Things to do with kids in Madison, WI

Dave & Buster's Madison

Large arcade with a wide variety of video games, simulators, and a full-service restaurant.

3.9 (3012)$$Madison, WI

Geeks Mania Arcade

Retro arcade featuring classic video games, pinball, and skee-ball.

4.7 (1759)$$Madison, WI

💬 4 local tips

Vitense Golfland

Large recreation center with mini-golf, driving range, batting cages, and indoor games.

4.4 (1357)$$Madison, WI

💬 4 local tips

Sky Zone Madison

Indoor trampoline park with freestyle jumping, dodgeball, and foam pits.

4.3 (1203)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Large indoor adventure park with trampolines, climbing, and obstacle courses.

4.2 (1032)$$$Madison, WI

💬 4 local tips

Bowl-A-Vard

Classic bowling alley with arcade games and sand volleyball courts.

4.1 (943)$$Madison, WI

Chuck E. Cheese

Classic arcade and pizza venue with indoor play structures and games for younger children.

4.0 (927)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Ten Pin Alley

Bowling alley with a sports bar atmosphere, featuring lanes and arcade games.

4.4 (919)$$Fitchburg, WI

💬 3 local tips

Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes

Bowling alley with bumper lanes and an attached restaurant.

4.4 (805)$$Madison, WI

Dream Lanes

Traditional bowling alley with an attached pizzeria.

4.3 (774)$$Madison, WI

Prairie Lanes

Modern bowling center with arcade games and sand volleyball.

4.3 (664)$$Sun Prairie, WI

Thrill Factory Entertainment

Family entertainment center with bowling, arcade games, and mini-golf.

4.5 (571)$$Madison, WI

Vilas (Henry) Park

Large lakeside park with a playground, beach, walking paths, and adjacent zoo, perfect for a full day out.

4.7 (5160)FreeMadison, WI

Olbrich Park

Expansive lakeside park with playgrounds, sports fields, and beach access.

4.7 (3975)FreeMadison, WI

Warner Park

Large lakeside park with a beach, playground, sports fields, and community facilities.

4.6 (1915)FreeMadison, WI

💬 6 local tips

McKee Farms Park

Large community park with a playground, pond, sports fields, and walking paths.

4.7 (1148)FreeFitchburg, WI

💬 4 local tips

Tenney Park

Lakeside park with a playground, tennis courts, and seasonal ice skating.

4.7 (1032)FreeMadison, WI

💬 3 local tips

Elver Park

Large city park with a playground, seasonal splash pad, sledding hill, and ice skating rinks.

4.6 (894)FreeMadison, WI

💬 5 local tips

Governor Nelson State Park

State park on Lake Mendota with a beach, playground, and scenic hiking trails.

4.5 (870)$Waunakee, WI

💬 1 local tip

Winnequah Park

Community park featuring a large castle-themed playground and picnic areas.

4.7 (727)FreeMonona, WI

💬 1 local tip

Lakeview Park

Community park with athletic fields, multiple playgrounds, and a splash pad.

4.7 (648)FreeMiddleton, WI

Marshall Park

Lakeside park with a small beach, playground, and boat launch.

4.6 (591)FreeMadison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Brittingham Park

Park along the lake with walking paths and open green space.

4.6 (573)FreeMadison, WI

💬 4 local tips

Yahara Place Park

Scenic neighborhood park with green space and walking paths along the river.

4.8 (432)FreeMadison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Devil's Lake State Park

Iconic state park with hiking trails, rock formations, and a large lake with sandy beaches.

4.8 (13282)$Baraboo, WI

💬 1 local tip

Cave of the Mounds

Guided walking tours through a limestone cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

4.7 (5220)$$Blue Mounds, WI

💬 3 local tips

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Beautiful gardens with a tropical conservatory and a dedicated children's garden area.

4.8 (5154)$Madison, WI

💬 16 local tips

Lake Kegonsa State Park

State park with hiking trails, a beach for swimming, and picnic areas.

4.4 (1102)$Stoughton, WI

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Expansive nature preserve with diverse trails for hiking and biking through woods and prairies.

4.8 (986)FreeMiddleton, WI

💬 4 local tips

Token Creek County Park

Large park with walking trails, equestrian paths, and open space for outdoor recreation.

4.6 (895)FreeDeForest, WI

💬 1 local tip

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

Scenic natural area featuring a challenging hike to a rocky bluff with panoramic views.

4.9 (829)FreeLodi, WI

Indian Lake County Park

Large park with diverse trails, a historic chapel, and space for winter activities.

4.8 (738)FreeCross Plains, WI

Picnic Point

Scenic peninsula on Lake Mendota with walking trails and beautiful views of the city.

4.8 (669)FreeMadison, WI

💬 2 local tips

University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum

1,200 acres of diverse habitats including prairies, forests, and wetlands with miles of walking trails.

