Chazen Museum of Art in Madison, WI

The Chazen Museum of Art is located on the east end of the UW-Madison campus. Children and adults can go through the museum in a couple of hours and cover 2000 years of art from ancient Greece to 20th century New York. Artists in the permanent collection include Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Andy Warhol. The Chazen usually has two exhibitions in addition to the permanent collection.

The museum's size makes it a very intimate setting to view art. It is probably most age appropriate for children who can stick with the "look with your eyes, not with your hands" rule. Parents of children who are not old enough to be aware of museum etiquette should keep it in mind though for a weekend when the babysitter is available and they want to get reacquainted with culture.

Entrance to the Chazen is free. There are also free concerts in the museum on most Sunday afternoons between September and May.

Chazen Museum of Art
800 University Ave
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 263-2246
chazen.wisc.edu

The Mattel Toy Store at American Girl in Middleton, WI

Mattel just recently opened a Mattel Toy store in their American Girl headquarters in Middleton. It's a fabulous place to go for some great deals on Mattel toys, including Fisher-Price, Matchbox cars, Barbie, Hot Wheels and others. They have a lot of great specials, many 50% off. They have 50% off clearance sections, where the boxes are a little banged up or damaged, but the toy is fine. You can get some great deals!! You never know what you're going to find as their stock rotates weekly. So if you see something you want, don't wait! It will most likely be gone the next time you come back. They not only carry toys, but also Fisher-Price baby items, such as infant swings, bouncers and bathtubs at discounted prices. If you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping and have kids on your list, you NEED to check this place out! Oh, and they have some fantastic coupons on their website, too.

The Mattel Toy Store at American Girl
8400 Fairway Pl
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 836-4848
mattel.com/matteltoystore/

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Chuck E Cheese's in Madison, WI

Chuck E. Cheese only slightly resembles the Chuck E. Cheese pizza parlors from the early 80's arcade era. The singing robots are still there as well as the ticket dispensing Skee Ball machines. The video games are for younger children. They still cost only one token (each token costs 25 cents or less) to play and they all dispense tickets now. The tickets can be traded in for prizes at the counter. Another big difference from 20 years ago is that there is a large climbing structure and a smaller one for toddlers so they can burn off some calories after eating pizza. There are also rides besides the games and play structure.

We were there for a birthday party. Each guest received tokens to play, pizza, drinks, and cake. At the end of the party the kids also received a goody bag full of small toys, candy, stickers, and a coupon for 10 free tokens.

It was a great way to spend and afternoon during the middle of winter. They got to run around, play games, and win prizes. Everyone took a long nap when we got home.

Chuck E Cheese's
438 Grand Canyon Dr
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 829-2659
chuckecheese.com

Capitol Kids in Madison, WI

Capitol Kids is a fabulous store in Madison for kids. Located on the Capitol Square, it's a convenient spot for anyone to get to. They have a great toy selection for kids of all ages. A nice place to find a holiday gift for that special someone on your list. They have beautiful clothes for kids there, too. Some really cute stuff! You should stop in and check it out. Don't miss it this holiday season.

Capitol Kids
8 S Carroll St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 280-0744
capitolkids.com

(Thanks for the review Julie!)