Do you want to build a snowman? Me too, but it’s not really in the cards for this low-snow winter we’ve been having in so far in Madison. That’s a bummer for kids especially. But there’s still plenty of things families can do together in the winter even if there’s no snow on the ground.
Listen to the City Cast Madison podcast today as Bianca Martin talks to ice fishing ambassador Pat Hasburgh about what life is like out on the ice, and the upcoming Kids Ice Fishing Day this weekend at Brittingham Park.
Here are some other fun things to do with kids in the winter, snow or no:
The Yahara Fishing Club’s annual event takes place Jan. 25, from 9 p.m. to noon, at Brittingham Park, and is a great way to introduce kids to this fun sport. It’s free and includes complimentary ice fishing rods, reels, and hot dogs for lunch.
When my daughters were little, we would head down to Overture’s Rotunda Stage on Saturday mornings for this free entertainment series aimed at kids nine and younger. From music to magic to dance and puppetry, it’s a ton of fun.
There might not be much snow, but it’s definitely been cold enough for ice skating! Skating on lagoons at Vilas and Tenney Park is so magical that even “Daily Show” host Michael Kosta raved about it, and Madison rinks also offer skate rentals and hot chocolate in the warming hut. Another great choice is the Ice House rink at the Edgewater Hotel, where you can skate on the shore of Lake Mendota, and pop in to warm up with a slice of pizza at the Slice House.
The museum is another must-stop for parents, with several floors of fun for kids and a full lineup of events. Explore the Wonderground, sing and dance along with live music, or work on art and science projects.
Every other Saturday, one of Madison’s top DJs, DJ Nick Nice, gets kids moving with family-friendly dance music. There’s also face painting, complimentary drinks and snacks, and a different costume theme for every event.
It’s probablytoo chilly to play Vitense’s two outdoor courses, but there’s a charming 18-hole indoor course with a Madison theme, including a glow-in-the-dark hole. There’s also motorized toy boats and “Dave & Buster”-style games.
Every time of year is a good time to learn about nature, and the center offers family-friendly hikes with a naturalist to explore the natural world, as well as indoor exhibits.
