Curated for Dane County, WI
Things to do in Madison
9 curated outings, 0 field guides, and a growing catalog of places and events.
What are you in the mood for?
View all →Ready-made Madison outings
See all outings →
solo
Arboretum Nature & Lakeside Views
4 hr · $15–$35
Spend a tranquil Madison afternoon immersing yourself in the diverse ecosystems of the UW Arboretum, a signature local experience. Fuel up beforehand with a comforting lunch, then unwind with a beautiful lakeside walk to round out your day.
solo
Capitol Tours & Casual Madison Morning
3 hr · $10–$25
Start your day with an educational and completely free tour of Madison's iconic State Capitol building, admiring its grand architecture and learning about local history. Afterward, walk over to Marigold Kitchen for a delicious, budget-friendly breakfast or brunch, perfect for fueling up. Conclude with a relaxed stroll along State Street, browsing the unique shops as they open.
families
Geology Fun & Park Play
3 hr · $20–$40
Start your morning with an engaging visit to the Geology Museum, where kids can marvel at dinosaurs and glowing rocks. Afterward, enjoy a casual breakfast at a family-friendly cafe. Wrap up the morning with some outdoor play at a nearby park, perfect for burning off energy.
couples
Downtown Art & Italian Romance
3.8 hr · $70–$120
Indulge in an afternoon of art at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, appreciating the modern exhibits. Follow it with a romantic dinner at a farm-to-fork Italian restaurant, known for its exquisite pasta and wine. Conclude your date with a leisurely walk, enjoying the downtown atmosphere.
couples
Arboretum Walk & Romantic Dinner
4.5 hr · $100–$200
Begin your afternoon date with a delicious meal before immersing yourselves in the serene landscapes of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum. Wander through diverse ecological communities, then transition to an elegant evening with a gourmet dinner at a celebrated local restaurant.
couples
State Street Date Night & Dinner
4.5 hr · $100–$250
Start your Madison evening with cocktails near the historic Orpheum Theater before catching a live performance. After the show, enjoy a sophisticated dinner with views of the Capitol, making for a memorable date night downtown.
adults
Arboretum Nature & Coffee Break
3.5 hr · $20–$45
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the UW-Madison Arboretum, taking a refreshing walk through diverse habitats. Recharge with a casual meal at a local cafe, then enjoy a scenic lakeside view for a tranquil afternoon.
families
Family Fun at Henry Vilas Zoo
3.8 hr · $25–$50
Bring the family for an exciting afternoon exploring the free Henry Vilas Zoo, seeing animals up close. Afterward, enjoy a casual, kid-friendly meal nearby, concluding with some playtime at a scenic park.
New · Things to Do
Resort Days & Poolside Escapes
Discover relaxing resort pools, private cabanas, and day-use experiences around Madison, with no overnight stay needed.
Where to stay
Visiting Madison?
Find hotels, resorts and vacation stays across Madison — book once you've picked your plans.
Find places to stay in Madison(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Plan your visit to Madison
Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
