Fitness Learning:
Don't let the shorter days and longer nights keep your kids from staying physically fit. The Madison Children's Museum, 100 State St., is sponsoring two health-related activities this month, beginning with T'ai Chi Animal Frolics on Nov. 11, at 11 am. Instructor Gerri Gurman will incorporate animal poses and movements for kids between the ages of 5 and 10 as they make connections between abstract moves and real-world actions. Then, on Nov. 17, at 2:30 pm, Julia Bower, director of the Baraboo Yoga Studio, will integrate simple, child-friendly yoga movements with interactive storytelling during a yoga storytelling session. Meanwhile, the museum's regular Tots in Motion program, held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10 am, allows toddlers to play games and participate in other activities designed to strengthen their gross motor skills. Call 256-6445 for details.
Well Read:
The Monroe Street Branch of the Madison Public Library, 1705 Monroe St., will sponsor Ready to Read: Early Literacy Workshops for Parents from 7 to 8:30 pm on Nov. 6 and 13. Parents and caregivers of children up to 3 years will learn how to help children gain early literacy skills now that will help them become stronger readers when they reach reading age. The first workshop will address skills for newborns up to 2 years old, while the second one will focus on 2- and 3-year-olds. Call 266-6390 for more information or to register.
Stage-struck:
Now that outdoor activities are limited, the Waisman Center Children's Theater and the Saturday Kids in the Rotunda program at the Overture Center boast full slates of family entertainment. The Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Ave., will host two performances of Play Time Productions' 'The Prince and the Pauper' on Nov. 12, while San Diego's Traveling Lantern Theatre Company will present 'Johnny Appleseed' at two performances on Nov. 19. Call 263-5837 for details and tickets. At Overture, 201 State St., Kids in the Rotunda will feature juggler and comedian Truly Remarkable Loon on Nov. 4, vintage blues band the Cash Box Kings on Nov. 11, multilingual folksinger Clare Norelle on Nov. 18, prop comic and stuntman Circus Boy on Nov. 25 and hip-hoppers the Figureheads on Dec. 2. The free performances run three times each day. Call 258-4177 for details.
Holiday Spirit:
East Towne and West Towne malls are sponsoring 'The Amazing Search for Santa' from 9 to 11 am on Nov. 11 (244-1387 or 833-6330).
Away from the stores, the Middleton Holiday Pops Concert with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra will be held Nov. 25 and 26 at the Marriott Madison West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr. Featuring holiday songs and stories, twinkling lights and snowflakes, the festive event will also include a performance by the Middleton High School Choir. Tickets: 258-4141.