4.9 (444)FreeMadison, WI

💬 3 local tips

Prairie Moraine County Park

Rolling park with scenic trails and a large off-leash dog area.

4.8 (442)FreeVerona, WI

Allen Centennial Garden

Beautiful, formal botanical garden on the UW campus, open to the public.

4.8 (416)FreeMadison, WI

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Massive indoor water park resort with slides, wave pools, and an indoor theme park.

4.4 (17514)$$$Baraboo, WI

💬 2 local tips

Wilderness Resort

Large resort complex featuring multiple indoor and outdoor water parks and family activities.

4.4 (14132)$$$Wisconsin Dells, WI

💬 2 local tips

Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Pool

Public outdoor pool with water slides, diving boards, and a dedicated shallow area for toddlers.

4.6 (360)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Schluter Beach

Small public beach on the lake, ideal for swimming and relaxing.

4.6 (355)FreeMonona, WI

💬 1 local tip

B.B. Clarke Beach Park

Lakeside park with a swimming beach, playground, and kayak launch.

4.5 (325)FreeMadison, WI

Fireman's Park Beach

Former quarry turned swimming hole with a sandy beach, waterslides, and concessions.

4.5 (318)$$Verona, WI

Crawdaddy Cove Indoor Water Park

Bayou-themed indoor water park with slides and play pools for children.

4.1 (267)$$$Madison, WI

Esther Beach Park

Quiet lakeside park with a small beach area for swimming and relaxing.

4.4 (223)FreeMadison, WI

Brittingham Beach

Small urban beach on Lake Monona, popular for swimming and nearby park access.

4.5 (204)FreeMadison, WI

City of Middleton Lakeview Park Splash Pad

Public splash pad located within Lakeview Park.

4.8 (203)FreeMiddleton, WI

Monona Community Pool

Public community swimming pool with open swim hours.

4.4 (194)$$Monona, WI

Vilas Park Beach

Popular swimming beach located within the larger Vilas Park near the zoo.

4.6 (188)FreeMadison, WI

Henry Vilas Zoo

A free, community-focused zoo featuring a variety of animals, a carousel, and a train.

4.7 (10453)FreeMadison, WI

💬 18 local tips

Schuster's Farm

Seasonal farm with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and family-friendly fall activities.

4.6 (1009)$$Deerfield, WI

Eugster's Farm Market Inc

Farm market with seasonal activities, petting farm, and u-pick opportunities.

4.7 (796)$$Stoughton, WI

💬 1 local tip

Havens Petting Farm

Family-friendly farm where children can interact with and feed various farm animals.

4.8 (409)$$Blue Mounds, WI

💬 1 local tip

Warm Belly Farm - Cottage Grove

Farm offering seasonal u-pick produce and family-friendly farm experiences.

4.8 (136)$$Cottage Grove, WI

Heartland Farm Sanctuary

Animal sanctuary providing rescue and education; check for public tour availability.

4.7 (117)$$Stoughton, WI

💬 1 local tip

Carandale Farm

Local farm offering seasonal u-pick fruit and produce.

4.6 (103)$$Oregon, WI

Bittersweet Blessings Farm

Local farm offering seasonal u-pick opportunities and farm experiences.

3.9 (67)$$Deerfield, WI

Crossroads Community Farm, LLC

Community-focused farm providing fresh produce and seasonal farm activities.

4.8 (64)$$Cross Plains, WI

Garden Prairie Farm

Farm offering seasonal u-pick produce and fresh market goods.

4.8 (55)$$Sun Prairie, WI

Hoofbeat Ridge Camps

Horseback riding stables and youth summer camps offering equestrian programs and outdoor activities.

4.8 (54)$$Mazomanie, WI

💬 1 local tip

Blue Skies Berry Farm

Small farm specializing in seasonal u-pick berries.

4.8 (33)$$Brooklyn, WI

The House on the Rock

Unique, sprawling attraction filled with eclectic collections, mechanical music, and oddities.

4.6 (8579)$$$Spring Green, WI

💬 1 local tip

Overture Center for the Arts

A major arts venue hosting family-friendly musicals, plays, and educational workshops.

4.8 (3474)$$Madison, WI

💬 3 local tips

Madison Children's Museum

Three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits and play areas designed for children 12 and under.

4.7 (2605)$$Madison, WI

💬 25 local tips

National Mustard Museum

Quirky museum featuring thousands of mustards, a tasting bar, and a gift shop.

4.8 (2219)FreeMiddleton, WI

💬 1 local tip

Wisconsin State Capitol

Historic government building offering public tours and impressive architecture.

4.8 (1338)FreeMadison, WI

💬 6 local tips

Chazen Museum of Art

Free campus art museum with rotating exhibits and a large collection of diverse works.

