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Madison Explorations: 5 Days of Family Fun on a Budget

Discover family fun in Madison, where adventure and memories await!

19 July 2023

Madison, located in the heart of Wisconsin, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. The city offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and educational experiences that will keep everyone entertained. From exploring the renowned Madison Children's Museum to enjoying the beautiful parks and lakes, this charming city guarantees a memorable family vacation.

Travel plan

• Check into the family-friendly Edgewater Hotel, known for its stunning views of Lake Mendota. Don't sleep in, you're on vacay!
• Start the morning with a visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo, where your little ones can get up close and personal with exotic animals.
• Take a leisurely boat tour on Lake Mendota and snap some envy-inducing selfies with Madison's iconic skyline in the background.
• Explore the Olin Park Botanical Gardens and let your senses be overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents.
• End the day with a family picnic at James Madison Park, while the sun paints the sky with hues that even Bob Ross would be proud of.

• Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Marigold Kitchen, a delightful spot bustling with local charm and tantalizing aromas.
• Get your dose of American history and knowledge at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Count the number of steps – make a game out of it!
• Indulge your artistic side at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, where even the quirkiest exhibits will ignite your imagination.
• Stop by the Dane County Farmers' Market for a lunchtime feast of farm-to-table goodies, while serenaded by live music.
• Walk off the calories with a stroll through the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, admiring its lush green spaces and beautiful buildings.

• Start the day with breakfast at Mickies Dairy Bar, an iconic Madison institution known for its legendary pancakes and greasy-spoon charm.
• Immerse yourself in the colorful universe of the Madison Children's Museum, where learning feels like playtime at its finest.
• Feel the wind in your hair as you ride the iconic Carousel at Vilas Park, a restored gem that will make even grown-ups giggle with delight.
• Visit the Geology Museum at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and marvel at their extensive collection of rocks, fossils, and meteorites.
• Treat your taste buds to a pizza party at Ian's Pizza, where unusual toppings like mac 'n' cheese and cheese curds will blow your mind.

• Start the day with a scenic drive to Devil's Lake State Park, where hiking along the picturesque bluffs will make you feel like a true explorer.
• Picnic among the wildflowers and watch the reflection of the sun dancing on the water at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
• Embark on a family-friendly bike ride along the shores of Lake Monona, taking in stunning views and stopping for an ice cream break.
• Head to Babcock Hall Dairy Plant for a hands-on tour that ends with a scoop of their famous ice cream. Brats and cheese curds anyone?
• Catch a breathtaking sunset over Lake Mendota at the Memorial Union Terrace – don't forget to grab a couple of their famous Babcock ice cream cones!

• Savor a leisurely brunch at Graze, where farm-fresh ingredients and creative flavors will turn your taste buds into cheering fans.
• Explore the State Street pedestrian mall, filled to the brim with quirky shops, eclectic street performers, and delicious local treats.
• Take a relaxing boat tour on Lake Monona while sipping on craft beers from some of Madison's finest breweries – a hoppy heaven!
• Delight in a dinner of locally-sourced, farm-to-table delicacies at L'Etoile, where innovative dishes will leave you craving for more.
• End your trip with a nightcap at The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Madison's first brewpub, where you can toast to a whirlwind journey in Wisconsin's vibrant capital city. Cheers!