Child-Friendly Suggestions
The Wisconsin Union offers a variety of activities at both Memorial Union and Union South for the whole family to enjoy.
Memorial Union Suggestions
Daily Scoop
The Daily Scoop is a Madison favorite selling famous Babcock Ice Cream as well as gourmet coffee, grab-n-go sandwiches and fresh bakery items. During the summer the line is long, giving you and the kids plenty of time to pick a flavor (or two).
Films
Throughout the year, the Wisconsin Union Directorate programs films for almost every night of the week. The broad range of films often includes sneak peaks of children’s favorites before they even hit movie stores. Check out the event calendar to see what’s playing.
Mini Courses
Mini Courses are short, informal, non-credit classes offered on a variety of fun topics ranging from woodworking to dance. Kid-friendly courses include Kung Fu for Kids and Parent & Child Exploring Pottery.
Teens can enroll in any of our “adult” classes as long as they are accompanied by a parent or adult. Both parent and child must register for the class.
Most classes meet weekly, but single day classes are available. For more information, click here.
Craftshop
The Craftshop offers studio space for a variety of craft media, such as pottery and jewelry making.
Parents and children can use the studio space together—a child must be supervised by the parent at all times. Only the parent is required to purchase a permit for use.
Memorial Union Terrace
During the summer months the Memorial Union Terrace is buzzing. Listen to music five nights a week live from the UW Credit Union Summer Stage. Monday is movie night at Lakeside Cinema. The Brat Stand grills up brats and burgers. And the Daily Scoop opens its outdoor stand for easy access to everybody’s favorite—Babcock Ice Cream.
Outdoor Rentals
At Outdoor Rentals you can rent canoes, tents, volleyball, board games and more. Snag a table on the Terrace for family game time. Or strap on a life jacket and take the crew on a tour of Lake Mendota.
Family-Friendly Dining
All of the dining options throughout the Memorial Union are family-friendly. Der Rathskeller offers hamburgers and sandwiches as well as salad and soups. Lakefront on Langdon offers a grill station with made-to-order sandwiches and wraps, a taqueria with tacos and burritos, a pizza station and an Asian option.
Union South Suggestions
Badger Bash
During the fall, Badger Bash is great pre-game for the whole family.
Activities include breakfast before the game, a two-hour tailgate before the game complete with hot food, cold beverages and games for the kids. A post-show game review and live music on the stage in The Sett.
And if you don’t have tickets, you can catch the game at The Sett where you can eat food, win prizes, bowl during half-time and even Jump Around!
The Sett
The Sett is a three-story experience with something for everyone. There’s bowling and billiards on the lower level. A climbing and bouldering wall for novices to experienced climbers. Big screen TVs show the game and a delicious menu will keep everybody full and happy. And a stage built for live music and performances brought to you by the Wisconsin Union Directorate.
The Marquee
This 350-seat cinema is home to the Wisconsin Union Directorate film program. The Marquee is complete with an expansive movie screen, specialized sound system and plush badger red seats. The Marquee offers a variety of movies and films including children’s favorites.
Check out the event calendar to see what’s playing.
Family-Friendly Dining
All of the dining options throughout Union South are family-friendly. The Sett offers classic Wisconsin cheese curds and fish fry as well as hand-made burgers. At Ginger Root watch chefs prepare your sushi or stir-fries in the open kitchen. Harvest Grains offers flatbread sandwiches and salads. And Urban Slice serves the best deck-oven pizza in town.
Daily Scoop
The Daily Scoop is a campus favorite selling famous Babcock Ice Cream as well as gourmet coffee, grab-n-go sandwiches and fresh bakery items. During the summer the line is long, giving you and the kids plenty of time to pick a flavor (or two).
