide selection of baby wearing items that make getting outside with your kiddo easier! In addition, they’ll lead short nature walks for kids and parents throughout the day at one of the neighboring parks.
This activity is open to all ages and abilities, with a focus on families with children ages 0-6.
Our Sense-Able Nature Exploration Activity
10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM
Olin Terrace
Join Kate Trnka as she guides you through 10 steps for connecting with the natural world. From there, attendees will participate in a connecting-with-nature activity, review prepared prompts and relate them to their experiences. Folks are encouraged to engage with their 54 natural senses while being outdoors. There will be an opportunity to pair and share, as well! This activity is open to all ages, and can be adjusted for the needs according to the group size and age range.
No registration required.
Forest Bathing Walk
9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM
Olin Terrace
Join nature-based artist & community nature advocate, Mary Carpenter of Give Paper Flora, for a Forest Bathing walk, or Shinrin-yoku. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, slowly & intentionally, using all of your senses, with a touch of creativity. Mary will guide participants in a 45-60 minute session leaving from Olin Terrace.
This event is open to all ages, and caps at 15 participants per session.
No registration required.
Black Birders Week event: Raptors & Habitats at Fair Meadows
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
211 South Paterson Street
Madison, WI, 53703
This event is put on by the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin.
We are excited to collaborate with our friends at Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and the Feminist Bird Club of Madison for an awesome Black Birders Week event celebrating black birders and the birds they love on June 1 at Fair Meadows Sanctuary near Milton. Fair Meadows is usually closed to the public, but this special event will give you access to enjoy the beautiful prairies, woodlands, and wetlands of the sanctuary and state natural area. Join a guided walk through the sanctuary, or explore on your own.
Registration is required for this event as space is limited.
Girls on the Run 5k
9:00 AM
Verona High School
234 Wildcat Wy
Verona, WI 53593
Join 1,300 kids and their families running and walking this un-timed, family-friendly 5K on Saturday, June 1st at 9am. The event is starting and ending at Verona High School, but runners will also enjoy time on the Military Ridge State Trail during their run.
The run is open to the public and registration will open on April 5th.
Birding Walk
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Turville Point Conservation Park
In celebration of Black Birders Week, join outdoor leaders Nicole Jackson and Dexter Patterson on a beginner friendly birding walk along Olin Park. They’ll start with a brief introduction to birding and then lead the group through a nature walk to identify some birds and experience bird joy!
This session is open to all ages and binoculars not required.
No registration required.
Vitamin N Challenge, made possible by Nature’s Way
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Olin Terrace
Hoping to spend more time outside with your kids this summer? Stop by the Nature Everywhere Day Activity Hub and sign up for the Vitamin N Challenge (N for nature). You’ll find free outdoor activity tracker coloring sheets and tips for adding nature-based fun to your family’s calendar. And, setting a Challenge goal can help you get more “Vitamin N” – whether you’re working toward a day, a week, or months of more time outdoors.
FREE, no RSVP required.
Guided Nature Hikes
10:00 – 11:30 AM and 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Madison School Forest
Join the Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) for a guided nature hike in the Olson Oak Woods State Natural Area! Each hike will last approx 1.5 hours and is open to all ages. No registration required. Olson Oak Woods State Natural area is home to a large southern dry forest featuring oaks dating back to the 1750s! The hike includes walking up to 3 miles (options to leave earlier) over moderate terrain on mostly single track trails.
Please contact Liz Just at ekjust@madison.k12.wi.us with any questions about the hike.
Canoeing on Lake Monona
Beginning at 9:00 AM and running until 3:00 PM
Law Park
Join Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile for free canoe rides at Lake Monona! Bring your family and friends to paddle in our 10-person North canoes guided by Wilderness Inquiry boat captains. No experience needed and people of all abilities are welcome!
*Minimum weight 30 lbs
Nurturing Nature Connection at Olin Turville Park
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Olin Turville Park/Conservation Park
Bring the family or come yourself to enjoy an all-people, all-ages, fun afternoon of nature connection activities, walks, play, skills building, foraging and more! Just by spending time in nature, you will receive the many benefits nature offers for our health and wellbeing. NO RSVP required. Meet at the hilltop and check-in to register and sign participant waivers. Then, choose your adventures! There will be opportunities to flow in and out of sessions to meet the needs of you and/or your families.
StoryWalk® 12:00 – 3:00 PM | Intended Audience: All Ages. | Participant max: No limit.
