Wisconsin is one of the true gems of the Midwest and if you are thinking where to spend summer with kids, I can guarantee you could have the best family vacation in Wisconsin. There are so many cool things to do in Wisconsin with kids that you will need at least half a dozen summers to experience them all.
We lived in Illinois for 10 years and we traveled North quite often. That’s how I know all the best places for family vacation in Wisconsin. We had a splendid time every single trip. In addition to that I have enlisted help of several great travel bloggers to share their ideas on best family vacations in Wisconsin and top things to do in Wisconsin with kids.
Best Family Vacation in Wisconsin # 1- WISCONSIN DELLS
Wisconsin Dells is the Mecca for great family vacations in Wisconsin. So why is Wisconsin Dells so popular? There are several reasons for that.
First of all, Wisconsin Dells is named the Water Parks Capital of the World for a reason. It has close to a dozen water parks and water park resorts, both indoors and outdoors so you could have fun any time and during any weather, rain or shine. You can literally spend a week there just hopping from water park to water park. This is one of the funnest things you can do in Wisconsin with kids.
The biggest and most famous Wisconsin Dells’ water park is Noah’s Ark as it is the biggest water park in the entire country! It has close to 30 water attractions for all ages and it is opening up on June 20 this year. Noah’s Ark has tons of thrill rides that you can categorize as the fastest, tallest and the scariest. I am not a thrill rider so I prefer Noas’ Ark’s 2 wave pools, the Endless River and a comfortable slide over Monkey Rapids, but it’s just me 😉
But Wisconsin Dells is not just about water parks. It is surrounded by phenomenal natural beauty – Wisconsin River with its Dells (sandstone formations), hence the name of the town. You absolutely must explore the Dells. There are several types of boat rides offered in town : regular river cruise boats tours (that include some on land exploration as well), speed boats and a “duck” boats that go over the land and into the water (no on land exploration offered on the latter two). And there are two separate parts to the river to explore: Lower Dells and Upper Dells so there is tons of water fun to enjoy here.
We tried a regular cruise boat and a “duck” and we loved both. I can’t recommend one over the other because the experience is different, it would be like comparing apples and oranges. So I do recommend you try both. These both types of rides are considered family friendly attractions in Wisconsin Dells while a speed boat is not appropriate for small kids.
The town of Wisconsin Dells is a true resort town. It has lot of other attractions from a mini golf to a Wizard Quest to a Museum of Torture Devices. But our most favorite kid friendly attraction in Wisconsin Dells is Wisconsin Deer Park where you can see different type of deer (some of them walking freely) and feed them. Kids love this wonderful wildlife interaction and I personally love it because it takes you away form the hustle and bustle of town for a quiet relaxing hour or so.
What is the best place to stay in Wisconsin Dells?
Our most favorite place to stay in Wisconsin Dells in Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort. It is located on the shore of Lake Delton, it has its own private beach, boats to explore the lake, beach volleyball court, table tennis and 2 pools (indoors and outdoors). And in the evenings there is a campfire with songs and guitar music. For more lodging options use, Booking.com search map at the end of this article.
Best Family Vacation in Wisconsin # 2 – OSHKOSH
You probably have not heard of a small town in the Northeastern part of Wisconsin called Oshkosh. But it draws huge crowds at the end of July for the Experimental Aircraft Association air show. The air show, officially called EAA AirVenture, lasts for an entire week. It presents fantastic aircraft exhibits, presentations and phenomenal aerobatics shows every single day.
At the EAA AirVenture you can see everything form historic war birds to latest innovations, from huge Boeings to cool sea planes. And the aerobatics shows defy all laws of physics – they simply leave you in awe!
Beyond that there are many special attractions at EAA AirVenture, such is a kids corner called KidsVenture where kids can try some hands on activities, learn to fly center, RC flying field and much more. If you want to have a one of a kind family vacation in Wisconsin, this is it.
If you decided to go to Oshkosh, plan to visit the air show for at least a couple of days to be able to see most of the exhibits and experience various aerobatics shows. Unfortunately, EAA AirVentures is cancelled for 2020 but it is not too early to plan your next summer vacation in Wisconsin.
