Madison, Wisconsin is a beautiful university town with a friendly atmosphere, and exquisite natural scenery of glacial waterways and beaches. Home to over 250 parks and green spaces, this vibrant town is perfect for a family getaway that combines culture, history and outdoor fun. Head to one of the beaches around the city, or explore the parks where you will find jungle gyms, sporting facilities and picnicking areas. Henry Vilas Zoo provides a great day out for kids, and the International Crane Foundation boasts lovely nature trails to walk, exhibits to explore and is the only place in the world where you will find all 15 species of cranes. The Madison Children’s Museum features excellent exhibits for children to imagine, play and learn, and the Overture Center for Arts offers popular children’s programs on Saturday mornings, with storytellers, jugglers and theater. If you are staying over the weekend, visit the farmers market which features live music and great food.

Where to Stay: The Edgewater has beautiful rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake.

Where to Eat: Babcock Hall Dairy Store has excellent ice cream, sandwiches and pastries.

Don’t Miss: Olbrich Botanical Gardens are filled with stunning flower displays, fountains and a waterfall - admission is free.

Grand Marais, Minnesota Leavenworth, Washington State Lake Charles, Louisiana Cincinnati, Ohio Athens, Georgia Madison, Wisconsin San Jose, California Little Rock, Arkansas Sebring, Florida Montgomery, Alabama The Chautauqua Institution, New York Brookings, South Dakota Raleigh, North Carolina Stockholm, Wisconsin Sag Harbor, New York Winter Park, Florida McMinnville, Oregon Doylestown, Pennsylvania Lookout Mountain, Alabama Woodstock, Vermont Portsmouth, New Hampshire Acadia National Park Cave of the Winds Route 66 Cross Ranch State Park

Explore more: Family Weekend Getaway > Under-the-Radar Family Vacation Ideas in the U.S.

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