Founded on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota in the early 19th century, Madison is an outdoor oasis perfect for your next family vacation. The capital of Wisconsin, the “City of Four Lakes” is known for its beautiful parks and trails as well as its museums and other attractions. Read more about “Mad City” to discover the many exciting and fun things to do with your family.
The second-largest city in Wisconsin, Madison is a beautiful lakeside destination filled with exciting attractions and natural wonders. From bike rides through the historic downtown area to free concerts and farmers markets, discover the many reasons your family will fall in love with Madison including:
Rent bikes and explore the extensive bike lane system throughout the city
Take a scenic stroll along State Street and peruse the shops and restaurants
Tour the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Visit the largest farmers market in America, the Dane County Farmers Market
Watch a free concert by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Wednesday evenings
Parents and kids are right at home in Madison with many exciting attractions everyone will enjoy. Check out some of the nation’s best college sports, awesome live performances and much more:
Cheer on one of the University of Wisconsin Badgers 23 varsity sports teams
Peruse the diverse collection at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
See a breathtaking live performance at Cycropia Aerial Dance
Grab a delicious Neapolitan pizza at Pizza Brutta
See a classic film screening at The Marquee Cinema at Union South
Madison’s picturesque downtown area and lakes are ripe for exploration during your trip. From nature lovers to junior historians, check out attractions and natural wonders like:
Visit Picnic Point at the tip of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve
Take a free daily tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol
Stop and smell the flowers at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Tour the many great restaurants across town with Capital City Food Tours
Explore the city by air with Biplane Rides of America
Madison is the ideal city for your kids to explore something new. From awesome live performances and sports to exotic animal encounters and sweet treats, learn about some of the most popular things to do with kids in Madison:
See magicians, jugglers and more during free shows at Kids in the Rotunda
Make some new animal friends at the Henry Vilas Zoo
Enjoy family-friendly shows at the Children’s Theater of Madison
Cheer on your favorite racers at the Angell Park Speedway
Save room for a sweet treat at Babcock Hall Dairy Store
No matter how many people you bring to Madison there’s always something fun and exciting around the corner. From classic outings like ice skating and laser tag to interactive events and free movies, check out some of the best group-friendly activities across Madison:
Strap on your skates and hit the rinks at Hartmeyer Ice Arena
Get ready to play at the wildest laser tag base in Wisconsin, iCombat Madison
Check out free interactive and inspirational events at DreamBank
Visit the reading nooks and artist studios at the Madison Public Library
Pack a picnic and enjoy free family-friendly movies at Lakeside Family Cinema
There is so much to learn while you adventure through Madison at the many museums, interactive events and other educational attractions. Explore some of the most popular educational things to do like:
Enjoy interactive activities and events at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Admire the vast art collections at the Chazen Museum of Art
Learn about local plants and animals at the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park
Explore the wide variety of food made in Wisconsin at Fromagination
Brown the vast exhibits of rocks and gems at the UW Madison Geology Museum
Why not learn a new instrument or brush up on your art skills while you explore the city? Madison is the perfect place for kids of all ages to be creative across a variety of performing and fine arts classes like:
Paint a creative keepsake to bring home at Fired Up Art
Enroll in a family cooking class at Hemmachef
Take a free arts and crafts class at the Terrace Art Zone
Pick up a new instrument at Kindermusik
Bust a move during a children’s dance class at Move Out Loud
You don’t have to look far to find great indoor fun for the whole family. With rock climbing, trampoline parks, museums and much more, check out some of the most exciting indoor games and activities for kids like:
Race to the top of the rock climbing walls at Boulders Climbing Gym
Rent a lane and go bowling at Bowl-A-Vard Lanes
Play in the interactive exhibits at the Madison Children’s Museum
See who can jump the highest at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park