‘Tis the season for vacations, family gatherings, and finding ways to stay occupied without endless screen time or breaking the bank.
Thankfully, local dad and editor of Macaroni KID Madison Aaron Seligman has some suggestions for how to keep every member of your family entertained this winter.
Get Outside
From the snow and ice to cold temperatures, it’s easy to complain about winter weather. But as the adage goes, there’s always a silver lining to be found. Get outside this season and enjoy all that winter has to offer.
For sledding, check out Elver Park on the west side. It’s Madison’s largest community park and has a warming house. For the east siders out there, head to Olbrich Park and end the day with a big mug of hot chocolate and a slice of Ian’s pizza from Garver Feed Mill.
For ice skating, Seligman recommends the Tenney Park outdoor lagoon. This natural ice skating rink is a local favorite for a reason, it's great for skaters of all ages and abilities with equipment available to rent.
Or Stay In
If it’s one of those days where it’s simply too cold to go outside, Seligman recommends indoor adventures like trampoline parks, bouldering gyms, and the library.
Keep Calm Sensory Zone recently opened on the North side as an inclusive and therapeutic environment for families. This indoor playground has a gym, a calming room filled with plush toys and ambient lights, a toddler zone, and even a Zen Zone for parents. Seligman also noted the Java Cat Coffee on the East side and Chocolate Shoppe in Fitchburg as family-friendly destinations.
Have a Day (or Night) on the Town
There is no shortage of local theaters, concert venues, and sports teams hosting events this winter.
The Overture Center runs a Kids in the Rotunda series, designed to entertain families of all ages. And while you’re downtown, stop by the capitol building and say hi to Mr. Frank, the 32-foot tall Balsam fir that’s adorned with lights and handmade ornaments from kids across Wisconsin.
