Who says you need to fly away for a vacation? We've got plenty of beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and fun events for families — all within driving distance of Madison
- See a few highlights from cities within driving distance to Madison
- We'll keep adding locations to share our favorite spots!
- We've also been to each of these within the last year - don't hesitate to reach out (seriously, we're happy to help!) for personal recommendations and ideas for your family getaway.
Eau Claire, WI — 3 hour drive from Madison
A beautiful area with river paths, plus unique kids museums and attractions
A giant water park, trampoline park , huge arcade, go karts, laser tag, and mini golf - and the kids meals are
Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Kids can take their imagination to the next level as they fix trucks, work at an animal hospital, and dig up fossils
A lakeside park with plenty of open space for running around.
A restaurant with board games, bowling, and a classic arcade
Roller skating is still alive and well in Eau Claire! There is a live DJ and a variety of concessions as well!
Twin Cities, MN — 4 hour drive from Madison
Cross the border for fun anytime of year - they know how to prepare for winter and have plenty to see in all seasons
Mall of America
Meet your favorite cartoon characters, go on thrilling rides, and check out all the shops - add on an aquarium visit if your budget/time allows
Make your own crayons, turn yourself into a coloring page, and more artistic activities
A free zoo and aquarium with a beautiful indoor garden and rides for younger kids
An exciting mini golf course with arcade games and delicious food
A short hike that leads to a stunning waterfall - plus there are tons of connected bike paths, parks and lakes around the city
Walker Sculpture Garden - more than 60 sculptures to vistit in the heart of Minneapolis (including the iconic spoonbridge and cherry)
Milwaukee, WI — 1.5 hour drive from Madison
Wisconsin's hub for big festivals, museums, restaurants, and more along Lake Michigan
Food, games, and other events - and wander the 3rd ward for interesting shops and catch the free trolley to explore more of downtown
Interactive museum for kids aged 10 and under - and has a reciprocal discount with the Madison children's museum
And nearby the Public Museum has tons of natural history exhibits and find hands-on science fun at Discovery World
Explore the River Walk - the Fiserv Forum is just one of the sites along the way, explore
A large, all accessible playground with a climbing wall
Milwaukee Zoo - isn't free like Madison's, but much bigger and has a train, farm, and plenty to see, you can also head south the Racine Zoo
Adventure through historic spaces and experience old fashioned life
- Milwaukee also has tons of festivals and family-friendly events throughout the year, the State Fair among them
- Pro tip - the FREE petting zoo and play area behind the Concord General store (about 2/3 of the way from Madison to Milwaukee) is a worthwhile stop anytime!
Appleton, WI — 1.5-2 hour drive from Madison
A fun downtown, easy access to nature, parks, and other Fox Valley fun
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
A unique play area in nature with a kid-friendly zip line, plus easy hikes and likely animal sightings
Plenty of samples, performers, and fun shops along College Ave - including our favorite Legendairy frozen custard (pro tip, the sample pack of ice cream cookie sandwiches was perfect to share)
Erb Park (among others, including the firefighter-themed Lungaard Park
A big community pool, playground for all ages and plenty of paths to explore - and visit in winter for an ice rink and sledding hill
**Appleton is also easy to navigate - and you're close by to other fun attractions in the Fox Valley like Oshkosh's EAA Aviation Museum and Green Bay's Bay Beach Amusement Park (city sponsored = super cheap) and wildlife sanctuary
Where else does your family like to getaway? Where else should we highlight? Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to share ideas and follow all the local family fun around Madison
