Things to Do in Madison

Artist Melanie John's bright, colorful studio and retail shop surrounds visitors with her vibrant watercolor portraits and textured abstract paintings. Paintings, photos, and pottery also line the walls, inviting gazes to linger over aesthetically elegant pieces and check every design for hidden Magic Eye patterns. BYOB art classes help beginners and master palette wielders create their own masterpieces while sipping on toted-along beverages or purchasing tipples from the bar-licensed studio.

The Bounce Palace's two rooms of massive inflatables accommodate up to 55 youngsters, from toddlers to 12-year-olds. Once inside, children can hop inside a bounce house adorned in primary colors, explore an ocean-themed inflatable adorned with inflated dolphins, and send Jane Goodall fan mail from the monkey cage. Bright-yellow walls surround each bounding visitor with pictures of kid-friendly favorites such as Batman, Spider-Man, and Disney princesses. Along with inflatable entertainment, The Bounce House's two party rooms host celebrations that the birthday child and adult guests attend for free.

A black-and-white flag hovers above the greens at Mac and Bones Miniature Golf, signifying the rowdy swashbuckling theme of this 18-hole course in a single glance. As waterfalls splash against the caves that flank the course, festive pirate-themed obstacles—from strategically placed treasure chests to captains who force players to polish their hooks before each shot—lure putts away from holes. NBA star Tracy McGrady co-owns the course, along with Tim Bennett, who calls the course layout “very competitive.” In addition to sun-drenched greens, Mac and Bones also invites players into its 8,000-square-foot indoor arena, packed with arcade games, prizes, and a menu of pizza, wings, and beverages.