Revealed: The Best Places to Vacation in Wisconsin with Kids

Are you looking for fun places to visit with kids during your next vacation? Wisconsin is your best bet. 

With dozens of water parks, miles of beaches, vast farmlands, and museums, the state has many places awaiting exploration. We’ve rounded up a list of the best places to vacation in Wisconsin with kids.

1. The Wisconsin Dells

Known as the Water Park Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit when visiting Wisconsin with kids. With dozens of indoor and outdoor water parks, it’s the perfect place for having fun, whether visiting during the cold or hot season.

Noah’s Ark is the most famous, boasting close to 30 water attractions. It has thrill rides, too, for both kids and adults who enjoy winding down tall and scary water slides. 

The Scorpion’s Tail is a key attraction at Noah’s Ark. Visitors drop through a trap door, slide through a 400-foot water slide before being thrown into a vertical loop. Other popular water parks at Wisconsin Dells include:

• The Wilderness Territory
• Chula Vista Resort
• Kalahari Waterparks
• Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

If your kids aren’t fans of water parks, explore Dell’s natural attractions. Sandstone formations are the most fascinating, and they can be traced to millions of years ago. They formed after erosion reduced Midwestern Mountains to sediment.

Other Things to Do

• Visit the family-centric Devil’s Lake State Park. You can relax at the beach, rent a boat, or camp here
• Visit Circus World Museum, 12 miles south of Wisconsin Dells. Kids get to create a circus performance too
• Visit the International Crane Foundation, an animal habitat home to 15 species of cranes
• Rent a boat, bike, or kayak to explore the wooded Mirror Lake State Park

Where to Eat at Wisconsin Dells

Here are some spots to try out for a quick, kid-friendly snack or lunch:

• Kaminski’s Chop House with an exclusive kid-friendly menu
• Monk’s at Lake Delton has the best burgers in Wisconsin
• Sarento’s Italian restaurant for whole-family menu options, seafood, and Italian cuisines
• High Rock Cafe for a variety of American cuisine (has gluten-free options too)

Where to Stay at Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells has lots of family-friendly resorts. The Great Wolf is a favorite. Apart from offering accommodation, it has morning yoga and storytime for kids. Spring Brook is another family-centric spot for kids who want to learn fishing. 

However, if a well-rounded resort is your ideal location during a vacation, the Sundara Inn and Spa is an excellent pick. In addition to the cozy suites, it’s equipped with a fitness studio, outdoor pool, salt treatment room, and a spa.

2. Green Bay

Home to the iconic football franchise (the Packers), Green Bay is another place you want to explore during your vacation. It has fantastic restaurants, lots of parks, and museums for kids and adults to enjoy.

Bay Beach Amusement Park stands out. Your kids get to enjoy riding on the mind-blowing coaster and spinning on the adrenaline-filled rides. There are colorful train rides and carousels for toddlers too.

Your visit to Green Bay isn’t complete without visiting the National Railroad Museum. The tour starts with a 25-minute film that explains the history of steam locomotives. Then proceed to indoor and outdoor exhibits of the command train used during World War II, a mail car, and a 1950s futuristic Aerotrain. 

Kids love animals, and a visit to the zoo is the epitome of any vacation. Green Bay hosts a New Zoo & Adventure Park that hosts tons of animals. The zoo has many animal species to discover, from majestic lions to prairie dogs, towering giraffes, and penguins.

Other Things to Do 

• Explore the scenic Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Injured animals are brought here to be nursed and released back to the wild
• Take a stroll at the Green Bay Botanical Garden
• Experience Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame
• Play football at Titletown
• Take a tour to Lambeau Field Stadium

Where to Eat at Green Bay

• Culver’s for free Kid’s custard for every kid’s meal
• Cheese Cake Heaven for a serving of thick soup, huge sandwiches, and cheesecake
•  Pizza ranch for free meals for kids less than three years
• Julie’s Cafe for a full breakfast platter
• Denny’s for a freebie with every purchase of an adult entree (limited to two)
• Golden Basket for free kids’ meals on Mondays and Thursdays

Where to Stay at Green Bay

For lodging options, it’s best to look for hotels or resorts with kid-friendly social amenities. Tundra Lodge, Comfort Suites, and Clarion Pointe hotels are excellent examples. They have indoor pools, kids’ pools, laundry facilities, a water park, among other facilities.

Lodge Kohler is another pick for tourists visiting Green Bay, but it’s not exclusively designed for kids. It offers hydrotherapy spa amenities, among other luxuries, making this resort a hot spot.

3. Door County 

Also referred to as the Cape of Cod of the Midwest, the county is home to most of Wisconsin’s hidden gems. From picturesque coastal towns to fish boils to lighthouses to forested state parks and up to 30 beaches, there’s plenty to discover here.

Door County also has the most stunning waterfront views stretching across the vast 300 miles of shoreline. What’s more, the rugged rock formations, limestone bluffs, and pristine beaches should pique your kids’ interest.

