There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Canoes, rowboats, and kayaks are available for rental. Madison is a very bike-friendly town, with biking lanes on downtown streets, trails around Lake Monona and the University Arboretum , and numerous outlying trails . For residents with children, the Henry Vilas Zoo is a nice place to spend an afternoon. Of course, summer wouldn't be summer in Madison without Concerts on the Square .
Autumn is a favorite season.
The magic of fall colors and crisp, clean air help one understand why the northern climes can be so attractive. But once you get a good winter jacket, hat, and gloves, you can join the crowds cross country skiing or ice skating outdoors. Some small downhill ski areas are nearby. People stay in shape indoors, at the rock climbing gym and numerous health clubs. Various ethnic restaurants feature cuisine from the Caribbean, Argentina, Afghanistan, Korea, Turkey, and elsewhere.