About a year and a half ago, my family and I packed up our bags, left our beautiful ranch home in Madison, WI, and moved to a tiny apartment in the Washington Heights area of New York City.

Of course, I was thrilled to be back in New York City, I love it so much, but I am equally thrilled to have an excuse (family) to bring me back to Madison, WI, often more than once a year.

And that is because, even a city girl like myself can really appreciate a city like Madison.  Surrounded by lakes and beautiful greenery, it is no doubt that when you visit, especially if you visit in the warmer months, you are going to fall in love. But most of all, it is incredibly kid-friendly and there are quite a few family friendly activities as well.

One of my favorite is the Dane County’s Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at the Capitol Square. It is larger than any of the ones I have visited in New York City, and the nicest. Grab a juice or cup of coffee and slowly make your way around the Capitol, past colorful and fresh produce, cheese, flowers, and even meats being sold by over 300 hundred vendors.

Dane County

The Capitol Square

After the Farmer’s Market, and if the kids are up for it, go inside the Capitol Building.  It has a majestic feel to it, I love the rotunda, and you can go up and admire the city from the upper level!

The Capitol State Building

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is open daily and has free access to the 16-acre outdoor gardens.  The displays are amazing and kids, no matter what age, love it.  They also have an enclosed tropical house which where a small admittance fee applies.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center was built in 1988 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It overlooks the Monona Lake and has a beautiful Cafe on the terrace, as well as offers tours for only $3.00 for adults.

View from Monona Terrace

Madison’s Children’s Museum is currently moving to a more modern and bigger space.  Normally I wouldn’t recommend this museum, and until it moves completely to its new space I would advise skipping it as its old digs are kind of small and out dated.  But I am excited to see the new location and what lies ahead for what has the potential to be an amazing space for kids and families.

Henry Vilas Zoo has free admission and is a small place to bring the little ones on a lazy afternoon.  Parking is a bit of a challenge on weekends, but its a wonderful space.  There is a large park right next door with a small playground for kids and a picnic area if you want to make a day of it.

Henry Vilas Zoo

There is so much more that Madison has to offer, but this is a small list of my favorite spots if you are ever visiting.

All photos courtesy of Carol Cain, NY City Mama.