Splash Park at Lakeview Community Park in Middleton, WI

Today, the girls and I tried out the new splash park located in Lakeview Community Park in Middleton. We had such a good time! There's plenty of room to run around in the sprinklers and get wet. There's also enough open space between sprinklers, so if you want to stay dry, you can. Plenty of benches to sit and take a break and have a snack. The splash park is free, which is especially nice. Lakeview Park itself is a wonderful park. It has a great shady playground area, a pond and paths to walk. Fantastic place! Wish we had discovered it earlier in the summer.

Splash Park @ Lakeview Community Park
6300 Mendota Ave
Middleton, WI 53562

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) in Madison, WI

MSCR offers a wide variety of programs for kids as well as adults. We have taken a few classes including Pre-Ballet, Parent/Child Art and currently, our three year old is enrolled in a swimming class called Shrimp Dip. It is a parent/child class, which means a parent or other adult needs to go in the water with her and participate. Basically, you are your child's teacher. She is loving it and will even let me pull her hair back for class, which is a MAJOR accomplishment!! The classes are reasonably priced (I think swimming was about $30 for 8 weeks). A new MSCR guide comes out every season. I think I may enroll myself in an exercise class. It's something you should check out. They have something for everyone.

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR)
3802 Regent St
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-3000
mscr.org

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is one of my family's favorite places to go, all year round. Last week we went to see their spring flower show entitled "Springtime Skyline: An Urban Oasis". A rooftop garden is all set up with beautiful flowers, including daffodils, tulips, violas and hydrangea. It was wonderful to step out of winter and into spring, if just for a little while. The show is free but a $2 donation is suggested. Here's a link to the spring flower show, if you would like to read more about it:

http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/Olbrich/special%20events/Spring%20Show/spring_show.htm

We also wandered through the Bolz Conservatory, which is like stepping into a tropical rainforest. It is so warm and balmy, it helps you beat your winter blues. There's a waterfall, which falls into a goldfish and Koi pond and stream, which always captivates my girls. Sophie loves running around in the rain forest. The Conservatory is $1 per person, kids 5 and under are free. It is also free to Garden members.
In the spring, summer and fall we like to stroll (or run, as Sophie does!) through the beautiful outdoor gardens. It's a great place to wander through and enjoy the flowers and plant life. A fabulous place to be outdoors.

Olbrich Gardens does have a special events. Our favorite is Blooming Butterflies. It starts in the the lobby, where they have butterfly displays set up to enjoy, then the conservatory where they house live butterflies!! It's an amazing sight! Then out to the gardens to collect stamps to fill your Butterfly Passport. Find butterflies in their native habitat throughout the gardens, and earn a custard cone from Michael's Frozen Custard! Who can beat that!!
Make sure you check out the Olbrich Gardens website, which is listed below. A great family outing.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-4550
ci.madison.wi.us/Olbrich/

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Build-A-Bear Workshop in Madison, WI

My girls and I recently attended a birthday party for a friend of the girls' at Build-A-Bear Workshop at West Towne Mall. It was tons of fun. The girls each got to pick whatever animal they wanted, a sound to put inside the animal, and an accessory for their new friend. They helped put the stuffing in and then chose a heart to put inside their animal before it was "stitched" up. They have all kinds of cute outfits to go with the animals, of course, that you can purchase extra. We got a pink Sleeping Beauty dress, as we are going through the princess stage right now. Then, a name was picked, a birth certificate was printed and they were sent home in their own special "house". A very cute idea for a party. I would consider hosting one there.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
50 W Towne Mall
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 833-0200
buildabear.com

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton, WI

Pheasant Branch is a sprawling conservancy in the city of Middleton. The north end of the conservancy is a large, roughly square park. The southern portion is a narrow stretch of woods snaking through Middleton. It's got a good gravel path for walking or biking, and has great shade in the summer. Skiing is available in the winter.

Parisi Park sits just south of the intersection of the conservancy and Park Street, and there's another small park at the very northern end of the conservancy. The nearby Middleton Aquatic Center (waterslides!) and tennis courts make this a good day trip for a family looking for a variety of activities.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy
4864 Pheasant Branch Rd
Middleton, WI 53562
pheasantbranch.org

(Thanks for the review Honkus!)

