Dane County Free Fun Weekend

media release: Madison Parks, in partnership with Dane County Parks, is offering a permit-free weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, 2026. Activities typically requiring a permit are free to use this weekend! 

Dogs in Parks In addition to the nine Madison off-leash dog parks, a dog permit is required for all leashed dogs in parks where allowed.

The Dane County Park system has eight off-leash dog parks each with its own unique features and terrain. All dogs must be legally licensed with their municipality, vaccinated and follow all dog park rules. 

Lake Access With the colder temps, we're anticipating more opportunities for ice fishing. Several lake sites offer easy access and parking. This weekend is also the Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend(link is external).

Disc Golf At the time of this writing, the disc golf course at Hiestand is closed. We are hopeful to reopen ahead of this weekend. Look for an update later this week. 

Biking & Mountain Biking: Dane County has over 100 miles of shared-use bike trails that connect communities, parks and natural resource areas. We offer single-track mountain bike trails at three locations throughout the year (including winter). 

Other activities that never require a permit: 

Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking: Snowshoeing and winter hiking is allowed on or off-trail at all Dane County Park properties except on designated cross-country ski trails when snow is present even if they have not yet been groomed. Some parks have signed snowshoe trails to help with navigation. 

Sledding: The Dane County Park System has four parks with public sledding hills. These range from short and gentle slopes that are great for younger kids to steeper hill. For your safety, and to uphold the quality of our landscapes, please do not use the sledding hills without sufficient snow base. 

Free Events This Weekend

• Candlelight Walk - Warner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Ave. - Saturday, January 17, 6:00 - 8:00pm
• Bird & Nature Adventures - Olbrich Park, 3301 Atwood Avenue - Saturday, January 17, 10:00am
• Bird & Nature Adventures - Warner Park, 2930 Sherman Ave. - Sunday, January 18, 1:30pm

Ice Skating At the time of this writing, all rinks and designated lagoons in Madison are closed. We anticipate some locations to open for the weekend. Please check the website for any updates. 

Winter Clothing Drive Donate your new and gently used winter clothing starting January 14 through Sunday, February 1! Madison Parks, in partnership with the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. (CAC), is collecting winter clothing at select locations, including Madison Parks Central Office, 330 E. Lakeside St.

Note: This Free Fun Weekend typically offers cross-country skiing without a permit. However, all ski trails remain closed.

Madison Parks is a division of the City of Madison with 290+ parks and nearly 6,000 acres to explore through hiking, golfing, swimming, skating, skiing and more! MADISON PARKS is yours to explore.

The Dane County Park System does not require an entry fee and is always free to visit. Some activities require a permit and the fees help us maintain amenities for those activates. If you try out a permitted activity this weekend and enjoy it, you can purchase a daily or annual pass online from www.reservedane.com. For more information, please visit the Winter Recreation page at www.danecountyparks.com/winter.