Pontoon Porch Unforgettable Lake Monona Adventure: GiGi’s Playhouse Boating Experience for 40 Friends

We had the most unforgettable morning spent on the Pontoon Porch out on Lake Monona with 40 our Playhouse friends. Picture this: a warm, sunny day, calm waters, and the perfect setting for our Playhouse community to come together and make some unforgettable memories.

Our Playhouse received an incredible gift from Joe at the Pontoon Porch—a morning out on the lake! Joe generously donated the two hour ride, and we ended up having 40 of our Playhouse friends and their families join in the fun.

The day started with everyone gathering at the dock, and you could just feel the excitement in the air. Some of our friends had never been on a boat before, and the looks on their faces when they stepped onto the pontoon were priceless. We all settled in, found our spots, and set off on what would be a morning to remember.

As we cruised along, the water was so calm it looked like glass. It was the perfect setup for a laid-back morning on the lake with comfy seats, snacks and refreshments, sunshine and good friends.

One of the highlights was when we pulled up to a shallow beach area. The water was so inviting, and before long, many were splashing around and cooling off. Some of our friends were a bit hesitant at first, but with a little encouragement, they bravely took the plunge. It was so heartwarming to see them overcome their fears and enjoy the water.

As we floated back to the dock, there was this wonderful sense of togetherness. It’s moments like these that make you realize how special our community is. GiGi’s Playhouse is all about creating opportunities for families to come together, support each other, and have experiences they might not otherwise get to have. Whether it’s educational programs, social activities, or fun outings like this, GiGi’s serves the entire family, making sure everyone feels included and valued.

We can’t thank Joe at the Pontoon Porch enough for his generosity. He gave us more than just a boat ride; he gave us a chance to connect, to laugh, and to make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s people like Joe and the spirit of giving that make our world a brighter place.

We even had a few friends take the wheel and drive the pontoon! You can see the pure joy and a little bit of awe at being in control of the boat. It was such a confidence booster for them, and we all loved having guest captains.

As we wrapped up our morning, there was a lot of talk about when we could do it all again. And who knows? Maybe this will become a new tradition for us. One thing’s for sure—we’ll be talking about this day for a long time.

If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of GiGi’s Playhouse, we encourage you to check us out. It’s a place where families find support, children and adults with Down syndrome find empowerment, and everyone finds joy. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you find yourself on a pontoon, soaking up the sun and feeling grateful for the beautiful community around you.

Click HERE to see all the pictures and videos from our fun morning.