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Once upon a time, in a cheese loving state named Wisconsin, there were little Wiscon-kids who were nothing short of magical. Fondly known as Bucky's Bandits, these kiddos were expert treasure hunters, but not for gold or silver, they sought treasures of another kind, the sensory kind! In the land of the Packers where the cows mooed louder than a honking goose, these kiddos dived into sensory play activities that would make even the busiest honeybee stop and stare. For Bucky's Bandits, sensory play was no less than a carnival. A squish of the playdough, a splash of finger paint, and a rustle of dried leaves were all they needed for an epic adventure. And guess what? Their leader was a jolly chap named Wobbly Wally. With a round belly that shook like a bowl full of jelly beans, Wally was as colorful and delightful as the rainbow sprinkles on a butter pecan sundae. He had a nose that twitched like a bunny when he sniffed out sensory treasures, and the twinkling eyes of an elf that never missed a clue. Under Wally's guidance, the kids used their noses to sniff out the best cheese, their ears to hear the faintest whispers of the wind, their fingers to feel the softness of a feather, and their eyes to admire the beauty of a rainbow. They would build castles with macaroni and cheese, create colorful paintings with beetroot, and even plant magic beans! With every squelch, squish, splash, and rustle, the Bandits discovered new wonders of the world. And while the rest of the world may have thought that these Wiscon-kids were just playing around, we know better, don't we? After all, they were on a sensory adventure, exploring the world one touch, one smell, one sound, and one sight at a time.

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more sensory-play programs near Elkhart Lake, WI

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Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

Minong, WI 54859
4.5(4 reviews)
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It’s more crucial than ever for families with young children to spend quality time outdoors. To reach their full potential, kids must get outdoor experiences that deliver the practical knowledge, social interactions, and restorative activity that can’t be achieved on a screen. That’s why parents must prioritize ensuring their children have these experiences early and often. Finding ways to make outdoor time enriching can seem like a challenge. What comes next after the initial step of going outdoors? How can families ensure that their kids get the most out of these moments? Tinkergarten provides a solution. Our play-based outdoor curriculum helps families make the most of their children’s early learning years. Developed by education experts and embraced by all families, the program includes weekly sessions, an at-home program, and an engaged learning community. With Tinkergarten, parents have the tools they need to make purposeful outdoor play accessible and fun for everyone.

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
5(5 reviews)
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Appelton Memorial Park is a beloved community hub for outdoor fun and recreation. It is the largest and most diverse of Appleton Parks, boasting 143 acres of lush green, playgrounds, trails, and a fishing pond. Families can make use of the seven softball diamonds, the Miracle League Field, and the Appleton Family Ice Center. The park also has a pavilion and amphitheater that can be rented out and the Scheig Center and its surrounding gardens are open to visitors. In the winter months, when there is enough snow, areas of the park are groomed for cross-country skiing and a sled hill is available for all ages. Appelton Memorial Park is the perfect place to gather with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors.

Appleton, WI 54911
4.9(3 reviews)
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The Kaukauna Recreation Department is dedicated to celebrating this rich heritage through the provision of recreational opportunities and special events for people of all ages. The Kaukauna Recreation Department is committed to providing a variety of recreational activities and special events that improve the quality of life for all of Kaukauna’s residents and visitors. From cultural festivals to outdoor adventures, this organization offers programs and activities that celebrate the city’s natural beauty and historic roots while creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime. The Kaukauna Recreation Department is dedicated to providing the community with a wide array of recreational activities that emphasize physical and mental health, social engagement, and environmental stewardship. Through innovative initiatives, the department works to ensure that everyone who lives in or visits Kaukauna can take advantage of the variety of recreational experiences the city has to offer.

Kaukauna, WI 54130
5(1 review)
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Madison Public Library has been a cornerstone of the City of Madison for over 145 years. With nine convenient locations throughout the city, and hours that are open six days a week, Madison Public Library is proud to serve the community. Last year, nearly two million visitors took advantage of the resources, programs, and services that MPL offers. From engaging events to digital media, MPL strives to promote education, literacy, and community involvement.

Madison, WI 53704
5(2 reviews)
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For more than 145 years, Madison Public Library has been a pillar in the Madison community, promoting education, literacy, and involvement. With nine locations throughout the city, the library welcomes nearly 2 million visits a year, and is open six days a week with limited Sunday hours. The library is run by a nine-member Library Board of Directors appointed for three-year terms by the Mayor of Madison, and functions under the aegis of Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes. It works in conjunction with the Mayor, Library Director Greg Mickells and staff, and the Madison Common Council to carry out its mission in the community. Madison Public Library is a valuable resource for the families of Madison. It provides a safe, inviting, and educational environment for all members of the community and continues to strive towards its mission of promoting education, literacy, and community involvement.

