Don’t Miss These Family-Friendly Attractions in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin makes vacationing fun and affordable for family travelers, and it’s not just because the city is walkable and bikeable; it’s packed full of family-friendly activities, and the best part is, they are free, making this city an ideal stop for families on a budget.

As the state capital, Madison is home to the Capitol Building, located downtown in Capitol Square. Not only is the architecture stunning, but you can also take a free tour of the building to teach your little ones about how government and politics work. The building is open to the public seven days a week (except for major holidays), and the tours, which don’t require a reservation, are about 45 minutes long.

The Henry Vilas Zoo, located along the shore of Lake Wingra, has offered families free entertainment for well over a century. You can visit the beautiful birds in the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, the cold-blooded creatures (fish, amphibians and reptiles) of the Herpetarium and the kids will especially love the Big Cats exhibit. There is also a Children’s Zoo where the kids can ride the electric train, watch goats play and enjoy a ride on the Conservation Carousel. While the zoo itself is free to visit, there is a $3 charge to ride the train or the carousel. You can also view some of Wisconsin’s very own American badgers or go behind the scenes with a special tour to show the kids how the zoo cares for its residents.

If you want to spend a day wandering lovely gardens, head to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for another day of free fun. Nestled along the shore of Lake Monona, these gardens are accessible for everyone (except for pets, unless they are service animals), and if you don’t want to spend your time walking the trails, you can ride the tram to take it all in much faster.

If you are planning a visit to this fun city, consider booking a room in one of its hotels in the downtown area, like Hilton Garden Inn or, for a cozy bed and breakfast-style stay, check out the Ruby Marie, just a few minutes from Capitol Square.