Madison, Wisconsin: Your ultimate family guide to

Madison is one of the Midwest's most family-friendly cities, and it sits barely 80 minutes from Milwaukee.

Built on an isthmus between two sparkling lakes, Wisconsin's capital delivers a rare combination: a free world-class zoo, the nation's largest producer-only farmers' market, 200-plus miles of bike trails, a walkable downtown packed with kid-friendly museums, and a food scene that takes cheese curds and frozen custard as seriously as it takes farm-to-table dining. Whether you're planning a packed Saturday day trip or a leisurely weekend, this guide covers every park, museum, restaurant, and practical detail your family needs.

Madison consistently ranks among America's most bikeable and livable cities, and that translates directly into a visitor experience built for families. The city operates 270-plus parks, 13 public beaches, and splash pads that are all free. Nearly every major museum charges no admission. And because the University of Wisconsin campus is woven into the downtown fabric, there's an infectious energy — live music on the lakefront terrace, food carts serving cuisine from a dozen countries, and ice cream made by dairy science students that rivals anything you'll find anywhere.

50-plus family-friendly things to do

Parks, playgrounds, and splash pads

Madison's park system is extraordinary, and nearly everything is free. Henry Vilas Zoo (702 S. Randall Ave.) is the crown jewel — one of fewer than ten free-admission, AZA-accredited zoos left in North America. Its 28 acres hold 650-plus animals, including the Arctic Passage exhibit with underwater polar bear viewing, a rainforest aviary, red pandas, penguins, and a Children's Zoo where kids hand-feed goats in the Red Barn. The Conservation Carousel runs April through October for $3 a ride. The zoo is open 365 days a year, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free parking. Arrive early on summer weekends — lots fill fast.

Directly adjacent, Vilas Park features two large playgrounds (including the famous "Old Woman's Shoe" slide), a Lake Wingra beach with shallow, warm water ideal for toddlers, and a lagoon that becomes an ice-skating rink in winter. Across the city, Elver Park (1250 McKenna Blvd.) is Madison's largest community park at 250 acres, with the city's best sledding hill (lit for evening runs), a free summer splash pad, an inclusive accessible playground, and cross-country ski trails with equipment rentals in winter.

Other standout parks include Tenney Park (1414 E. Johnson St.) with its lock-and-dam connecting Lakes Mendota and Monona, Warner Park (1511 Northport Dr.) with its Lake Mendota beach and $5 Family Fun Nights, James Madison Park (614 E. Gorham St.) for downtown sunset views, and Brittingham Park (829 W. Washington Ave.) for kayak and paddleboard rentals at Brittingham Boats. Madison operates four free splash pads — at Elver Park, Reindahl Park, and Goodman Park — open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lakes, beaches, and water adventures

Madison sits between five lakes — Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa — and all 13 public beaches are free. Vilas Beach on Lake Wingra is the best pick for young families: the water is shallow, warm, and consistently has Madison's best water quality. Tenney Beach (1330 Sherman Ave.) and B.B. Clarke Beach (835 Spaight St.) are popular closer to downtown. Olbrich Beach (3527 Atwood Ave.) is the city's largest lakefront park at 16 acres, with a boat ramp, concessions, and a playground adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Beaches are typically staffed by lifeguards from early June through Labor Day. One important note: check Lakeforecast.org before swimming, as blue-green algae can cause occasional closures, particularly in late summer.

For on-the-water family adventures, Wingra Boats (824 Knickerbocker St.) rents canoes, kayaks, SUPs, paddle boats, and pontoons on the calm, no-wake Lake Wingra — ideal for beginners and kids. Brittingham Boats and Marshall Boats offer similar rentals on Lakes Monona and Mendota. At the Memorial Union Terrace, Outdoor UW provides kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals with sailing lessons available on Lake Mendota. Goodman Pool (325 W. Olin Ave.) is Madison's only municipal outdoor pool, featuring zero-depth entry for toddlers, two water slides, and diving boards, open roughly mid-June through late August.

