Local Links for Moms & Kids

 

For more links, support a MTM-member business the Madison Area Parent's Guide, a directory of kid-related resources. Download the latest issue today!

 

Links are for informational use only. Call to verify fees, hours and other information. No endorsement by Madtown Moms is implied.

 


 

Playgrounds

 

A playground is a great place to get out of the house and let kids burn off some energy. You probably have a neighborhood favorite. For something new, try a new playground. Madison alone has more than 100 to choose from!

Madison Parks

Middleton Parks

 

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Amusements & Mini Golf

 

Little A-Merrick-A

Amusement park. Mini golf, go-carts, scenic train ride, concessions & more. Rides for kids of all ages - even little ones! Open daily thru August 31st, noon-6:00 pm. Open weekends in September and October. Ride the Pumpkin Train in October.

700 E. Main, Marshall

(608) 655-3181

 

Bucky Badger Golfland

Mini golf course.

4645 Highway 138, Oregon

(608) 835-9592

 

George Vitense Golf

New 18-hole indoor mini golf course, plus two 18-hole outdoor mini golf courses, baseball & softball batting cages, trampoline & more.

5501 West Beltline Highway, Madison

(608) 271-1411

 

Bogey’s Family Fun Park

Go-karts, mini golf, batting cages and game room.

3110 Laura Lane, Middleton

(608) 831-5559

 

Bowling Green Recreation Center

Bowling, outdoor batting cages, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, game room, bar & grill and banquet room.

7625 Lisa Lane, Middleton

(608) 831-2030

 

Middleton Sport Bowl

Bumper bowling for kids!

6815 University Avenue, Middleton

608-831-5238

 

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Bike Trails

Lake Monona Path

12-mile loop around Lake Monona

UW Arboretum

Starting at Henry Vilas Zoo, route goes through the Arboretum and loops around Lake Wingra, winding through Vilas Park and the Nakoma Neighborhood.

UW Madison Campus

Path runs from Memorial Union to Picnic Point

Glacial Drumlin Trail

Begins east of Madison in Cottage Grove, passes through the towns of Deerfield, Lake Mills and Wales and finishes 37 miles east in Waukesha

Military Ridge State Park

this 39.7 mile trail is 8 feet wide with a packed limestone surface. Take Seminole Highway west out of Madison to pick up the trail near the intersection of County Highway PB and US Highway 151 in Fitchburg

 

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Indoor Play Areas & Gyms

 

Badger Gymnastics Academy

Safe, fun, and positive learning environment where children of all ages and abilities can participate in gymnastics. Preschool open gym Fall, Winter & Spring Friday 10 am – Noon. Children ages 1-5 $5 for members, $6 for non-members.

6901 Schroeder Road, Madison

608-271-1885

 

Breakaway Sports Center

Sports classes and camps for all ages. Youth open play starting in September.

5964 Executive Drive, Madison

608-288-9600

 

Gymfinity

Modern, safe and fun place to do gymnastics, tumbling and cheer. Open gym Tuesday and Friday 11 am – Noon. Children up to age 6 $5 for members, $7 for non-members.

6300 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg

608-848-FLIP (3547)

 

Little Gym

Gymnastics, sports skills and karate

1920 Cayuga Street, Middleton

608-836-3028

 

Keva Sports Center

Indoor sports for children and adults--basketball, soccer, volleyball, rock climbing, gymnastics, ultimate frisbee and more. Open gym September 6th-May 31st Monday and Thursday 9:30 am – 1 pm. Children under 18 month free. Age 18-24 months $2. Age 2+ $4. Two children $6. Family $8.

8312 Forsythia Street, Middleton

(608) 662-7529

 

Madtown Twisters

Gym welcomes children with bright colors and the ultimate in gymnastics and other equipment. Open gym Monday-Friday Noon – 2 pm. Children under age 3 $4. Ages 3-6 $7.

Two locations

West

7035 Old Sauk Road, Madison

608-829-2922

 

East

808 Walsh Road, Madison

608-245-9565

 

Madison Turners

Gymnastics and volleyball.

3001 South Stoughton Road, Madison

608-222-4922

 

Pump It Up Inflatable Party Zone

Giant inflatable structures for parties and play. Pop-In Playtime for ages 2 and older.

2911 Marketplace Drive, Fitchburg

608-442-6386

 

Lussier Family YMCA

My Y Gym Class. Walkers. Wednesdays 10 - 11:00 am, drop-in class with parent. Small fee includes climbing structures, free play, parachute fun and games. Child care groups welcome.

Two locations:

West

5515 Medical Circle, Madison

(608) 276-6606

 

East

711 Cottage Grove Road, Madison

(608) 221-1571

 

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Pools and Swim Clubs

 

Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Swimming Pool

Outdoor. Open daily during the summer, the pool features 2 waterslides, 8 lane 25-meter lap area with diving boards, and a number of shallow water play features for pre-school aged children. Daily fees $2.25-$4.

325 Olin Avenue, Madison

608-264-9292.

 

Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center

Outdoor. Features zero depth entrance to pool, waterslide, drop slide, diving boards, fountains, rainmakers playground with wet sand area, sand volleyball courts, concession stand & more! Daily fees $3-$5.

Intersection of Bird Street & Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie

608-837-7433.

 

Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center

Outdoor. Zero depth pool, competitive pool, diving well, waterslides, sand volleyball, sand play area & concession stand. Daily fees $2-$4.75. 2400

Park Lawn Place, Middleton

608-836-3450

Hawks Landing Pool & Tennis Club

Outdoor. Membership required. Competition/leisure pool with 8 lanes and diving well, water slide with plunge pool, zero-depth entry area with features for young children.

88 Hawks Landing Circle, Verona

608-848-4295

 

High Point Swim Club

Outdoor. Annual membership required.

901 North High Point Road, Madison

608-831-8486

 

Kittelson Swim School

Indoor. Classes starting as young as age 6 months. Click for open swim dates and times. Plus Friday Family Fun Nights in summer.

5200 Anton Drive, Fitchburg

608-441-KITT

 

Lussier Family YMCA

Indoor. Swim classes starting as young as 6 months.

Two locations:

West

5515 Medical Circle, Madison

(608) 276-6606

 

East

711 Cottage Grove Road, Madison

(608) 221-1571

 

Monona Swim & Dive Club

Outdoor. Annual membership required. The Monona Community Pool is 25 meters by 8 lanes. The pool has an attached diving well with two boards, a water slide, and a separate "kiddie pool."

1011 Nichols Road, Monona

608-222-4167

 

Oregon Pool

Indoor. The Oregon Pool is owned and operated by the Oregon School District. The Oregon pool is a 25 meter, six-lane pool with a 12' deep diving well. The Oregon Pool also has a hot tub that is kept at 100-104 degrees. Classes available in swimming, log rolling, water aerobics and Lifeguarding.

249 Brook Street, Oregon

608-835-8617

 

Parkcrest Swim & Tennis Club

Outdoor. Membership required. The main pool is multifunctional. One end is 3'6" with a very gradual slope to the deep end at 5'6". The pool is 25 meters with six lanes and diving well. A secure baby pool is near the shallow end of the main pool. Basketball, volleyball and tennis also available.

1 N Yellowstone Drive, Madison

(608) 233-3573

 

Princeton Club

Indoor. Premier health club offering fitness equipment & training. Open 24 hours. Free childcare for members. Family swim Saturday 10 am – Noon, Sunday 1 – 3 pm.

Two locations:

West

8080 Watts Road, Madison

608-833-2639

 

East

1726 Eagan Road, Madison

608-241-2639

 

Ridgewood Pool

Outdoor. Annual membership required. Lessons for children ages 3+. “Moms and Tots” class also available.

5109 Barton Road, Madison

608-441-0240

 

Seminole Pool & Tennis Association

Outdoor. Summer membership required. Facilities include a six lane racing pool with two diving boards and an adjacent shallow area, as well as separately fenced, zero-depth wading pool for small children, and three full size tennis courts.

5948 Schumann Drive, Fitchburg

608-273-6030

 

SwimWest

Indoor. Daily pass or membership required. Year-Round Lessons for infants to adults.

Two locations

West

1001 Deming Way, Madison

608-831-6829

 

Near West

6220 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg

608-276-7946

 

Westside Swim Club

Outdoor. Annual or seasonal membership required.

5533 Odana Road, Madison

608-273-1955

 

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State Parks & Outdoor Areas

 

Aldo Leopold Nature Center

ALNC connects students of all ages with nature by offering positive and constructive learning opportunities.

