With the summer sun high in the sky, families around the Madison area seek fun, outdoor activities. Festivals are a great way to try something new and to mingle with the community. Many local festivals include specific activities aimed at families, from parades to petting zoos.

Cows on the Concourse

Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

http://www.cowsontheconcourse.org/

Cows on the Concourse kicks off Dane county’s June Dairy Month each summer on the Capitol Square. The free event, which coincides with the Dane County Farmers’ Market, gives families a chance to experience cows and calves up close while learning about Wisconsin’s dairy industry. Families can participate in a variety of activities and games, purchase a grilled cheese and enjoy a cold drink of milk.

Verona Hometown Days

June 12-15, 2014

http://veronahometowndays.com/

Families will find a lot of different activities to keep them occupied at Verona Hometown Days. Free events for kids, a food court, live music, a carnival and fireworks are some of the highlights. The Sunday parade through downtown Verona is a favorite of both kids and adults.

SummerPalooza

June 13, 2014 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

http://madisonchildrensmuseum.org/

In its second year, SummerPalooza focuses on family fun. The event includes free activities, live entertainment and a kids’ parade around the Capitol Square. In addition to these activities, SummerPalooza also offers free admission to Madison Children’s Museum.

Rhythm & Booms Saturday, June 28, 2014 starting at 2 p.m.

http://www.rhythmandbooms.com

This year Rhythm & Booms moves from the East side of Madison to a new location over Lake Monona. An all-day festival includes live music, street entertainers, special family activities and food vendors located on John Nolan Drive. The event is topped off by an evening fireworks display choreographed to music.

Dane County Fair

July 16-20, 2014

http://www.danecountyfair.com/

Located at the Alliant Energy Center, the Dane County Fair has been a family-friendly event for more than 160 years. The days are filled with activities, live shows, demonstrations, exhibits, carnival rides and lots of food. Kids of all ages enjoy the Kiddie Farm where they have the chance to see and touch baby farm animals up close.

Sweet Corn Festival

August 14-17, 2014

http://www.sunprairiechamber.com/Sweet-Corn-Festival-2014.69.0.html#c52

Sweet corn season is a favorite of many Midwestern families. Sun Prairie hosts the annual Sweet Corn Festival every August. More than 75 tons of sweet corn is served during the festival. Attendees can not only enjoy their fill of sweet corn, but also watch the Thursday night parade, ride carnival rides and check out activities aimed just at kids throughout the entire weekend. The festival also includes a stage with live entertainment just for families.

Taste of Madison

Saturday, August 30, 2014 from 2-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 31, 2014 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

http://www.tasteofmadison.com/

Many Madisonians mark the end of summer with the Taste of Madison. Approximately 250,000 people gather around the Capitol Square to enjoy food vendors and multiple music stages over the weekend. The festival provides a family-friendly atmosphere with 80 different food vendors and more than 35 live musical acts.

Stephanie Beirne Leuer is in the process of reinventing herself after spending nearly a decade as a stay-at-home mom to two children. She holds a bachelor’s of science in history and is currently pursuing a journalism certificate. In the past year she has balanced life as a mom, student, public relations intern, social media editor and a professional seeker of lost LEGO pieces.