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Madison Magic: A 4-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Discover family fun in Madison, USA – where memories are made!

19 July 2023

Madison, United States offers an incredible array of family-friendly activities and attractions for a memorable trip. Explore the stunning landscapes and ecological wonders of Henry Vilas Zoo or venture into the state-of-the-art Madison Children's Museum, providing interactive exhibits and engaging programs for kids of all ages. Additionally, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lake Monona or take a bike ride on the scenic Capital City State Trail for an unforgettable family bonding experience in Madison.

Travel plan

• Check into the family-friendly HotelRED, where vibrant colors and modern decor will awaken your inner artist.
• Start your day with a visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo, home to monkeys, giraffes, and an aquarium that will make you feel like a fish out of water.
• Meander down State Street, a lively pedestrian-only thoroughfare showcasing quirky shops, street performers, and an intriguing array of international cuisine.
• Time travel to the past as you wander the halls of the Wisconsin Historical Museum, where exhibits will transport you to the era of cheese factories and vintage farm equipment.
• Finish off the day by indulging in a Wisconsin delicacy a cheese curd feast at the Old Fashioned, where the locals gather to embrace their inner cheese lovers.

• Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Monty's Blue Plate Diner, a vintage-style eatery dishing out classics like fluffy pancakes and mouth-watering omelettes.
• Spend the morning at the picturesque Lake Mendota, where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak and cruise along the sparkling waters, feeling like an adventurous dolphin.
• Head over to Picnic Point, a scenic peninsula that feels like a hidden treasure. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst towering trees, the perfect setting for a family photo or two.
• Relish a picnic lunch by the water's edge, indulging in locally sourced goodies from the Dane County Farmers' Market, where flavors burst like fireworks in your mouth.
• Unleash your creativity at the Chazen Museum of Art, where awe-inspiring exhibits will transport you to another dimension filled with masterpieces and thought-provoking sculptures.

• Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the Lazy Jane's Café, a charming spot offering a mouthwatering array of homemade pastries and locally roasted coffee.
• Embark on a pedestrian adventure as you explore the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a stunning oasis featuring lush greenery, serene waterfalls, and whimsical gardens that will make your heart bloom.
• Stretch your legs with a walk along the Capitol Square, where stunning architecture and local vendors selling everything from fresh flowers to quirky souvenirs will sweep you off your feet.
• Treat your taste buds to a fusion of flavors at Graze, a farm-to-table restaurant where dishes crafted with local ingredients will leave you smiling like a contented cow.
• End the day with a show at the Overture Center for the Arts, where theater performances and musical concerts will leave you entranced and cheering for more.

• Start your day at Marigold Kitchen, a quaint café serving up farm-fresh breakfast delights that will transport your taste buds to a land of morning magic.
• Embark on an outdoor adventure at Devil's Lake State Park, where hiking trails wind through rugged bluffs and crystal-clear waters beckon for a refreshing swim.
• Soak up some knowledge at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Geology Museum, where dinosaur skeletons and gemstone displays will make you feel like a scientific stargazer.
• Recharge with a scrumptious lunch at Cooper's Tavern, a gastropub paying tribute to Wisconsin's agricultural heritage with hearty sandwiches and craft beers.
• End your trip on a sweet note by delighting in the decadent ice cream flavors at Babcock Hall Dairy Store, where each scoop will transport you to a state of utter bliss.