This April, choose a weekend and bring the entire family to enjoy time with your student both on campus and in the Madison community. Free and low-cost family-friendly events are featured throughout the month, including sporting events, musical and theatre entertainment, educational opportunities, shopping, dining options, and more! Registration is free. We look forward to seeing you this spring!
Activities | Attractions | Shopping & Dining | Hotel Accommodations | Parking
Choose your weekend: April 5–7 | April 12–14 | April 19–21 | April 26–28
When you register, you will reserve a complimentary welcome bag!
Your complimentary welcome bag will be filled with giveaway items and a folder, including maps for the campus and community, a program listing the events taking place throughout April, and more. You or your student can pick up your welcome bag at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., or the University Book Store, 711 State St.
Union South, Campus and Community Information Desk Hours
Monday–Sunday: 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
University Book Store Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12–5 p.m.
April 5–7, 2013
Humorology: April 4–6, 7 p.m., Overture Center
Humorology is an annual show consisting of five student-run mini-musicals, each written, directed, choreographed, costumed and performed by the students. With the help of a professional tech crew, Humorology exudes the quality of an off-Broadway production, and it is fun for the whole family. ($)
Behind the Beat: April 5, 5–7 p.m., Memorial Union
Enjoy live jazz music at Der Rathskeller in the Memorial Union. (FREE)
Good People: April 5–7, Overture Center
Forward Theater Company presents the Tony Award winning play, Good People! At the Overture Playhouse, 201 State St.; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. ($)
Men’s Rowing vs. Michigan, April 6, 8 a.m.
Enjoy Madison’s beautiful lakes while watching the Men’s Rowing team take on Michigan. Relax at the Memorial Union to watch the races finish. Check the UW Badgers website before the races for specific details. (FREE)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Workshop, April 6, 9–10 a.m., Library Mall
Join Taipei National University of Arts dance professor Shu-Gi Cheng for a taijiquan (tai chi) public workshop on Library Mall, co-sponsored by the Center for East Asian Studies and the Department of Dance. (FREE)
Kohl Center Tour, April 6, 11 a.m.
Get in on the excitement of the Kohl Center, a venue that seats more than 17,000 and is home to Wisconsin basketball and hockey. This behind-the-scenes tour lasts approximately one hour and features the Mendota Wall, hockey and basketball offices, trophy rooms, a Kohl Center suite, and much more. No registration is required. Enter Gate B. (FREE)
Science Expeditions: April 6
Families and learners of all ages are invited to experience science and technology through hands-on Exploration Stations and intriguing Science Spectaculars. At the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery and at a variety of locations across campus. (FREE)
Wisconsin Wellness: April 6
Learn about the benefits of health and wellness. This program features educational and interactive activities related to nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and the overall importance of physical and mental fitness for students, family, and community members. Participate in Zumba, a fitness challenge and cooking demos! There will be free samples, t-shirts, give-aways and more! (FREE)
UW–Madison Snapshot Photo Tour: April 6, 2–3 p.m.
Bring the whole family (and your camera!) for a photo tour featuring some of the most iconic places on campus. Pose for a picture with Abe, climb on the giant terrace chair, and have a family photo taken at the top of Bascom Hill with Capitol behind you. UW campus tour guides will share fun facts and serve as your photographers on this hour-long photo opportunity. Tours begin and end at Union South, at the Campus and Community Information desk. No registration is required. (FREE)
Women’s Tennis vs. Ohio State: April 6, 2 p.m., Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Watch the Badger women’s tennis team take on Ohio State at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium. (FREE)
Mad Rollin’ Dolls Roller Derby: April 6, 6 p.m., Alliant Energy Center
You won’t want to miss these bouts! Doors open at 5 p.m. and the action begins at 6 p.m. Located at the Alliant Energy Center’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. ($)
Women’s Tennis vs. Penn State: April 7, 11 a.m., Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Watch the Badgers women’s tennis team take on Penn State at the Nielsen Tennis Satdium. (FREE)
Carillon Bell Tower: April 7, 3 p.m.
