kid Friendly

One of the nation's only free zoo - start your day at the Henry Vilas Zoo and see more than 800 animals from all over the world. (702 S. Randall Ave., 608.258.1460.) Open all year; free admission.

Ella's Deli & Ice Cream Parlor is a children's wonderland complete with a circus atmosphere, flying puppets and moving toy railroad over-head.  Outside, enjoy Madison's only full-sized Carousel open seasonally to the young and young-at-heart.  Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. (2902 E.Washington Ave., 608.241.5291.)

Offering extraordinary exhibits featuring interactive learning activities, the Madison Children's Museum  is a great fit for children ages one to eight. (100 State St., 608.256.6445.)

Get into the swing of it at Vitense Golfland, Madison's premier mini-golf course and much more. (5501 W. Beltline Hwy, 608.271.1411) Badger Bowl offers bumper bowling for kids and 30 certified lanes for the more advanced player. (506 E. Badger Rd., 608.274.6662,) Open April - October, Bogey's Family Fun Park provides Go-Kart racing, batting cages  and miniature golf. (3110 Laura La., Middleton, 608.831.5559,) Ultrazone is Madison's choice for laser tag. (680 Grand Canyon Dr, 608.833.8880), Boulders Climbing Gym has over 8,000 square feet of sculpture climbing walls with classes available for kids and adults (3964 Commercial Ave., 608.244.8100).

Take a complete tour of the spectacular Cave of the Mounds, a 400 million year old cavern, that is considered to be one of the most exceptional nature sites in the country. (US Highway 18/151, Blue Mounds, 608.437.3038.)

Head out to the ballpark for a Madison Mallards minor league baseball game (June through August) (2920 N. Sherman Ave., 608.246.4277).

** Visit our events calendar for special "Kids & Family" Events