Bauer Park

05/26/2026

Bauer Buddies Camp: Wonder Explorers
Monday – Friday, June 29 - July 3, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Cost: $183.00 Madison Residents/$193.00 Non-residents
We will spend our week being junior scientists doing a variety of experiments and projects. We will also explore many of the wonders throughout Bauer Park.
For Elementary Ages 5.5 – 7; MUST HAVE COMPLETED KINDERGARTEN.

Become a Bauer Buddy and join in the fun of exploring Bauer Park! We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, singing, games, reading stories and making crafts. Held at the Bauer Park Classroom and throughout Park grounds. Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and sunscreen, and bring a snack and water bottle. This is a drop-off program.

Register at www.madisonct.org/recreation under Nature Programs or in the Beach & Recreation Office at the Surf Club, 203-245-5623.

05/19/2026

FAMILY INSECT ADVENTURE AT BAUER PARK
Copse Road, Madison, CT
Instructor: Donna Dione
Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Insects and spiders can sometimes be scary pests, but there are quite a few that are actually helpful to plants, animals and people. Learn the difference between insects and spiders and explore why all these “creepy crawlers” are important. The program will include a “bug hunt” and an insect craft. Our adventure will begin in the Bauer Classroom, but mostly take place outside

Program is recommended for ages 3 and up. Preregistration is required for all attendees, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $5.00 residents/$7.00 non-residents
Register at www.madisonct.org/recreation or in the Beach & Recreation Office at the Surf Club, 203-245-5623

05/03/2026

SPRING FAMILY PROGRAMS
BAUER PARK
Copse Road, Madison, CT
Instructor: Donna Dione

FAMILY INSECT ADVENTURE
Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Insects and spiders can sometimes be scary pests, but there are quite a few that are actually helpful to plants, animals and people. Learn the difference between insects and spiders and explore why all these “creepy crawlers” are important. The program will include a “bug hunt” and an insect craft. Our adventure will begin in the Bauer Classroom, but mostly take place outside

POND DIPPING FOR FAMILIES
Saturday, June 20, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what critters live in the ponds at Bauer Park? Join us for some pond dipping with nets, and you’ll have the chance to observe some freshwater creatures up close. Please wear clothes and shoes/boots that you don’t mind getting a little wet and muddy. Our adventure will begin in the Bauer Classroom, but mostly take place outside.

Both programs are recommended for ages 3 and up. Preregistration is required for all attendees, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $5.00 residents/$7.00 non-residents
Register at www.madisonct.org/recreation or in the Beach & Recreation Office at the Surf Club, 203-245-5623.

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04/30/2026

It's a beautiful day for a Bike Bash!! Today, Sunday, May 3, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

Madison Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Bauer Park, Madison Beach and Recreation, and CT DOT Safe Routes To School present Bike Bash!

Bring your bike and helmet to Bauer Park for safety checks, races, obstacle courses, giveaways, and more!

While everyone is welcome, Bike Bash is geared toward ages 1-13.

Special thanks to the Gulick & Co: Saltwood Cabinetry, Phoebe Schreiber, Realtor, Madison Rotary and Lions Clubs, Service Cycle, Spectrum of Light and Zane's Cycles for your support!

04/28/2026

Questions? email [email protected]

04/16/2026

BAUER BUDDIES CAMPS
Become a Bauer Buddy and join in the fun of exploring Bauer Park! We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, singing, playing games, reading stories and making crafts. Held at the Bauer Park Classroom and throughout Park grounds. Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and sunscreen, and bring a snack and water bottle. This is a drop-off program.
For Elementary Ages 5.5 – 7; MUST HAVE COMPLETED KINDERGARTEN.
Instructor: Donna Dione

Bauer Buddies Camp: Wonder Explorers
Monday – Friday
June 29 - July 3, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Theme: We will spend our week being junior scientists doing a variety of experiments and projects. We will also explore many of the wonders throughout Bauer Park.

Bauer Buddies Camp: Animal Adventures
Monday – Friday
August 17 – 21, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Theme: We will learn about some of the animals in Bauer Park and see how many we can find on our daily excursions. We will focus on unique adaptations of animal groups such as Insects, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Mammals.

More information, pricing and registration available under Nature Programs at https://ctmadisonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

04/16/2026

MINI-EXPLORERS CAMPS
Come join in the fun of exploring Bauer Park! Each week, we will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, singing, playing games, reading stories and making crafts. Held at the Bauer Park Classroom and throughout Park grounds. Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and sunscreen, and bring a snack and water bottle. This is a drop-off program.
For Preschoolers Ages 3-5; MUST BE TOILET-TRAINED and PRE-KINDERGARTEN.
Instructor: Donna Dione

Mini-Explorers Camp: Digging Dinosaurs - ALMOST FULL
Monday - Friday
June 29 - July 3, 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Theme: We will discover a variety of fun facts about fossils and dinosaurs including how fossils formed, what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and the many adaptations dinosaurs had to help them survive.

Mini-Explorers Camp: Animal Adventures
Monday - Friday
August 17 – 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Theme: We will learn about some of the animals in Bauer Park and see how many we can find on our daily excursions. We will focus on unique adaptations of animal groups such as Insects, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Mammals.

More information, pricing and registration available under Nature Programs at https://ctmadisonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

04/03/2026

Are you interested in helping with the Bauer Fall Festival this year? Our first organizational meeting will be next Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30 pm in the Bauer classroom. We need help with fundraising, event planning, identifying volunteers and coming up with new and creative ideas on how to make the 28th Festival the best yet.

Email [email protected] with any questions.

04/01/2026

Thank you to Beach and Rec for putting out an additional blue trash bin in the park.

Thank you to everyone who reminds anyone they see not picking up after their dog(s) or tossing bags into the woods, that it is everyone's responsibility to keep our park clean and enjoyable for all.

More signs like the one below will be posted soon.

02/17/2026

Still some openings for this coming Saturday afternoon! Looking like great tapping weather!

Family Maple Sugaring
Sessions available on Saturdays, February 21 & 28, 2026
Come and learn how maple syrup is made, from tree to table! We'll tap one of Bauer Park's maple trees, taste the sap and learn how to turn it into syrup (which we'll also taste!) Information on where to acquire sugaring supplies, and when, where and how to tap trees in your own yard will be provided. Children (minimum age 3) must be accompanied by an adult. Class meets at the Bauer Classroom but be prepared to be outside for part of the program. Limited space so register early. No walk-ins please! Instructor: Donna Dione. Dress to be outside for the weather. All attendees must pay regardless of age. Cost is $5.00 per person for residents, $7.00 for non-residents. .Register through Madison Beach & Recreation under Nature Programs. https://ctmadisonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html