Is there anything better than a summer day in Madison?
A few weeks ago, I spent a day there with my daughters (ages 9 and 11), and I’m not sure there is. Even after living in Madison for six years as a college student – and visiting many times since – I still found new things to explore.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with fresh eyes, Madison makes a quick and easy day trip from Milwaukee. Here’s how we spent our day, plus a few tips if you want to plan your own adventure.
Start at the Dane County Farmers’ Market
We began our day at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, a phantasmagoria of fresh produce, colorful bouquets, handmade soaps, local honey, and so much more.
This iconic Saturday morning experience circles the Wisconsin State Capitol in one big counterclockwise loop. It’s the largest producers-only farmers’ market in the country, which means everything is grown or made by the person selling it. You’ll find:
- Fresh, local produce
- Colorful flower bouquets
- Handmade soaps and lotions
- Wisconsin cheeses and meats
- Local honey, jams, and baked goods
Don’t Miss:
The famous hot & spicy cheese bread from Stella’s Bakery. It’s a must. Bring a little cash and don’t be surprised if there’s a line – it moves quickly.
Explore the Wisconsin State Capitol
The Farmers’ Market wraps around the Capitol Building, and we couldn’t resist heading inside.
The Capitol is open to the public and totally free. It’s the largest in the country by square footage, and full of hidden surprises. Here’s what we did:
- Climbed grand staircases
- Snapped photos outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court
- Looked at historic artifacts and photos
- Talked about how government works
- Rode the elevator to the 6th floor Observation Deck for a 360° view of Madison’s isthmus
You’ll see Lakes Mendota and Monona from above – it’s a beautiful way to show kids how unique Madison’s geography really is.
Pack a Blanket and Picnic on the Capitol Lawn
With fresh goodies from the market, we laid out a blanket and had an impromptu picnic on the Capitol lawn. Live music played in the background. People lounged in the grass. Kids played nearby. It was one of those simple, perfect summer moments.
Wander Campus & Visit the Union Terrace
After lunch, we walked down State Street and made our way through the UW-Madison campus. We:
- Ran up and down Bascom Hill (a rite of passage)
- Walked along the Lakeshore Path
- Ended at the Memorial Union Terrace, right on Lake Mendota
There happened to be a jazz festival going on, but even without live music, the Terrace is a magical place to relax with kids. You can grab lunch and watch the sailboats drift by.
Want to Extend Your Trip?
If you have more time, here are a few family-friendly stops to consider:
- Henry Vilas Zoo – A free zoo with a nice playground and indoor exhibits
- Madison Children’s Museum – Hands-on exhibits and a rooftop garden with chickens
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens – Free outdoor gardens, plus a beautiful Thai Pavilion
Pro Tips for a Smooth Day
- Pit Stop: If you’re driving from Milwaukee to Madison, make a quick stop at the Concord Zoo – It’s a small, free zoo with goats, emus, and llamas.
- Arrive early for the best parking—there’s metered street parking and public ramps nearby
- Bring a cooler if you plan to buy cheese, meat, or produce at the market
- Pack a picnic blanket for lounging on the Capitol grounds
- Go inside the Capitol—and don’t miss the Observation Deck at the top
- Be ready for big conversations—depending on the day, you may encounter political demonstrations (and yes, sometimes nudity—this is Madison after all)
Madison truly offers something for everyone just 90 minutes from Milwaukee – beautiful nature, educational moments, delicious food, and plenty of room to explore.
🧭 Keep Exploring
Looking for more fun day trips and quirky adventures around Wisconsin? Check out these helpful guides:
Best Day Trips from Milwaukee
Our roundup of the top destinations within 1-2 hours of the city—zoos, beaches, parks, and more.
Wacky Wisconsin Day Trips for Families
Unusual, off-the-beaten-path ideas for curious kids and adventurous parents.
How to Do a Wisconsin Badger Game with Kids
A complete guide to bringing your kids to a Badger game in Madison – what to expect, where to park, and how to make it fun for the whole family.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