Enjoy a self-guided nature walk to the story of “The Honeybee,” by Kristen Hall, Isabelle Arsenault. If you park in the lower lot you can follow the StoryWalk® up to the building! Otherwise, check it out whenever your family needs a stroll. Presented by Naturing in Madison.
Welcome + Nature Storytelling and Games 12:00 – 12:20 PM | Intended audience: All ages. | Participant max: No limit.
Your guides for the afternoon welcome you. Begin connecting with nature through storytelling and a game led by Storytelling Naturalist Coral Conant Gilles.
Forest Bathing 12:30-1:30 PM & 1:45-2:45 PM | Intended audience: Anyone able to amble quietly 🙂 | Participant max: 40 ppl.
Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Kate Bast of Shinrin-Yoku Madison and Moira Farrell, Founder and Owner of Hike and Heal Wellness lead adults on a slow-moving, quiet, stress-relieving and restorative conservancy trail walk, offering prompts for nature connection along the way.
Foraging/Plant ID Walk 12:30 – 1:30 PM & 1:45 – 2:45 PM | Intended audience: All ages. | Participant Max: 30 ppl.
Learn to identify edible plants and healing herbs, and learn about the folklore and benefits behind them. Vince Aiello, expert forager and photographer, and owner of Fire and Foraging, and wild food teacher and food-maker Andy Gricevich of What Got Gathered, lead the walk with humor, insights and deep knowledge.
Child-led Forest Play 12:30 – 2:45 PM | All Afternoon Drop-In | Intended audience: All ages. | Participant Max: No limit.
The forest is full of wonder. When encouraged to explore, wander, create and discover, kids find new ways to play – forts, bouncy logs, fairy houses, and imaginative play abound! Bring your curiosity! Led by Coral Conant Gilles of Storytelling Naturalist, LLC and OASIS (Outdoor Adventure Steeped in Story)
Wild Art & Storywalk 12:30 – 2:45 PM | All Afternoon Drop-In | Intended audience: All ages. | Participant Max: No limit.
Nature art exploration and play with nature treasures, clay impressions, nature crowns and more! This is a child-led, process focused activity meant to engage the senses and spark creativity and connection to natural materials. Led by Christie Moser, certified nature-bsed teacher, Founder and Owner of Naturing in Madison.
15% Off on Socks at Fontana
Week of June 1, 2024
Fontana Sports
15% off for the week of June 1st on all Darn Tough, SmartWool, Wigwam & Sockwell socks.
Connecting to Nature and Community Through Art
9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM
Olin Terrace
Deep learning often happens when we can turn off our thoughts and engage completely in observation. Kids and adults of all ages are invited to join eco-artist Sonya Sankaran and experiential educator Maria Loyd in nature journaling and weaving activities. Nature journaling is a perfect tool to cultivate focus and calm our nervous system, not to mention celebrate nature! In this workshop, we will not be making perfect drawings, but instead use journaling as a tool to soak up details about our environment.
We’ll also create collaborative ephemeral weavings on an outdoor yarn loom with fresh and dried plants. By engaging our hands, our senses sharpen and we learn about plants through our nervous system. At the same time, relax into conversation and cooperation with your community!
This activity is open to all ages, and can be adjusted for the needs according to the group size and age range.
No registration required.
Orienteering Exploration
Arrive any time between 10:00 AM – Noon. A 15-minute instructional clinic will be given at 10:15 AM and another at 11:00 AM. Plan to spend 20-45 minutes orienteering, depending on your speed and accuracy.
Lower Shelter @ Hoyt Park
3902 Regent St.
Madison, WI 53705
Join the Friends of Hoyt Park and On The Map Orienteering for an activity that’s fun for all ages. Orienteering is a map & compass navigation game, which exercises the mind and body. Participants can be families, teams, or individuals. Using the provided map and compass, set out to find a series of checkpoints that are marked on the map. Multiple courses will be offered, and no one knows what course others are doing, so following won’t help!
Additional parking info:
Please park in the main parking lot and make your way to the Lower Shelter by following the service path behind the playground. You will find the Lower Shelter at the end of this Upper Bluff Trail. Additional parking may be found along Larkin Street.
Plein Air Watercolor Painting
Join nature artist Katherine Moore, of Lost Feather Studio, for an afternoon of plein air watercolor painting. Plein air painting is the practice of painting while immersed in nature. There will be short introductory lessons and demonstrations to painting with watercolor, and then folks will find a comfortable spot in nature to complete a painting of their own.
All materials will be provided.
This will be a drop-in event.
