Take advantage of the 12 best senior discounts in Madison

Take advantage of these senior discounts in Madison to save on transportation, entertainment, clothing, and more. 

Aging has its challenges, but it also comes with plenty of perks. Once you reach a certain age, many businesses offer discounts on their products and services. In Madison, there are several local businesses that provide senior discounts, as well as national brands with outposts in the city that offer deals for older shoppers. Whether you’re looking to save money on necessities like food and clothing or you’re seeking sale prices on arts and entertainment, there’s a senior discount available for you in Madison. 

From half-off bus tickets and discounted farmers market fare to special hotel rates and marked-down clothing, keep reading to discover the best senior discounts in Madison. 

1. Metro Transit 

Getting from point A to point B doesn’t need to be an expensive journey. With a half-price Fast Fare card from Metro Transit—available to youths, seniors, and individuals with disabilities or low incomes—you can ride public transportation at a discounted rate. Pricing for single rides and daily, weekly, and monthly caps is 50 percent cheaper than regular fares without a half-price Fast Fare card. 

Address: 1245 E. Washington Ave., Ste. 201

2. Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin

Seniors who want to refresh their wardrobe should head to Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin. Every Tuesday is Senior Day, and shoppers 55 and older receive 10 percent off their entire purchase.

Address: 1302 Mendota St.

3. Marcus Theatres

Marcus Theatres offers seniors two ways to make their moviegoing experience more affordable. With its Everyday Matinee program, moviegoers who are 60 years or older can purchase tickets to screenings that start before 4 p.m.—including newly released films—for $7. 

Through the Young at Heart program, seniors receive a discount on select refreshments. You’ll pay just $3.50 for a 14-ounce soda, $3.50 for a 44-ounce bag of popcorn, and $3 for a hot dog. Young at Heart concession deals are valid every Friday before 4 p.m. 

Both deals are offered at Marcus Theatres’ Point Cinema in Madison. 

Address: 7825 Big Sky Dr.

A dining area located within a movie theater. (Marcus Theatres)

4. Monroe Street Farmers Market & Dane County Farmers Market

Older adults can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce at a discounted price thanks to the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. You must be 60 years of age, meet income requirements, and live in Wisconsin to join the program. Once accepted, you’ll receive five $9 checks (a total of $45) for each growing season (June 1 through October 31) to purchase fresh produce from participating farmers markets. In Madison, the Monroe Street Farmers Market and Dane County Farmers Market participate in the program. 

To join, contact a Farmers Market Nutrition Program office near you.

Address: 

Monroe Street Farmers Market: 2219 Monroe St.

Dane County Farmers Market: 2 E. Main St. (Saturday market), 200 Block MLK Jr. Blvd. (Wednesday market)

A table with vegetables and herbs for sale at a farmers market (Monroe Street Farmers’ Market)

5. Bartell Theatre

Multiple theatre companies operate out of Bartell Theatre, a live-performance facility, and many offer senior discounts for their shows. Individuals who are 65 years or older get $5 off tickets to “Becky’s New Car,” which runs from March 28 to April 12, and $2 off admission to “Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe,” which runs from August 1 to August 10. 

Address: 113 E Mifflin St.

6. Wisconsin Vision

If you’re due for an eye exam or need a new pair of glasses, you’ll be happy to know Wisconsin Vision offers seniors 20 percent off most products and services. Exclusions include contact lenses and already-discounted items.

Address: 5505 Odana Rd. and 2612 E. Washington Ave.

7. Madison Senior Center

The Madison Senior Center hosts about 3,000 events every year and offers free facility rentals to seniors who want to hold their own events there. The Senior Group Discount is available to groups with 90 percent of members aged 55 or older or groups working to advance issues or advocate for policies that directly affect older adults.

Address: 330 West Mifflin St.

8. Kohl’s

Kohl’s offers senior shoppers a discount on in-store purchases every Wednesday. Those 60 years or older get 15 percent off qualifying purchases (just be sure to bring your ID to verify your age). 

Address: 7401 W. Towne Way and 2602 E. Springs Dr.

The exterior of a Kohl’s store. (Mike Mozart/CC BY 2.0)

9. Marriott Hotels

Seniors in need of a staycation can book one for less at a Marriott property in Madison. The Marriott Senior Discount Rate is available to guests who are at least 62 years old and is valid for two rooms per night. Some Marriott hotels in Madison include AC Hotel Madison Downtown, Moxy Madison Downtown, and Sheraton Madison Hotel. 

Address: This discount is available at numerous hotels throughout Madison.

10. America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

If exploring some national parks is on your bucket list, purchase an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass before your next adventure. Senior passes are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are at least 62 years old for $20 or $80 for a lifetime version. 

With the pass, you get access to more than 2,000 parks throughout the country. With the Senior Pass, you’re also eligible for discounts on some park amenity fees for things like camping, swimming, and boat launch.

Address: The pass can be used at sites throughout the country. 

Camp at national parks for less by using this senior discount. (Yunus Tuğ/Unsplash)

11. Michaels

Crafting is cheaper when you purchase your supplies at Michaels. The art and hobbies supply store has a senior discount that’s available to shoppers who are 55 years old or older. The 10 percent discount can be applied to in-store and online purchases, including sale items. In order to take advantage of this discount, you must first create a Michaels Rewards account. 

Address: 4271 Lien Rd.

12. Walgreens

Senior Day is the first Tuesday of every month at Walgreens. Shoppers who are at least 55 years old receive 20 percent off eligible regular-priced items in-store and online. Some excluded items include alcohol, lottery tickets, dairy products, newspapers, and magazines. To be eligible for the discount, you must create a free myWalgreens account first. 

Address: Walgreens has multiple locations in Madison.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.