Welcome, UW-Madison families! Madison, Wisconsin offers a fantastic environment for raising a family and a has many fun activities for children of all ages. We’ve put together this guide to help you discover the many wonderful resources to explore as you make lasting memories with your family!
Outdoor Adventures & Nature Exploration
UW Arboretum
Immerse yourselves in nature at the beatuiful UW Arboretum. This expansive natural space offers miles of walking trails, diverse ecosystems, and plenty of room to run and explore. They frequently host free family-friendly events, such as “Family Nature Walks” and “Learning Together Family Classes” designed for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. Keep an eye on their events calendar for seasonal happenings!
Madison Parks
Madison boasts an incredible network of parks, offering playgrounds, green spaces for picnics, and open areas for active play. From sprawling community parks to smaller neighborhood gems, you’re sure to find a perfect spot for outdoor fun. Many parks also feature walking paths and scenic views, making them ideal for a family stroll.
Henry Vilas Zoo
A true Madison treasure, the Henry Vilas Zoo is always free to enter! It’s a wonderful place for young children to learn about wildlife and enjoy a day out. Located next to Vilas Park, you can combine a zoo visit with playground time or a picnic.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Discover a world of beauty at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. With 16 acres of stunning outdoor gardents that are free to explore, plus a tropical conservatory (with a small admission fee). Olbrich is a peaceful and engaging place for families. They also offer “Little Sprouts” programs (for a small fee) designed for children aged 2-5, focusing on nature and literature.
Allen Centennial Garden
Located right on the UW-Madison campus, the Allen Centennial Garden is a charmingand accessible public garden. It serves as an outdoor classroom and a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk with your family. They occasionally host free, family-friendly events like “UW Family Gardening Day” with hands-on activities.
Learning & Creativity
Madison Children’s Museum
The Madison Children’s Museum is a vibrant, interactive wonderland for kids! While general admission applies, they offer free admission every Thursday evening from 4-8 PM. Additionally, they have an “Access for Everyone” initiative that provides reduced-cost admission and memberships for families who qualify, and sometimes even offer free memberships for new parents. It’s a fantastic place for hands-on learning and imaginative play.
Madison Public Libraries
Your local Madison Public Library branch is a treasure trove of free family events! All nine library locations host a variety of storytimes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and multi-aged groups. You can also look for craft events, reading programs, and other engaging activities throughout the year.
UW Geology Museum
Unearth ancient wonders at the UW Geology Museum, located right on the UW-Madison campus. Admission is always free to this fascinating museum, which features impressive dinosaur skeletons, dazzling fluorescent mineral displays, and a vast collection of Wisconsin fossils.
Art & Music for Little Ones
Overture Center’s Kids in the Rotunda
Enjoy free, family-friendly performances at the Overture Center’s “Kids in the Rotunda” series. These engaging shows feature a diverse range of artists, from musicians and dancers to storytellers, perfect for captivating young audiences.
Chazen Museum of Art
The Chazen Museum of Art, located on the UW-Madison campus, houses an impressive collection of art from various cultures and time periods. Admission is always free. They occasionally offer family days and workshops that provide hands-on activities and a chance for children to engage with art in a fun way.
Concerts on the Square / Other Free Concerts
During the summer months, Madison comes alive with free outdoor concerts. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s “Concerts on the Square” on the Capitol lawn are a beloved tradition, perfect for a family picnic. Keep an eye out for other free concert series hosted by various organizations and parks throughout the city. Many feature kid-friendly music and atmosphere.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
Located right off State Street, MMoCA offers a fantastic opportunity to introduce your family to modern and contemporary art. Admission is always free, allowing you to explore their engaging exhibitions at your own pace. MMoCA often hosts family-friendly programs like “Kids’ Art Adventures,” which are free drop-in art-making projects inspired by current exhibits, and their popular Art Cart program brings free outdoor art activities to parks throughout Dane County during the summer.
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Beyond its stunning architecture, Monona Terrace often hosts free community events throughout the year, some of which include live music and family activities. Check their calendar for “Dane Dances!” or “Lakeside Kids” activities, specifically designed for kids.
Sporting Fun
Madison Mallards Baseball
Catch America’s favorite pastime with a Madison twist! Madison Mallards baseball games are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and engaging between-inning entertainment. While tickets have a cost, they often have special promotional nights and can be a fun, affordable outing for the whole family. Look for their various theme nights and giveaways!
UW-Madison Sporting Events
Experience the excitement of college sports right on campus! Check the schedules for sports like women’s soccer, volleyball, wrestling, or track and field. Many of these events have lower ticket prices or even free admission for younger children, offering a chance to cheer on the Badgers!