The Madison Children’s Museum Roadshow
Beginning at 9:00 AM and running until 3:00 PM
Olin Terrace
The Madison Children’s Museum Roadshow brings mobile exhibits and maker activities to community events in Madison and the surrounding area. Join us on Nature Everyday Day at Olin Terrace to create a miniature nature work of art to take home and get inventive with creative fort and structure building activities. We will also have fort building supplies for collaborative play.
Community Yoga
Move, breathe, and connect in the park with Madleen for a community class that welcomes all levels. Connect deeply with your body, mind, heart, and breath amidst breathtaking views, fostering a harmonious union of self-awareness and tranquility. The end of the yoga practice will include a rejuvenating sound bath session where soothing vibrations wash over you, melting away tension and stress. You’ll be guided into a state of deep relaxation and inner peace, and lave feeling refreshed, restored, and renewed.
All ages welcome. .
No RSVP required
Nature Wander, StoryWalk®, Monarchs and Milkweed
9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Olin Park Playground
Join local organizations for a nature wander, StoryWalk®, and an opportunity to meet a Monarch and get a milkweed plant!
Between 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, explore the featured StoryWalk® at Olin Park at your own pace. Thank you to Orchard Ridge UCC and Playful Acorns for creating and setting up the story “Butterfly Child” by Marc Majewski.
At 9:00 AM, meet Madison OutGrown hike guides Sam and Sara at the Olin Park playground to play and go on a child-paced nature wander through the park.
At 10:00 AM, Susan with Sprig Native Plant Nursery will bring a Monarch caterpillar or butterfly for kids to see up-close. The first 30 attendees will also receive milkweed that they can plant at home to help our pollinators.
Events are geared toward kids ages 0-5+ with their caregivers.
No registration required.
Nature’s Haven: A Family Adventure at the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Beginning at 9:00 AM and throughout the day
Olin Terrace
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Take a getaway that’s not too far away at the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Join our “campsite” to learn about the Forest Preserves of Cook County and for child-led nature-based play. Engage with nature objects, outdoor fun and more!
This activity is open to all ages and abilities, with activities geared toward families with children ages 0-6.
Boulders Climbing Gym
9:00 AM
Olin Terrace
Join Boulders Climbing Gym on Olin Terrace as they show off some cool climbing gear, host contests for trying on harnesses and tying knots, and talk about climbing at one of their local gyms or free climbing! They will also be handing out 2-for-1 passes to climb at their gym!
Ice Age Trail Alliance®
Celebrate National Trails Day® in a BIG Way! | 1:00 PM | Location: National Park Service-Cross Plains Interpretive Site
Be there to celebrate National Trails Day® in a BIG way… on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail! Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance and National Park Service for a family-friendly National Trails Day® celebration. Check out the new portion of the Cross Plains Segment, meet the Trailbuilders, enjoy refreshments at the National Park Service office and get your National Park Service stamp. Learn more.
Mammoth Fun-Run & Hike | 9:00 AM | Location: Doctor’s Park
Celebrate National Trails Day with a family-friendly, great-for-all-ages Mammoth Fun Run & Hike hosted by the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This year, the 6K trail run will be a fun and timed challenge. Enjoy the beautiful Lodi Marsh Segment as you run or hike to the Finish Line in Lodi, an Ice Age Trail Community! Learn more and register here.
Madison’s Largest Human Earthing Mandala
2:00 PM | Location: Olbrich Biergarten
Expressive Arts Facilitator, Adelite (aka Rhiannon Gurley), founder of Our Vibrant Community will lead participants to experience its largest human mandala by laying on Mother Earth to create patterns in community. All ages are encouraged to participate.
Leaf Printing Activity
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Location: Olin Terrace
City of Madison Affinity Groups, employee-led groups organized around social identities and life experiences, invite you to make your own leaf print. Enjoy the diversity of nature by making paper and clay prints. This activity is designed for people of all ages and abilities.
All materials provided.
World of Decomposition!
9 AM throughout the day | Location: Olin Terrace
Join the Lussier Family Heritage Center to explore the world of decomposition! We will be having our vermicomposting, worm bin system out to explore and see what is able to be decomposed in nature!
Open to all ages and abilities, no RSVP required.
Access Ability Wisconsin 10th Anniversary Celebration
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Location: William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park
Do you or someone you know experience difficulty walking on uneven terrain? Join Access Ability Wisconsin as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park! Our event offers an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and abilities can participate in various activities using all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs (OWCs). Bring your family and friends for a day of fun and adventure!
Workshops: Want to learn HOW to make adaptations so all your family and friends can participate? Join us at our workshops!