Lodging options for EAA AirVenture
There are several lodging options for EAA AirVenture. You can stay at a hotel or an AirBnB house in the town of Oshkosh or you can choose camping nearby. There is actually a campground available right on site of EAA AirVenture. When we went to EAA AirVenture we stayed at Green Lake. It is 24 miles drive from Oshkosh and lodging prices are less than at Oshkosh, unless you camp. Plus Green Lake is a great swimming lake and we love to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the air show to this relaxing and peaceful place.
For more lodging options use, Booking.com search map at the end of this article.
Best Family Vacation in Wisconsin # 3 – LAKE GENEVA
by Adriane from Put On Your Party Pants
Lake Geneva is a beautiful lake town located in southern Wisconsin. Summer is the best time to visit when the town comes to life, which makes it a perfect family vacation destination in Wisconsin.
The downtown area, located on the water, has lots of shops and restaurants. There are plenty from which to choose, but Popeye’s on Lake Geneva (no relation to the “Love That Chicken” franchise) is perfect for kids. Every inch of the restaurant is decorated in a fun way. Kilwin’s is a must stop for fudge and sweet treats.
There are several great outdoor activities. Tours are offered, including ziplining, paddleboarding, and sightseeing cruises. You can rent a pontoon boat, operated by either your party or a sober teenager. Big Foot Beach State Park is great for hiking.
Safari Lake Geneva is a drive through attraction wherein you can feed animals.
If you are looking for an indoor activity, Geneva Lake Museum features exhibits about the history of Geneva Lake. You can relive your Dollywood glory days at The Dancing Horses Theatre which features people with sparkly headbands riding horses, a petting zoo, and a bird show. If your kids are into magic, Tristan Crist Magic Theatre shows have magic, comedy, and illusions.
There are lots of places to stay, but all are not created equal. Timber Ridge Lodge, part of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, is a family friendly resort with a large indoor water park. It offers organized activities throughout the day. It also has an arcade, outdoor pool, and miniature golf. The rooms are all suites, complete with kitchens and separate bedroom areas. It is a great option for families with small children who want more space and the ability to prepare food in the room.
If you are looking for a spa experience, consider the Abbey Resort & Spa. The resort is located on the lake, so the views cannot be beat. The spa is amazing. While you visit, your kids can enjoy both outdoor and indoor pools, as well as organized activities.
For more lodging options use, Booking.com search map at the end of this article.
Lake Geneva is a fun, affordable summer family getaway in Wisconsin. But WAIT! This pretty little town is also a fantastic place for winter family vacation in Wisconsin – check out my Christmas in Wisconsin article for more details.
Best Family Vacation in Wisconsin #4 – GREEN BAY
by Sara Grube Cerny, Cernys’ Journeys
A family trip to Wisconsin is not complete without a visit to Green Bay. Green Bay is the home of the Green Bay Packers and there is a lot to do to celebrate the oldest NFL team still in its original city.
Here are the top things to do in Green Bay Wisconsin:
1. Lambeau Field Stadium Tour: Experience behind the scene areas of the stadium and walk out of the tunnel onto the field as if you are a Packer player. Just imagine yourself as Aaron Rodgers and the crowd going wild!
2. Packers Hall of Fame: Located inside Lambeau Field, you can immerse yourself into the greatest moments in Packers history, see Hall of Fame and World Championship trophies and learn from past players about their experiences as a Packer.
3. Shop the Packers Pro Shop – Find anything green and gold to add to your memorabilia or closet. I highly recommend picking up your very own cheesehead hat!
4. Titletown USA – Just across the street from Lambeau Field, Titletown USA offers year-round fun and entertainment for all ages with shops, activities and restaurants. Take a tumble down Ariens Hill in the summer, snow tube in the winter.
5. Packers Heritage Trail – Take the walk or bike the free trail which features 25 bronze plaques throughout the city to see the impact the Packers have had on Green Bay.
To learn more about options above check information on Packers Hall of Fame and Tours website.
If you are interested in seeing the Packers in action here are the months of the year that you will have an opportunity:
Mid-July – Beginning of August: Packers Training Camp
Beginning of August: Packers Family Night
Mid- August – Beginning of September: Pre- Season
Beginning of September – Beginning of January – Season
If you are lucky enough to score some tickets to a game, go! With the greatest NFL team and best fans, you are in for a great treat. This is a fantastic family vacation in Wisconsin that you will definitely remember for a lifetime!