While new art galleries, home decor, and upscale clothing boutiques continue to be set up, old museums are still a sight to behold. The Peninsula Players Theater is an excellent example. Dubbed America’s oldest resident summer theater in the county, it hosts rib-cracking live theatrical performances. 

Other Things to Do

• Adventure rafting on high-speed boat tours. You get to explore island caves, shipwrecks, and more 
• Visit Maritime Museum located in Sturgeon Bay. Kids learn about ship captains, explore Shipwrecks of Door County and visit John Purves, the restored tugboat
• Attend the FYR Ball Festival with endless family entertainment, fireworks, and bonfires
• Visit Hands On Art Studio, where kids explore their art skills using ceramic, glass, and other materials

Where to Eat at Door County

There’s no shortage of eateries at Door County. You can dine at:

• The Barringer’s which is known for serving steaks and seafood
• The White Gull Inn
• The Cookery Fresh Foods
• Bluefront Cafe is known for serving healthy local foods
• Harbor Fish Market and Grille (is also pet-friendly)

Where to Stay at Door County

Most restaurants double up as resorts offering bed, breakfast, and lunch for families. There are inns too if looking for more budget-friendly accommodation. Here are some examples:

• Bridgeport Waterfront Resort
• Glidden Lodge Beach Resort
• Eagle Harbor Inn
• Scofield House
• Inn at Cedar Crossing
• Blacksmith Inn on the Shore

4. Madison

The city gains its status from its role as Wisconsin’s capital, but there’s more. Thanks to the numerous chef-owned restaurants and ethnic eateries, it has a diverse food scene. 

Madison also has lots of kid-friendly places to visit. There’s a kid’s museum (Madison Children’s Museum) and theater and storytelling events at the Overture Center for the Arts on State Street. 

Henry Vilas Zoo is also a great place to start exploring during a vacation. Kids get to view giraffes and primates in their houses, ride the kid’s train and carousel, and enter the Arctic Passage to see polar bears.

Governor Nelson State Park is another place to explore as it boasts a spacious kid-friendly area for kids to play. Located in the north-western region of Lake Mendota, the park has a boat launch, a sand beach, and playground equipment. 

Teens and pre-teens are more likely to enjoy skirting through eight miles of trails, including the circling Native American mounds. 

They can also explore the State Capitol, and if visiting during the summer season, they should head for the sixth floor of the deck for a spectacular view of Madison city.

Other Things to Do 

• Visit the National Mustard Museum with up to 5,600 mustard species
• Visit MacKenzie Center to watch native animals, view the towering lighthouse, and skirt through nature trails
• Visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens
• Rent canoes, kayaks, or boats and participate in various lakeshore events 
• Join one of Madison’s food tours

Where to Eat at Madison City

The city’s famous food scene gives visitors a vast array of dining choices. Here are some kid-friendly spots:

• Ian’s Pizza, known for serving the best mac n’ cheese pizza
• Zuzu Cafe, famous for hosting the Mediterranean fare
• Pizza Brutta for Italian-style Pizza
• Pat O’Malley Jet Room. Kids eat while watching planes arrive and depart

Where to Stay at Madison City

Choosing family-friendly hotels in Madison makes your stay even cozier. The city has a decent range of hotels and resorts with standard king bedrooms and double queen bedrooms. Here are top picks:

• Hampton Inn and Suites
• Double Tree, Madison Downtown
• Sleep Inn Suites
• Hyatt Place, Madison
• Comfort Inn

5. Oshkosh

The small town has grown famous for hosting the annual Airventure show. The show is sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association and is held at the end of July.

Many tourists flock here to experience the week-long event that showcases spectacular aerobatics, historic warplanes, and the latest innovations.

There’s a kid’s corner too called the KidsVenture. Kids learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, aviation history, and experience flight simulators.

Apart from the Airventure show, there are many fun places for kids to visit. Pollock Community Water Park is an excellent example. It boasts many social amenities, including water slides, sand play areas, splash pads, and a lazy river.

Menominee Park is another fun park sitting in a vast 100-acre area. What makes it stand out is the designated amusement area for kids. The park also has tennis courts, a zoo, and athletic fields.

Other Things to Do 

• Rent kayaks or paddle boats and have fun on the water
• Visit Oshkosh Public Library
• Attend shows and concerts at Leach Amphitheater
• Paint pottery at Fire Escape
• Visit Oshkosh Farmer’s Market

Where to Eat at Oshkosh

• Cozumel Mexican Grill (offers free meals for kids under 12 on Sunday)
• TJ’s Harbor Restaurant to dine while enjoying a waterfront view
• Cinder’s Charcoal Grill for affordable kid’s meals
• Benvenuto’s Italian Grill 

Where to Stay at Oshkosh

If you’re big on the breathtaking waterfront views, Cobblestone Suites, Holiday Inn Express Hotel, and Best Western Premier are great picks.