Vitense Golfland in Madison, WI

This place has two outdoor mini-golf courses, a rockwall and batting cages outside. Inside, there is another mini-golf course and a few chuck-ee-cheese type games (skee ball, etc).

The courses are all pretty fun, and going inside here to play games in the winter doesn't have that same overwhelming feeling that chuk-ee-cheese gives me.

There's a snack bar too.

(they also have a par 3 golf course and a driving range for adults)

Vitense Golfland
5501 W Beltline Hwy
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 271-1400
vitense.com

(Thanks for the review Anne!)

East Towne Mall in Madison, WI

Most malls have places to take kids or find things for your kids. East Towne Mall has a couple: Cyber Station, a video arcade, and Pawsenclaws, a make your own bear store that also hosts birthday parties. East Towne also has Gymboree and Children's Place to get clothes and nice Barnes and Noble (with coffee shop of course) where kid's can look at books.

One of the cool, free things that kids can do at East Towne Mall is play several mini-games projected on a 4'x6' floor. The projector detects where the kids are moving and then the game reacts. The games aren't very long or complex. There is hockey, soccer, a mouse maze, and a soon to be classic stomp the ninja monkey game. Some of the games are creative too. One game consists of kicking paint blobs around. We spent the good part of an hour watching the girls play.

Parents shouldn't underestimate the indoor mall as a place to shake off cabin fever during the short days of winter. It's free, and you can push the stroller around with a good cup of coffee without trying to wrap a ski glove around your latte.

East Towne Mall
89 E Towne Mall
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 244-1387
shopeasttowne-mall.com

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

Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, WI

The Betty Brinn Children's Museum is a wonderful museum at the end of Wisconsin Avenue overlooking the Milwaukee Art Museum and Lake Michigan. The space is big enough that there is room for the kids to play and climb and not have to wait in a line. The toddler area is enclosed and separate from the rest of the exhibits for the older kids so you don't have to worry about the toddlers accidentally getting knocked over.

There is parking underneath the museum so no need to go out into the elements between the car and the museum entrance which is nice in the winter.

Although we've never had a birthday party there, they do have party packages.

Betty Brinn Children's Museum
929 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 390-5437
bbcmkids.org

Madison Public Library: Lakeview Branch in Madison, WI

Lakeview library is our neighborhood library branch. Located in a mini mall, you would never guess that it was so wonderful inside. It has a nice children's area, with a play/reading space and a fish tank to keep the kiddos occupied while you're looking for books. The magazine room, which is in the back of the library. is spacious, warm and cozy, with many large windows and a fireplace. This is where many of the library's activities take place, including the preschool story time, which is a big hit with my three year old. I love the fact that you can browse the Madison Public Library's website for items, request them and when available they will be shipped to whatever library branch you choose. Very convenient when you have kids.

Madison Public Library: Lakeview Branch
2845 N Sherman Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-4547
madisonpubliclibrary.org

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI

The Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Madison. There is no entrance fee to the zoo, which is wonderful. It is also the perfect size to take children, small enough that you can make it through in an hour, but with enough variety to hold their interest. There is a newly renovated Children's Zoo, which includes a goat feeding area where, for 75 cents you get a pellet filled ice cream cone to feed them. The Children's Zoo also is home to the Conservation Carousel, which for one dollar you can ride almost any animal you can imagine. There is also a large play area for the kiddos. The zoo recently acquired three new giraffes, which my three year old can not get enough of. She would go to the zoo every day, if she could!!

Henry Vilas Zoo
702 S Randall Ave
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 266-4732
vilaszoo.org

(Thanks for the review julie!)

Little America in Marshall, WI

This is an amusement park with child-friendly rides - bumper cars, merry-go-rounds, bumper boats, etc. There are also a couple of roller coasters (the wooden one is surprisingly very fun), a mini-golf course, and go-karts. You can buy a wristband good for unlimited rides and mini-golf for $20.

There is a special section for littler kids too (under 4 maybe).

We went on a Friday afternoon and there were short or no lines for the rides. Overall, a very fun day.

Little America
700 E Main St
Marshall, WI 53559
(608) 655-3181
littleamerricka.com

(Thanks for the review Anne!)

Hero's in Middleton, WI

(Update: Hero's indoor inflatable play area business is closed now. They have changed the name to Sussy's Bouncy House and rent inflatables since this was originally posted.)

