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10 FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN MADISON

The fall months are some of the most amazing times to take Fall Day Trips. I have Ideas For Busy Families to take a day trip and enjoy Family Friendly Activities in Madison, Wisconsin.

I'm not sure what it is about the fall season, but it makes my family want to get out and enjoy all the gorgeous changing colors and take a hike in cooler temperatures OR simply just explore new areas. Perhaps it is because we all know that very shortly we will be indoors for months on end in the very windy city; frozen in our homes as the outdoors is plunged into winter.

We wanted to get away for a quick day trip with the entire family as we all have such busy schedules we don't seem to be together as often as I would like. We wanted something that was not too far away, for a family-friendly weekend over-nighter.  

We selected Madison, Wisconsin as it was about a two hour drive and we have yet to explore this city.

This post is hosted in part by Holiday Inn Hotels.  All opinions are 100% our own. #JoyofTravel #HolidayInn

Here are some super fun ideas for exploring Madison, including fall hikes, a place to see wild animals, a house on a rock, the State Capital, foodie spots and seasonal fun like hayrides and apple and pumpkin picking. We will be enjoying these activities on our next visit.

Fall Day Trip in Madison For Busy Families

10 FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN MADISON

Madison State Capitol

Take a walk down the halls of the Madison State Capitol. From the towering marble columns to the secret tunnels, the State Capitol is not to be missed.

State Street

Walk down the pedestrian-only State Street and go into each and every little store to sample local treats.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Stroll down the halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Then walk across the street and take a peek inside the Wisconsin Historical Museum and The Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

Madison Children's Museum

Next take your kiddos for some fun at the Madison Children's Museum.

Monona Terrace and Convention Center

Take a stroll and see the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace and Convention Center. It is right downtown on the shores of Lake Monona, just two blocks from the capitol. Sit up on the rooftop and enjoy the view.

Here are some other day activities your family could enjoy in and around Madison.

Lake Monona Loop

Bring your bikes along and hop on the Lake Monona Loop with the family. Didn't bring your bikes, not a problem. Simply rent some bikes and explore the University of Wisconsin Arboretum or the Lakeshore Path

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Spend some time exploring the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The have 16 acres of outdoor gardens to explore. Beginning December 5, Olbrich's will host a Holiday Flower and Model Train Show.

Go on a kid-friendly fall foliage hike around the shores of Lake Monona.

Henry Vilas Zoo

Visit Madison's FREE Henry Vilas Zoo.

Find a corn maze, take hayride. pick some pumpkins and some apples.

Cave of the Mounds

Have a day of outdoor discovery at the Cave of the Mounds. Dig for fossils and see butterflies flitting about.

The House on the Rock

Drive to Spring Green and see The House on the Rock.  Your family will be entertained by the world's largest carousel and a 200 foot sea creature.

We missed the Dane County Farmers’ Market as it is hosted on Saturday mornings, but we do plan to visit Madison again and be in town on a Saturday morning!

Madison hosts a number of holiday activities in December, including light displays, theater and ice skating. We can't wait to return to Madison and explore this city further in the winter! I'm busy plotting our next day trip in Madison!

What would you suggest for a day activity in Madison?