They’re also kid-friendly. You can also check various travel listings for more options. They should help you compare prices and the amenities on offer.

6. Milwaukee 

The city is an excellent destination for families during the summer season. It has a history of hosting brewery tours thanks to its rich German heritage, but it has many kid-friendly attractions too.

The Mitchell Park Domes at Layton Boulevard still stands out despite being the oldest park in the town. It has three domes with different surroundings to allow guests to experience different worlds within a short period.

The first Dome showcases a desert setting and has varying cacti species, while the second Dome hosts a Tropical surrounding. The third is a Floral Dome displaying different flower species. The park holds shows year-round.

The Safe House is another exciting place to visit with kids. It’s a spy-themed restaurant with fun activities for kids and adults to indulge.

Your tour isn’t complete without visiting Milwaukee’s County Zoo. It sits on a vast 190-acre piece of land and has more than 2,000 animals. The zoo has many exhibits too.

The Bear Garden, Otter Home, and the Sea Lion show will keep your kids thoroughly entertained. If you’re bringing a toddler, be sure to take a ride on the Safari Train to view the animal exhibits.

Other Things to Do 

• Head over to the Veterans Park 
• Visit Milwaukee’s Museum
• Play at Nixon Park’s splash pad
• Explore art at Lyden Sculpture Garden
• Journey to the Old World Wisconsin at an open-air museum

Where to Eat 

• Take a burger at AJ Bombers
• Enjoy seafood specialties at Third Coast Provisions
• Visit The Vanguard for housemade sausages
• Enjoy some tasty cookies and sandwiches at Colectivo Coffee
• Dine at Braise for a platter prepped from local produce

Where to Stay

It’s best to look for a hotel or resort that’s close enough to the places you want to visit. Hilton Milwaukee City Center is close to the Domes, while Crown Plaza Hotel (in Milwaukee West) is near the County Zoo. Be sure to check out traveling listings too.

6. Minocqua

A vacation in Wisconsin isn’t complete without visiting the famous lake getaway—Minocqua. This small town located in the north-western part of Wisconsin is known for its lake appeal. It has more than 3,000 lakes, and the quieter ones are great for kids to swim and make sandcastles.

It hosts nearly 1,000 condos, rooms, and cabins lined along the pine-shaped shores, allowing you to explore the town’s pleasantries for a day or two.

Hiking on The 18-mile Bear Skin Trail is the most popular activity in the town, and you can rent bikes to help you cover more ground faster. Older kids are more likely to enjoy this activity.

There’s also zip-lining, horseback riding, go-karting, and mini-golfing at nearby parks for younger children.

Other Things to Do

• Engage in throwing axes at Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack show
• Ski at the Min-aqua Bats Waterski show
• Visit Northwoods Children’s Museum
• Sightseeing at Minocqua Pontoon cruises
• Rent a boat or canoe and go kayaking on the waterways

Where to Eat

• The Boathouse for outdoor dining
• Monical’s Pizza serves the best Pizza in Minocqua
• Hoggie Doggie for a bite of the Chicago-style hot dog
• Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty for scrumptious buttermilk doughnuts
• Tula’s Cafe to enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls

Where to Stay

The Beacons of Minocqua is an excellent place for you and your kids to relax. The resort has log cabins, condos, and an indoor pool. Alternatively, make a reservation at The Waters of Minocqua, another cozy resort in the town.

It has an arcade and a water park, hence highly kid-friendly.  And if you want to be a little more adventurous, set up a tent in one of the campgrounds.

7. Hayward

This Midwestern town is a favorite vacation destination for avid anglers. This is because of its abundance of large lakes rich in stockfish.

Hayward also boasts miles of dense woodlands, where locals get logs for the famous Lumberjack World Championship. 

There’s also a Lumberjack Bowl where Hayward residents engage in ax-throwing, logrolling, and speed climbing activities. The activities happen six days a week, so you never get bored during your stay here. 

Things to Do

• Camp, fish, hike, or hunt at Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
• Visit Fresh Water Fishing Museum 
• Watch Scheer’s Lumberjack show

Where to Eat

• Have a pizza at Copps’ Pizza
• Enjoy old-world loaves of bread at the Firehouse Bakery
• Dine with from-scratch lunches at the Farmstead Cafe
• Enjoy large scoops of ice cream at West’s Hayward Ice Cream Cafe

Where to Stay

• Book a cabin at Deerfoot Lodge and Resort
• Vacation in one of Treeland’s Resorts
• Choose a guest room at Spider Lake Lodge Bed and Breakfast

Explore Wisconsin With Your Kids in Your Next Vacation

The state is home to Wisconsin’s best places to vacation with kids. From the numerous water parks at Wisconsin Dells to the hiking trails at Madison city to the three nature domes at Milwaukee, there’s plenty to keep your kids entertained.
Traveling with your kids is one of the best decisions you can ever make. Here’s all the inspiration you might need to help you successfully plan for the next family vacation.