Nature trails and gardens

The UW-Madison Arboretum (1207 Seminole Hwy.) is a 1,200-acre ecological treasure with 17-plus miles of walking trails through restored prairies, savannas, and woodlands — and it's completely free. The paved roads are stroller-friendly, and the Visitor Center offers free family nature programs. Picnic Point, a one-mile peninsula jutting into Lake Mendota within the UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve, delivers stunning skyline views, fire circles, and Native American effigy mounds along a wide, stroller-accessible path. Parking in Lot 130 is free on evenings and weekends.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy (4864 Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton) is a 550-acre gem where families can hike to freshwater springs — kids love dipping their hands in the cold, clear water. The paved main loop is about three miles and stroller-friendly, and Frederick's Hill offers panoramic views of the Capitol and Lake Mendota. Cherokee Marsh (6098 N. Sherman Ave.) features boardwalks and observation decks over Dane County's largest wetland, where families can spot nesting sandhill cranes and bald eagles. The Capital City State Trail provides 17 paved miles skirting Lake Monona's shore, connecting to an even larger network of trails.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens (3330 Atwood Ave.) spreads 16 acres of specialty gardens along Lake Monona and is free to visit outdoors. The star attraction is the Royal Thai Pavilion, the only one on the continental United States — a 40-foot teak structure built without nails. Inside, the Bolz Conservatory is a 50-foot glass pyramid housing tropical plants, a waterfall, free-flying birds, and koi for about $6 per adult and $3 for kids 6–12 (under 5 free) — a perfect winter escape. The Allen Centennial Garden (620 Babcock Dr.) on the UW campus is a compact, free, exquisite 2.5-acre garden with Japanese and English sections and koi ponds, steps from Babcock Hall ice cream.

Farms and animal encounters beyond the zoo

Sassy Cow Creamery (W6541 County Rd. K, Columbus — about 20 minutes north) is a working dairy farm where kids watch milk bottling and ice cream making through viewing windows, with 20-plus flavors of farm-fresh ice cream and summer farm tours with calf interactions. Havens Petting Farm (2894 Erbe Rd., Blue Mounds — 30 minutes west) hosts "Story on the Farm" events from May through October, with hands-on goat, chicken, and bunny encounters for $8 per person.

Museums, culture, and one-of-a-kind Madison experiences

Museums that earn the "best free day ever" title

Madison Children's Museum (100 N. Hamilton St.) is the centerpiece for visiting families with kids under 12. Highlights include the Wildernest nature play area for under-fives, the Rooftop Ramble with live animals and city views, and The Wonderground — a 10,000-square-foot outdoor four-season play space with a 23-foot climbing sculpture called The Thicket. General admission is $14 online or $18 walk-in; Thursday evenings from 4–8 p.m. are free, and the first Wednesday of each month is a free Family Night. Parking tip: use Capitol Square North Garage at 218 W. Mifflin.

Madison punches far above its weight in free museums. The UW Geology Museum (1215 W. Dayton St.) displays a composite mastodon skeleton, glowing minerals, dinosaur fossils, and a model Wisconsin cave — kids love it, and you can walk through in 20–30 minutes. The L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum (1150 University Ave., Chamberlin Hall) offers hands-on interactive physics demos. The Chazen Museum of Art (750 University Ave.) houses 24,000-plus works from ancient Greece through Warhol and Rothko, always free. Note: upper galleries close for renovation in spring 2026 with a planned fall 2026 reopening, but the lobby and café remain open. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum (30 W. Mifflin St.), a Smithsonian Affiliate, is free and engaging for older kids interested in history. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (227 State St.) is free with a drop-in Art Lab for children.

For a delightfully quirky stop, the National Mustard Museum (7477 Hubbard Ave., Middleton — 15 minutes from downtown) houses 6,000-plus mustards from 70 countries, with a free tasting bar that kids find hilarious and parents find surprisingly delicious.

The Capitol, the Terrace and experiences

Madison lakes with the state capital building in the background

The Wisconsin State Capitol (2 E. Main St.) offers free guided tours daily — 45 to 55 minutes through a building constructed from 43 types of stone from six countries, with fossils embedded in the marble that kids can hunt for. The observation deck on the sixth floor opens mid-April through December with 360-degree views of the lakes and city. The building is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservation is needed for groups under ten.