Hero's offers a 'Stay & Play' open house which has indoor inflatables, a game arena, and carnival games. This is a great place to take the kids to get some entertainment and burn energy. The staff are great. They are friendly and keep the kids entertained. It's worth the drive. They also offer concessions on site. For hours and pricing, take a look at their website.

Hero's
8233 Forsythia St.
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 831-9569
herosparty.com

(Thanks for the review aforer!)

Burke Park in Madison, WI

Burke Park is a nice, shaded park with a climbing gym that has a toddler section for the little ones and a more challenging area for the older kids. It also has swings, a teeter-totter and a train sandbox. There is a covered picnic area when the kids need a snack or lunch. Wonderful park. It's worth the drive to the town of Burke.

Burke Park
5365 Reiner Road
Madison, WI

(Thanks for the review julie!)

Keva Sports Center in Middleton, WI

While this facility is geared to adult sports leagues, in the winter months they offer kids "open play" on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. It's primarily geared to very young children (7 or under) and features stations with different activities (e.g., t-ball, soccer balls, hoola hoops, bouncy castles, running space). It's a great way to let the kids run off some energy and costs just a couple of bucks per visit.

Keva Sports Center
8312 Forsythia St.
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 662-7529
kevasports.com

(Thanks for the review Triple_M!)

Windom Park in Madison, WI

About the only thing going for this park is that its near our house. The play equipment is sparse especially compared to the one on the other side of the fence at the apartment complex next door.

Windom Park
1920 Windom Way
Madison, WI 53704

Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, WI

Bay Beach Amusement Park is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My parents would take my sisters and I here every summer, and we looked forward to it every single year. There are a ton of rides for kids of all ages and there's no admission fee, plus at twenty five cents a ticket, the price just can't be beat! Most rides cost only one ticket, a few like the carousel, the bumper cars and ferris wheel are two tickets. Plus, there's a train that takes you for a little ride around the park. If you have kids, you MUST check out this fabulous place!

Bay Beach Amusement Park
1313 Bay Beach Road
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-3365
http://www.ci.green-bay.wi.us/geninfo/baybeach_web/baybeachhome.html

(Thanks for the review julie!)

Warner Park Parent/Child Playtime in Madison, WI

Parent/Child Playtime, a Madison School and Community Recreation Program,takes place at Warner Park in Madison. A great open space to take your 0-5 year old where they can run, climb, ride trikes and other riding toys and play with various age-appropriate toys. Located in Warner Park's gymnasium, Playtime is a wonderful place for kids to interact with other kids and develop social skills, while parents get a chance to chat with each other. It takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 12. A Family ID to Warner Park Community and Recreation Center is required, but this yearly pass is quite inexpensive (I think ours was $10). There is a $3 entry fee, but you are allowed to try it for free the first time you go. This place is INVALUABLE to us in the wintertime when there are few other places to let your kids run around and release all that pent up energy.

Warner Park Parent/Child Playtime
3110 N. Sherman Ave.
Madison, WI
(608) 245-3690
http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/parks/warnerpark/index.html

(Thanks for the review julie!)

Madison Children's Museum in Madison, WI

The Madison Children's Museum is a fun place to take your kids. They have many exhibits and play areas where kids can really get involved, whether it's pretend play, making music with instruments or brushing a cow. They also have many programs for toddler, preschool and school-aged children. If you live in the Madison area and have kids, I would highly recommend purchasing a yearly membership, because if you attend any of the weekly programs for kids, your admission is then free. Definitely worth it! It does get crowded because of it's popularity, so I recommend going early in the a.m.

Madison Children's Museum
100 State St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-6445
madisonchildrensmuseum.org

(Thanks for the review Julie!)

New Zoo in Green Bay, WI

Green Bay, Wisconsin has a new zoo and it's called The NEW Zoo! The NEW Zoo has many animal exhibits, including a Snow Leopard, a Red Panda, and my personal favorite, the penguins. The most incredible spot at the NEW Zoo has to be the Giraffe lookout tower where, twice a day, you can get an eye-level view of the giraffes and actually hand-feed them! It's amazing!! I have never had a cooler experience at a zoo.

New Zoo
4378 Reforestation Rd
Green Bay, WI 54313
(920) 434-7878
thenewzoo.com