A to Z Summer Bucket List

July 26, 2022

Don't let the Back to School sales fool you: There's still plenty of summer left! Here are our picks, from Arboretum to Zen, for Greater Madison's warm-weather must-do's before we bid summer goodbye.

1.

1. A

A is for Arboretum

UW-Madison Arboretum

Anytime is a good time to run, bike, hike or relax in this west-side oasis. But we particularly love their scheduled events: The Full Moon Hikes are our favorite! DETAILS »

2.

2. B

B is for Biking

City of Madison Parks

Madison routinely ranks among the best biking cities in the country. You can pretty much hop on a bike anywhere and enjoy well-maintained bike paths and beautiful views. But our favorite is the 13-mile track around Lake Monona. DETAILS »

3.

3. C

C is for Cave

Cave of the Mounds

Need a break from the heat? Head below ground! Not only is Cave of the Mounds is fascinating for kids and adults, but at 50 degrees year-round, it's a great way to beat the heat! DETAILS »

4.

4. D

D is for Duck Pond

Madison Mallards

You'll have to act fast if you want to catch the Madison Mallards from the Duck Pond: The season wraps up Aug. 13. But even if you miss the games, Warner Park -- where the Mallards play -- is a great place to spend an afternoon. DETAILS »

5.

5. E

E is for Escape Room

Escape This

Escape rooms are a fabulous opportunity for bonding with your older kids. Recommended for ages 10 and up, these rooms challenge you with puzzles, all with the goal of "escaping" a room. DETAILS »

6.

6. F

F is for Farmers markets

Hulafrog Madison

Vine-ripened tomatoes, corn on the cob ... harvest time is upon us, which makes this the our favorite time to buy farmers market-fresh produce. The Madison area has a farmers market operating every day! DETAILS »

7.

7. G

G is for Garage Sale-ing

Hulafrog Madison

Maybe you're looking for something specific. (School clothes for $1!) Or maybe you're just browsing. Either way, poking through other people's stuff and finding a treasure is straight-up fun. DETAILS »

8.

8. H

H is for Home

Hulafrog Madison

Sometimes you just want to stay in, and family game nights are a classic for a reason! Looking for a new game to play? Check out I'm Board in Middleton or Sun Prairie. DETAILS »

9.

9. I

Ice is for Ice .. skating

Hartmeyer Ice Arena

We were tempted to go with "ice cream" here, because that's always a good choice. But we opted for something a bit more adventurous: Strap on some skates for a summertime cool down. Hartmeyer has public skating Mon, Tues. and Wed. throughout summer. DETAILS »

10.

10. J

J is for Jump Around

Sky Zone Madison

Come September, you'll be able to Jump Around while cheering on the Badgers at Camp Randall. But this month, you can get your jumps in at Sky Zone, one of the area's trampoline parks. It truly IS fun for all ages! DETAILS »

11.

11. K

K is for Kites

Hulafrog Madison

Grab a kite. Find a grassy field. Catch a summer breeze. Easy! DETAILS »

12.

12. L

L is for Lakes

Madison Boats

Lake Mendota, Monona, Kegonsa or Wingra: Pick your favorite or pick 'em all. If you don't have your own kayak or canoe, Madison Boats rents them at three locations. DETAILS »

13.

13. M

M is for Make it

Fired Up Pottery

We love getting crafty, and there's something about painting pottery that is a touch more special. No reservation necessary at Fired Up, so you can go whenever the creativity strikes. DETAILS »

Downtown Madison (Madison's Central BID): N

14.

14. N

N is for Night Market

Downtown Madison (Madison's Central BID)

Madison's Night Market celebrates "Madison's unique and inspiring creative culture". Live music, artists, vendors and food carts. Aug. 11 & Sept. 8. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. DETAILS »

15.

15. O

O is for Organize

Hulafrog Madison

Fall is, in fact, coming! So get ready. Clear out closets. Buy school supplies. Fill out the fall calendar. Have your kids do as much of it as possible. It's child development! DETAILS »

16.

16. P

P is for Picnic

Hulafrog Madison

Make it fancy, or just throw some sandwiches, chips, fruit and drinks in a bag and call it a meal. Find a park or playground and let the kids play while you bask in the sights and sounds of summer. DETAILS »

17.

17. Q

Quintessential home town tour

Hulafrog Madison

If a faraway friend comes to visit, what's the one place you'd take them to in Madison ... Sun Prairie ... Cottage Grove? Make a list and then go yourself! If it's good enough for visitors, it's worth your time. DETAILS »

18.

18. R

R is for Read

Hulafrog Madison

Dust off those summer reading lists and spend a relaxing afternoon together, lounging with some good books. Bonus points if this takes you to a library in time for one of their amazing activities. (Hint: Find them on the Hulafrog Events calendar!) DETAILS »

19.

19. S

S is for Splash pad

Lakeview Park Splash Pad

Fun doesn't have to be hard! Or expensive. Put on some swimsuits, grab some beach toys and head out to a splash pad. Our area has lots of great ones, but the one at Middleton's Lakeview Park is a personal fave. DETAILS »

20.

20. T

T is for Two-fer

Hulafrog Madison

Make a day of it by doubling the Bucket List fun. Memorial Union Terrace & Babcock ice cream? Bike & Hike? Picnic & Pool time? The sun is early to rise and late to set: Take full advantage! DETAILS »

21.

21. U

U is for Ultimate Frisbee

City of Madison Parks

Madison parks have nine reservable fields on which to play this fun game, which is kind of like football without the concussions. A perfect activity for those evening get-togethers with other families and friends. DETAILS »

22.

22. V

V is for Vitense

Vitense Golfland

Will you play the California or Wisconsin course? Or play 18 holes inside? Rain or shine, Vitense has your mini-golf needs covered. DETAILS »

23.

23. W

W is for Wisconsin Dells

Hulafrog Madison

Somewhere, you probably have discount tickets for Noah's Ark or Mt. Olympus to use up. The season ends at Labor Day, and your kids are probably begging to go. Might as well give in and have a fun, family-filled day. DETAILS »

24.

24. X

X is for eXhilaration

Hulafrog Madison

Summer is the perfect time to test your limits, without having to fear falling on the ice. So, climb a little higher, run a little longer, sleep a little less. Do something that scares you, just a little. DETAILS »

25.

25. Y

Y is for Yes day

Hulafrog Madison

Might as well sneak one of these in before school arrives! Let your kids choose what you do for an entire day (within specified limitations!). It's equal parts "Let's get it over with!" and "Let's roll!" DETAILS »

26.

26. Z

Z is for Zen

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

If you've made it to "Z", you'll need a moment of Zen. The Thai Pavilion and garden at Olbrich is the only one of its kind in the continental United States. (Which definitely earns it a Bucket List spot, yes?) DETAILS »

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Things to do in Madison, WI for Kids: Family Happy Hour in the Wonderground, Madison Children's Museum

Save the Dates

Aug 17

Chalk Walk

1
Aug 18

Sweet Corn Festival

1
Aug 18

Pig Roast at the Farmers Market

1
Aug 18

Middle School Night At The Pool (Walter R Bauman Aquatic Center)

1
Aug 19

Family Happy Hour in the Wonderground

1

See Save the Date Newsletter »

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