My husband and I moved from the West coast back to Monona (Madison) to raise our 2 year old son. Great people, many parks, free zoo, safe streets to walk, and a festival every weekend in the summer. The winters can get long and cold. This winter we have gotten a lot of snow. I would suggest suburbs around the Madison area if you have children. Check out this website.

Fri Dec 28 2007, 13:00

ABSOLUTELY!!!! As a single parent and mother of two I cannot say enough about Madison, WI. The schools are fantastic. My kids are involved in hockey, soccer, golf, swimming, and the list goes on and on. For younger kids the childrens museum cannot be beat. Than their is the UW and a wide variety of youth programs, check out Bo Ryans youth basketball camp! Not to mention Vilas Zoo ( did I mention it was FREE), Ohlbrich Garden Center, the school forest, the Arboretum, The BADGERS!, parks and more parks, many city pools, the farmers market, and don't miss babcock ice cream at Memorial Union! Always a favorite.

I could go on for hours and hours. My main criteria was safety and security. Believe it or not my kids can play outside after dinner with no concerns. Basically the rule is, when the street lights come on you need to be in your own yard! I would love to answer any questions you might have.

Thu Sep 20 2007, 19:21

Absolutely,
I have had people more away because of the child friendliness was not to their liking.
Yes, Children are welcome in just about every restaurant. Amenities are excellent, as are schools. Good luck with your decision.

Mon Jun 18 2007, 20:13

There are many different things that make Madison good for children: many parks, a free zoo, and good schools. Below are some good references.

http://www.vilaszoo.org/
http://www.greatermadisonchamber.com/living_here/madison_links.php

http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/neighborhoods/profile/sectors.html

Sun Jun 17 2007, 11:58

I would call Madison a front porch city. Meaning you are more likely to visit with your neighbors than hide out in your house or your back yard. I supplied a link about an author that moved here and her experience about being in Madison. An excerpt "Blogger On Careers Took Her Own Advice And Moved Here: And how is Trunk liking Madison? “I love it. We moved here in August, and every single day my family sat on our front porch and ate Popsicles. I remember the first day we did it, I cried. It’s what I imagined life would be like as a family.”

Wed May 16 2007, 22:22

The Madison Metro area is a wonderful environment in which to raise a family. With many national award-winning schools and an area that is surrounded by four lakes, you have not only a community that prides itself on public and private education opportunities, but one that offers its residents a reason to be 'hand's on' when it comes to enjoying the natural beauty and gorgeous seasons that make up a year of life in the Madison area.

Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51