Stop by the Carillon Bell Tower on Sunday afternoon to enjoy a concert, as the carrillonneur masterfully manipulates the instrument to produce beautiful music. (FREE)
April 12–14, 2013
Wisconsin Film Festival: April 11–18
Presented by the University of Wisconsin Arts Institute, the 15th Annual Wisconsin Film Festival brings a vast array of unique films to the Madison area. Guests are invited to attend talks held by the filmmakers and panels that examine the work of Wisconsin, national, and international artists. ($)
Study Abroad Open House for Parents: April 12, 11–2 p.m., Red Gym
Has your student expressed interest in studying abroad? Do you have questions or concerns about cost, health/safety, or academics? Learn more at International Academic Program’s Study Abroad Open House. The event is being hosted specifically for parents in 106 Red Gym. (FREE)
Behind the Beat: April 12, 5–7 p.m., Memorial Union
Enjoy live jazz music at Der Rathskeller in the Memorial Union. (FREE)
Men’s Tennis vs. Purdue: April 12, 6 p.m., Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Watch the Badger men’s tennis team take on Purdue at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium (FREE)
Good People: April 12–14, Overture Center
Forward Theater Company presents the Tony Award winning play, Good People! At the Overture Playhouse, 201 State St.; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. ($)
UW–Madison Snapshot Photo Tour: April 13, 2–3 p.m.
Bring the whole family (and your camera!) for a photo tour featuring some of the most iconic places on campus. Pose for a picture with Abe, climb on the giant terrace chair, and have a family photo taken at the top of Bascom Hill with the Capitol behind you. UW campus tour guides will share fun facts and serve as your photographers on this hour-long photo opportunity. Tours begin and end at Union South, at the Campus and Community Information desk. No registration is required. (FREE)
Kohl Center Tour, April 13, 1 p.m.
Get in on the excitement of the Kohl Center, a venue that seats more than 17,000 and is home to Wisconsin basketball and hockey. This behind-the-scenes tour lasts approximately one hour and features the Mendota Wall, hockey and basketball offices, trophy rooms, a Kohl Center suite, and much more. No registration is required. Enter Gate B. (FREE)
Women in Agriculture Breakfast: April 14, 8 a.m.–Noon
This breakfast is hosted by the Association of Women in Agriculture. The members prepare a home-cooked breakfast of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce, milk, coffee, juice, and a sundae. This event features entertainment including an educational petting zoo with live farm animals. Prices are $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, $5 for students (K–UW) and $3 for ages five and under. You can get a dollar off admission if you bring three canned food items to donate to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. This event is located at the Stock Pavilion, 2015 Linden Dr. ($)
Men’s Tennis vs. Indiana: April 14, 1 p.m., Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Watch the Badger men’s tennis team take on Indiana at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium. (FREE)
Carillon Bell Tower: April 15, 3 p.m.
Stop by the Carillon Bell Tower on Sunday afternoon to enjoy a concert as the carrillonneur masterfully manipulates the instrument to produce beautiful music. (FREE)
April 19–21, 2013
Engineering Expo: April 18–20, 9–4 p.m., 1550 Engineering Drive
Engineering Expo is open to the public and run entirely by students, bringing over 10,000 visitors to campus biennially. Participants at Expo include Fortune 500 industry leaders, engineering student organizations on campus, individuals displaying their engineering projects and ideas, and thousands of students and members of the community. (FREE)
UW Band Concert: April 18–20, Kohl Center
Held annually since 1975, the University of Wisconsin Marching Band performs their Spring Concert. The UW Marching Band comes complete with professional staging, lighting, sound, and pyrotechnics performed for 25,000 Badger fans. The concert is held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Kohl Center. Discounted tickets are available for the Thursday concert when you mention “Badger Family Spring Visit.” Call 608-265-4120 for ticket information. ($)
Women’s Tennis vs. Iowa: April 19, 11 a.m., Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Watch the Badgers women’s tennis team take on Penn State at the Nielsen Tennis Satdium. (FREE)
Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery Tour: April 19, 3 p.m.
