Spring Break is fast approaching! If you don’t have plans yet, here is a guide to help you stay busy and enjoy your break with the family. While there are several camp options to enroll your kids in, there are also everyday locations definitely worth checking out.
Hoping to stay indoors? Check out:
- Your local library: They usually have scheduled story times and crafts, and may also be holding a special spring break camp.
- PlayN Wisconsin: When you need to get out the wiggles but the weather isn’t cooperating, PlayN Wisconsin offers indoor (outdoor) play structures.
- Legacy Academy: Perfect for less than ideal weather, Legacy Academy has padded floors and a variety of games, structures, toys, etc. to burn energy, including a toddler-friendly upstairs.
- Sky Zone: Fun for the entire family, everyone can enjoy jumping! It will fill up most of your day, burn energy, and it’s family friendly!
- Urban Air: With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone. At Urban Air, your mini warriors can conquer obstacles, show gravity who’s boss, and have a blast seven days a week.
- Madison Children’s Museum: With various scheduled activities and productions, the children’s museum is fun at any time, great for all ages, and a wide variety of interests.
- Black Earth Children’s Museum: One of the only “small-town” children’s museums in the nation, the Black Earth Children’s Museum offers engaging and unique play experiences for children ages two to ten.
- Sun Prairie Explore Children’s Museum: Explore Children’s Museum has a wide range of both permanent and rotating exhibits specifically selected and curated to encourage imaginative play, creative thinking, and hands-on learning.
- Madtown Twisters, Gymfinity, Keva Sports Center and Badger Gymnastics: Each gym with open play times, you can let your kids run around the bouncy floors and practice their gymnastics or ninja skills for the day! Some gyms may be holding special spring break camps worth checking out as well.
- Olbrich Gardens: Another great indoor activity to keep warm, Olbrich gardens is beautiful and kid-friendly.
- Pat O’ Malley’s Jet Room: If your kid loves airplanes, try a meal at Pat O’ Malley’s, at the Wisconsin Aviation Club. You can enjoy your meal while watching planes take off and land, or even enjoy a $100 burger (which really is a private plane ride around Madison for two and coupons for burgers!)
If you’d like to stick outdoors, check out:
- The Henry Vilas Zoo: Great at any time, or they also offer different story times, day camps, and preschool activities.
- State Street: It’s fun for everyone to walk state street, check out the shops, grab some Babcock Ice Cream, and see what’s new.
- Donald Park: Outside of Verona is a state park with kid-friendly hiking, which will only take up an afternoon versus an entire day. You’ll see a babbling spring, rock formations, and get all the fresh air you’d like!
- Local Parks – this is our list of 20 awesome parks in the area!
Looking for a family day trip that everyone can enjoy? Check out:
- Mid-Continent Railway Museum: Does your kiddo love trains? Visit the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in Baraboo for the day and end with Ice Cream from Blue Spoon on the way home!
- Devil’s Lake State Park: Choose between staying and camping or just visiting for the day, the views, hiking, beach, and activities are endless at Devil’s Lake.
- Gibraltar Rock: Another family hiking spot with a wow-factor is Gibraltar Rock in Lodi. You overlook the countryside from way-up-high, but the distance and time will take up more than a few hours.
- New Glarus: If you want to feel like you traveled abroad but only drove a half of an hour, New Glarus is an awesome family day trip with great little shops, tons of interesting history and architecture, and great classic bakeries!
- Mount Horeb: Similar to New Glarus, Mount Horeb offers a cultural experience just by visiting. You can spend the day checking out fun shops, enjoying great food, or visiting one of the many parks!
- Wisconsin Dells: If you’re looking for just a day trip or a whole week away, Wisconsin Dells will keep you busy with waterparks and attractions regardless of the weather.
- Milwaukee: Head to the Domes; Betty Brinn Children’s Museum; or take in the lakefront! It’s a straight shot east of Madison and a doable day trip!
