Comments on: Cheap fun in Madison!

Question: Cheap fun in Madison!

chippie — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:45:58 -0800

What are your favorite free (or nearly free) things to do in Madison, Wisconsin?

I'm looking for ways to kill a couple of hours that are a little more interesting than just walking up State Street or hanging out at the Terrace (though those are certainly fun). I'm especially looking for unique, quirky, or out-of-the-way things to do and places to go. I'm outdoorsy but will consider indoor activities, too. Thanks!

By: divka

divka — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:44:47 -0800

Mallards baseball games are cheap.

There's always wandering through the Farmer's Market.

Movies on the Terrace.

Opera in the Park (which I guess you just missed, but remember it for next year).

Hmmm...do you have a car?

By: divka

divka — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:47:24 -0800

Oh, how could I forget--Olbrich Gardens! One of my favorites.

Also: Vilas Zoo and The Arboretum.

By: escabeche

escabeche — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:48:49 -0800

I never tire of going to the Vilas Park Zoo, though I always have a toddler with me -- might not be as much fun without one, and toddlers are definitely not free.

Farmer's Market and excellent and obvious choice, though if you get through it without spending some money you've got stronger willpower than I do.

Cinematheque is free, and digs deep into the archives of world cinema.

By: escabeche

escabeche — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:53:40 -0800

If you're a member of the Union, renting canoes from Hoofers is really cheap and there's nothing like paddling lazily around Mendota on a hot day.

By: spinifex23

spinifex23 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:01:36 -0800

Take a tour of the State Capitol!

By: Madamina

Madamina — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:23:06 -0800

If you're not a member of the Union, rent canoes or paddleboats or whatever from the Wingra Boathouse at the end of Knickerbocker St.

Bike (or walk, or skate) around the lake or out to the Riley tavern.

Volunteer for a local theater company. There are scads, and they're always looking for people to help hang lights, hand out programs, etc. Plus, you'll get to see shows for free.

Get books or movies from the library.

Check out the Guide at www.thedailypage.com or the events calendar at www.wisc.edu for free and low-cost stuff around town and on campus. There are loads of free shows every week, especially this time of year.

Pickup basketball or frisbee at James Madison Park.

Frisbee Golf at Hiestand or a bunch of other places.

Batting cages or driving range at Vitense.

By: OwlBoy

OwlBoy — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:21:16 -0800

Play DND at a Dennys.

By: Floydd

Floydd — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:23:34 -0800

Jazz At Five starts next Wednesday.