Interact with media walls, engage with the 3D discovery niche, and explore the second largest collection of Mesozoic plants in the world. Named the 2012 Laboratory of the Year, this innovative public-private facility is dedicated to improving human health by fostering scientific discovery and collaboration. The tour leaves from the Town Center Welcome Desk. (FREE)
Behind the Beat: April 19, 5–7 p.m., Memorial Union
Enjoy live jazz music at Der Rathskeller within the Memorial Union. (FREE)
Good People: April 19–21, Overture Center
Forward Theater Company presents the Tony Award winning play, Good People! This event will take place at the Overture Playhouse, 201 State St. in Madison, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. ($)
Midwest Horse Fair: April 19–21, Alliant Energy Center
This fair is an annual event in Madison, featuring clinicians, competitions, speakers, and entertainment horses. It is one of the top 3-day horse fairs in the U.S., bringing together all facets of the industry. The event is held Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. ($)
Softball vs. Ohio State: April 19–21, Goodman Diamond
Head to the Goodman Diamond to watch the UW Softball team take on Ohio State at 6 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. ($)
Farmers’ Market: April 20, 6 a.m.–2 p.m., Capitol Square
The largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country is held on the Capitol Square and features an assortment of products including flowers, seasonal vegetables, home-baked goods, jam, cheese, and meat. The Farmers’ Market is held rain or shine. (FREE)
Men’s Rowing vs. Minnesota/MSOE, April 20, 8 a.m.
Enjoy Madison’s beautiful lakes while watching the Men’s Rowing team take on Minnesota/MSOE. Relax at the Memorial Union to watch the races finish. Check the UW Badgers website before the races for specific details. (FREE)
Isthmus Green Day Event: April 20, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Isthmus Green Day event will be held in the Monona Terrace’s Exhibit Hall, 1 John Nolen Drive. Learn about sustainable ways to build a more eco-friendly community. Exhibitions have included everything from insulation, flooring, solar tube lighting, and hydrogen-powered transport, to organic food and local farm resources. ($)
Coffee and Conversation Hour with UW Faculty: April 20, 10–11 a.m., Union South (check “Today In The Union” [TITU] monitor for room location)
The Parent Program welcomes you to stop by Union South for a light breakfast, coffee, and conversation with UW faculty members and Parent Program staff. Engage, ask questions, and mingle with other parents and family members. (FREE)
Badger Sports Kids Fair, April 20, 2–4 p.m., McClain Center
Don't miss the annual Badger Sports Kids Fair, prior to the UW Spring Football Game. The free event includes interactive games, displays, autographs, photos with Bucky, and athletic skills stations. Many Badger sports will be represented at the fair, and kids will have an opportunity to meet current Badger student-athletes and coaches. The McClain Center is adjacent to the stadium. (FREE)
UW Spring Football Game: April 20, 4 p.m.
UW–Madison is known for its spirit and pride in Badger Athletics, even when it comes to football in spring. Each spring the football team suits up for the Annual Spring Game, where fans young and old can come and watch the players show off their skills at Camp Randall Stadium. Attend family-friendly events prior to the game. All tickets are $5 and proceeds will benefit the UW School of Pharmacy. ($)
UW–Madison Snapshot Photo Tour: April 20, 2–3 p.m.
Bring the whole family (and your camera!) for a photo tour featuring some of the most iconic places on campus. Pose for a picture with Abe, climb on the giant terrace chair, and have a family photo taken at the top of Bascom Hill with the Capitol behind you. UW campus tour guides will share fun facts and serve as your photographers on this hour-long photo opportunity. Tours begin and end at Union South, at the Campus and Community Information desk. No registration is required. (FREE)
PSY-Mind Blowing Circus: April 20–21
Montral’s Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers of the Hand) delves into the rich and surreal underwold of the human psyche; insomnia, amnesia, paranoia. This event features circus arts with a hint of humor, beauty, and commonality. Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; Overture Center, 201 State St. ($)
Men’s Tennis vs. Nebraska: April 21, 1 p.m., Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Watch the Badger men’s tennis team take on Nebraska at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium. (FREE)
Carillon Bell Tower: April 21, 3 p.m.
