Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin, With Kids
The city of Madison lies west of Milwaukee. It’s best known for the domed Wisconsin State Capitol. Sitting on an isthmus between the lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison is home to many attractions. Visit the Wisconsin Historical Museum to learn about the state’s past. The Capital City State Trail winds past the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace, a lakefront convention center.
Vilas Beach
If you want to spend time outdoors, Vilas Beach is one of the things you can do with kids in Madison, Wisconsin. There are several parks in the city and Henry Vilas Zoo, a 28-acre public zoo that features over 650 species of animals from all over the world. You can enjoy a picnic at Vilas Beach or take a picnic to the zoo.
If you have a family vacation planned, Vilas Park is a great place to spend the day. Located only a few blocks from downtown Madison, Vilas Park is a wonderful place for everyone. Swimming is a fun activity for the whole family, and there are plenty of activities for all ages at Vilas Park. Other activities include polar bear watching, skating, and art stations.
If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, the capitol city of Wisconsin is a great choice. With over 260 parks and five incredible lakes, Madison is a great place to spend your time. For a fun-filled day out, visit the Madison Children’s Museum. You’ll be amazed by the local cuisine and see a variety of animals.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
If you want to have a great outdoor family day out in Madison, Wisconsin, consider visiting Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The 16-acre outdoor garden, with its 10,000-square-foot conservatory, was established in 1952. It is a non-profit garden, owned by the city of Madison Parks, and named for Michael Olbrich. Olbrich, a physician, founded the garden, and it has been a popular destination for Madison families for more than 50 years.
There are so many great aspects to Olbrich Botanical Gardens that it can be difficult to narrow down the most fun activities to include in your family’s itinerary. There are several areas you can take your children, including the Perennial Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Sunken Garden. Kids will love the 50-foot glass pyramid-shaped Bolz Conservatory, which showcases plants that have been grown for food.
In addition to 16 acres of outdoor display gardens, Olbrich Botanical Gardens also features an indoor tropical conservatory, where you can see exotic plants, birds, and fish. The gardens offer classes and events, and they also have a gardening library. If you’re looking for something more educational, consider visiting the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. With kids, it’s fun for everyone!
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
The Aldo Leopold Nature Center has been serving area children for nearly three decades. With a focus on environmental education, this center has sparked many connections between kids and the world around them. For children, visiting the center provides a chance to develop a lifelong connection to the land and answer life’s big questions. For parents, the center provides a valuable way to engage their children in the environmental movement.
The Aldo Leopold Nature Center has outdoor trails, interactive exhibits and a theater for the family. It is located just ten minutes from the Capitol and offers activities for all ages. Visitors can also take advantage of its summer camps and private rentals. In addition to the outdoor activities, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center also offers summer camps and group tours.
Located near the city center, the Aldo Leopold Nature Centre is a great place to observe the changing colors of fall foliage. After a day of exploring nature, families can treat themselves to ice cream at the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union. This place is also family-friendly and features the daily scoop of Babcock Dairy ice cream.
Overture Center for the Arts
If you’re looking for a great place to take your family for a fun outing, consider visiting Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI. This arts center is home to Madison’s renowned Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and performs many of the city’s cultural events. It also houses a theater, art gallery, and a music hall. The Overture Center opened on September 19, 2004, replacing the Civic Center and was designed by architect Frank Gehry.
The Overture Center for the Arts’ Kids in the Rotunda program is a great way to introduce your children to live theater. Free community performances, award-winning folk singers, zany jugglers, and friendly animals will keep them entertained throughout the show. There are also plenty of performances by local, regional, and national artists. Families will love the children’s performances as well as the many performances held at the rotunda.
A unique way to learn about music is to attend a concert by the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI. The Lullaby Project is a project of the Overture Center and pairs new parents with professional artists. It supports child development, enhances the parent-child bond, and supports maternal health. Overture Center for the Arts offers free admission to families, so that everyone can enjoy the music.
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
If you are looking for an urban oasis that offers both nature and city life, Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Madison, Wisconsin is an excellent choice. This beautiful parcel of land sits on the west side of Madison. It contains the UW Madison Arboretum and Lakeshore Preserve, as well as numerous trails and open walks. A trip here with your family will provide plenty of opportunity for active outdoor play and a chance to experience a slice of midwestern nature.
The Pheasant Branch Conservancy includes 500 acres of remnant prairie, oak savanna, woodlands, springs, wetlands, and stream corridors. Kids will enjoy observing wildlife and birdwatching from various platforms. The conservancy is a great place to get a close look at the wildlife that makes Wisconsin such a wonderful city.
If you are looking for a place to spend a day outside of the city, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a great option. It is just outside the city, but has gorgeous views of downtown Madison and Lake Mendota. You can hike through the wooded hills and take the trail, which is not difficult for kids to hike. The park is open to the public seven days a week and offers plenty to keep the whole family busy.
When visiting Madison, Wisconsin, make sure to take the time to explore some of the many hiking trails available. The area has many state and local parks and recreation areas, including five lakes with surrounding hiking trails. Hiking through the various trails will allow you to see all types of scenery. You can hike along the Ice Age Trail, learn about Wisconsin’s military history, or see wildlife in wetlands.
Eugster’s Farm Market
One of the things to do with kids in Madison is to visit Eugster’s Farm Market. This unique market is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features over 35 varieties of pumpkins and gourds. You can buy carving kits or let the staff carry them to your car. Other activities that are fun for kids include pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and wagon rides. In fall, the farm also has a haunted barn and a corn maze.
The fall festival at the farm is a great time to visit Eugster’s Farm Market. You can even take your kids on a petting zoo. There are mini tractors and other cute animals at the farm, and the entire family can experience the farm’s unique products. There are also many fun activities for kids, including horseback riding and a pumpkin patch.
Sunflower Days at Eugster’s is a popular family event in July and August. This popular farm market features a sunflower field, U-Cut flowers, hay cart rides, and a 15-acre petting zoo. Visitors can also buy fresh bakery items and homemade items to take home. A visit to Eugster’s is a wonderful way to spend time with your family.https://www.youtube.com/embed/-O-MWjijMtE