The Dane County Farmers' Market is the nation's largest producer-only market, with roughly 130–150 vendors completely encircling the Capitol every Saturday from April 11 through November 14, 2026 (6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.). The must-try item is Stella's Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread, which draws lines that wrap around the block. Walk counter-clockwise with the flow, bring reusable bags, and arrive before 9 a.m. for the best selection. A Wednesday market runs on MLK Blvd., and a Winter Market operates Saturdays at Garver Feed Mill (3241 Garver Green) from January through early April.

Memorial Union Terrace (800 Langdon St.) is the quintessential Madison experience. Grab a brat from the Brat Stand, a scoop of Babcock ice cream from the Daily Scoop counter, and settle into one of the iconic colorful sunburst chairs overlooking Lake Mendota. Free live music plays five nights a week in summer, with free outdoor movies on Monday nights. The Terrace is typically open May through late September and draws 800,000 visitors per season. Evenings with live music as the sun sets over the lake are genuinely magical.

Monona Terrace (1 John Nolen Dr.) is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed community center spanning 90 feet over Lake Monona. The rooftop views are spectacular, the free "Beyond the Drawing Board" exhibit on levels 3–4 explores Wright's vision, and summer brings free Concerts on the Rooftop, Dane Dances, and a Lakeside Kids children's program.

Kid-friendly entertainment for rainy days and energy burns

Vitense Golfland (5501 Schroeder Rd.) is a year-round family entertainment center with three miniature golf courses (two outdoor, one indoor), a two-level driving range, batting cages, remote-control boats, footgolf, and golf simulators — mini golf runs about $13 per adult. Spare Time Entertainment (7415 Mineral Point Rd.) packs 21 bowling lanes, 80-plus arcade games, laser tag, and two escape rooms into 50,000 square feet; Tuesdays and Wednesdays everything is 50% off all day. Sky Zone (2134 W. Beltline Hwy.) has trampolines, dodgeball, and toddler areas for about $21–30 per session. Union South (1308 W. Dayton St.) on the UW campus offers budget-friendly bouldering, bowling, and billiards.

Little Amerricka (700 E. Main St., Marshall — 20 minutes east) is a charming, nostalgic amusement park with 26 rides including four roller coasters, a 3-plus-mile narrow-gauge railroad, and 18-hole mini golf. Park admission is free, with individual ride tickets or an unlimited wristband for about $20. It operates weekends from Memorial Day through September. The wooden Meteor coaster dates to the 1950s, and the Toboggan is one of the last operating examples in the world.

Arts, performances, and family cultural events

The Children's Theater of Madison performs at the Overture Center (201 State St.) with professional-quality productions; the 2026 season includes "The Hobbit." A "Play, A Play, and A Stay" package bundles 25% off tickets with hotel discounts. Kids in the Rotunda at the Overture Center offers free Saturday morning interactive arts programs from fall through spring for ages nine and under — a perfect pairing with the Farmers' Market. The Madison Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 100th season, runs an "MSO at the Movies" series where a live orchestra performs film scores on the big screen.

Where to eat with kids

Wisconsin food traditions you absolutely cannot skip

Cheese curds are non-negotiable. The gold standard is at The Old Fashioned (23 N. Pinckney St.) — beer-battered curds served with five dipping sauces, voted best in America by USA Today. Every ingredient is sourced from Wisconsin farms, and the restaurant features 50 Wisconsin beers on tap. Curds at Tipsy Cow (near Capitol Square) are battered in Spotted Cow beer with homemade ranch, while Dotty Dumpling's Dowry (317 N. Frances St.) serves white cheddar curds with house-made ranch and honey mustard. For gourmet, Graze (1 S. Pinckney St.) does vodka-battered Hook's Cheese curds.

Friday Fish Fry is Wisconsin's sacred weekly ritual. Toby's Supper Club (3717 Dutch Mill Rd.) won Best Fish Fry in the 2025 Reader's Choice survey, serving 600-plus dinners every Friday — their fried perch with hash browns topped with American cheese is legendary. Arrive before 5 p.m. or face long waits. The Old Fashioned does beer-battered cod, perch, or walleye on Fridays, and The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. (123 E. Doty St.) runs fish fry at all locations. Order a brandy Old Fashioned cocktail alongside — it's the Wisconsin way.

