Summer opportunities for youth & families across Madison

Hi there, 

Image credit: Andy Coffie

One thing I hear from families every year is how important it is to have affordable, accessible opportunities for young people over the summer months. Whether it's free meals, a ride to a summer job, library programs, recreation activities, or neighborhood events, these resources help keep our kids engaged, connected, and supported. I've pulled together a few opportunities below and encourage families to learn more about what Madison has to offer this summer.

• Madison Public Schools Summer Food Program
  • The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) provides meals to children aged 18 years and younger during summer break through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Meals are available Monday-Friday at a variety of school sites and community locations (listed below) starting Monday, June 22nd. All sites will be closed on Friday, July 3. No application or sign-up is required.
  • Find a school or community site closest to you. 
• Parks Alive | Sandburg Park
  • As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
    • Dates & Themes | 5pm - 7pm
    • Sandburg Park, 3202 Sunbrook Road, Madison, WI 53704
      • Tuesday, June 30 - Self-Care & Wellness
      • Tuesday, July 21 - Sports & Games
      • Tuesday, August 18 - Arts & Culture
  • Free!
• Parks Alive Across Madison
  • Held in parks across Madison, Parks Alive events are a chance to visit your local park, listen to music, participate in fun, family-friendly activities, enjoy free food and get to know your neighbors. Build connections with your community and connect with green spaces across the city at events throughout the summer.
  • Upcoming dates
• Goodman Pool 
  • Complete the Pool Waiver before your first visit!
  • Goodman Pool Visitor Checklist
  • Admission Prices
  • Scholarship Program
• Summer Youth Passes
  • Metro Transit and the Madison Metropolitan School District are once again partnering to provide virtual summer bus passes to all Madison students living in the City of Madison entering grades 6 through 12, including graduating high school seniors.*
  • Passes allow students to ride the bus for free all summer, making getting to jobs, athletic camps, and other fun summer destinations easier.
  • How to request a virtual pass
• Madison Public Library
  • See upcoming events for all ages. 
  • Learn more about opportunities for kids and families. 
• Free Mobile Recreation Events
  • Mobile Madison brings free, mobile activities to a multitude of Madison neighborhoods, prioritizing areas of limited access to resources in a collaborative effort. Member organizations work together to broaden the reach of our services to best benefit the Madison community.
  • Mobile Madison 2026 Events
    • Monday, June 15 at Brittingham Park, 5-7pm (Zootopia 2 @ 6:45pm)
    • Tuesday, June 16 at Warner Park 5-7pm (Hoppers @ 6:45pm)
    • Wednesday, June 17 at Elver Park 5-7pm (Goat @ 6:45pm)

• Neighborhood and Community Centers

  • Neighborhood and community centers are spaces for residents. These community spaces offer services and activities. Centers also provide a safe and welcoming place for all residents. There is a particular emphasis on benefiting lower-income households.
  • Find a center in your area. 

  Another great resource is United Way of Dane County's 211.  211 hosts the most comprehensive health and human services database in Dane County, making it easier for you to find and access the resources you need during challenging times.

  I hope your day has been well, 

  President Madison, district17@cityofmadison.com