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Visit Concerts on the Square - Kids' Area Musical Activities

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and partners have a free new adventure each week

By Claudia Holen, WCO - Edited by Aaron Seligman July 3, 2023

Concerts on the Square has been a favorite destination for families and people of all ages for decades. Visit the Kids’ Area for free musical activities provided by WCO and partners before and during the concert. The Kids’ Area opens at 5pm on the corner of Pinckney St. and E. Washington Ave.

  • July 6th Contrastes - Musical Scavenger Hunt: Calling all young adventurers! 
    • Join our thrilling Musical Scavenger Hunt and explore a world of hidden melodies. With a map in hand, your child will embark on an exciting quest, searching for musical notes and instruments throughout the concert venue. Complete the challenge and win fantastic prizes and stickers. It's a music-filled adventure like no other! 
    • The YWCA will provide activity kits, designed to unlock your imagination and unleash your artistic talents.  Let your creativity take flight with chalk, transforming the pavement into a vibrant canvas of self-expression. And don't miss the enchanting magic of bubbles, adding an extra touch of joy to your summer adventure.
  • July 12 A Wisconsin Celebration - Interactive Music Games: Get ready for a symphony of fun! 
    • Step into our Interactive Music Games section and embark on a thrilling musical journey. Challenge your knowledge with our 'Musical Memory Game' or test your trivia skills with the 'Music Trivia Challenge.' Feel the rhythm as you participate in the 'Rhythm Relay Race.' Join us for a chance to win prizes and stickers while having a blast with music!
    • Join Suzuki Strings of Madison and young violinists and cellists as they perform musical selections from the Suzuki repertoire and music by Black Composers before the concert.  Children may explore child sized violins and cellos in an instrument petting zoo. Also pick up a musical road map of Florence Prices’ Symphony no .1 “Juba Dance '' to follow along as the WCO performs and movement choreography for Leotha Stanley Be a Friend.
  • July 19 Romeo & Juliet Fantasy - Musical Craft Station: Ignite your child's passion for music through hands-on creativity at our Musical Craft Station! 
    • Unleash their inner artist and composer as they dive into a world of imagination and rhythm. From paper plate tambourines to shake, our craft station is filled with materials ready to bring their musical masterpieces to life. Let their artistic talents shine while fostering a deep connection to the magical realm of music.
    • Kindermusik and the Musical Pathways Foundation will have dancing with bubbles and scarves, instrument exploration, and musical drawing. There is no limit to the fun children can have while exploring the music surrounding them.
  • July 26 Millennial Mixtape- Musical Art Gallery: Let art and music collide! 
    • Enter our mesmerizing Musical Art Gallery and be captivated by the creative expressions of WCOKiddos. Discover an enchanting world where music inspires art. From drawings to paintings, each piece reflects the unique interpretation of the Concerts on the Square® series. Join us in celebrating these young talents and cast your vote for your favorite masterpiece!
    •  Henry Vilas Zoo will be guiding activities to help concert-goers explore the importance of wetlands! They will have an exploration station with biofacts from wetlands around the world, a wetland habitat match game, and a wetland animal magnet craft.
  • August 2 Journey Through Time - WCOKiddos Wall of Fame: Strike a pose and join the WCOKiddos Wall of Fame! 
    • Capture the magic of music with a keepsake photo and become a part of our musical family. Dress up in musical-themed accessories, smile for the camera, and watch as your child's image becomes a cherished memory. Share the joy on social media and let your little star shine among the WCO community!
    • Madison Ballet will be providing a lecture demonstration focused on the fundamentals of ballet, providing an opportunity for children to practice movement and explore the dancer’s “toolbox”, including pointe shoes, costumes, barres, etc. Movements practiced will include warm-up and barre exercises utilizing gross and fine motor skills, designed to be a gentle introduction in a structures and safe environment. 

Enjoy the activities, music and food at Concerts on the Square this summer - and see here for FAQs about picnicking, parking and other details!