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Family Fun in Wisconsin: Madison Children’s Museum

Family Fun in Wisconsin: Madison Children's Museum

Over the past weekend, I took my kiddos for an overnight trip to Madison, Wisconsin. The capital of Wisconsin is less than three hours by car from our home town. Designed for children between the ages of 0 and 12, the museum is located just off downtown Madison’s Capitol Square in the heart of the city. Admission is a reasonable $7.95 for children and adults over the age of 1 with seniors and grandparents receiving a discounted admission of $6.95. However, using our membership to the Children’s Discovery Museum, which allows us free or discounted entry into over 500 participating ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers) and ACM (Association of Children’s Museums) museums, my kiddos and I received free admission.

Madison Children's Museum Rooftop Ramble at the Madison Children's Museum 1

View of the Capitol from the Madison Children's Museum Playing in the Clubhouse at the Madison Children's Museum

When my kiddos and I first arrived at the Madison Children’s Museum, we stopped at The Roman Candle Sparkler café for a quick lunch. Prices were reasonable, especially since we got into the museum for free. After eating, we headed on up to the rooftop to explore the Rooftop Ramble exhibit. As the name implies, Rooftop Ramble is located on the roof of the museum. The exhibit gives kids a glimpse into nature through gardens, animals, and more. Both my kindergartener and toddler loved petting the baby chickens. My daughter even got to hold a couple on her lap! I loved the views from the top of the building, which included an awesome view of the capitol building.

Rooftop Ramble at the Madison Children's Museum 2 Possible-opolis at the Madison Children's Museum 1

Wayback Machine at the Madison Children's Museum Gertrude the Cow at the Madison Children's Museum

The second floor of the Madison Children’s Museum included the Art Studio and Possible-opolis. My kids played with some modeling clay for a minute but were not really interested in doing any arts or crafts that day. Instead, my daughter loved scrambling around the two-story Hodge Podge Mahal climber. At first she was a bit afraid, but she quickly overcame her uneasiness and was soon climbing all around the climber, which was recommended for advanced climbers over the age of 4. While his big sister climbed, my son played with the pulleys and a harness that moved Gertrude the Cow, a cow and moon sculpture hanging from the ceiling. My daughter also enjoyed the giant Gerbil Wheel. Boths kids had fun pushing buttons and turning dials on the Wayback Machine.

Hodge Podge Mahal Climber at the Madison Children's Museum Car of the Hodge Podge Mahal Climber at the Madison Children's Museum

Art Studio at the Madison Children's Museum Possible-opolis at the Madison Children's Museum 2

After exploring the upper levels of the museum, my kiddos and I head downstairs to the Wildernest, a special exhibit for kids age 5 and under. Wildernest is a global village alive with light, texture, color, and boundless opportunity. My kids loved running across the Bone Bridge, playing in the activity huts, and splashing around in the water dome. The dripping water room was definitely my son’s favorite activity. He had a lot of fun moving cups of water around. In fact, he played at the water table longer than his big sister! We finally stopped at the Brand Log Cabin outside the museum to explore an authentic 1838 log cabin before heading out for the evening.

Gerbil Wheel at the Madison Children's Museum Wildernest at the Madison Children's Museum 1

Water Dome at the Madison Children's Museum Wildernest at the Madison Children's Museum 2

If you ever find yourself in the Madison area of Wisconsin with young children, definitely stop by the Madison Children’s Museum. Both street and garage parking are available for reasonable prices, and the café near the entrance of the museum makes playing for hours easier. My toddler and kindergartener had an absolutely blast running around the interactive exhibits for almost four hours!

For more information, visit the Madison Children’s Museum website.

Image Credits

Family Fun in Wisconsin: Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Rooftop Ramble at the Madison Children’s Museum 1 © 2017 Heather Johnson
View of the Capitol from the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Playing in the Clubhouse at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Rooftop Ramble at the Madison Children’s Museum 2 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Possible-opolis at the Madison Children’s Museum 1 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Wayback Machine at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Gertrude the Cow at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Hodge Podge Mahal Climber at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Car of the Hodge Podge Mahal Climber at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Art Studio at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Possible-opolis at the Madison Children’s Museum 2 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Gerbil Wheel at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Wildernest at the Madison Children’s Museum 1 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Water Dome at the Madison Children’s Museum © 2017 Heather Johnson
Wildernest at the Madison Children’s Museum 2 © 2017 Heather Johnson

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