Madison, WI 53711
5(2 reviews)
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For 145 years, Madison Public Library has been a cornerstone of the City of Madison. With nine branches located throughout the city and open six days a week (with limited Sunday hours), MPL prides itself on promoting education, literacy and community involvement. Over two million visits are welcomed every year, providing Madison residents with access to books, computers and a variety of programs and resources. From story times for children to courses for adults, MPL is a source of knowledge and enrichment for the entire community.

Madison, WI 53717
5(1 review)
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At Camp Brosius, you and your family create your vacation. Adults and children have the opportunity to participate in our exceptional family programming throughout the day, and we will provide fun-filled evenings for your entire family! Adults choose from swimming, tennis, sports and game tournaments, hiking, learning to sail, crafts, educational lectures, and more. Or, if it's respite you seek, you may prefer just to read a book and enjoy the serene setting. Young people ages 5–14 have an opportunity to experience a traditional summer camp, make new friends, and learn new skills. Meanwhile, parents and/or family members can relax and have fun knowing their children are safe and nearby. Children engage in daily age-appropriate programming provided by college students. The fun includes swimming, crafts, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, sports, talent shows, and more. Families with watercraft may dock their boats at camp and enjoy fishing or water sports. Nearby golf courses, outlet malls, and area attractions provide fun alternatives.

Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
5(3 reviews)
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Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out recreational classes and team and recreational summer camps! We offer activities for all ages - from babies to adults - so everyone can join in on the fun. Our boys and girls competitive team programs are top-notch and provide a great way to get active and make new friends. Take your pick from a variety of activities and classes, including swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and more. Our programs are designed to be fun, engaging, and safe for all ages. With experienced instructors and a relaxed atmosphere, everyone can learn something new and make lasting memories. Not only that, but our summer camps offer a unique opportunity to grow and develop important skills. Our camps foster teamwork, good sportsmanship, and collaboration, and help kids develop confidence, discipline, and social skills. So don't wait - sign up for one of our team or recreational classes today and get ready for a summer of fun!

Brookfield, WI 53005
5(5 reviews)
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At M&M Gymnastics, we offer the Women's Elite Gymnastics Program, led by Chellsie, Jeanelle & Andy Memmel, three of Wisconsin's best coaches. Our program provides an individualized approach to each student's training, focusing on proper technique and safety. Our coaches emphasize the importance of hard work and dedication, while at the same time providing a positive learning environment. At M&M Gymnastics, we are dedicated to helping your child reach their fullest potential. Our program is designed to provide an opportunity for your child to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. With our experienced coaches, your child will be in the best hands to help them achieve their goals. Enroll your child in the Women's Elite Gymnastics Program at M&M Gymnastics and let us help them reach their highest potential.

New Berlin, WI 53151
5(4 reviews)
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Parents in Hartland, Wisconsin, looking to give their kids an outdoor learning experience need to look no further than Tinkergarten! Their play-based curriculum is designed by education experts and loved by all families, providing parents and caregivers with the tools they need to raise capable, confident, and healthy children. With weekly sessions facilitated by a certified, trained local leader, families can join in on the fun in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The activities are tailored to children ages 1-8, and focus on important early learning skills such as focus, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and communication. Tinkergarten makes purposeful outdoor play accessible for every family, and offers a curriculum to extend the play at home. To get started, parents can try a free class, enroll in a season-long class, or even become a Tinkergarten leader and start a new group. Join the other families today and get outside to make the most of your kids’ early learning years!

Hartland, WI 53029
5(5 reviews)
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little om BIG OM brings fun yoga and mindfulness classes to kids & families around the Madison-area! We bring our mobile program to studios, schools, libraries, camps and other locations around the community. Our team of talented instructors use playful and creative activities to teach the many asanas (poses) of yoga and principles of mindfulness to kids of all ages. We feel strongly that exploring yoga should be a positive experience for kids, and it is our goal to introduce our students to skills and strategies that can help them on and off the mat! A yoga practice can increase awareness and focus, improve physical fitness and posture, improve breathing techniques, reduce stress and increase confidence, and we love offering kids opportunities to benefit in these ways at a young age. Kids love our classes because learning new ways to use their bodies and minds is exciting and rewarding, and we love seeing our students building confidence in themselves!

Madison, WI 53719