There’s a lot more to Madison than just being the capital of  Wisconsin. Situated on two beautiful lakes sits the home of the University of Wisconsin, an epicenter of culture, great food, and (most importantly) so much family fun. From the children’s museum to the zoo and all the fun and festivities the university has to offer, you’ll find something for everyone in Madison. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway from Chicago or visiting the city as part of a Midwest tour that includes stops in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, here are our favorite things to do, places to eat, and outdoor activities in Madison.

For more weekend getaways check out our Family Friendly Weekend Getaway list and our Midwest Travel Guide.

You know how it goes: It’s a beautiful day, and you’re hoping to take the kids to a playground to burn off some energy and enjoy the weather. But finding a spot that isn’t directly in the sun—not only making the kids uncomfortable but the equipment often too hot to even play on—can be a challenge. Thankfully, Westchester boasts plenty of playgrounds with shade.

These spots offer either natural or artificial shade over their play structures. And while parents love the fact they’re not in the direct sun, the kids love the sheer variety of equipment these playgrounds have to offer—from nature-inspired fun to plenty of swings and slides.

Here are a few of our favorite local shade-drenched spots. Find more of our parent-tested playgrounds in our Guide to Playgrounds, including our top picks for toddlers and those playgrounds that make great day-trip destinations.

After a day of running around in the hot city sun, we're all craving that cool breeze off the water. What better way to end a day full of play at a waterfront playground than with a delicious meal at one of NYC's many waterfront restaurants? Whether you're facing the East River, the Hudson, or one of the many basins and other bodies of water that feed the mighty rivers and ocean that outline our great city, there are plenty of places to get dinner with a view.

Once you've tried out these picks, check out Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants for more options citywide.

Often, the only time parents get a chance to enjoy a glass of wine is after the kids are in bed. But many wineries near Philadelphia welcome kids (and sometimes dogs), giving moms and dads the chance to sip wine in the sunshine while their children play. This is especially true during the spring, summer, and fall, when the weather is nice enough for families to enjoy the wineries’ outdoor spaces.

We've compiled a list of 13 kid-friendly wineries near Philadelphia where you can spend a nice day with the family. Most of them are in Bucks County or Chester County, but we've also included a couple in Delaware and Montgomery counties for good measure. 

For all the joys of parenting, there are those moments when a mom or dad just needs some adult time—and perhaps even an adult beverage. Many wineries near DC offer parents both of those, with the added bonus of kid-friendliness. So if you’re just killing for a Cabernet or pining for a Pinot this summer or fall, pack up the kids and head out to one of these family-friendly wineries near DC, where you’re guaranteed a vintage good time.

New England generally conjures up the tastes of cranberries and maple syrup, but local vineyards prove we can produce some tasty grapes, too, and those make for some fine wineries. Stretching from Connecticut’s "wine trail" all the way up to New Hampshire's White Mountains, many New England vineyards aren't just great places to sip wine with other adults, but also to hang out with kids. Like Boston-area beer gardens and Connecticut craft breweries, these wineries welcome families with beautiful, spacious grounds, and in some cases apple picking, live music, wagon rides, and other fun activities.

Here are our favorite family-friendly vineyards and wineries in New England—from coast to mountaintop. See our posts about outdoor restaurants in Boston and outdoor restaurants in Connecticut for more ideas for dining, or sipping al fresco, with kids.

Jersey City is one of New Jersey’s most exciting restaurant scenes, with many Jersey City restaurants serving delicious eats for all diners (Read: There's more than just mac and cheese and chicken fingers.) These restaurants are stepping up their family-friendly dining game by offering delicious kids’ menus that feature creative takes on the classics as well as approachable, palate-expanding options.

From the best place to score a burger to can't-miss brunch spots, we've rounded up the 15 best family-friendly Jersey City restaurants. The diversity of the local JC community is also reflected in our list. Cuban, Caribbean, Japanese, you name it, you can find it in Jersey City. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! We’ve even included the best Jersey City ice cream shops to swing by for a sweet treat after your meal. Find more family-friendly eats in our New Jersey Restaurant Guide.

Houston has no shortage of sprawling suburbs to explore. Located about 20 miles southeast of downtown Houston via Highway 288, the city of Pearland is home to some of the area's best family-friendly playgrounds and parks, indoor activities, and stellar shopping. Take a look at our list of the top spots to play and explore with kids in this quaint community. 

For more fun things to do in towns around Texas, check out our Weekend Getaway Guide.