Madison · Dane County, WI

Family things to do in Madison

Scout analyzed 100 Madison places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

100

Matches

Typical spend

$20

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

Sports & Recreation

Vitense Golfland

Vitense Golfland is a good option for a casual family outing or fun with friends, easily filling 1.5-2 hours. Expect to spend $10-$30 per person for a round of mini-golf or time at the driving range, with snacks available.

OutdoorsSportsFood

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Marquette

Weary Traveler Freehouse

This is a good spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, especially for brunch or an evening with board games. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-40 per person on food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsArts

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

Parfrey's Glen is ideal for a 2-3 hour hike to a waterfall, offering a scenic outdoor experience that is largely free, though a state park sticker may be required for parking. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby Devil's Lake State Park.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Michelangelo's Coffee House

Michelangelo's is a solid spot for a quick coffee break or to spend an hour working or reading, especially in the afternoon or evening. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for coffee and a snack.

FoodShoppingArts

$5–$15 typical45 min visithard parking

Outdoors

Indian Lake County Park

Indian Lake County Park offers 483 acres for hiking, boating, and cross-country skiing, featuring a historic chapel. It's a free outdoor activity suitable for a couple of hours or a half-day outing, best paired with a picnic.

OutdoorsViewsHistory

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Bay Creek

Lakeside St. Coffee House

This coffee house is suitable for a casual solo or family visit, especially on weekends. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for coffee, a light meal, and lake views, costing around $5-20 per person.

FoodShoppingLive music

$5–$20 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

The Boathouse

The Boathouse is a casual spot for an affordable meal or drink, perfect for a relaxed stop during a day out, taking about an hour and costing $10-30 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Settle Down Tavern

This is a good spot for a casual meal of burgers and sandwiches, possibly paired with a stroll downtown. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum

This is a great spot for a free outdoor exploration, offering miles of trails through various ecosystems. Expect to spend 2-4 hours walking and enjoying nature, possibly packing a picnic to extend your visit.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is ideal for a casual meal or drinks, offering Wisconsin specialties. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $25-$55 per person for food and a drink, often busy and best for walk-ins.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$55 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Food & Drink

Bradbury's Coffee

Bradbury's Coffee is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, offering coffee, crêpes, and local fare. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $10-25 per person, making it a solid choice for a weekend morning before exploring downtown.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Aztalan State Park

Aztalan State Park is suitable for a 2-4 hour outdoor excursion with hiking and exploring. Expect to spend little to nothing on entrance fees, though a state park pass might be required.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$0–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Greenbush

Indie Coffee

This cozy coffee shop is good for a casual breakfast or lunch with waffles and coffee, potentially catching a free event. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for about an hour.

FoodLive musicShopping

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Blue Mound State Park

Blue Mound State Park is suitable for a half to full-day outdoor excursion, offering trails, a pool, and scenic views, and can cost around $10-20 per person for entry, possibly more for camping. It pairs well with packing a picnic lunch.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$10–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Marigold Kitchen

Marigold Kitchen is a reliable spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, suitable for a solo meal or a quick family bite. Expect to spend $10-25 per person and plan for about an hour.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Picnic Point

Picnic Point is ideal for a leisurely outdoor stroll with scenic lake views, often enjoyed with a packed lunch or simple snacks. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here, with costs primarily for transportation or optional picnic items.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0–$10 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Spend 2-3 hours exploring indoor and outdoor gardens, perfect for a relaxed family outing or solo stroll. Entrance fees are minimal, with a suggested donation for some areas.

OutdoorsShoppingViews

$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for about 1.5 hours to see contemporary artworks; it's a free indoor activity, easily paired with exploring State Street.

ArtsRelaxedEducational

$0 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

University Hill Farms

Rennebohm Park

Rennebohm Park is a good free stop for families with kids looking to play or for individuals to use the tennis courts. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the outdoor facilities.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Marshall Park

Marshall Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a multi-hour family outing or a solo escape by the water, offering a playground, beach, and boat launch. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination for a casual activity like fishing or volleyball.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Old Market Place

James Madison Park

James Madison Park is a good free option for a relaxed outdoor activity, like a picnic or playground visit, suitable for families. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the lake views and open space.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Marquette

High Noon Saloon

High Noon Saloon is a live music venue, good for catching a show with friends or on a date, usually for 2-3 hours. Expect to spend $25-75 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre is an indoor live music venue for an evening or late-night outing, typically lasting around 3 hours. Expect to spend $35-$100 per person on tickets and drinks, making it a good choice for a date night or a weekend adventure.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$35–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Arts & Culture

The Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum is suitable for an evening out to see a show or concert. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets can range from $35-$150 per person, depending on the event.

Live musicArtsShopping

$35–$150 typical1 hr visitmoderate parking