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things to do outside

tike hikes | nature | parks | swimming <coming in summer!> | farms <coming in summer!>|

Don't forget to visit the Day Trips page for more outdoor fun!

tike hikes

Beginning in the spring, about once a month we meet at 'short and easy' trails in the Dane County area for nature walks with children ages 2 and up (younger welcome in a carrier/pack). Older kids welcome. If you are interested, please write to Denise - info@momsinmadison.com

nature

Olbrich's Gardens- The outdoor gardens at Olbrich is one of my toddlers favorite places to go. Open to the public and free, the gardens have paths and walkways, wild areas, manicured rose gardens, bridges and wildlife, waterfalls and fountains and butterflies to follow. There is also a park at the end of the parking lot with swings and slides.

UW Arboretum - Family Programs ... On the second Saturday of every month, we offer a two-hour, kid-friendly program that uses nature hikes, stories, crafts and activities to explore animals, plants and natural phenomena. On the second Sunday of every month, we offer a one-hour family walk with topics that are especially appealing to youngsters. Earth Focus Day Camp for children 3 to 11 takes place at the Arboretum each summer from mid-June to mid-August. We are now in our 15th year.

Henry Vilas Zoo -Henry Vilas Zoo is surrounded by a park. The city park includes lush open green spaces for active play, as well as two playgrounds for children to explore. We are free, so come visit us as often as you'd like, whenever you'd like! The Zoo concession stands sell great food at very reasonable prices, including: hot dogs, bratwursts, barbecues, ice cream, beverages and many other treats. Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are for rent at the upper concession stand. There are no stairs on the Zoo grounds, just rolling pathway. Your free Zoo is wheelchair accessible and trouble-free! Limited lot parking, some parking available on side streets (watch the signs for no-parking areas on certain days).

Welcome to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center! - The Aldo Leopold Nature Center specializes in connecting children, their families and teachers to the outdoors. ALNC offers classes, camps, public events, field trips and even birthday parties! 300 Femrite Drive, Monona, Wisconsin 53716
(608) 221-0404

NatureNet -Nature Net is a consortium of not-for-profit nature centers, parks and museums dedicated to encouraging and fostering in Wisconsin school children a love and understanding of the natural world. Sustaining environmental education through family programs, class field trips and hands-on learning experiences, Nature Net offers free and low-cost outdoor resources — online at www.naturenet.com or on-site at locations throughout the Dane County area. Order a free “Environmental Adventures Family Guide” for limitless ideas for nature exploration.

favorite parks for the little ones

Search Dane County Parks here.

Search City Parks here.

The Dream Park @ McKee Farms Park - Great dream park with a big kids area and the tot lot with special toddler & preschool sized equipment. No shade, so wear the sunscreen and go early!

The Dream Park in Monona - A more shady dream p ark - nice play area. Older park, so mulch is not too fresh and some equipment is worn out, and sand hasn't been replaced for the digging areas in a long time - but this is the only dream park with shade and it is nice on those hot days!

The new Deerfield Dreampark - This is the nicest dream park in the area and it is well worth the drive to visit. Enclosed all the way around (but for the entrance) so it is easier to keep the kids from 'escaping', gorgeous large tot play area which includes slides, playhouses, digging area (with digger), bells, swings, tunnels, and bridges. Bigger kids area includes climbing wall, jungle gym areas, several big slides, balance beams, tire swings and more. VERY new and VERY nice (just no shade). Restroom facilities with water fountain and clean changing table. How to get there: From Hwy 12/18 east, go north on Hwy 73. Turn left on Washburn Rd. and go left on Autumn Wood Pkwy.