Are you struggling to find something to do over spring break or the summer that will keep your kids occupied? Fortunately, there are plenty of fun-filled destinations in Madison, Wisconsin, that both kids and parents alike can enjoy. Check out some of our favorite fun-filled destinations and get ready for an afternoon to fly by.
Henry Vilas Zoo
The Henry Vilas Zoo was founded in 1904 when William and Anna Vilas donated 50 acres of land to the city in honor of their son Henry. Today, the Henry Vilas Zoo is one of only a few free admission, community-supported public zoos in the country.
The zoo is home to 115 species of animals, from African lions to meerkats, giraffes, and rhinoceros. Visit the Big Cats exhibit, which mimics habitats you’d see in the wild, and the Tropical Rainforest Aviary. The zoo takes its commitment to sustainability and conservation seriously and has LEED-certified buildings. Kids will love special educational programs like Breakfast With the Animals or Snooze at the Zoo, a public sleepover for families featuring animal presentations and behind-the-scenes activities.
Madison Children’s Museum
On a cold or rainy day when you have to be indoors, a visit to the Madison Children’s Museum is just the thing to keep everyone occupied. The museum offers families the opportunity to move and play, learn, and engage with inspiring and imaginative exhibits.
Visit the Bakke Art Studio, where kids can create masterpieces, from weaving to sculpture and drawing. With Stair Trek: Core to Cosmos, you can take an interactive journey from the Earth’s core to the outer limits of the universe. The exhibit features the playful voices of children from the Madison community describing the smells, sounds, and experiences of each of these environments. The museum hosts around 200,000 visitors each year, including 300 school groups and hundreds of educational programs.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Spend a day strolling the paths and taking in the beautiful sights of the 16 acres of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Bolz Conservatory, built in 1991, is a glass pyramid filled with over 650 tropical plants native to regions around the world that bloom year-round, surrounded by free-flying birds and a bubbling waterfall. Visit the Thai pavilion, or “sala,” a gift from the government of Thailand and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Explore the Sunken Garden, built like a traditional English garden, and the Rose Garden, featuring more than 700 varieties.
Babcock Hall Dairy Store
For a treat and a one-of-a-kind experience, visit the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Founded in 1951, the store currently offers 23 flavors of award-winning cheeses made on-site under the guidance of Gary Grossen, Master Cheesemaker, and featuring ice cream flavors such as salted caramel toffee and grapefruit mango sherbet. Visit the second-story observation deck overlooking the on-site dairy plant to take a guided tour and learn how the Babcock Hall Dairy Store makes cheese and ice cream.
Kids will get a kick out of these exciting destinations in Madison. Check them out today.
Imagev via Pixabay by pasja1000 Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original
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