4.8 (969)FreeMadison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Art museum featuring rotating contemporary exhibits; free admission for all.

4.5 (707)FreeMadison, WI

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Educational museum showcasing military history with interactive exhibits.

4.8 (686)FreeMadison, WI

💬 3 local tips

Geology Museum

University museum featuring dinosaur fossils, mastodon skeletons, and glowing rocks.

4.8 (651)FreeMadison, WI

💬 7 local tips

Black Earth Children's Museum

Interactive museum with hands-on exhibits, art, and play areas designed for young children.

4.7 (350)$$Black Earth, WI

MMSD Planetarium

Educational planetarium offering public shows and astronomy programs for families.

4.9 (268)$Madison, WI

Madison Public Library - Central

Modern library with a dedicated children's area, reading nooks, and frequent youth programming.

4.6 (245)FreeMadison, WI

💬 17 local tips

Black Belt America

Martial arts school offering youth programs, self-defense, and character building.

4.9 (322)$$Madison, WI

Madison Youth Arts

Community hub offering arts, music, and theater programming for children and teens.

4.9 (144)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy offering classes for adults and youth.

5.0 (127)$$Madison, WI

The Wonder Studio

Music and movement classes for young children and toddlers.

5.0 (97)$$Verona, WI

💬 1 local tip

Fired Up Pottery

Paint-your-own pottery studio suitable for all ages.

4.6 (96)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Ballet U, LLC

Dance studio offering ballet classes for children and youth.

5.0 (84)$$Verona, WI

Touchstone Karate Academy

Karate school focused on discipline and skill development for all ages.

5.0 (83)$$Sun Prairie, WI

Infinity Martial Arts

Martial arts studio offering comprehensive training programs for kids and families.

4.9 (77)$$Fitchburg, WI

Martingilio Martial Arts

Martial arts instruction emphasizing technique and personal growth.

5.0 (77)$$Verona, WI

Bradley Fish Guitar Lessons

Private guitar instruction for students of various ages and skill levels.

5.0 (66)$$Madison, WI

Wheelhouse Studios

University-affiliated art studio offering drop-in creative sessions for the public.

5.0 (61)$$Madison, WI

Midwest Clay Project & Studios

Pottery studio offering classes and workshops for various skill levels.

4.9 (57)$$$Madison, WI

Marcus Palace Cinema

Large cinema complex showing current family films with comfortable seating and concessions.

4.5 (5313)$$Sun Prairie, WI

Marcus Point Cinema

Standard movie theater showing new releases with family-friendly amenities.

4.5 (3952)$$Madison, WI

AMC Fitchburg 18

Large multiscreen theater featuring mainstream Hollywood and international films.

4.0 (2659)$$Fitchburg, WI

Flix Brewhouse Madison

Cinema-eatery where families can watch movies while ordering meals directly to their seats.

4.3 (986)$$Madison, WI

Escape In Time - Escape Rooms

Themed escape room challenges suitable for older children and families.

4.6 (665)$$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

The Marquee Cinema at Union South

University-run cinema offering affordable movie screenings in a casual campus setting.

4.7 (56)$Madison, WI

Cinematheque

University-run cinema showing classic, independent, and international films.

4.9 (27)$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

The Old Fashioned

Wisconsin-themed tavern serving local cheese curds, brats, and burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere.

4.5 (4941)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Monty's Blue Plate Diner

Retro 1950s-style diner offering classic comfort food with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

4.5 (3840)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Culver’s

Midwest fast-food chain famous for ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard.

4.3 (3377)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Ian’s Pizza Madison | State Street

Popular local pizza spot known for creative toppings like mac 'n' cheese pizza.

4.6 (3311)$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Memorial Union

A vibrant lakeside spot with outdoor seating, ice cream, and frequent family-friendly events.

4.8 (3249)$Madison, WI

💬 3 local tips

Hubbard Avenue Diner

Classic diner serving homestyle comfort food and a wide variety of homemade pies.

4.5 (3150)$$Middleton, WI

💬 1 local tip

The Journey

Spacious buffet restaurant featuring a wide selection of Asian cuisine, sushi, and seafood.

4.0 (3024)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Lucille

Popular downtown spot for wood-fired and steel-pan pizza in a casual, multi-level setting.

4.4 (2540)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Tipsy Cow

Casual brewpub with a large selection of burgers and bar bites, plus outdoor seating.

4.5 (2205)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

The Coopers Tavern

Irish-style gastropub on the Capitol Square offering a family-friendly menu.

4.5 (2131)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

RED

Modern, upscale sushi restaurant offering creative rolls and Japanese-inspired dishes.

4.7 (2130)$$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Family-friendly chain offering all-day breakfast, classic diner meals, and a bakery counter.

