Madison is known for its outdoor urban adventures, but it also offers just as many fun things to do indoors, which comes in handy during the chilly winter months or when you're in need of rainy day activities. Whether you’re looking for a unique date destination, a place to go with friends or family-friendly activities, you’re in luck here in Madison.
You’re sure to enjoy these six activities, no matter who you’re sharing them with.
Jump to a map of all our recommendations.
Boulders Climbing Gym
If you prefer to get your heart pumping, look no further than Boulders Climbing Gym. You can reserve your spot early online before you get your climb on. There are 8,000 square feet of bouldering walls, which you climb without a rope. It’s a great form of exercise that’s fun for a date night, solo adventure or a family outing.
Pro Tip: Boulders Climbing Gym is located just off the Capitol Square. Stop inside and admire the beauty of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Free tours are offered every day of the week!
Cave of the Mounds
Visit a national landmark just 35 minutes away from downtown Madison that was here long before the Capitol building. Cave of the Mounds is a gem, no pun intended, where you’ll discover a stunning array of crystal formations in a grand limestone cave. Also, be sure to visit the Rock and Gift Shop and take part in some fossil and gemstone mining of your own. Tickets are available online or in-person, with tours happening hourly on weekdays, and more frequently on weekends.
Pro Tip: Cave of the Mounds is a hop, skip and a jump away from the "Troll Capital of the World" aka Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Warm up at a local restaurant like The Grumpy Troll, a tribute to the area’s Norwegian heritage. Make sure to be on the lookout for trolls around town!
Chazen Museum of Art
Admission is always free to the Chazen Museum of Art, located on the UW-Madison campus. There are an astounding 23,000 works of art in Chazen’s collection that have been amassed since 1885. Several historical periods are represented here, such as European paintings dating all the way back to the 14th century, ancient sculptures from Egypt and beyond and striking photos from the 20th century.
Pro Tip: The Chazen is not the only free museum in Madison! Make it a museum day by visiting Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the National Mustard Museum.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens boasts 16 impressive acres of outdoor foliage and flowers, but during winter, it's the inside that shines. The Bolz Conservatory is a can't-miss Madison experience that brings the beauty (and heat) of the tropics to the Midwest. This beautiful glass pyramid houses an entire tropical paradise, including a 20-foot-high waterfall, a collection of more than 650 plants and plenty of fauna, including bright-yellow canaries and Japanese koi. If you’re longing for an island getaway, you can absolutely get your fix here, where it’s always a balmy 65 to 95 degrees.
Pro Tip: Olbrich Botanical Gardens is only a short drive away from Williamson Street and Atwood Avenue. Grab a bite to eat before or after your visit at local mainstays like Tex Tubb's Taco Palace, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner or Bar Corallini.
Vitense Golfland
Vitense Golfland believes that winter is no reason to interrupt your golf game. The 18-hole indoor mini golf course, arcade, 25 “golf suites" where you can watch the game and sip a beer while you practice in a heated, covered range and 2 indoor "sports simulator suites" provide hours of fun for the entire family. Though it's not required, booking your suite ahead of your visit will ensure your time.
Pro Tip: If friendly competition is your vibe, check out I/O Arcade Bar, Blind Shot Social Club, Roll Play and Double Tap to keep the fun going.
Spas and Saunas
If your idea of a perfect indoor activity includes rest and relaxation, look no further. Madison's spa and sauna scene is heating up with Saunaday, a new bathhouse located downtown as well as beloved spas including Kosa Spa on the east side and Edgewater Spa offering stunning views of Lake Mendota. Venture outside of downtown Madison and check out Tuli Sauna & Plunge, a nature-based wellness experience in Paoli.
Pro Tip: Extend your R&R time and make it an overnight stay! Check out downtown and east side hotels, book a stay at The Edgewater or enjoy a night at Paoli boutique hotel, Seven Acre Dairy Co.
