Olbrich Botanical Gardens are open 10-4 in the cold months and 10-6 in the warm months. While I’ve found the Bolz Conservatory worth a membership even just for the winter, the outdoor gardens are free to the public. A children’s play area has been developed at the north end of the gardens which features a vegetable garden, outdoor percussion, a climbable & crawlable metal leaf sculpture, natural log structures for climbing, and a new running water installation! Many of the gardens at Olbrich feature native plants and a birch grove is integrated next to the Starkweather Creek (be advised that while a small low-amperage electric fence runs along the edge of the creek, the walking path often runs close to the water and small children should be guided with appropriate caution). The bridge to Olbrich’s acclaimed Thai Pavilion is also a great vantage point to watch for turtles, ducks, and fish in the creek.
A sort of corollary to Silverwood Park in Minnesota, Olbrich is a center of art and horticulture in Madison, hosting various nature-inspired art installations throughout the year. Additional parking can be found just across the street, where Olbrich Park’s Lakeland Playground provides a small playground with log climbers and metal slides set right into the park’s hill. With swinging benches and beautiful lake view and paths, this park is an excellent stop for a picnic and playtime before Olbrich opens at 10am.
Olbrich Art Installations
Lakeland Playgound, Olbrich Park on Lake Monona
