Madison, Wisconsin, stands out as a uniquely family-friendly destination brimming with attractions that captivate kids of all ages. To help you plan unforgettable family outings, we’ve curated a guide to the most exciting spots in and around Madison, ensuring fun for everyone.
Must-Visit Family Attractions in Madison
For a quintessential Madison experience, these attractions are a hit with families and offer a blend of education and entertainment.
Wisconsin State Capitol
A visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol is both educational and visually stunning. Ascend to the sixth-floor observation deck for panoramic city views, a perfect photo opportunity. Don’t forget to find and rub the nose of the Badger statue located at the entrance – it’s said to bring good luck! This landmark is a fantastic starting point to understand the city’s layout and history, making it one of the top Fun Places For Family to explore.
Henry Vilas Zoo
The Henry Vilas Zoo is a true gem, especially for families. Home to the impressive Arctic Passage exhibit, you and your kids can marvel at polar bears and seals in their habitat. Best of all, it’s one of the few admission-free zoos nationwide, making it an accessible and fun place for families of all sizes and budgets.
Madison Children’s Museum
For hands-on learning and play, the Madison Children’s Museum is a must-visit. The Wildernest exhibit, designed for children five and under, offers a safe and engaging indoor play area. With multiple floors of interactive exhibits, the museum ensures an enriching and fun experience, solidifying its place as a prime fun place for family learning and discovery.
Dane County Farmers’ Market
Experience local flavors and community vibes at the Dane County Farmers’ Market. As the largest producer-only market in the U.S., it encircles Capitol Square and offers a delightful array of goods from fresh produce to baked treats. It’s a vibrant and fun place for families to stroll through, sample local products, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Outdoor Family Adventures in Madison
Madison’s love for the outdoors is evident in its numerous parks, beaches, and lakes, offering plenty of options for families to enjoy nature.
Parks and Beaches
Madison’s parks are meticulously maintained and welcoming year-round. Whether it’s summer picnics or winter skiing, there’s always an outdoor activity to enjoy. For beach fun, BB Clarke Park stands out with its sandy beach, raft with a diving board, and lifeguard supervision, making it a safe and fun place for family beach days.
Lakes Mendota and Monona
Explore Madison’s stunning lakes by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe from Madison Boats. Lakes Mendota and Monona offer serene waters perfect for paddling and enjoying the natural beauty of Madison from a unique perspective. This is an active and fun place for families to bond and explore together.
UW-Madison Arboretum
Escape into nature within the city at the UW-Madison Arboretum. With over 20 miles of trails, it’s ideal for biking, hiking, or snowshoeing. The Arboretum provides a tranquil setting to reconnect with nature, making it a rejuvenating and fun place for family outings.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Step into a different world at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Kids are especially fascinated by the tropical plants and vibrant atmosphere of the Bolz Conservatory. The gardens offer themed areas to explore, providing a beautiful and fun place for families to learn about plants and nature.
Vitense Golfland
For a day packed with fun and activities, Vitense Golfland is the place to be. With three mini-golf courses, a climbing wall, batting cages, and more, it’s designed for all-day family entertainment. It’s an action-packed and fun place for families seeking adventure and friendly competition.
Madison Mallards Baseball
Experience America’s favorite pastime with the Madison Mallards, Madison’s Summer Collegiate Minor League baseball team. Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and excitement at an affordable price. A Mallards game is a spirited and fun place for families to enjoy summer evenings together.
Indoor Family Entertainment in Madison
Madison offers a variety of indoor venues for fun and engaging activities, perfect for any weather.
Bowl-A-Vard Lanes
Bowl-A-Vard Lanes provides forty lanes of bowling fun, equipped with lighter balls and bumper guards for younger children. It’s a classic and fun place for families to enjoy some friendly competition and strikes.
Sky Zone Madison
For high-flying fun, Sky Zone Madison offers freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs, and more. It’s an energetic and fun place for families to stay active and enjoy exhilarating activities together.
UW-Madison Union South
UW-Madison Union South features The Sett, a family-friendly recreation area with bowling, billiards, foosball, and bouldering. It’s a diverse and fun place for families to try different activities and enjoy university vibes.
Escape This
Challenge your family’s problem-solving skills at Escape This. Work together to find clues, crack codes, and solve puzzles in one of their challenging escape games. It’s a brain-teasing and fun place for families to bond and test their wits.
Spare Time Entertainment
Spare Time Entertainment offers a comprehensive entertainment experience with bowling, a massive arcade, laser tag, escape rooms, and a restaurant. It’s an all-in-one and fun place for families to spend hours entertained under one roof.
Enriching Culture for Families in Madison
Madison’s cultural scene is vibrant and welcoming to families, offering enriching experiences for all ages.
Overture Center for the Arts
The Overture Center for the Arts hosts Kids in the Rotunda, a free Saturday theater program from October through April. It’s a fantastic and fun place for families to introduce children to the performing arts in an accessible and engaging way.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
Visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and pick up a free MMoCAkids ArtPack, a hands-on kit filled with activities to explore art as a family. MMoCA provides an interactive and fun place for families to appreciate and engage with contemporary art.
Children’s Theater of Madison
Inspire your young stars with dramatic and comedic performances at the Children’s Theater of Madison. Their productions are sure to captivate and entertain, making it a culturally enriching and fun place for family outings.
Day Trips from Madison: Family Fun on the Outskirts
Extend your family fun beyond Madison with these unique attractions within an hour’s drive.
Cave of the Mounds
Explore an underground wonderland at Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark. Discover shimmering stalactites and stalagmites in this breathtaking cave system. It’s an adventurous and fun place for families to explore natural wonders beneath the surface.
Enchanted Valley Acres
Get lost in fun at Enchanted Valley Acres with over 9 acres of corn mazes, hayrides, giant games, and even a human hamster wheel. Especially during fall, it’s a harvest-themed and fun place for families to enjoy seasonal activities.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Step back in time at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, a living history museum dedicated to railway transportation. Explore vintage trains and even hop aboard for a ride. It’s a historically rich and fun place for families interested in transportation history.
Sassy Cow Creamery
Visit Sassy Cow Creamery in Sun Prairie, a third-generation family dairy farm, for a taste of farm life. See the cows and definitely indulge in their delicious ice cream. It’s a tasty and fun place for families to experience farm-to-table dairy and enjoy sweet treats.
Schuster’s Farm
Schuster’s Farm offers seasonal delights. In summer, enjoy fields of zinnias and sunflowers. In fall, navigate corn mazes, pick pumpkins, and explore numerous barnyard attractions. It’s a seasonally changing and fun place for families to enjoy agricultural activities and beautiful blooms.
Madison is truly a treasure trove of fun places for family adventures. From educational museums and outdoor explorations to cultural experiences and nearby day trips, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Start planning your Madison family getaway today!