Stop by the Carillon Bell Tower on Sunday afternoon to enjoy a concert as the carrillonneur masterfully manipulates the instrument to produce beautiful music. (FREE)
April 26–28, 2013
Behind the Beat: April 26, 5–7 p.m., Memorial Union
Enjoy live jazz music at Der Rathskeller in the Memorial Union. (FREE)
Farmers’ Market: April 27, 6 a.m.–2 p.m., Capitol Square
The largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country is held on the Capitol Square and features an assortment of products including flowers, seasonal vegetables, home-baked goods, jam, cheese, and meat. The Farmers’ Market is held rain or shine. (FREE)
Crazylegs Classic 8K Run, 2K Walk: April 27
Conceived in 1981 by a few Badger loyalists, Crazylegs is an ever-growing run/walk event that raises money for Badger Athletics. Named after former Athletic Director Elroy Hirsch, Crazylegs begins at the Capitol Square and ends in Camp Randall stadium. ($)
Earth Day Challenge: April 27
Volunteer for the 2013 Earth Day Challenge! These projects are held all over Madison in many of the 260 parks. Volunteers may assist with trash pickup, weeding, and other beautification projects. Earth Day is a great opportunity to get out and help support Madison Parks. Sign up as an individual or a group. (FREE)
UW–Madison Snapshot Photo Tour: April 27, 2–3 p.m.
Bring the whole family (and your camera!) for a photo tour featuring some of the most iconic places on campus. Pose for a picture with Abe, climb on the giant terrace chair, and have a family photo taken at the top of Bascom Hill with the Capitol behind you. UW campus tour guides will share fun facts and serve as your photographers on this hour-long photo opportunity. Tours begin and end at Union South, at the Campus and Community Information desk. No registration is required. (FREE)
Mad Rollin’ Dolls Roller Derby: April 27, 6 p.m., Alliant Energy Center
You won’t want to miss these bouts! Doors open at 5 p.m. and the action begins at 6 p.m. Located at the Alliant Energy Center’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. ($)
Carillon Bell Tower: April 29, 3 p.m.
Stop by the Carillon Bell Tower on Sunday afternoon to enjoy a concert as the carrillonneur masterfully manipulates the instrument to produce beautiful music. (FREE)
Activities
Bike ride with your student
Madison B-Cycle is offering a free 24-hour B-card, so enjoy this bike-share program. Check out a bike at any of the 35 B-stations and cycle around Madison throughout the day. (FREE)
Billiards
The lower level of The Sett, located in Union South, features five tournament-sized pool tables and other table games. Enjoy pizza, snacks, and other refreshments from the concessions counter. ($)
Bowling
The Sett, located in Union South, features an eight-lane bowling center. There are also concessions and a lounge area featuring a wall constructed of the old basketball court salvaged from the Kohl Center. ($)
Climbing Wall
The centerpiece of recreation in The Sett, located in Union South, is the two-story climbing wall accompanied by a one-story bouldering wall. ($)
Movies
The Marquee is located on the second floor of Union South and is the home for film on campus. The 330-seat cinema hosts hundreds of film screenings every year. ($)
Kids in the Rotunda
Each Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m., the Overture Center presents Kids in the Rotunda, a series of free artistic programs designed for children and families. This popular performing arts series on the Rotunda Stage offers a relaxed, kid-friendly environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians, storytellers, jugglers, theater troupes, magicians, and dancers. The 1 p.m. performances are sign language interpreted. (FREE)
Sightseeing Tours of Madison
These 2-3 hour tours allow you to explore Madison’s special places around the 3 lakes. Madison City Tours offers pick-up and drop-off to and from your hotel. You can reserve any time or date that works best for you. Tours must be booked at least one day in advance. ($)
Attractions
Allen Centennial Gardens: Enjoy 22 magnificent gardens representing gardening styles from around the world. Primarily used as a teaching tool in horticulture, botany, entomology, and plant pathology, the gardens are also a popular site for visitors. Open daily from dawn to dusk. (FREE)
Babcock Dairy Store: The store offers a variety of packaged dairy products including ice cream, cheese, and milk—all made right in the Babcock Hall Dairy Plant. An observation deck is available to watch ice cream in the making! Best viewing time is in the mornings. Located at 126 Babcock Hall, 1605 Linden Dr., the store is open Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (FREE, unless you want to buy some tasty treats.)