Culver's was born in Sauk City, Wisconsin in 1984, and no visit is complete without a ButterBurger, cheese curds, and a Flavor of the Day frozen custard concrete mixer from one of Madison's multiple locations. For upscale custard, Michael's Frozen Custard (3826 Atwood Ave.) has been making what it calls "the world's finest gourmet frozen custard" since 1986, with rotating daily flavors richer and creamier than Culver's, plus a "Puppy Custard" for the family dog.

Ice cream spots that justify the drive alone

Babcock Hall Dairy Store (1605 Linden Dr., UW campus) is a must-stop — the nation's oldest university dairy facility has been making ice cream with the same recipe for 70-plus years. Scoops are enormous ("one scoop equals three anywhere else"), and the flagship flavors include Union Utopia (vanilla with peanut butter, caramel, and fudge swirl), Orange Custard Chocolate Chip, and Badger Blast. Cards only, no cash. The Daily Scoop counter at Memorial Union also serves Babcock ice cream.

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream operates nine-plus Madison locations (including one on State Street) with 40-plus decadent flavors made from real Wisconsin dairy — the Zanzibar Chocolate and Blue Moon are local favorites. Kilwins (208 State St.) adds hand-crafted fudge and chocolate to its ice cream lineup. La Michoacana (6712 Odana Rd.) serves vibrant Mexican-style paletas and ice cream that locals say competes with Babcock Hall.

Breakfast, brunch, and the spots locals swear by

Mickies Dairy Bar (1511 Monroe St.) has been a Madison institution since 1946. This tiny, old-school diner serves the famous "Yanks" — fried potatoes topped with eggs, meat, cheese, and gravy — plus milkshakes in glass tumblers with extras in the metal cup. The portions are enormous (one pancake is enough for most humans), and it's cash only. Expect a line on weekends; go early. Marigold Kitchen (118 S. Pinckney St.) does creative all-day brunch near Capitol Square — the chorizo breakfast burrito with chipotle mayo is legendary, and lemon ricotta pancakes are a family favorite. Short Stack Eatery (301 W. Johnson St.) is known for exceptional pancakes and a fun "blind special" where you only learn whether it's sweet or savory before ordering, saving $4 for the adventurous. Monty's Blue Plate Diner (2089 Atwood Ave.) has a retro vibe with Mickey Mouse pancakes for kids, breakfast served all day, and an outdoor patio.

Pizza, tacos, and the food cart scene

Madison's pizza scene is outstanding. Ian's Pizza on State Street sells creative slices — the mac 'n' cheese pizza is iconic — for $4.50–5.50 each, making it a perfect quick State Street lunch. Glass Nickel Pizza (2916 Atwood Ave.) has been voted Madison's best pizza for 27-plus years, with creative specialties like the Fetalicious and Thai Pie using fresh-made dough daily. Pizza Brutta on Monroe Street serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana, with a dedicated $7.25 kids' "Bambini" pizza — ideal for post-zoo dining.

The Library Mall food carts (728 State St., between campus and State Street) are a mini world-food festival, operating weekday lunchtimes from spring through fall. Families can sample Venezuelan arepas from Caracas Empanadas, Ethiopian dishes from Buraka, Jamaican jerk chicken from M & J Jamaican Kitch'n, and Thai curries from Thailand in a Truck, all for $6–12 per meal. It's an affordable, fun way to expose kids to global cuisine, with outdoor seating on the mall steps and benches.

ZuZu Café (on Drake Street, kitty-corner from the Henry Vilas Zoo parking lot) deserves special mention: it has a dedicated play corner with toys and books for kids, making it the go-to coffee-and-sandwich stop before or after the zoo. La Taguara offers Venezuelan arepas and empanadas with a kids-eat-free Tuesday deal. Tex Tubb's Taco Palace (2009 Atwood Ave.) serves excellent tacos in a colorful setting with half-off happy hour.

