Did you know Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available? Take advantage of the hundreds of parks Madison and our surrounding cities have to offer! Here's a roundup of some of our favorites - knowing we can't highlight them all, but focused on those with a combination of: 1) good playgrounds; 2) proximity to other activities; 3) views and natural areas; 4) options for multiple ages. Check the Madison Parks page to find one near you and see special events. Of course, don't forget the many options nearby in Deforest, Fitchburg, McFarland, Middleton, Monona, Oregon, Sun Prairie, Stoughton, Verona, and Waunakee.
Central Madison:
Playgrounds in the middle, a short path by the lake and space to jump in, amazing views from the top of the hill and right down the street the Capitol/Children's Museum.
Two playgrounds, including the famous "shoe" slide, right next to the Zoo, a beach, and plenty of field space to run. Ice skating in winter too!
One big playground with unique features and an intentionally accessible design. A smaller playground across a field. Plus a shelter, proximity to boat rentals, and the Monona Bay path.
North Madison:
Multiple playgrounds plus bridges to cross over the lagoon, a beach, a pier into Lake Mendota with great views, and you can watch boats come through the locks. Ice skating in winter too!
A playground, labyrinthian walk, and you can head into the woods to explore the crisscrossing mountain bike trails for lots of imaginative play
East Madison:
Feels almost woodsy with all the trees around the playground, close to fun restaurants on Willy St., B.B. Clarke Beach, a gazebo, and basketball court.
Just behind the gardens, and across the bike path from Garver Feed Mill. The park playground has a big slide, court, and they also flood the field for hockey and skating in the winter.
Farther east...Lake Edge Park is right by the redeveloped Pinney Library, North Star Park has a unique playground with both big and little kid features, and an active neighborhood association that hosts events up the street (also Metro Market has wide aisles = is one of the best grocery stores with kids), and Bakken Park heading to Cottage Grove has a huge dream park, "tot lot" and summer splash pad
South Madison:
Some of the best views of Madison, a playground, and intersecting and looping hiking trails in the woods that a great distances for kids.
Mix it up on a playground with rock features that are great for climbing!
Technically a County Park, but its beautiful with a few small playgrounds along the hiking trails, plus a tower you can climb and lots of trails along Lake Waubesa
West Madison:
This park has it all - big playground, shelter, hiking trails, winter ice skating + x-c skiing (and rentals) and a huge sledding hill, a summer splash pad, and plenty of courts and fields.
Courts, gardens, fields, playgrounds, an ice rink, and lots of parks events throughout the year.
A fun playground complete with a splash pad, and gazebos to relax under!
A unique park that has a bike path and a bike repair station!
6570 Pederson Crossing Blvd
Fitchburg:
A dream park playground, splash pad, tons of courts, bike and walking trails.
2930 Chapel Valley Rd.
Beautiful scenery with a playground and tennis courts, near the library and other parks.
McFarland
Lake Access, a bridge trail that crosses the lake, and unique playground. Right down the street from Brandt Park
Near the library, the excellent McFarland Coffee house, and other shops.
Middleton:
Huge playground, tons of walking trails, plus a splash pad.
6300 Mendota Ave.
Pheasant Branch Ridge Park (Orchid Heights)
Right along the beautiful hiking trails around the conservancy, with tons of playground options and courts.
Monona:
A large park with many climbing options, epic hide-and-seek options, a tot lot, and next to the library, pool, and another park. Plus live music and festivals throughout the year.
5323-5447 Healy Lane
Bridge Road Park aka "Zip Line" Park
A one-of-a-kind playground featuring ping pong tables and a zip line (seriously it's really safe). Also great picnic table area near the playground, a sandbox, and clean port-a-potty.
Oregon:
A large playground and areas to explore, recently redeveloped!
A variety of hiking trails to explore, including a stroller-friendly paved path.
Sun Prairie:
A huge dream park playground with castles, climbing areas, and park of the bigger Angell Park - and walking to main street and all the shops around Cannery Square
Features tons of community events throughout the year
Stoughton:
Has a splash pad, tennis courts, and a traditional playground, and close to the riverside drive park and a skate park
381 E Main St.
A woodsy area complete with a playground.
Verona:
This park hosts summer concerts, has a playground and sports courts!
An actually clean beach and splash pad, plus a fun playground with climbing and musical features and connections to area bike trails.
Waunakee:
A playground featuring an obstacle course, right next to a peaceful creek.
A hidden gem playground with sports courts and a sand pit!
