MacaroniKID Madison strives to be the go-to source for family-friendly events and activities each week (see and search our calendar and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to see it all), and there are also lots of ways to stay active this summer on your own schedule too.
Here are a few ongoing ideas, and let me know your suggestions too and we'll keep updating!
- Avoid the summer slide! Most of the libraries in the area have summer reading programs with prizes and rewards in: Deforest, Madison, McFarland, Monona, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Verona plus storytimes
- Free art.
- The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and MSCR team up for the Art Cart and Fit2go throughout the summer in parks in morning/afternoon/early evening times.
- The Memorial Union Terrace also offers free Terrace Art projects Wednesday-Saturday from 5-8 pm and DIY kits for purchase
- Get a (nature) passport. NatureNet offers nature missions and challenges for prizes at their 20 area sites
- Stay cool at splash pads in Madison, Fitchburg, Middleton, Cottage Grove, and Verona
- Black Earth Children's Museum - has "small town, big fun" with a mini market, vet clinic, trout pond, science and other activities
- Play inside! Too hot on the playgrounds? Check out open play times at Plan N Wisconsin
- Get in touch with your senses. The Sensory Zone has Friday Fun and other special events.
- Catch a flick. Marcus Movies offers discounted kid movie tickets -- and popcorn, and Madison parks offer a free series, and if you're up later head to the Union Terrace on Mondays
- Learn to bike and fish. The Lussier Center offers lessons for kids mid mornings and afternoons.
- See a show. The MadCity Ski team has free Sunday shows, and David Landau plays Mondays at the Harmony Bar, and go downtown for live music on State Street and around the Capitol area.
- Go for a (story) walk. Stroll through downtown Middleton, starting at their library for 22 stops with illustrated posters from a book, or at the Lussier Center (book changes each month)
