12 Fun Family Friendly Things to Do in Madison with Kids
Visit Wisconsin’s capital while you’re there.
Madison has many family-friendly activities, including visits to the zoo, the farmer’s market, museums, and other attractions.
You may even make use of the parks and lakes that are found throughout the city.
There is always something enjoyable to do here, no matter your direction.
What are you still holding out for?
Look at our collection of fun things to do in Madison with kids
- Wisconsin State Capitol
The 5-acre complex known as the Wisconsin State Capitol is home to the state’s legislature, supreme court, and governor’s office.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
For things to do with kids nearby, a trip to Madison, noted for its granite capitol building with a domed roof, is a must.
Family portraits look fantastic against its neoclassical building, a memoir of a typical Wisconsin holiday.
Recommended Ages
A quick neighborhood stroll is ideal for a baby or young children.
It’s advisable to take older kids, at least age 10, on tour inside if you wish to do it.
- Henry Vilas Zoo
Dane County owns the 28-acre public zoo known as Henry Vilas Zoo.
It is located inside Vilas Park.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Because of its resident animals, this free zoo is among the top things to do in Madison with kids.
During your stay, say hello to African lions, tigers, monkeys, exotic birds, and thousands of other species.
Recommended Ages
Everyone will enjoy visiting the zoo, which is an attraction suitable for all ages.
Your children, ages three and up, are welcome.
- Madison Children’s Museum
The interactive displays at the award-winning Madison Children’s Museum emphasize learning by doing.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The interactive exhibits in this museum will teach curious young minds new things about history, science, the arts, health, and other topics.
If you’re wondering what to do in Madison with kids, you can visit this learning Urb Garden and other places.
Recommended Ages
The target audience for the museum’s exhibitions is kids between the ages of 6 and 12.
- Dane County Farmers’ Market
The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the nation’s largest producers-only farmers market.
Depending on the time of year, it is hosted in Capitol Square, Martin Luther King Boulevard, and Monona Terrace.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
A visit to the marketplace is a fun way to get a taste of everyday life in the area when looking for free kid-friendly activities this weekend.
The family will love perusing the various goods and produce from the numerous stalls here.
Recommended Age
You can bring your young children to your teenagers to the weekend market because it is a family-friendly destination (ages 1 to 17).
- Dane County Parks
Over 12,000 acres of land are managed by the park system known as Dane County Parks, which is made up of about 26 recreation parks.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
A park with lots of play space will be around you when you’re in a city.
Whichever park you select, they are all fantastic places to bring kids to Madison.
Camping, water sports, and other outdoor leisure activities are permitted in the county parks because of their size.
Recommended Ages
Whether tiny toddlers or hyper teenagers, everyone will love spending the day in the park (ages 1 to 17).
- BB Clarke Park
A small, sandy beach on Lake Monona close to downtown is called B.B. Clarke Park.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Relax in the lake’s serene waters and have fun in the sand when you visit this park.
Today, kicking back by the lake is a terrific way to have some inexpensive family fun.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages, starting at age 2, will whoop with joy when they get the chance to wade in the waters of this beach.
- Lake Mendota and Lake Monona
Two of the four lakes around Madison are Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Take part in entertaining water activities when visiting one of the lakes.
For teens and younger children, fishing, boating, swimming, and sailing are always fun.
Following your exciting day on the water, you may even eat at one of the beachfront eateries.
Recommended Ages
Kids of all ages can participate in most activities near the lakes.
Around 13 years old and older, kids should do activities like sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and similar ones.
- Babcock Hall Dairy Store
The University of Wisconsin-Babcock Wisconsin’s Dairy Store is a dairy store.
The UW-Madison Agriculture Department runs it.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Visit this store for quick bites and the store’s distinctive dairy goods, such as cheese and milk, if you’re near the campus neighborhood.
But one of Madison’s most popular kid-friendly activities is acquiring their delicious ice cream varieties.
Recommended Ages
Bring the entire family since they will enjoy and remember the delicious ice cream here (ages 1 to 17).
- UW-Madison Arboretum
The UW-Madison Arboretum’s research site includes several ecological groups, plants, mounds, and more.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
This place is a calm and soothing attraction that you should include on your list of toddler-friendly Madison activities.
You can take the youngsters on strolls while exploring the various gardens.
It’s a great spot to relax after exploring the adjacent zoo.
Recommended Ages
You can bring your children ages 0 to 17 to the Arboretum because it is a family-friendly location.
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
More than 600 different plant species can be found in the 16-acre outdoor garden and conservatory known as Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
More than 600 different plant species can be found in the 16-acre outdoor garden and conservatory known as Olbrich Botanical Gardens. One of the enjoyable family activities in Wisconsin is strolling around 16 different parks.
Some gardens have tropical plants, broad rose types, herbs, and other plants.
Inside the conservatory, you may also witness birds free to fly and a waterfall.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages, starting at age 2, will enjoy exploring the gardens.
- Memorial Union Terrace
On the campus of UW-Madison, close to Lake Mendota, is a gathering place called Memorial Union Terrace.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
From the brightly colored tables and chairs in this area, take in the stunning views of Lake Mendota’s dazzling waters.
You can unwind and enjoy yourself there.
While you’re here, you may even take a seat and have a little snack.
Recommended Ages
Bring your little ones; this is a terrific place to unwind for everyone.
Teens (aged 15 and up) who love trends will undoubtedly enjoy the spot’s Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
- Capitol Square
The streets that encircle the state capitol are known as Capitol Square.
Main Street, Pinckney Street, Mifflin Street, and Carroll Street are all part of it.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Strolling about this square, which has a lot of stores and eateries, is one of the enjoyable things to do in Madison with kids.
You might indulge in some shopping therapy by perusing the kiosks and shops.
However, a quick meal in one of the dining options can satisfy hunger or thirst.
Recommended Ages
The square is a fantastic place to spend the day if you want to unwind.
Additionally, it’s the best place to bring kids of all ages, from infants to teenagers.