Community & Markets
Madison Farmers Markets
Immerse yourselves in the vibrant local food scene at one of Madison’s many farmers markets. The iconic Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square is a must-experience, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and a lively atmosphere. Many smaller neighborhood markets, like the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market, also feature live music and free craft activities for kids, making them a fun and engaging Saturday or Sunday morning outing. You can even find scavenger hunts and other kid-focused events at some markets.
Water Fun
Madison Pools and Splash Pads
Beat the summer heat at Madison’s public pools and splash pads! The city offers several free-to-use splash parks (Cypress, Elver, and Reindahl) that are open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. These splash pads are perfect for young children to cool off and play in a safe, fun environment. Public pools usually have an admission fee, but are still an affordable way to enjoy water recreation.
Winter Wonderlands
Ice Skating Rinks
Enjoy Madison’s winter charm with several free outdoor ice skating rinks maintained by Madison Parks, such as those at Tenney Park or Vilas Park (skate rentals may be available for a fee). For year-round indoor ice skating and aquatics, the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center on the UW-Madison campus features an indoor ice rink and a family-friendly pool with a zero-depth entry, slides, and water features. While access generally requires a UW-Madison Recreation & Wellbeing membership or guest pass, it offers a fantastic option for indoor water play during the colder months.
Sledding Hills
After a fresh snowfall, grab your sleds and try out one of the city’s many public sledding hills for exhilarating, free fun. Take a trek up the hill at Elver Park, Garner Park, or Olbrich Park, or stay close to campus and join students on a snow day as they sled and throw snowballs on Bascom Hill.
More Fun & Affordable Options
Wisconsin Historical Museum
Journey through Wisconsin’s rich history at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. While standard admission applies, they offer a Family Access Membership with a sliding scale fee, providing free admission to their 12 historic sites and museums across the state for qualifying families. This can be a great way to explore local history with your children.
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Take a free tour of the magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol Building. The impressive architecture and rich history can be fascinating for older children, and the grand rotunda itself is a sight to behold for all ages.
Memorial Union Terrace
While not an activity in itself, the Memorial Union Terrace is an iconic Madison spot. Grab a scoop of Babcock Hall ice cream and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Mendota. It’s a relaxed and free place to soak in the campus atmosphere and let little ones stretch their legs.
Explore University Avenue & State Street
Take a walk along University Avenue and State Street, which connect the UW-Madison campus to the Capitol Square. There’s always a buzz of activity, interesting storefronts to peer into, and street performers (especially on State Street) that can entertain little ones.
Indoor Active Play
When the weather isn’t cooperating, Madison offers several options for indoor active fun. While not always free, many places offer affordable specials. Keep an eye out for “Kids Bowl Free” programs at local bowling alleys during the summer months (shoe rental typically applies). For a more energetic experience, trampoline parks like Sky Zone or Urban Air often have weekday discounts or dedicated toddler times. These venues provide a great way for kids to burn off energy regardless of the forecast.
Day Trips from Madison
Wisconsin State Parks
Just a short drive from Madison, you’ll find incredible Wisconsin State Parks offering hiking, picnicking, and beautiful scenery. Popular options include Devil’s Lake State Park (stunning cliffs, hiking, and a sandy beach) and Governor Dodge State Park (beautiful bluffs, two lakes for swimming and paddling, and plenty of trails). A state park vehicle admission sticker is required, which can be purchased annually or daily, providing an affordable way to access many natural wonders.
Wisconsin Dells
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells is about an hour’s drive north of Madison. While many resorts and waterparks require admission, you can often find deals and packages online, especially during the off-peak season. Even without entering a waterpark, the Dells offers boat tours on the Wisconsin River, go-karts, and family-friendly attractions. Keep an eye out for coupons and special offers to make it more affordable.
Milwaukee, WI
Just over an hour and a half east of Madison, Milwaukee offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions. Consider visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum (with its famous “Streets of Old Milwaukee” exhibit and dinosaur hall), the Discovery World Science and Technology Museum, or the Milwaukee County Zoo. Many attractions offer free or reduced admission days/hours, so check their websites before you go.
Local Orchards & Farms (Seasonal)
During the fall, many local orchards and farms around Madison open their doors for apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides. These can be wonderfully affordable and engaging seasonal outings that offer fresh air and a taste of rural life. Look for places like Schuster’s Farm or Eplegaarden.
Cave of the Mounds
Located just west of Madison, the Cave of the Mounds is a National Natural Landmark offering guided tours through stunning limestone caves. It’s a fascinating educational experience for all ages and a great option for a unique day trip, especially on a hot or rainy day. Admission fees apply, but it’s a memorable experience.