And guess what? Sara also shared with us this cool educational video for kids about Wisconsin – check it out:
For lodging options in Green Bay use, Booking.com search map at the end of this article.
Best Family Vacation in Wisconsin #5 – MINOCQUA
By Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel
Minocqua is a quaint town in northern Wisconsin famous for its many lakes and outdoor activities. We’ve been making the journey “up north” to Minocqua as a family for over 20 years!
In Minocqua, you’ll find tons of unique family-friendly things to do. You can kayak and boat on the waterways. You can also bike/hike one of the many trails in the area – the most popular being “The Bear Skin Trail” which starts right in downtown Minocqua. You can also try zip-lining, mini-golfing, go-karting, horseback riding and even “flyboarding.”
Other fun things to do in Minocqua include seeing Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Show. Perhaps the most unique thing to watch, though, is snowshoe baseball! The games take place just outside Minocqua in Lake Tomahawk and admission is free. Players play a game of softball on snowshoes using a 16-inch ball and no gloves. Games are played every Monday night starting at 7:30 p.m. from the 3rd Monday in June until the last Monday in August.
Accommodation in Minocqua is also great for families. You can enjoy the outdoors by camping in one of the areas many campgrounds (I personally recommend Indian Shores Campground) or renting a cabin on the water. There are also several hotels and motels to choose from in the area and even a fantastic family-friendly water park called “The Waters of Minocqua.”
For more lodging options in Minocqua use, Booking.com search map at the end of this article.
Visiting Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty for a hearty breakfast is a must-do in Minocqua and be sure to take a photo with Babe the Blue Ox while you’re there. You also have to get ice cream and a hot dog at the delightful outdoor stand – Hoggie Doggies. Other great restaurants to check out are the Minocqua Pizza Company, The Thirsty Whale, The Boathouse, Minocqua Brewing Co. and T. Murtaugh’s Pub & Eatery.
Best Family Vacation in Wisconsin #6 – MADISON
If you are planning a family vacation in Wisconsin, I strongly suggest stopping by its capital, Madison, for a weekend. There are lots of great things to do with kids in Madison and below are my absolute favorites.
If you are travelling to Madison with kids, you definitely need to stop by Madison Children Museum. The Museum is full of fabulous hands on exhibits and activities. One of the most unique, “Wisconsin-flavored” exhibits is called From Coop To Cathedral. At this exhibit kids can explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s childhood bedroom, farm, and architecture studio, but more importantly, they can use imagination and creativity to play, design, build, and invent with various provided materials.
Another cool unique exhibit at Madison Children Museum is Possible-opolis. It is a giant play structure, which the Museum calls a “city”, where children can explore various puzzles and interactive games as well as do physical exercises like running in a hamster wheel, climbing, etc.
In total there are nine exhibits at the Museum at the time of publication but the Museum also presents some additional temporary exhibits on a regular basis.
My second favorite family attraction in Madison Wisconsin is the Olbrich Botanical Garden. If read my blog regularly, you know that I LOVE botanical gardens and the one in Wisconsin is one of my favorites. The garden consists of 16 acres of outdoor exhibits and an indoor tropical plants conservatory with free flying birds and orchids.
Outdoor gardens showcase various plants in different settings: there is a sunken garden and a rose garden, a herb garden and a Serenity garden next to a gorgeous Thai pavilion. a rain garden and a rock and much, much more. I personally love that this botanical garden has lots of water features like ponds and streams which are very calming and relaxing.
Finally, if you are having a family vacation in Madison, you should not miss Lake Mendota at the heart of the city. It has lots of parks and beaches around it that provide lots of opportunities for good old family fun in the sun.
Lodging in Wisconsin
To find lodging in Wisconsin, just type the name of the city or attraction in the Booking.com search box below and select your dates and the map below will display the current available deals:
Whichever family vacation in Wisconsin you choose you are in for a great treat. If you found this information about best family vacations in Wisconsin useful, please, share it with others because there is a high chance it will help them plan their road trip too.
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