Madison, Wis., is a cultural mecca settled right in America’s heartland. As the capitol of Wisconsin, it’s a center for politics. As the home of University of Wisconsin, it’s a hub for learning. But it’s also a place where you can see a jug band perform on the street, eat a kid-friendly meal off a work-of-art and meet exotic frogs, tigers and meerkats. For children, Madison holds all the offerings for a weekend (or more) of exploration.
Child-Friendly Food in Madison
Madison is a something of a foodie paradise – but when you are 5, wine and chevre probably aren’t your cup of tea. Istead, try Ella’s Deli and Ice Cream Parlor. Parents embrace Ella’s because of their healthy twist to kid favorites. Kids love Ella’s because they take their ice cream seriously.
A genuine kosher deli, Ella’s offers foods kids love in an atmosphere the little ones dig. A train makes tracks around the room and each of the tables offers something exciting (games, and cool themed landscapes like baseball cards or origami). A promise to visit the carousel after the meal will help any kid finish their mac and cheese.
A trip to Madison can’t be complete without a stop at the Dane County Farmer’s Market, open Saturdays year-round and Wednesdays during the summer. As the largest farmer's market in the country relying solely on locally grown produce, kids will get an agricultural education and maybe a free sample or two.
Places to Take Kids During Your Stay in the Capitol
The two favorite stops for any child have to be the Madison Children’s Museum and The Henry Vilas Zoo. The museum offers exhibits for children 1 to 12, including a dinosaur dig, a toddler barnyard and ever-changing educational opportunities. Usually $5 per guest, the museum does offer free days and chances to take specialized classes.
The Henry Vilas Zoo is another family hotspot. It is free and open to the public all year, even during Madison’s chilly winters. But the zoo offers fun every day, and a chance to see animals such as red pandas, giraffes and meerkats. Special events like Halloween at the Zoo and the Zoo Run Run are offered throughout the year.
A trip to Madison would not be a true adventure without spending some time exploring State Street. Located right in the heart of Madison – feet from campus and leading right up to the steps of the capitol – State Street is an experience. Shops sell everything you could imagine in a college town and unique restaurants (Greek, Indian, Middle Eastern and more) fill the sidewalk with the fragrance of spice. Is State Street kid-friendly? Certainly. Although some parental explanations might be in order on the car ride home.
Madison's Best Offerings For Families
With great parks and a gorgeous waterfront (Wisconsin does have beaches), Madison has much more to offer families. Some more spots to check out:
- The Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- The UW Arboretum
- The UW Geology Museum
- The UW Space Place
- Hubbard Avenue Diner
- Schuster’s Playtime Farm
All in all, a few days spent in Madison can give a child a little dose of culture in a place ripe for exploration.
Kara S. Anderson - Kara S. Anderson graduated with honors from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Journalism. She has worked in various facets of ...
