'Summer Bucket List' Check-In
Matt Winzenried
Matt has worked in Real Estate since 2005. He has experience in changing markets and economies...
Matt has worked in Real Estate since 2005. He has experience in changing markets and economies...
Hey guys, Angie here-
It's just about the summer halfway mark (insert gasp). I, like so many, have created a family summer bucket list. It's time to do a little check in to see if we've done what we've set out to do, and what we still hope to accomplish and check off our list!
Here are a few things we have yet to do, that I think are worth checking out if you've found yourself looking to fill up your bucket list, or have started checking your list off!
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra puts on free concerts on the Capitol Square every Wednesday @7:00 in the Summer. You can find a spot anywhere on square and enjoy the live featured music that week.
I've never gone with my kids, but this year, I'd like to give it a try. We'll pack plenty of snacks to keep them occupied (and hopefully quiet) and I know they'll enjoy the music! The trick is getting down to square early enough to find a good spot.
Bucky on Parade is a free public art event featuring 85 life-size Bucky Badger statues throughout Madison and Dane County May 7–September 12, 2018. Local and regional artists have transformed these Bucky statues into unique works of art.
Our family has made it our goal to see all the Buckys this summer. I thought we were doing so good, but we've still got about 60 to go, so we better get to it!!
Here's a map of the Bucky downtown and on campus, and one for the surrounding areas.
3. The Biergarten at Olberich Park
"Enjoy a view of Lake Monona and the downtown skyline with friends and family all around and a cold drink in your hand. Join us at the Biergarten for good feelings of gemütlichkeit—a unique German word describing friendliness and good cheer."
Who wouldn't want to go there?! It's on our summer bucket list, and I don't know why we haven't gone yet. I have a feeling after we go, we'll be going again. You can pack your own food if you'd like, or get a brat, a giant pretzel, or some cheese curds. It has a sandbox for the kids to have some fun,while my husband and I along with a couple friends, get in some friendliness and good cheer!
I'm not going to lie, the idea of sand...everywhere, does not thrill me. But as a child, I know I loved days at the beach, so it's time I take the boys to enjoy some time in the sand and lake water (also growing less appealing as I get older). I'm not sure yet where I'll take them, but Madison's city page has a great list with the hours and amenities for each beach, and I'm always taking recommendations, so let me know your favorites! :)
5. Live music at Wisconsin Brewing Company
Check out the calendar of events at Wisconsin Brewing Company, but every Friday and Saturday in the summer they have live music outside on their beautiful patio. It's a great place to enjoy a refreshing beverage, listen to some great (usually local) music for free, and they have food options available, or bring your own! They invite you to come out to "Wisconsin's Backyard", and it truly is a great, open space to hang out with family and friends.
I've only been to a couple Mallards games and it's been a while. Now that my kids are a little older, I thought it would be a great thing to check out this summer! They have a lot of great, promotional games. They also have a "backyard section" where you don't have assigned seats, you can just bring a picnic blanket and let the kids wonder around (within reason). Kids 5 and younger are free if they don't need their own seat, which is also a bonus for our young family.
7. Check out the festivities and buzz surrounding upcoming events in Madison:
August 1-5 Alliant Energy Center
Get tickets to watch the action first hand, or hang out downtown and other popular Madison locations to spot some athletes. There's sure to be extra stuff going on in Madison to welcome the athletes and their fans.
September 9th.
Look up the route and maybe find a spot to hang out and cheer the athletes on!
If you're looking for other things to do, here are a few things we've checked off our list so far this summer: