This article is courtesy of Macaroni KID Madison, WI. All distances are based on driving from the Madison area.
Who says you need to fly away for a vacation? We've got plenty of beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and fun events for families — all within driving distance of Madison.
Appleton, WI — 1.5-2 hour drive from Madison
A fun downtown, easy access to nature, parks, and other Fox Valley fun
- Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
A unique play area in nature with a kid-friendly zip line, plus easy hikes and animal sightings. - Appleton Farmer's Market
Plenty of samples, performers, and fun shops along College Ave - including our favorite Legendairy frozen custard (pro tip, the sample pack of ice cream cookie sandwiches was perfect to share). - Erb Park (among others, including the firefighter-themed Lungaard Park
A big community pool, playground for all ages and plenty of paths to explore - and visit in winter for an ice rink and sledding hill
Appleton is also easy to navigate - and you're close by to other fun attractions in the Fox Valley like Oshkosh's EAA Aviation Museum and Green Bay's Bay Beach Amusement Park (city sponsored = super cheap) and Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Credit Macaroni KID Madison, WI |
Eau Claire, WI — 3 hour drive from Madison
A beautiful area with river paths, plus unique kids museums and attractions.
- Action City
A giant water park, trampoline park , huge arcade, go karts, laser tag, and mini golf - and the kids meals are. - Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Kids can take their imagination to the next level as they fix trucks, work at an animal hospital, and dig up fossils. - Carson Park
A lakeside park with plenty of open space for running around. - The Reboot Social
A restaurant with board games, bowling, and a classic arcade. - High Roller Skating Center
Roller skating is still alive and well in Eau Claire! There is a live DJ and a variety of concessions as well!
Twin Cities, MN — 4 hour drive from Madison
Cross the border for fun anytime of year - they know how to prepare for winter and have plenty to see in all seasons.
- Mall of America
- Nickelodeon Universe
Meet your favorite cartoon characters, go on thrilling rides, and check out all the shops - add on an aquarium visit if your budget/time allows - Crayola Experience
Make your own crayons, turn yourself into a coloring page, and more artistic activities
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Como Park
A free zoo and aquarium with a beautiful indoor garden and rides for younger kids. - Can Can Wonderland
An exciting mini golf course with arcade games and delicious food. - Minnehaha Falls
A short hike that leads to a stunning waterfall - plus there are tons of connected bike paths, parks and lakes around the city. - Walker Sculpture Garden - more than 60 sculptures to vistit in the heart of Minneapolis (including the iconic spoonbridge and cherry)
Milwaukee, WI — 1.5 hour drive from Madison
Wisconsin's hub for big festivals, museums, restaurants, and more along Lake Michigan.
- 3rd Street Public Market
Food, games, and other events - and wander the 3rd ward for interesting shops and catch the free trolley to explore more of downtown - Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Interactive museum for kids aged 10 and under - and has a reciprocal discount with the Madison children's museum. And nearby the Public Museum has tons of natural history exhibits and find hands-on science fun at Discovery World. Explore the River Walk - the Fiserv Forum is just one of the sites along the way. - Kayla’s Playground
A large, all accessible playground with a climbing wall - Milwaukee Zoo - isn't free like Madison's, but much bigger and has a train, farm, and plenty to see, you can also head south the Racine Zoo.
- Old World Wisconsin
Adventure through historic spaces and experience old fashioned life.
Milwaukee also has tons of festivals and family-friendly events throughout the year, the State Fair among them. Pro tip - the FREE petting zoo and play area behind the Concord General store (about 2/3 of the way from Madison to Milwaukee) is a worthwhile stop anytime!
Big Thanks to Macaroni KID Madison, WI, for sharing this article. Where else does your family like to getaway? Where else should we highlight? Connect with Macaroni KID Madison on Facebook and Instagram to share ideas and follow all the local family fun around Madison, WI.
