When I first arrived in Madison, the first thing that surprised me was the parks.

The sight of two lakes surrounded by large and small parks in the middle of the city was truly beautiful.

I had no idea that a city located between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona could be this stunning. When I first took my child to Vilas Park, I couldn't believe that such a wonderful place was free. The green spaces in Madison are the kind that you grow more grateful for as you live here.

It's amazing and heartwarming that the cycle of blooming flowers in spring, swimming in summer, enjoying fall foliage, and ice skating in winter all takes place in one park. I didn't realize how great it was to raise a child in this city.

Henry Vilas Zoo is a representative family attraction in Madison.

The fact that admission is free is a huge advantage, but that doesn't mean it's small or lacking in things to see. Located within Vilas Park along the northern shore of Lake Wingra, it features a sandy swimming area, two accessible fishing piers, and a lagoon ice skating rink in winter.

On warm days, spreading out a blanket in the picnic area and watching the kids play is the happiest moment for me.

There's no better place for a family outing than being able to enjoy both the zoo and the park at the same time. I was so surprised by the free admission that I checked it several times. For families with children, the presence of Henry Vilas Zoo alone can be a compelling reason to decide to move to this neighborhood.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is my personal favorite spot. The outdoor garden spans 16 acres and is open for free every day. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Monona in Madison, the flowers and plants that bloom change with the seasons, making it a place you want to visit repeatedly rather than just once.

The glass conservatory built in the style of a Thai temple is particularly impressive. Visiting with a child provides a natural educational opportunity to learn plant names, and even adults can find peace here. The well-maintained walking paths make it easy to stroll with a stroller, and there are benches throughout for a quick rest. If I had to choose the most memorable outing with my child, this place would definitely be it.

Lake Monona is another green hub in Madison. There are walking and biking paths around the lake, and you can rent kayaks or canoes to enjoy the water. Olbrich Park is one of the largest lakefront parks in Madison, located right next to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The park has a boat launch that provides access to both Lake Monona and Lake Mendota.

The Madison park system supports a variety of water activities, including motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and even iceboats in winter. Renting a kayak to cross the lake with family creates special memories that can only be made in Madison. Even if you're a beginner, there are courses available, so it's not intimidating.

One of the great things about Madison parks is that they are well-maintained. Perhaps due to a city culture that values green spaces, the parks are clean and safe. There are playgrounds where kids can play and plenty of spaces that are great for walking dogs. From spring to fall, there are often park events and outdoor concerts. There have been many days when I've felt grateful for moving here just because of the parks.

Walking hand in hand with my child by the lake on an ordinary evening feels special here. For those who want to raise their children close to nature, I can sincerely recommend the green spaces in Madison. You can immediately understand why people want to continue living in this city when you visit the parks.