Dining neighborhoods at a glance

State Street is the pedestrian corridor connecting the Capitol to campus, packed with Ian's Pizza, Short Stack, Kilwins, and dozens more options at every price point. Monroe Street near the zoo and Arboretum has Mickies Dairy Bar, Pizza Brutta, ZuZu Café, and Colectivo Coffee in a charming neighborhood setting. Capitol Square is home to The Old Fashioned, Fromagination cheese shop ($10–14 sandwiches with free samples of Wisconsin artisan cheeses), Graze, and Tipsy Cow. Williamson Street ("Willy Street") is eclectic and funky with Grampa's Pizzeria, Lazy Jane's Café, and the Willy Street Co-op for picnic supplies. Atwood Avenue on the east side has Monty's Blue Plate, Tex Tubb's, Michael's Frozen Custard, and Glass Nickel. Hilldale/Midvale offers Café Hollander (Belgian-inspired with great kids options) and a monthly "Tiny Diners" program where families order from any Hilldale restaurant and eat together in the outdoor plaza with kid-friendly entertainment.

Seasonal highlights

Summer is peak Madison (May through August)

Summer is when Madison fires on all cylinders. Average highs run 75–82°F, the Terrace is open with nightly live music, beaches are swimmable, and the Farmers' Market is in full swing. Major events include Brat Fest (Memorial Day weekend — the world's largest brat festival, free admission, Alliant Energy Center), free Concerts on the Square from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra on Wednesday evenings, Art Fair on the Square (July, 500-plus juried artists, free admission), and Taste of Madison over Labor Day weekend (80-plus food vendors on Capitol Square, free entry). UW's campus is quieter with students gone, which means easier parking but less energy. Afternoons can be hot and humid, with temperatures occasionally reaching the 90s.

Fall is the hidden gem (September through November)

Spectacular fall foliage, Badger football Saturdays at Camp Randall (the "Jump Around" tradition is electric even for spectators), and comfortable temperatures in the 55–70°F range make September and October arguably the best months to visit. The Farmers' Market runs through November, campus buzzes with students back, and the Willy Street Fair (September) is the city's longest-running neighborhood festival with 150-plus vendors. GLEAM at Olbrich Gardens (late August through late October) transforms the botanical gardens with illuminated art installations — $16 adults, $8 kids 6–12. Fall farm experiences abound: Enchanted Valley Acres (Cross Plains) and Schuster's Farm (Deerfield) offer corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hayrides.

Winter brings cozy adventures (Dec. through February)

January average highs hover around 27°F with lows near 11°F, but Madison embraces winter rather than hiding from it. Elver Park's lit sledding hill, ice skating at Tenney, Vilas, and Elver Parks (with free skate lending at several parks), and cross-country skiing through the Arboretum or Cherokee Marsh make the cold worthwhile. The Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park is a free drive-through light show running November through December. Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo offers family-friendly holiday lights for $7 per person or $24 per family of four — proceeds support keeping the zoo free year-round. Indoor options include the Children's Museum, Bolz Conservatory's tropical warmth, Kids in the Rotunda at Overture Center, and the Winter Farmers' Market at Garver Feed Mill (Saturdays, January through early April). Hotel rates drop, and crowds thin considerably.

Spring signals the return of outdoor Madison (March through May)

Spring weather is unpredictable — temperatures range from the 40s to 60s — but it brings wildflower blooms carpeting the Arboretum, the outdoor Farmers' Market's return in late April, and campus coming alive for the spring semester push. Some outdoor attractions may not be fully operational early in the season, but the Capitol, museums, and restaurants are year-round anchors.

Where to stay, where to park, and practical details that matter

Family-friendly hotels with pools

Downtown, the Madison Concourse Hotel (1 W. Dayton St.) sits directly on Capitol Square with an indoor pool, connecting rooms, and walkability to nearly everything — it's the top pick for a downtown family weekend. The Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown offers a budget-friendly alternative with an indoor pool, free breakfast, and a 9.6/10 review rating. The Graduate Madison (601 Langdon St.) is the splurge pick for parents who want Instagram-worthy, college-themed decor steps from the Terrace.

