Family Fun by the Lake in Monona
From playground mornings to lakeside sunsets, find easy ways to make memories together in Monona.
Make Room for Family Time
In Monona, family days can be as relaxed or as full as you like. Start at a park or playground, explore the shoreline, then pause for ice cream or a meal everyone can enjoy.
Curious kids can discover nature and join library programs, while swimmers, animal lovers, and grown-ups find their own reasons to linger. With local flavor and comfortable places to stay, it’s easy to turn an afternoon together into a lakeside getaway.
Choose Your Family Adventure
Family Moments Outside
Monona Parks, Playgrounds, Beaches & Pool
Easy Stops for Family Outings
Exotic Animal Sightings
Explore Monona pet stores for a wide array of reptiles, tropical insects, frogs, colorful fish, and small furry friends.
Easy Eats & Sweet Treats
Bring your appetite! Explore Monona’s global restaurants and markets for new flavors, or keep it familiar with comfort-food favorites, delis, and build-your-own takeout that make feeding the whole family easy. And, of course, save room for ice cream.
Pro tip: Grab it to go and head to Wyldhaven Park, where balcony-style seating overlooks the lake—with views of the State Capitol and a front-row seat to one of Monona’s best sunsets.
Public Art & Selfie Stops
From vibrant street art to sculptures created during the Harry Whitehorse Wood Sculpture festival, there are plenty of public art stops in Monona.
Loop the Lake
Explore the Monona Lake Loop path by foot, stroller, or bike – pups on leash are welcome, too
Pro tip: Check out our interactive map (link below) for restrooms, water bottle refill stops, free parking, and bike rental locations.
Explore, Play & Learn
Explore miles of trails through prairies and woodlands, wander around the pond, climb on natural play structures, or head inside the nature center for toddler play areas and interactive environmental exhibits.
Pro tip: Stop by the front desk to borrow a bilingual trail pack with binoculars and animal track guides—or, when the snow falls, a pair of snowshoes!
Make Room for More Monona Fun
Country Inn & Suites
Grab a treat, take a dip, bring your pup
Freshly baked cookies, self-serve hot popcorn, expansive continental breakfast, shuttle service, pool & hot tub – pets welcome
AmericInn
Burgers & burritos right next door
Hot breakfast, pool, hot tub, sauna, pet-friendly, free parking
Avid Hotel Monona
Modern, simple, convenient
Skating rink, restaurants, and ice cream nearby
Short Term Rentals
Spread out, grab a house.
AirBNB & VRBO
A Simple Plan for a Monona Day or Weekend
1
Start Outside
Begin at a Monona park or playground, then stroll by the lake or make time for the beach.
2
Refuel and Explore
Pick up family-friendly takeout or sit down for a meal, then visit the library, a nature center, or an ice cream shop.
3
Stay for Another Day
Book a Monona hotel, slow down for the evening, and save the pool or another outdoor stop for tomorrow.