Chazen Museum of Art: One of the country’s leading university art museums, the Chazen collection has more than 20,000 works of art dating from 2300 B.C. to the present day. The $43 million expansion opened in October 2011, adding 86,000 square feet, doubling the size of the museum. Located at 800 University Ave., the museum is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Thursday; and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (FREE)
Henry Vilas Zoo: This public zoo boasts a tropical forest aviary, children’s zoo, carousel, herpatarium, primates complex, big cat complex, and visitor center. Located at 702 S. Randall Ave., the zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (FREE)
Kohl Center: One of the country’s most highly regarded collegiate arenas; the $76 million Kohl Center is home to men’s and women’s basketball and hockey, and it also serves as an entertainment venue. Stop by the Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to visit public areas of the arena. Drop-in tours begin at Gate B and are available at noon on Tuesday and Thursday. (FREE)
Madison Children’s Museum: The newly renovated Madison Children’s Museum, an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning, is now open! Visit their inventive city of Possible-opolis for ages 6 and up, and the four-season Rooftop Ramble, with animals and gardens. Run on our human-sized Gerbil Wheeel, or take a green tour to see the reclaimed materials that have found new life. 100 N. Hamilton St. on Madison’s Capitol Square, open Tuesday–Sunday from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. ($)
Madison Geology Museum has long been a favorite of both kids and adults. It features dinosaurs, a huge mastodon skeleton, colorful mineral samples, a six-foot-diameter rotating globe, and a walk-through model of a Wisconsin limestone cave. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour and download the self-guided tour booklet online. Open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays. Located at 1215 W. Dayton St. (FREE, donations appreciated)
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art: The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits modern and contemporary art and provides art-related learning opportunities to audiences of all ages. Located at 227 State St., the museum is open Tuesday–Thursday noon–5 p.m., Friday noon–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday noon–5 p.m. (FREE)
Memorial Union: Also known as the heart and soul of campus, the Union is the social, cultural, and recreational center of UW–Madison. The Memorial Union, located at 800 Langdon Street, offers a theater, mini courses, films, and music, in addition to the Terrace overlooking beautiful Lake Mendota. For tickets and information, call 608-265-3000. (FREE)
Monona Terrace: Tours reveal how Wright’s organic architecture is expressed in dramatic open spaces, circular forms, and breathtaking lake views. Tours take one hour and are offered daily at 1 p.m. Admission is $3/adult, $2/student. Tickets may be purchased in the gift shop, 1 John Nolen Dr. ($)
Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers an indoor tropical conservatory, outdoor gardens in a Thai Pavilion, and educational experiences for all ages. Located at 3330 Atwood Ave and open Monday–Saturday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. General public admission ($2), children 5 & under (free), children are free. ($)
Overture Center for the Arts presents internationally acclaimed jazz, classical, opera, musicals, dance, world music, family entertainment, and more. Purchase tickets online, call 608-258-4141, or visit the box office at 201 State St. ($)
Physics Museum: The L.R. Ingersoll Museum is a free public venue that runs on donations. Exhibits give you a hands-on experience of physical concepts ranging from mechanics to modern physics in a demonstrational kid-friendly environment. Located in Chamberlin Hall at 1150 University Avenue, the museum is open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday. (FREE)
Union South opened on April 15, 2011, and was designed in organic prairie-style architecture, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Grab a bite to eat from one of its many dining options, climb the rock wall, go bowling, or watch a movie at The Marquee. 1308 West Dayton St. (FREE, plus cost of activities)
UW Arboretum: The Arboretum features 1,260 acres of restored prairies, forest and wetlands, flowering trees, shrubs, and a world-famous lilac collection. Educational tours for all ages and abilities are offered. The McKay Visitor Center features an orientation theater, bookstore, library, art gallery, and more. 1207 Seminole Highway; 12:30–4 p.m. on weekends. (FREE)
UW Space Place
Bringing the kids to Madison? Space Place family workshops are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. for children ages 6-10 and their parents. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required for any of the workshops, but attendance is limited to 50 people 2300 South Park St. (FREE)
Wisconsin State Capitol contains 43 varieties of stone from around the world, decorative murals, glass mosaics, and hand-carved furniture. Admission is free. Open daily from 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9, 10, 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3 p.m.; and Sundays at 1, 2, 3 p.m. (FREE)
Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on Madison’s Capitol Square and is full of wonderful information about the state’s rich history. Explore Wisconsin’s distinctive heritage and a variety of other American history topics through artifacts, photographs, full-scale dioramas, audio-visual presentations, and interactive multimedia programs. 816 State Street; 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Admission by donation is $4 for adults and $3 for children under 18 or $10 per family (up to 2 adults and 2 or more dependent children). 608-264-6555. ($)
Wisconsin Veterans Museum offers instructive exhibits that highlight important events in Wisconsin military history from the Civil War to the present. Open Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sunday noon–4 p.m. 30 W. Mifflin St. Madison. 608-267-1799. (FREE)
Just down the road…
The Governor’s Mansion was built in the Classical Revival style on more than four acres along Lake Mendota and has 16,000 square feet of living space including 34 rooms, 13 bathrooms and 7 bedrooms and fireplaces. Open in April every Thursday from 1–3 p.m., 99 Cambridge Rd. 608-246-5501. (FREE)
Wollersheim Winerysits on a scenic hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River and offers daily tours and tastings. It is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., year-round. 7876 State Rd. 1-800-847-9463. Located near Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. ($)
Shopping and Dining
Downtown Madison offers more than 350 shops, boutiques, galleries, museums, restaurants, and cafes, many locally owned, on the famed State Street pedestrian mall that links the UW–Madison campus with the tree-lined Capitol Square. For information on where to shop, dine, and park, visit www.visitdowntownmadison.com. A Downtown Madison Map & Guide, plus a parking coupon and information sheet, will be provided in your complimentary Badger Family Spring Visit welcome bag.
Located at 711 State Street, The University Book Store offers Wisconsin apparel and gifts for students, alumni, and Badger fans. It has everything to help you show off your family’s team spirit.
For additional shopping or dining information, go to www.visitmadison.com.
Hotel Accommodations
We have partnered with area hotels that offer affordable or discounted rates on lodging when you visit during Badger Family Spring Visit in April 2013.
The Wisconsin Union Hotel
Located in the brand new Union South in the heart of campus, the Wisconsin Union Hotel features 60 boutique-style guest rooms, a variety of dining options, and the rates include on-site parking.
When making reservations, mention that you are here for Badger Family Spring Visit.
1308 West Dayton Street,
Madison, WI 53715
hotel@union.wisc.edu | Phone 608-263-2600 | On-line reservations
The Lowell Inn and Conference Center
Located within walking distance of State Street, campus, and downtown Madison, the Center features newly renovated rooms, workout center, pool, sauna, and parking. Rates include continental breakfast. Please note, the Lowell Inn does not provide a special discount, but offers affordable rates.
610 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53703
lowell@ecc.uwex.edu | Phone 866-301-1753 | On-line reservations
North Central Group
The North Central Group is proud to offer discounted accommodations for your Badger Family Spring Visit. To make reservations at a any of their Madison area hotels, contact the hotel directly and mention the UW Parents Rate, or choose "Make Reservations Online" for the hotel of your choice.
info@ncghotels.com | 608.836.6060 | On-line reservations
Other reservations can be made for a hotel in Madison.
Parking
If you are driving a vehicle while visiting, please plan for a few extra minutes to locate parking.
The City of Madison has more than 5,000 public parking spaces downtown including 1,300 on-street metered spaces.
If you park in UW–Madison parking lots, please pay a meter, pay a parking attendant, or observe lot enforcement times posted at all lot entrances. Many UW–Madison parking lots have availability during evening hours but are not available during the day due to staff parking needs. A limited number of parking permits for certain UW–Madison lots are available; visitors can stop by Transportation Services’ drive-through office at 21 N. Park Street during business hours (7:15 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday) to inquire about parking availability.
If you have questions or concerns about parking for your visit, please call the Parent Program for more information: 1-877-262-3977.
(FREE) Indicates events/attractions that do not have a charge.
($) Indicates events that require a ticket that should be purchased directly through the ticket
vendor. Ticket availability may be limited and may require an advanced purchase.
If you would like additional information about these events or attractions or need assistance with accommodations, please contact us 1-877-262-3977 or e-mail parent@uwmad.wisc.edu.
The Parent Program is coordinating Badger Family Spring Visit in collaboration with the Wisconsin Alumni Association, the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Business Improvement District, the University Book Store, and the Wisconsin Union.