On the west side, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Madison West features an indoor waterpark popular with families and sits near restaurants and shopping at significantly lower nightly rates. Staybridge Suites Middleton (7790 Elmwood Ave.) offers full-kitchen suites ideal for longer stays. For camping families, Devil's Lake State Park has 423 family campsites (book well in advance for summer), and Capital Springs State Park sits minutes from downtown Madison with 50-plus sites and electrical hookups. BabyQuip operates in Madison, delivering rental cribs, strollers, and car seats to your hotel so you can travel lighter.

Parking without the stress

Downtown parking is the biggest practical challenge, but it's manageable with a strategy. City-operated garages charge roughly $1.50–1.80 per hour, with a $8 daily maximum on weekends (5 a.m. to 5 a.m.) — an excellent deal. Key garages include State Street Capitol Garage (W. Dayton & N. Carroll — closest to Capitol Square and State Street) and the Overture Center Garage. UW campus lots are often free after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, though you must check signage carefully. For Farmers' Market Saturdays, arrive before 8 a.m. or use campus garages. Download SpotAngels for free parking spots and Parkmobile for campus meters.

Getting around once you're there

Madison is remarkably walkable downtown. The walk from Capitol Square down State Street to campus is about a mile on a pedestrian-only street — flat and stroller-friendly. Monroe Street, the lakefront paths, and the Monona Terrace all accommodate strollers easily. The city holds Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community status (one of only five in the country), and the Madison BCycle system offers 525-plus electric-assist bikes at 100-plus stations — though bikes are adult-sized only, so they work best for parents taking turns while one stays with kids. All Metro buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the free UW campus bus routes (80, 81, 82, 84) can help you hop between campus attractions without moving your car.

Five day trips that families rave about

If you're spending a weekend, carve out half a day for one of these excursions within 45 minutes of downtown Madison.

Devil's Lake State Park (40 minutes north) is Wisconsin's most-visited state park, drawing 1.3 million visitors annually to its 500-foot quartzite bluffs, crystal-clear 360-acre lake, two sandy beaches, and 29 miles of hiking trails. Kayak and paddleboard rentals, a Nature Center with family programs, and children's play areas make it exceptional for all ages. A state park vehicle sticker costs $13 per day for Wisconsin residents or $28 annually.

Cave of the Mounds (30 minutes west, near Blue Mounds) is a National Natural Landmark where guided tours lead families through underground limestone caverns at a constant 50°F — a perfect escape from summer heat or winter cold. Open year-round.

Mount Horeb, the "Troll Capital of the World" (30 minutes west), lines its Main Street with 30-plus hand-carved wooden trolls that kids can scavenger-hunt with a free map from the Welcome Center. The Grumpy Troll Brewpub serves family-friendly food in a historic 1916 creamery.

New Glarus, "America's Little Switzerland" (35 minutes south), features Swiss chalet architecture, the Swiss Historical Village museum, the New Glarus Bakery's Swiss pastries, and the famous New Glarus Brewing Company (parents can enjoy a Spotted Cow while kids explore the grounds).

Blue Mound State Park (30 minutes west) offers two observation towers with panoramic views — on clear days you can see Iowa — a swimming pool, and hiking trails, and combines naturally with Cave of the Mounds and Mount Horeb for a full day west of Madison.

Why Madison deserves your visit

Madison delivers something rare for a Midwestern capital city: nearly all of its best family attractions are free or very affordable, the downtown is genuinely walkable with kids, and the combination of lake culture, university energy, and Wisconsin food traditions creates an atmosphere that's both relaxed and endlessly entertaining. The fact that it sits just 80 toll-free minutes from Milwaukee's North Shore makes it one of the easiest and most rewarding family getaways in the region.

Start with a Saturday for the Farmers' Market and State Street experience. Come back for a weekend to add the zoo, the Terrace at sunset, and a day trip to Devil's Lake or the trolls of Mount Horeb. Before long, you'll find your family building annual Madison traditions — fighting over the last Stella's cheese bread, arguing about Babcock Hall versus Chocolate Shoppe, and pulling those colorful sunburst chairs just a little closer to the Lake Mendota shoreline as the sun drops and the live music starts.