Post Halloween/pre-thanksgiving/holidays and winter break times can be an odd time in Madison as the weather gets colder but winter snow and other activities haven't arrived just yet. We're still keeping our calendar updated with family-friendly events, but here are a few other, ongoing ways to keep active and enjoy this time:
1. Be square. The outdoor farmer's market is done, but fun around the Capitol Square isn't. Saturday's there's a Kids in the Rotunda at Overture show, the Central Library has a great kid area, the Farmer's Market moves inside to the Monona Terrace, plus you can walk across the Square (or through the Capitol) to Lake City Books or the Children's Museum.
2. Take a walk and reward yourself. It isn't TOO cold yet for hikes in area parks - Governor's Island, Cherokee Marsh, (Northside), Edna Taylor (connected to Aldo Leopold Nature Center) Lake Farm Park (South/Eastside), Elver Park, Indian Lake, Donald (West) and the UW-Arboretum (central) are some of our favorites - all have multiple, easily marked trails and are near coffee (hot chocolate!) shops, kid-friendly restaurants and bakeries.
3. Go swim - and stay warm! Lapham elementary school's warm pool is a cheap way to enjoy family swim on Fridays, plus our friends at Goldfish Swim School have family swim for member and non-members Monday/Wednesday/Saturday.
4. Go to the playground - without boots! Stay active and get that energy out at a local business. Our friends at the Sensory Zone have a range of things to climb, jump, and explore for all ages and abilities, or try all the slides and playsets at PlayN Wisconsin - plus plenty of gymnastics places have open gym days and nights.
5. Eat out - while kids play. My own kids won't sit still for long at a restaurant, so go somewhere you can enjoy a slightly more leisurly meal while kids move to the play area. Some of our favorites are Java Cat (play area + Saturdays with singer Casey Day), Crema Cafe, Yola's Cafe, the Harmony Bar (Monday's with David Landau) and the Fitchburg Chocolate Shop (as if an ice cream shop needed ways to be more fun).
6. Go Badgers. Football, volleyball, and men's basketball may get the attention, but other sports like Women's basketball and hockey are fun (and really cheap) outings, often with promotions, giveaways, and activities in addition to the game. Plus my kids love Bucky, the band, cheerleaders and songs.
If you have other ideas or suggestions please let us know and we'll keep updating our list! Plus you can always submit your business to our listings or your event for free!
