Traveling with kids? You’re in luck! Madison is a popular hangout for families of all ages, filled with fun activities, cool stuff to study, and food that appeals to both young and old. Now that summer is finally here, pack up the kids and get ready to explore all Madison has to offer!
Does your kid like to use his/her noggin?
Avoid the summer brain drain with visits to the UW Geology Museum at 1215 W. Dayton St. or UW Space Place, 2300 S. Park St. Check out the weekly kid-friendly programs at the Discovery Building at 330 N. Orchard St. and Madison Public Libraries – locations at madisonpubliclibrary.org/locations.
Have kids that enjoy exercising their creative sides?
Check out an ArtPack backpack at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art located at 227 State St., visit Overture’s Kids in the Rotunda or Madison Children’s Theater, both located at 201 State St. Get hands-on at Revel’s kid craft bar days at 107 N. Hamilton St. or Kids Create at the Top of State, taking place summer Fridays at the intersection of State and Mifflin. Bring a favorite blankie and kick back at Lunchtime Live, a free summer music series that takes place Tuesdays at noon on the North Hamilton corner of the Capitol Square.
Need to tire your kids out?
Let the kids burn off some energy at the Madison Children’s Museum, located at 100 N. Hamilton St., or Ultrazone Laser Tag at 680 Grand Canyon Drive. Seeking outdoor fun? Check out favorites like Winnequah Park’s Dream Park Playground on Healy Lane, Monona, the Henry Vilas Zoo at 702 S. Randall Ave., Lakeside Kids summer Wednesday mornings at Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr. or any of the great public City of Madison pools, splash parks, and beaches – locations at cityofmadison.com/parks/facilities.
For an unforgettable family outing, visit the Sassy cows at Sassy Cow Creamery at 4192 Bristol Rd. in Columbus. Friday tours include a visit to the barns (and hundreds of cows!), the milking carousel, and a delicious scoop of premium ice cream.
Kid-approved Food
After all that excitement, refuel at one of these family-friendly restaurants. Find play areas at Yola’s Café at 494 Commerce Dr. Liliana’s, located at 2951 Triverton Pike Dr., Fitchburg, dishes up kid-safe jambalaya and many Food Fight restaurants offer healthy Y5210 approved kid meals throughout Dane County – find locations at foodfightinc.com/restaurants. When dessert is important (when isn’t it important?!) grab some treats from Daisy Café & Cupcakery at 2817 Atwood Ave.
For even more family-friendly activities, visit https://www.visitmadison.com/things-to-do/family-fun or our events calendar at https://www.visitmadison.com/events!
