Discover Madison’s Exciting Things To Do With Kids
Madison is the perfect place for some quality family time, and in so many different and exciting ways. Because sometimes, you’re looking to help the kids burn off excess energy. Other times, you’re staving off the doldrums on a rainy day. And don’t forget the constant quest to combine fun with education. The good news is, Madison has it all. Here are just some of the many ways to make time fly while you’re having fun.
The Madison area is home to more than 270 parks, 13 beaches and five lakes, and they’re all ideal places to revel in the great outdoors. And while most of these options are geared toward warmer-weather fun, some don’t mind a little snow on the ground.
Madison’s parks are well-maintained and always welcoming, whether you’re there for a relaxing summer picnic or some invigorating cross-country skiing. And the centrally located UW-Madison Arboretum boasts 20-plus miles of trails that are ideal for biking and hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Enjoy a summer stroll through the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, including the tropical wonders of the Bolz Conservatory, open all year long.
If you love the water, head for a beautiful lake or beach. BB Clarke Beach Park has a sandy beach, as well as swimming and lifeguards, and there’s no shortage of things to do at Lakes Mendota and Monona. Float the day away with a rental from Wingra Boats, which has canoes, kayaks, fishing boats and paddleboards available at four area locations. Or, if you want to catch something while you’re on the water, then check out the area’s many fishing options.
For live sports, head for a Madison Mallards baseball game, where you’ll see the college stars of the Northwoods League. Forward Madison plays outdoor soccer in USL League One, the third-highest level of pro soccer in the United States. And you can enjoy an all-day adventure at Vitense Golfland, which features three mini-golf courses, a climbing wall, batting cages and more.
When the rain, snow or even heat makes you want to stay inside, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Take part in the heart-pumping excitement of Sky Zone Madison, a trampoline park with dodgeball, basketball, rock climbing, trapeze swings and obstacle courses. And Thrill Factory’s massive layout features laser tag, mini golf, an arcade and even a Floor is Lava game.
If you want a mental workout, check out Escape This, where you and your team search for clues, crack codes and solve puzzles to escape the room before the clock strikes zero. UW-Madison Union South has lots of family-friendly activities to choose from, including bouldering, billiards and bowling. Spare Time Entertainment delivers bowling, laser tag, escape rooms and a huge arcade. And you’ll also find a classic bowling experience at Bowl-A-Vard Lanes, including lightweight balls and bumper guards for younger and beginner bowlers.
Madison is the home of the Wisconsin State Capitol, where kids can get an up-close view of our state’s history, as well as an amazing view of the city from the sixth-floor observation deck, and perhaps a bit of good luck by rubbing the Badger statue’s nose. At the Madison Children’s Museum, kids can visit the Wildernest exhibit, an indoor play area for ages five and under, and the Nice Age Trail, which is inspired by nature and kindness.
If art is where the heart is, then head for the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, where kids can let their creative juices flow with drop-in artmaking activities at the Art Lab. Or mark your calendar for Kids in the Rotunda, a free and interactive theater program at the Overture Center for the Arts on Saturdays from fall to spring. Children’s Theater of Madison stages first-class dramatic and comedic shows performed by and for kids of all ages.
Two of Madison’s most popular family-friendly attractions are great places to soak up the sun. The Dane County Farmers' Market, held every Saturday on Capitol Square, remains the nation’s largest producer-only market. Admission to the Henry Vilas Zoo is free every day of the year and is home to bison and tigers and polar bears, oh my!
Finally, don’t forget about the Wisconsin Historical Society, which is poised to show off its state-of-the-art renovations upon reopening in 2027.
Hit the road to discover more Madison-area fun destinations. It only takes about an hour to expand your horizons to include natural wonders, farm experiences and historical sites. And you can even be back in Madison in time for dinner.
Set the GPS for places like Cave of the Mounds, where you can explore the Midwest’s oldest cave formations, including stalagmites and stalactites more than 200,000 years in the making. Or hop a ride at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, dedicated to the Golden Age of Railroading with family-oriented trips like the Root Beer Float Flyer. And step into Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center, and experience the epic journeys that led people across the Atlantic Ocean to Wisconsin.
Your trips can also get you closer to the land by visiting places like Schuster's Farm, with animals and fun-filled activities like a seven-acre corn maze, a 14-acre pumpkin patch and wagon rides. During September and October, Enchanted Valley Acres opens its doors for visitors to enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, giant slides, a human hamster wheel and much more. And at Sassy Cow Creamery, you can enjoy the results of three generations of expertise by savoring dairy farm-fresh ice cream and flavored milk.
