Bristol Renaissance Faire in Bristol, WI

About a two hour drive from Madison, the Bristol Faire is a great day of renaissance fun for the whole family. Unlike a lot of renaissance faires, there's lots of trees and shade. You can go in street clothes, or dress up in costume, as you like.

Kids can enjoy a variety of rides and treats, grownups can enjoy a wide variety of shopping, and everyone can enjoy a bunch of open air performances, shows, and jousts.

Wear good shoes, the faire is BIG, and there's a lot of walking to be done. Bring an all terrain stroller for the wee ones, and sunblock for everybody.

Use a two-for-one coupon from a Bucky Book, and catch it on a kids' free day, and you can save quite a bit of money on admission. The faire is seasonal, open on weekends during the summer, so check the website for the schedule.




Bristol Renaissance Faire
12550 120th Ave
Bristol, WI
renfair.com/bristol/

(Thanks for the review Media Ninja!)

Original Wisconsin Ducks in Wisconsin Dells, WI

The "Ducks" are boats with wheels that were used to move troops during World War II. Nowadays they are used to take tourists through the woods of the Wisconsin Dells and up the Wisconsin River. Other than a few uncomfortable minutes where they try and sell you a book and postcards in the woods, the rest of the hour long ride is a nice change from waiting in line at the other attractions in Wisconsin Dells.

It is about $20 for an adult, $6 for kids, and young children are free.

Original Wisconsin Ducks
1890 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(608) 254-8751
wisconsinducktours.com

Ella's Deli in Madison, WI

Ella's Deli is one of my favorite place to eat with kids. The food is typical American restaurant fare with a nod to New York delis.

The best part of Ella's though is all the toys. Just about every table has a game in it and there are all sorts of moving eccentricities squeezed into every non-dining space. There is a carousel out front which I think is a dollar to ride when its open in the summer. Cowboys and cowgirls can still spend time in the saddle for a dime on a horse inside when the carousel is closed.

They also have a kid's night once a month where they have simple crafts out for the kids to do.

Nostalgia warning: back in our rock clubbing days we would see the bands who played Madison the night before eating breakfast there on their way out of town.

Ella's Deli
2902 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 241-5291
ellas-deli.com