4.0 (2130)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Half Price Books

Large bookstore with a wide selection of used books, games, and movies for all ages.

4.5 (1218)$Madison, WI

Half Price Books

Large bookstore with a wide selection of used books, games, and movies for all ages.

4.5 (1176)$Madison, WI

A Room of One’s Own

Independent bookstore with a great selection of children's books and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.8 (901)$$Madison, WI

Leopold's Books Bar Caffè

Cozy bookstore and cafe with a welcoming atmosphere for families to browse and grab a treat.

4.8 (630)$$Madison, WI

The Book Deal

Local bookstore offering a variety of titles in a cozy setting.

4.9 (422)$Madison, WI

Mox Mania, LLC

Gaming store specializing in board games, card games, and hobby supplies.

4.7 (388)$$Madison, WI

Pegasus Games

Local game shop offering board games, card games, and space for open gaming.

4.4 (380)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Gamer's Library

Specialty shop featuring a wide selection of board games, card games, and puzzles.

4.8 (373)$$Madison, WI

Frugal Muse Books

Used bookstore with a large inventory of books, movies, and music.

4.8 (338)$Madison, WI

Bricks & Minifigs

Specialty store buying and selling new and used LEGO sets and individual pieces.

4.5 (335)$$Fitchburg, WI

Garden Wall Bookshop

Charming local bookstore with a curated selection of books and gifts.

4.8 (296)$$Verona, WI

Westfield Comics - West

Comic book shop with a wide selection of graphic novels and collectibles.

4.7 (292)$$Madison, WI

Union South

University student union with bowling, climbing wall, and casual dining options.

4.6 (1340)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Breese Stevens Field

Outdoor stadium hosting community events, soccer games, and concerts.

4.5 (1191)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Keva Sports Center

Large indoor sports complex offering youth leagues, open play, and various athletic programs for kids and teens.

4.3 (477)$$Middleton, WI

💬 4 local tips

Goodman Community Center

Community hub offering various youth programs, classes, and recreational activities.

4.7 (346)$Madison, WI

💬 3 local tips

Harbor Athletic Club

Large athletic club with swimming pools, fitness classes, and youth programs.

4.6 (315)$$$Middleton, WI

Warner Park Community Recreation Center

Community center with a pool, gym, and various youth recreation programs.

4.6 (197)$Madison, WI

Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center

University recreation facility with swimming and fitness amenities.

4.6 (177)$$Madison, WI

Hitters Tennis and Pickleball Club

Indoor sports facility offering tennis and pickleball courts for all ages.

4.4 (119)$$Middleton, WI

💬 1 local tip

Neighborhood House Community Center

Community hub offering various youth programs and family-oriented activities.

4.6 (85)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Lussier Family East YMCA

Community center with a pool, gym, and youth programming.

3.4 (68)$$Madison, WI

💬 3 local tips

McClimon Track and Soccer Fields

Public sports complex with track and field facilities for active families.

4.6 (41)FreeMadison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Swim&Gym Summer Camp, LLC

Summer camp program focusing on swimming and gymnastics activities.

5.0 (26)$$$Madison, WI

The Abbey Resort

Lakefront resort offering family-friendly amenities, pools, and access to Geneva Lake activities.

4.1 (3884)$$$Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI

💬 1 local tip

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed center with public rooftop gardens and lake views.

4.6 (2132)FreeMadison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Dane County Humane Society

Animal shelter offering educational programs and opportunities to visit animals.

4.6 (1079)FreeMadison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Lake Louie Brewing and Wisconsin Brewing Company

Brewery with a large outdoor backyard area that is family-friendly.

4.7 (494)$$Verona, WI

💬 5 local tips

Angell Park Speedway

Outdoor dirt track hosting midget car racing events.

4.6 (409)$$Sun Prairie, WI

💬 1 local tip

Hickory Hills Campground

Family-oriented campground with a pool, mini-golf, and playground, offering various recreational activities.

4.1 (359)$$Edgerton, WI

Wingra Boats

Boat rental facility on Lake Wingra, also serving ice cream.

4.9 (329)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Madison Circus Space

Training facility for circus arts including aerial silks, juggling, and acrobatics.

4.8 (116)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Kindred Movement

Yoga and movement studio offering family-friendly classes and wellness programs.

5.0 (107)$$Sun Prairie, WI

💬 2 local tips

Atlas Improv Company

Improv comedy theater with shows that can be suitable for older children and teens.

4.6 (97)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Stoughton Fair

Annual community fair featuring rides, games, animal exhibits, and food.

4.4 (82)$$Stoughton, WI

💬 1 local tip

Camp Gray Inc

Catholic youth summer camp offering outdoor adventure programs, team building, and nature exploration.

4.8 (42)$$Reedsburg, WI

💬 1 local tip