1- 1:30 pm – Fishing – how to fish from all-terrain outdoor wheelchair and use adaptive equipment
1- 1:30 pm – Adaptive cycling – why do some bikes look different than a 2-wheeler? Come learn and try out adaptive cycling!
1:30 – 2 pm – Wildlife viewing/photography – how to adapt an all-terrain outdoor wheelchair with accessories such as cameras and binoculars.
2 – 2:45 pm – Adaptive Paddling – paddling is for everybody! Learn how special equipment can support all paddlers.
Open Activities:
1:30 – 4 pm – Open fishing, hiking and exploring using all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs, and open cycling. All free and on a first come first serve basis. ‘
3 – 3:15 pm – Carry a flag and join fellow veterans and military supporters, friends and families on an HONOR hike or HONOR paddle *Sponsored by WI PVA*
Free and no registration required. RSVP encouraged.
Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens!
10:00 AM | Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Guided Tram Tours
10:00 AM-4:30 PM, run every 30 minutes
Olbrich’s eco-friendly electric tram provides free guided tours around the 16-acre outdoor gardens for visitors, primarily those needing assistance, on a first-come, first-served basis. The tram travels in a designated continuous circular route, as tram drivers share interpretive information with the riders via a pre-recorded message and supplemental narration about Olbrich’s history, gardens, and sustainable gardening practices.
Free, donations welcome. No registration required.
Exploring Pond Life at the Discovery Dock
10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
A pond is a robust and mysterious place! Join us to explore life under and around water. Learn more about the tiny creatures in this hidden habitat at the Pond and Discovery Dock as we carefully collect water samples, look for macroinvertebrates, and engage with life around the pond – which includes as many as 40 painted turtles if the weather is right!
No registration required. This is a drop-in program.
“Good Native Plants” // Bird and Nature Adventure Robin Kling
2:30 PM | Location: Tenney Park Beach
Join Master Naturalist Robin Kling for a free welcoming family-friendly guided walk to look for and learn about native trees and plants at Tenney Park. The Tenney Lagoon borders and other areas are being restored with more native plants for pollinators, birds and wildlife. Native plants also have many human benefits. Long before synthetic drugs were created to combat illness and disease native plants provided chemical compounds used by healers and physicians to deal with heart disease, vitamin deficiencies and to fight bacterial infections.
See http://tinyurl.com/MadisonFUNAdventures for a map and fun facts about native plants. Learn to use a guidebook or the Seek app to identify and learn more about what you see.
Free, fun, family friendly, welcoming, educational, no registration required, no pets.
First Saturday every month Bird and Nature Adventures at Tenney Park are co-sponsored by Madison FUN partners Madison Parks, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Friends of Tenney-Lapham and Friends of the Yahara River Parkway.
Madison FUN Table
9:00 AM throughout the day | Location: Olin Terrace
Meet Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature Parks and partner groups helping connect communities and kids with nearby nature! Learn about our free program of welcoming diverse fun family and kid friendly naturalist guided “Bird And Nature Adventures” offering at least 2 outings every weekend year round in nearby Madison parks and natural areas.
Pick up flyers with the year round free Madison FUN outing schedule and get upcoming outing deta
Madison FUN Kids Activity Table
9:00 AM throughout the day | Location: Olin Terrace
Kids will enjoy family friendly simple do-it-yourself Madison FUN kids nature activities including nature art, face painting, bird bingo and making owl binoculars. Kids will get to play along with the bird band jukebox and can dance the chicken dance!
Friends of Cherokee Marsh Table
9:00 AM throughout the day | Location: Olin Terrace
Learn about Madison’s largest Conservation Park and Friends of Cherokee Marsh group activities! Kids will enjoy a fun learning nature activity.
Native Planting
10:00 AM – 12:00 | Location: Brittingham Park Playground
Join the City of Madison’s parks staff for a native planting volunteer activity! We will be planting 300 native plugs in the Brittingham playground sign bed. They’ll provide the plants, shovels, and gloves. You just need to bring yourself and comfy clothes to plant in.
All ages welcome and the max participant size is 20 people. No previous experience required.
Self-Guided Nature Exploration for the Family
Any time between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM | Location: Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Please use our side entrance – look for signage to direct you!
Come explore the Aldo Leopold Nature Center and use our free nature exploration tools by checking out one of our Family Trailside Backpacks for FREE! Inside the bag, find easy-to-understand exploration guides and seasonal activities, which children of all ages will enjoy! Catch bugs in the pond, identify birds with the binoculars and ID guides, or get a closer look at the plants around you with the magnifying glass.
No RSVP required. Families and children of all ages! Backpacks are first come, first served.
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