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Pop-Up Play Spaces
Life with kids is an adventure. You don't have to go it alone. Join Playful Acorns for our signature Pop-Up Play Cafe offerings inside of locally-owned eateries and organizations located near parks and trails. Enjoy a morning coffee or tea with old and new friends while watching your children (ages 0-5) have fun and socialize in a nature-themed play space! When you're recharged, head outside to explore, play, and make memories in nature together.
More locations and special guests/local resources coming soon!
Upcoming Events
Fun, Functional, and Family-Friendly
Books and Toys in Play Space
Babies and toddlers will enjoy the nature-themed books, toys, and activities inside the play space.
Delicious Drinks and Food
Enjoy coffee, tea, and more at select locations. It's OK to bring in water, bottles, and snacks.
Accessible Entrance
Whether you're pushing a stroller or carrying a car seat, it's easy to get inside from the parking lot.
Coloring and Games at Tables
Toddlers and older kids can also draw, color, do a puzzle, or play a game at the adjacent tables.
Beautiful Parks and Trails
Explore nearby local parks and trails with our printed maps and ideas for outdoor activities.
Restroom with Changing Table
Baby need a diaper change? Toddler need a toilet? The nearby restroom has you covered.
Join us in Madison!
Let's explore nature and play together!
Join Lussier Family Heritage Center staff and Playful Acorns for a morning coffee, tea, or snack with old and new friends while watching your children have fun and socialize in a laid back nature-themed play space. When you're recharged, head outside with staff to explore, play and make memories. We encourage you to bring your own coffee mug.
The Pop-Up Play Cafe will meet in the LePine downstairs room at the Lussier Family Heritage Center. Staff will engage your children in nature free play, stories, crafts, and a chance to observe our nature center animals. If wanted, there will also be an opportunity to wander outdoors to our Story Walk®, prairie and nature play ground!
Join us in Cross Plains!
Craving coffee and connection?
Place your order at Crossroads Coffeehouse and then walk down the hall to The Creekside Scoop to enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow caregivers while your kids (ages 0-5) play with toys, games, books, and more! We often partner with the local library to offer a story time and craft before checking out the StoryWalk along the neighboring Ice Age Trail.
Want to get your wiggles out?
If your kids are getting squirrely and need room to run, we get it! Pop in and out to the patio and partially fenced yard (Esser Square). Continue the fun outside at nearby parks, trails, playgrounds, and the local library -- all within walking distance. We'll have some printed maps and activities for outdoor exploration!
Join us in Verona!
Want to refuel and reconnect?
Order your favorite drink and pastry from the Rocket Velocafe bar and round the corner to enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow caregivers while your kids (ages 0-5) play with toys, games, books, and more!
Need to burn off some energy?
If your kids are getting squirrely and need room to run, we get it! Pop in and out to Fireman's Park across the street. Here you'll find a playground, basketball court, soccer fields, splash pad and beach (open in the summer months), shelter with restrooms, and out-and-back paved trail!
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!"
Book your spot!
Connect with other caregivers and their kids at the Pop-Up Play Cafe!
Advance registration is required.
- Up to two children (ages 0-5 years) may accompany one adult per booking.
Why we're located near parks and trails
Playful Acorns hopes to encourage more kids and their caregivers to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits and joy-filled moments of being in nature. You don't have to invest in special hiking boots or wear fancy gear for the experience to count. Your kids just want to spend time with you, and what better way to do so than to head outside. That said, we realize that an excursion with babies, toddlers, and kids under 5 years old can be intimidating at times. Are bathrooms nearby? Changing tables? Food? Water? .... Coffee? Sometimes the weather (or air quality) can be unpredictable, too. So...until we find our own home (yes, we are looking and would love to hear your ideas), we will be partnering with other businesses to host indoor pop-up play spaces and collaborative classes near the parks and trails we explore. Besides, caregivers need a moment to sit, pause, fill their cups, and recharge before taking on their next adventure. As you know, every day is an adventure with little ones.