Things to do with kids in Madison, WI

Marcus Palace Cinema

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

4.5 (5313)$$Sun Prairie, WI

Outdoors & nature

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

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

Marcus Point Cinema

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

4.5 (3952)$$Madison, WI

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

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

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

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

Dave & Buster's Madison

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

3.9 (3012)$$Madison, WI

AMC Fitchburg 18

Large multiscreen theater featuring mainstream Hollywood and international films.

4.0 (2659)$$Fitchburg, WI

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

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

National Mustard Museum

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

4.8 (2219)FreeMiddleton, WI

💬 1 local tip

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

Tex Tubb's Taco Palace

Festive Southwestern-style restaurant with a salsa bar and casual taco menu.

4.4 (2113)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Bassett Street Brunch Club

Vintage-themed diner specializing in elevated brunch dishes and fresh homemade donuts.

4.3 (1896)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Green Lantern Restaurant

Old-timey American eatery serving a wide range of comfort food from breakfast through dinner.

4.5 (1856)$McFarland, WI

💬 1 local tip

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

Family-oriented chain restaurant known for a large variety of gourmet burgers and bottomless fries.

4.2 (1831)$$Monona, WI

💬 1 local tip

Paul's Pel'meni

Cozy, no-frills spot serving Russian-style beef or potato dumplings with sour cream and toppings.

4.7 (1790)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Geeks Mania Arcade

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

4.7 (1759)$$Madison, WI

💬 4 local tips

Swagat - West Madison

Casual Indian restaurant featuring a popular lunch buffet and an attached grocery store.

4.3 (1701)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Gus's Diner

Classic local diner serving traditional breakfast and lunch comfort food.

4.4 (1655)$Verona, WI

💬 1 local tip

Quivey's Grove

Historic restaurant set in a former mansion, offering a unique atmosphere and traditional American fare.

4.6 (1644)$$Fitchburg, WI

💬 1 local tip

Monk's Bar & Grill

Casual sports bar known for burgers and a family-friendly atmosphere.

4.3 (1552)$$Middleton, WI

💬 2 local tips

Jet Room Restaurant

Daytime cafe located at the airport, perfect for watching planes take off and land while eating breakfast.

4.6 (1513)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Nitty Gritty-Middleton

Industrial-style tavern known for burgers, sandwiches, and a fun, high-energy atmosphere.

4.3 (1472)$$Middleton, WI

💬 1 local tip

Rec centers

Union South

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

4.6 (1340)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Wisconsin State Capitol

Historic government building offering public tours and impressive architecture.

4.8 (1338)FreeMadison, WI

💬 6 local tips

Dexter's Pub

Neighborhood sports bar and grill serving burgers, pizza, and pub fare in a casual setting.

4.5 (1331)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Pizza Brutta

Casual restaurant serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with housemade mozzarella.

4.6 (1267)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

RP Adler's Pub & Grill

Bi-level pub serving classic American comfort food like burgers, pasta, and Friday fish fry.

4.4 (1257)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Shopping

Half Price Books

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

4.5 (1218)$Madison, WI

Sky Zone Madison

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

4.3 (1203)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Lazy Jane's Cafe and Bakery

Quirky, counter-serve cafe known for breakfast, lunch, and signature scones.

4.6 (1195)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Shopping

Half Price Books

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

4.5 (1176)$Madison, WI

Rocky Rococo Pan Style Pizza

Counter-serve chain offering square, pan-style pizza slices, pasta, and breadsticks.

4.4 (1174)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Greenbush Bakery

Popular local bakery known for a wide variety of inventive donuts.

4.8 (1146)$Madison, WI

Canteen

Casual Mexican grill serving tacos, brunch, and classic plates.

4.3 (1086)$$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

Brennan's Market

Local market specializing in cheese, meats, and specialty food items.

4.7 (1085)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip

More places

Dane County Humane Society

Animal shelter offering educational programs and opportunities to visit animals.

4.6 (1079)FreeMadison, WI

💬 2 local tips

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

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

4.2 (1032)$$$Madison, WI

💬 4 local tips

Flix Brewhouse Madison

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

4.3 (986)$$Madison, WI

Jordan's Big Ten Pub

Football-themed sports tavern with a large menu of pub grub and drink specials.

4.6 (970)$$Madison, WI

💬 2 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

Oakcrest Tavern

Old-school tavern serving classic American burgers and fries.

4.6 (968)$Madison, WI

💬 1 local tip