Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 16-acre outdoor botanical garden and 10,000-square-foot conservatory. The botanical garden has free entry, and the conservatory is $6 paid entry. Between the sunken garden, shade garden, Royal Thai pavilion, and and various meditation gardens, there's something for everyone! Olbrich even offers guided golf cart tours for those folks who may not want to spend all day on their feet.

Henry Vilas Zoo is a fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This beautiful zoo features an indoor Herpetarium, Aviary, Discovery Center, and Primate Building, as well as various outdoor exhibits, including a Conservation Carousel for those who want to explore their inner child! Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

Picnic Point, a nearly mile-long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore, is among Madison’s most distinctive features and is probably the most popular destination in the Preserve. The hike is nice and short with a beautiful view of the Capitol from the tip of the peninsula.

Paid parking is required if not biking or busing.

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park is the largest wetland in Dane County, with trails and boardwalks that explore restored prairie, oak savanna, and woodland.

Locally owned and operated arcade specializing in old-fashioned video games, plus skee-ball, pinball & pool (and Dance Dance Revolution!).

Open Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm and Sat 10am-Midnight. Price is $15/person for unlimited play & $8/person 2 hours before close. Family pricing is also available.

I/O offers custom cocktails, craft beers, THC drinks or mocktails while you game. And if the screens get too bright, settle down at the bar or grab a board game and claim a table.

Open Tues-Thurs 4pm-12pm, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 11am-2:30am, and Sun 11am-12am. I/O is a 21+ establishment but offers all-ages hours every Saturday & Sunday 11am-2pm.

A Room of One's Own is a local indie bookstore that offers a wide selection of current and classic fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, local interest titles, gifts, toys, and greeting cards. They also have strong children's and young adult, women's studies, and LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction sections.

Open Sun-Fri 11am-7pm & Sat 10am-7pm. (Free) street parking available.

Forward Craft & Coffee offers craft beer, espresso (Gretchen recommends the Fox Paw), and handcrafted cocktails in a cozy space with great ambiance. There is also a board game shelf if you want to settle in and stay for a while!

Open Mon 7am-Noon, Tues-Fri 7am-9pm, and Sat & Sun 7am-6pm.

This casual coffee shop is located inside Focus Board Shop, so you can buy that new skateboard you've been meaning to snag and an espresso at the same time! And while you're at it, you might as well grab a tasty treat from a featured local bakery.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat 8am-3pm, and Sun 8am-2pm.