Sunday, March 16, 2008

Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is one of my family's favorite places to go, all year round. Last week we went to see their spring flower show entitled "Springtime Skyline: An Urban Oasis". A rooftop garden is all set up with beautiful flowers, including daffodils, tulips, violas and hydrangea. It was wonderful to step out of winter and into spring, if just for a little while. The show is free but a $2 donation is suggested. Here's a link to the spring flower show, if you would like to read more about it:

http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/Olbrich/special%20events/Spring%20Show/spring_show.htm

We also wandered through the Bolz Conservatory, which is like stepping into a tropical rainforest. It is so warm and balmy, it helps you beat your winter blues. There's a waterfall, which falls into a goldfish and Koi pond and stream, which always captivates my girls. Sophie loves running around in the rain forest. The Conservatory is $1 per person, kids 5 and under are free. It is also free to Garden members.
In the spring, summer and fall we like to stroll (or run, as Sophie does!) through the beautiful outdoor gardens. It's a great place to wander through and enjoy the flowers and plant life. A fabulous place to be outdoors.

Olbrich Gardens does have a special events. Our favorite is Blooming Butterflies. It starts in the the lobby, where they have butterfly displays set up to enjoy, then the conservatory where they house live butterflies!! It's an amazing sight! Then out to the gardens to collect stamps to fill your Butterfly Passport. Find butterflies in their native habitat throughout the gardens, and earn a custard cone from Michael's Frozen Custard! Who can beat that!!
Make sure you check out the Olbrich Gardens website, which is listed below. A great family outing.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-4550
ci.madison.wi.us/Olbrich/

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Build-A-Bear Workshop in Madison, WI

My girls and I recently attended a birthday party for a friend of the girls' at Build-A-Bear Workshop at West Towne Mall. It was tons of fun. The girls each got to pick whatever animal they wanted, a sound to put inside the animal, and an accessory for their new friend. They helped put the stuffing in and then chose a heart to put inside their animal before it was "stitched" up. They have all kinds of cute outfits to go with the animals, of course, that you can purchase extra. We got a pink Sleeping Beauty dress, as we are going through the princess stage right now. Then, a name was picked, a birth certificate was printed and they were sent home in their own special "house". A very cute idea for a party. I would consider hosting one there.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
50 W Towne Mall
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 833-0200
buildabear.com

(Thanks for the review Julie!)