3 Best Places To See in Madison, WI

An absolutely beautiful garden that was a pleasure to explore and walk through, there are plenty of paths to go down and helpful staff members/volunteers. Somedays you can enter the paid area for free before noon which a wonderful staff member informed us of. The entire experience is almost entirely free and there are plenty of great views, interesting flowers and things to learn along the way. The gift shop is adorable, the jewelry is beautiful, magnets are interesting and the plushies are great! The gift shop worker was especially sweet.

My husband took me to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for a date, and it was honestly such a vibe. Super chill, beautiful paths everywhere, and the conservatory with all the tropical plants was really cool. We even stumbled on this awesome Thai Pavilion — felt like we were on a mini vacation. It’s crazy that a place this pretty is right in the middle of the city. We just wandered around, talked about everything and nothing, and completely forgot about the world for a bit. 10/10 date spot if you’re into relaxed and beautiful places.

The outdoor garden is large and has multiple gardens for you to explore. There is a tram that brings you around the garden too but the tram is quite small and I think only one or two trams are available. Definitely recommend leaving it for people with accessibility needs if you can walk. Several themed gardens with a lot of plants and flowers. Everything is labelled too. We spent about a full hour here. And its free of charge.

The Madison Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination for families, offering an engaging and interactive space where kids can explore, play, and learn. Located in downtown Madison, this museum is thoughtfully designed with hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and curiosity. One of the standout features is the Rooftop Ramble, an outdoor area where children can interact with live animals, explore a greenhouse, and enjoy breathtaking city views. Inside, the Wildernest is a perfect play area for toddlers, while Possible-opolis offers inventive challenges that inspire older children. The museum frequently updates its exhibits and hosts special events, making every visit unique. The space is vibrant, clean, and safe, with plenty of opportunities for kids to climb, build, and explore. The staff is friendly, engaging, and always eager to help children get the most out of their experience. While the museum is ideal for younger children, older kids can still enjoy the more interactive exhibits. With its perfect blend of education and entertainment, the Madison Children’s Museum is an excellent choice for families looking for an enriching, hands-on experience. It’s a place where kids can let their imaginations run wild while learning through play.

I came here with my nephew and ended up having more than him I think. My nephew is only nine months old so, he cannot fully enjoy a lot of things the museum has to offer. For the most part, we brought him to the water area and then to the infant area where he parallel played with another little baby; so cute! I was so excited to see that they had a cute little rat bakery, as I am a baker. It was interactive where you could turn the lights on. It was wayyyy too cute. Then, I learned there were animals upstairs which got me super excited. I was able to pet a chicken. Best. Day. Ever.

My kids love coming here! The museum isn't particularly large, but it has high quality exhibits and is meticulously maintained. Everything is very clean. There are some pretty cool play areas, including one for little kids. My kids like the log cabin in the outdoor area especially! If you are a children's museum member elsewhere you may be able to get discounted tickets.