If you’re spending time in Wisconsin for your next family vacation, I guarantee you will love Madison and all the free things it has to offer.

Capitol Square

It makes sense to start the list of free “must-dos” with the Capitol Building itself. During normal business hours, anyone can walk into the capitol building and take a look around. There are free tours and the observation deck on the sixth floor is open to the public. From this view, you can see both lakes (Mendota and Monona) as well as the beautiful city.

(That’s a clue for what an isthmus is.)

*Pro Tip: An elevator will take you from the first to the fourth floor. But be aware that strollers must be left on the fourth floor with two more sets of stairs to go.

There is a museum on the sixth floor which has artifacts and articles about the building. To be honest, it’s not going to be anything of interest for young children (or some adults even) but the indoor view of the Rotunda and the outdoor view of the city will be well worth the climb for everyone in your family.

My oldest son and I took advantage of his being free on one of our visits to Madison when he was just under one and there is plenty for a baby to do here. If you have a toddler or older children, the options are endless for fun. There’s a wonderful outdoor space on the roof as well. And if you get hungry, they have a cafe!

Memorial Union Terrace

Depending on the day and time you visit, Memorial Union Terrace can be a fun, lively place for great food, amazing music and beautiful views. It can also be a tranquil location to dip your toes in the lake and sip on a coffee.

*Pro Tip: You’ll notice this Terrace is “for members, students and staff only”. But… you can purchase a day pass for $1 at any of the cafes and restaurants and viola!, you’re a member for a day!

Full disclosure, I’m a Lifetime Union Member. As a student of UW and now a parent of “hopefully” future Badger fans, we have frequented the Memorial Union Terrace often. The music is eclectic, the food is quintessential Wisconsin. They also play movies on the Terrace at various times during the warmer months and you can’t leave without trying UW-Madison’s own, Babcock Ice Cream. I promise, this is a location that is supremely unique and one you’re whole family will enjoy.

Vilas Park & Henry Villas Zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo is located in Vilas Park. You could easily spend a day enjoying the park, and the zoo, all for free. The park offers a beach for swimming, playgrounds for kiddos, multiple sites for fishing and, of course, the zoo. When we were in Vilas Park, there was also a Snow Cone Truck which is always a huge hit.

Henry Vilas Zoo will easily supply a couple hours of entertainment. There are many exhibits, some of which are indoors. The exhibits and animals are well taken care of. The Children’s Zoo is especially fun as it boasts a carousel, train and a huge playground that looks like it was carved out of a tree. There are also exhibits where you can feed the animals. It is crazy to think this is all for free.

I feel like zoos come up frequently on itinerary recommendations for families with kids and for good reason. Zoos provide a space for kids to run around and interact with animals and exhibits for as long or short as their attention spans allow. The Henry Vilas Zoo is no different.

Where to Stay

If you stay around State Street/the Capitol, then two of these three areas will be within walking distance and you’ll never have to pull your car out of the parking lot (Vilas Park & Henry Vilas Zoo are the exception). If you do want to walk to most of the downtown attractions, I can highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites as a place to stay.

Overall Summary: Many FREE things to do in this great city

To recap, if you’re taking your family to Madison, WI, here are the free things to do during your stay:

Capitol Square

• Capitol Building (Free tours and Observation Deck)

• On Saturday’s: Dane County Farmer’s Market

• Children’s Museum (Free for babies and for all on Thursdays from 4-8pm)

Memorial Union Terrace

• Live Music

• Lake Views/Dip your Toes

• Movies

• Food & Drinks (Though not Free)

Vilas Park & Henry Vilas Zoo

• Henry Vilas Zoo

• Swimming Beach

• Fishing

• Playgrounds

*And… what is an isthmus?: A narrow strip of land with water on both sides, forming a link between two larger areas of land.

I promise this isthmus, as well as many other unique things about this city, will create memories you will never forget. I hope you love this city as much as we do!