300 Femrite Drive, Monona

608-221-0404

 

Allen Centennial Gardens

2.5 acre outdoor classroom provides many opportunities for students while offering visitors a peaceful respite amid a multitude of horticultural delights.

620 Babcock Drive, Madison

608-262-8406

 

Blue Mound State Park

The highest point in southern Wisconsin, the park offers spectacular views along with unique geological features. Plus swimming pool.

4350 Mounds Park Rd , Blue Mounds

608-437-5711

 

Capital Springs Centennial State Recreation Area

Encompassing Dane County's Lake Farm Park and newly acquired state land into a cooperatively operated and managed park. It includes familiar wildlife and recreation areas like the Monona Conservancy Wetlands, MMSD Wildlife Observation Area, Nine Springs E-way, Nevin Fish Hatchery, Jenni and Kyle Preserve, and Lussier Family Heritage Center.

3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison

(608) 224-3606

 

Governor Nelson State Park

Boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming at the 500-foot sand beach. Restored prairie and savanna, effigy mounds, boat launch, swimming area, pet swimming area, hiking and ski trails. No camping.

5140 County Hwy. M, Waunakee

(608) 831-3005

 

Lake Kegonsa State Park

Swimming beach and pet swim, sand volleyball, two playgrounds, water-skiing, sailing, and motor boating.

2405 Door Creek Road
Stoughton

(608) 873-9695

 

McKee Farms Park

59 acre park that is home to tennis courts, soccer fields, softball diamonds, sand volleyball, Kids Crossing playground, 1 basketball court. Outdoor concert series in summer.

2930 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Explore the mystery and beauty of nature in 16 acres of outdoor display gardens including Olbrich's award-winning Rose Garden and Thai Pavilion and Garden. Outdoor gardens are open daily and free to the public. Enjoy a tropical paradise year-round in Olbrich's Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, fragrant orchids and free-flying birds.

3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison

(608)246-4550

 

UW Madison Arboretum

Pack a picnic lunch and go for a hike! Miles of hiking and biking trails through over 1,200 acres of restored prairies. Located near the Henry Vilas Zoo.

(608) 263-7888.

 

Madison Beaches

 

Lake Mendota

·         Marshall Beach

·         Spring Harbor Beach

·         James Madison Beach

·         Tenney Park Beach

·         Warner Park Beach

 

Lake Wingra

·         Vilas Beach

 

Lake Monona

·         Esther Beach

·         Olin Beach

·         Brittingham Beach

·         BB Clarke Beach

·         Olbrich Beach

 

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Zoo & Farms

 

Eugsters Petting Farm

Friendly and adorable animals of all types can be touched or fed. Open daily mid-June until Halloween. Season passes are available.

3865 Highway 138, Stoughton

(608) 873-3822.

 

Henry Vilas Zoo

Children's zoo and petting area, Herpitrarium & Discovery Center, several playgrounds & beach. Children's zoo opens Memorial Day. Open daily 9:30 am - 5 pm. Free admission.

702 South Randall Avenue, Madison

(608) 266-4733

 

York Farm Stables

Ride horses alone or in a group. No reservations required. Open 9 am - 5 pm every day weather permitting.

Poynette.

(608) 635-9916.

 

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Other Fun Places

 

Babcock Hall Dairy Plant & Store

Visitors are welcome to watch how the university's famous ice cream is made. Monday-Friday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday 10 am – 1:30 pm.

1605 Linden Drive, Madison.

608-262-3045

 

Capitol Ice Arena

Open skating 11 am – 1 pm Tuesday and Wednesday.

2616 Pleasant View Road, Middleton

608-821-1230

 

Little Norway

1856 pioneer homestead.

3576 Hwy JG North, Blue Mounds

(608) 437-3038

 

Madison Children’s Museum

Hands-on exhibits and programs are designed to inspire lifelong learning through play, celebrating children’s imaginations.

100 State Street, Madison

608-256-6445

 

Mid Continent Railway Museum

Train rides daily from May 22 - August 29.

E8948 Diamond Hill Road, North Freedom.

(608) 522-4261

 

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All photos, excluding those by Madtown Moms members, courtesy Stock.XCHNG.

Website design by Kris Hammargren, 2007.