If you’re planning a family trip to Madison with kids, you’ll discover endless activities to enjoy.

The city’s laid-back vibe creates a welcoming atmosphere for families, which helps everyone to feel at ease. What truly stands out about Madison is its ability to blend kid-friendly fun with the charming ambiance that parents seek on a vacation.

As a Milwaukee family, we spend “staycations” in Madison with kids regularly. Here are our favorite family things to do in Madison, WI with kids young or old. Spoiler alert: 9 of them are FREE!

The Best of Madison with Kids

Top Picks: Family Things to Do in Madison, WI

Try Log Rolling

A beginner’s Log Rolling class with Madison Log Rolling is a summer experience that showcases the spirit of Madison; it’s all about perseverance, laughing with new friends, and building camaraderie.

The sport took form from Wisconsin’s deep lumberjack roots where men (known as “river pigs”) bravely guided logs downstream. Today, log rolling carries a sense of tradition that gives participants a taste of Wisconsin’s heritage. Madison stands out as one of the few places where you can take a class and learn the sport. Don’t miss it!

Shana, a world champion log roller herself, is the owner and the most encouraging instructor you could ask for. Carly, her assistant, was stellar as well and both of them are wonderful with kids.

The thrill of running on a log in the water was both humbling and exciting.

Our class with Shana and Carly was my 6-year-old’s favorite part of our most recent Madison visit. He especially liked that he was able to balance three times longer than me.

Epic’s “Intergalactic” HQ (Free!)

A self-guided family bike ride through Epic’s Intergalactic Headquarters was an unexpected joy for us.

This whimsical campus, designed by architects who also worked on Disneyland and Microsoft’s headquarters, felt like riding through a fairy tale.

Resuming September 2, 2024, the campus welcomes visitors daily. We borrowed their adult bicycles for free, while our kids rode their own bikes (pack helmets too).

The scenic paths meander through vibrant gardens and buildings inspired by Hollywood blockbusters like Harry Potter, Around the World in 80 Days, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and more!

Stop by the main office for a map before you set off!

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

One of our favorite year round spots has to be Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

The moment we stepped into the Tropical Conservatory, our kids’ set out to explore the maze. In the winter I bask in its humid heat. We use the app Seek to “capture” new species and keep the kids engaged about flora.

The outdoor gardens are free, which is always a win for families looking to contain a travel budget.

At Christmastime, they have the most charming train display. It’s a must see if you have young train lovers.

Madison Children’s Museum

Another treasure is the Madison Children’s Museum. It’s interactive, educational, and ever evolving. It’s truly one of the best family things to do in Madison, WI, especially for younger children who love to touch and interact with everything.

Our kids loved the craft space and the climbing structure most of all.

In the summer, we love enjoying their rooftop exhibits under the sun. The view of the capitol building is wonderful from here.

Insider tip: If you have a membership with an ASTC participating museum, you can get in free while visiting Madison with Kids! Our family visits free with our Milwaukee Public Museum membership (applies to family level memberships and above).

Vitense Golf

For some playful competition, Vitense Golf features sensational mini-golf courses—two outdoor and one indoor. The indoor course showcases highlights of Madison, complete with historical context signage, which I found to be a thoughtful detail that adds local insights to the fun.

In addition to its fun and challenging mini golf courses, you’ll find a fantastic driving range for honing your swing. If you’re looking for a unique twist, try your skills at foot golf, where you kick a soccer ball into oversized holes on a golf course.

For kids who love remote controlled vehicles, buy a token from the desk and race the remote-controlled boats. With so much variety its one of the greatest family things to do in Madison, WI.

Go Boating

There are so many beautifully calm lakes to explore in the area. So, find a way to get out on them while in Madison with kids.

Explore Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, or Lake Wingra by motorized boat, kayak, swan, or paddle boat.

Our experience with a paddle boat rental from Madison Boats was delightful; it cost just $24 for an hour, conveniently located next to where we took our Log Rolling class.

More FREE Fun in Madison with Kids

UW Geology Museum

The UW Geology Museum is a true gem for families (pun intended), featuring collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils from around the globe.

While my six year old shows a lot more interest in this topic, we kept my four year old engaged by letting him be the photographer.

UW Physics Museum

Nearby, the UW Physics Museum offers interactive exhibits where kids can engage with the basic principles of physics.

The hands-on approach ignites curiosity and encourages discoveries of their own.

After your visit, stroll over to the Memorial Union, grab ice cream from the Daily Scoop and enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline.

Bike Trails

Madison is celebrated for its extensive bike trails. It’s known as one of the most bikeable cities in the country.

I highly recommend the scenic five-mile UW Arboretum Loop, but I advise parents to check AllTrails to find a bike trail that’s right for your trip to Madison with Kids.

Henry Vilas Zoo

The Henry Vilas Zoo is Madison’s beloved free zoo. Its engaging exhibits and diverse animal species make it a fantastic destination for families looking to connect with wildlife without spending a dime.

I never know how long my kids will be able to hang at a zoo, so it’s nice knowing we aren’t financially invested and can leave when they tire out.

McKee Park Playground & Splash Pad

McKee Farms Park features a farm themed splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off on warm days. They also have a pretty epic play structure by the main parking lot of the park.

If you’re looking for more water fun for hot summer days, check out the Elver Splash Pad or Reindahl Park Splash Pad during your summer stay in Madison with kids.

Wisconsin State Capitol Building

The State Capitol Building is free and open for the public to explore.

You can also consider taking a guided tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. Tours are offered daily, although it’s best to check the schedule as Sunday availability is limited.

Enjoy a Beach Day

We loved our afternoon at Fireman’s Park Beach. It had a large playground, shallow entry beach, and even a slide!

