Spring is finally here! Are you eager to get outside and enjoy the nicer weather with family, friends, coworkers, etc.? Here are five free spring/summer activities that are available to you in Madison, Wisconsin:

1. Henry Vilas Zoo
Henry Villas Zoo, located at 702 S Randall Ave, is a 28-acre zoo that is free to the public. The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Conservation Carousel is open April 1 through October 31.  The Zoo Train resumes operation once weather allows.  The zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  https://www.henryvilaszoo.gov/

2. Concerts on the Square
Concerts on the Square will be located on the King Street corner of the Capitol Square. These concerts will be coming back this summer starting June 28! Six concerts will be performed on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 28 – August 2. For more information about these upcoming concerts, visit: https://wcoconcerts.org/concerts-tickets/concerts-on-the-square.

3. University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
The Arboretum is located at 1207 Seminole Highway and is open to the public daily from 4:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Here you can explore prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and gardens in all seasons. There are also tours, classes, and other programs available.  https://arboretum.wisc.edu/

4. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, located at 3330 Atwood Ave, is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (until 6 p.m. April through September). The outdoor gardens feature 16 acres of beautiful landscape and Midwest-hardy plants. The tropical Bolz Conservatory – filled with exotic plants, orchids, birds, and a waterfall – is free to all on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  https://www.olbrich.org/

5. Dane County Farmer’s Market on the Square
The Dane County Farmer’s Market will be held at the Capitol Square starting on Saturday, April 15. This weekly outdoor market will run on Saturdays from 6:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. from April 15 – November 11. Some foods you can expect to see at the market include bakery, meat & dairy, cheese, vegetables, fruits, plants, and some other specialties including dog bones, salsa, nuts, hummus, etc.  https://dcfm.org/markets/saturday-on-the-square