Being a parent often feels like running in several races at once. There is always more to do. The race against time does not cease just because your progeny is running loose with no diaper as the imminent soiling of expensive carpet looms like the Enola Gay. Things still need to get done. It is only a matter of time.

But kids only grow up once. Finding ways to spend “quality time” can be a daily challenge. Growing minds need enterprising activities as much as parents need a break from the constant cycle of feeding, napping, and social conditioning. The day to day can be downright dreadful, at its worst. A series of rewarding discoveries at best.

Of course you may not have a child. You may be free to chase wild animals through the forests, or wild co-eds through the streets. If so, then spend your time wisely, I say. Get drunk. Get sober. Keep the fights clean and the lovin’ dirty. Do what you will, but love what you do. Don’t be a jackass.

So, how does one spend playful time parenting when there are so many other things to be done? The best way to spend it, of course, is with patience, on the floor, playing blocks, counting to ten again, and again, and again. It is thinking of things to do that will both entertain the child and deliver some vague sense of intellectual appreciation for you, the baby wrangler.

Time, they say, is money. But money will only get you so far in the eyes of a child. Time is more precious than all the tickle-me Elmo dolls a factory in China could ever produce. I’ll let Sark handle the sentiment of it all but, if you’re stuck in a rut of routine with your kid, or maybe you’re new to town, here are just a few options for kid-friendly fun. Most of these are free or cheap. All of them are just one tired parent’s opinion.

City Parks: Soon the oaks and maples, the lindens and the ash will be blooming with a kaleidoscope of color. Wingra Park at Monroe Street and Commonwealth Ave. is small but peaceful; Vilas Park, near the (free) Henry Vilas Zoo, which now has three young male giraffe’s, is bigger and has plenty of running room; Orton Park on the near east side, the city’s oldest park and a communal favorite.

Librarys: While the new Sequoya branch is still under construction, there are several other options all over town. Most are small but the Ashman branch on the west side is spacious and spiffy, as is the Monona branch to the east. Plenty of weekly activities for readers of all ages and abilities are available. The Central library downtown, next to the civic center, is the biggest. You’re free to chose which one is the best for you.

Ella’s Deli: on East Washintgon Ave. is sensory overload in so many ways. The outdoor carousel is still open and the dozens of hand-crafted whizzing, chirping, crashing toy models inside must be seen to be believed. The food is ok, the spectacle is amazing.

Children’s Museum: sitting at the top of State St., MCM is a joy and a pleasure for unending hours of fun. There is an entrance fee but membership is an option. There’s even a milking parlor. It’s not exclusively for breast-feeding moms, although they’re certainly not excluded, but to honor “one of Wisconsin’s most culturally and economically important industries.”

Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Sixteen acres of beautiful grasses, flowers, and butterflies. Visit the ornate Thai Pavilion or, when the outdoor chill becomes too much, the tropical Bolz Conservatory which offers warm and humid air all winter long.

Coffeehouses: There are many java joints in town. Here are a just a couple with some play spaces available. Escape Java Joint is big enough for its own kids room, a performance space, quiet study area and a board-game room. Independently owned and celebrating its two-year anniversary this weekend, there is plenty of socially-conscious clientele to chit-chat with and room enough to relax, play, study or people-watch at your leisure. The Froth House, on the near west side at Allen near Regent St., is another independent coffeehouse with a small play area inside and very nice courtyard behind. Occasional acoustic music, tango lessons, and other art events take place here regularly.

There are PLENTY of places to go with kids around town. These are just a few. Here are some more that a Madison mom, a self-described “fbk” (foodie before kids), lists as favorites. Enjoy!