It’s about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Madison, so it pairs perfectly with the Epic tour as they’re both in Verona.

Watch the Ironman

Ironman athletes flock from around the world to experience the extreme fandom that radiates at Ironman Wisconsin, held in Madison annually the weekend after Labor Day.

Participants complete a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. Marveling at the athlete’s stamina is awe-inspiring, and being part of the energy of the Madison crowd is pure elation.

In the three years we went to spectate, we combined spectating at various points along the route with brewery hopping.

Insider Tip: If you’re heading to Madison with kids that weekend, it is crucial to book accommodations early.

Where to Eat and Drink

Marigold Kitchen

You won’t find a better atmosphere for brunch than Marigold Kitchen.

Located just two blocks from the iconic Wisconsin Capitol building, this charming eatery is a must-visit for starting your day.

From fluffy pancakes to tempeh bowls and Chilaquiles, every menu item is crafted to perfection. Their seasonal coffee drinks are no exception.

Although there’s often a line out the door, don’t be discouraged it moves quickly—the service is remarkably efficient, and the delicious offerings make the short wait worthwhile.

Greenbush Bakery

Greenbush Bakery is an unmissable icon in Madison. This bakery is renowned for its mouthwatering donuts, and I won’t even disclose how few from our one dozen box made it out of the day with us!

Each donut is a work of art, with flavors that range from classic glazed to adventurous seasonal specials.

Greenbush Bakery is certified kosher with multiple locations. Their donuts are also sold at Willy Street Co-Op.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner stands out for its casual, ultra-friendly vibe, making it an ideal spot for a laid-back meal with kids.

The kid’s menu also has tasty options that cater to younger palates.

Broken Board Coffee

For coffee lovers, Broken Board Coffee offers a unique experience as it operates out of a vibrant board shop.

The combination of artisan coffee and skate culture creates an electric atmosphere perfect for your caffeine fix.

Looking for more options? Additional family friendly eateries include: Madison Sourdough, Jet Room, Wonderstate Coffee, Dotty’s Dumpling Dowry, and Ogden’s North Street Diner.

Family Friendly Breweries

Delta Beer Lab, Young Blood Beer Company, Forward Craft and Coffee, and Lake Louie Brewing (Formerly WI Brewing Company) are all very welcoming to kids and have quality brews.

Dane County Farmers’ Market

One of the highlights of visiting the city on a summer weekend is the Dane County Farmers’ Market, renowned as the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. Every booth has someone behind the counter who made or grew the product they’re selling.

Held every Saturday around the Capitol Square in Madison, this market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. If there’s one thing you can’t skip, it’s the hot and spicy cheese bread from Stella’s.

For those who can’t make it to the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, there’s also a smaller-scale alternative held on Wednesdays.

Both of these markets run from mid-April to early November, taking full advantage of Wisconsin’s growing season.

Getting to Madison

Madison is conveniently located of of Interstate 94 if you’re driving in.

The nearest airport is Dane County Regional (MSN) Airport which is only an 11 minute drive from downtown Madison. Alternate airports to consider are Milwaukee (MKE), Rockford (RFD), or Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

Where to Stay in Madison with Kids

There are many affordable places to stay in Madison with kids that are centrally located to all the action.

1. For an incredible atmosphere and convenient location, check out The Graduate.
2. To save money, we like to stay over by the airport. We love that parking is free too.
3. Avid is a great budget friendly option as well with top reviews.

Day Trips from Madison

Mount Horeb – Troll Capital of the World

A day trip from Madison with kids over to Mt. Horeb is a perfect opportunity to explore the charm of small-town Wisconsin. It’s only a 30 minute drive southwest.

Known as the Troll Capital of the World, a visit would not be complete without a mission to find its whimsical trolls. Each had its own unique character and backstory related to its placement.

On arrival in Mt. Horeb, be sure to grab a Trollway map from the Visitor Center or refer to their online map.

Beyond the trolls, one of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Duluth Trading Company flagship store, which traces its roots back to this very town. We also recommend checking out Brix Cider and Badger Bro’s Coffee.

Baraboo – “Circus City”

North of Madison is a city with deep roots in Circus history. Baraboo, renowned as “Circus City,” was once home to the Ringling Brothers’ winter camp.

At the Circus World Museum, we were transported back to the golden age of the circus.

The museum holds a fascinating collection of memorabilia, including vintage posters, costumes, and circus wagons that tell the story of this unique American tradition. Plus, incredible shows under the Big Top Tent!

A family favorite was the miniature models of ornate circus trains arriving into new cities to great applause and commotion while they unloaded the animals and performers.

On the drive from Madison to Baraboo, we recommend a small detour to cross the Wisconsin river on the free Merrimac Ferry.

Devil’s Lake State Park

On the way to Baraboo, you’ll also pass by natural wonders like Parfrey’s Glen and Devil’s Lake State Park.

Devil’s Lake State Park is a favorite among Wisconsinites. It’s “Devil’s Doorway” rock formation is used in just about every tourism brochure out there.

A stop at the state park deserves at least 3 hours to explore. If you want to hike to the Devil’s Doorway, consult a park ranger for the best trail to trek for your family as the shortest is quite challenging with kids. (Not my finest parenting decision.)

With its towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

Meanwhile, Parfrey’s Glen, known for its stunning rock formations and serene atmosphere, can be explored in about an hour with kids.

Closing Thoughts on Madison with Kids

There’s no shortage of family things to do in Madison, WI. You’ll absolutely come home with some fantastic shared memories.

If your stop in Madison with kids is part of a larger road trip, be sure to check out our favorite Midwest Road Trips for more inspiration.

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Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here. 

Catherine – Savvy Family Travel

My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.

I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.

I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!

Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”

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