Nov 22, 2018

The Capitol building in downtown Madison WI at night.The Madison, Wisconsin area is full of fun activities and events for visitors of all ages. The best part is that Madison also has a ton of free entertainment, allowing you to stay active with the family without breaking the bank. Whether you live in or around the Madison area, make sure to check out some of the best free activities you can enjoy.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

The arboretum is over 1,200 acres of woodlands, savannahs, prairies, gardens, wetlands, and ecological communities showing all the beauty that the Madison area has to offer. Visitors are free to explore the area, and there are over 20 miles of trails that can be used for hiking and biking in the nice weather and skiing and snowshoeing when the snow begins to fall.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art offers free admission for visitors to get in from the cold and enjoy some amazing works of art or just take a stroll to find a little inspiration. The museum was designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli and is known for its multiple learning opportunities for all ages and learning levels. You can enjoy various exhibits, film screenings, and special events throughout the year.

Wisconsin State Capitol

You can learn a little about the history of the area and enjoy the beautiful design of the historic Wisconsin State Capitol. The building is the only one in the United States with a granite dome. It’s home to the state Legislature, the office of the Governor, and the state Supreme Court. You can enjoy free tours of the building to get an up-close view of the beautiful marble architecture and ornate mosaics.

Kids in the Rotunda

With free shows running every Saturday through April, the Kids in the Rotunda is held in the Overture Center for the Arts and offers free programs and performances designed for both children and their families. There are so many activities and shows to see such as magicians, dancers, a theater troupe, local and diverse musicians, storytellers, and jugglers.

Madison Public Library

The Madison Public Library has free admission all year-round, and you can also get a library card for free to check out books and use the computers. The library is designed to be family friendly with special unique reading nooks and The Bubble, which is an artist’s studio where your kids can let loose and allow their imagination to soar.

UW-Madison Geology Museum

Another Madison area museum that offers free admission throughout the year is the University of Wisconsin-Madison Geology Museum. The museum is filled with unique geological displays such as meteorites, rocks, minerals, and even a fluorescent display. Children can also learn while enjoying dinosaur and fossil exhibits. The museum offers both self and guided tours as well as storytelling times.

Keep your kids active when the cold weather comes without having to stretch your budget by enjoying one or more of the free activities that the Madison area has to offer.

 

Madison” via Flickr by Spiterman. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original