Things to Do With Kids in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for its beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and stunning views. But there is so much more to this great state. From its vibrant cities to its charming rural towns, Wisconsin has plenty of exciting activities to keep the kids entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor activities, or something in between, Wisconsin has something for everyone. Here are 12 of the best things to do with kids in Wisconsin.

Explore Milwaukee

Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and is brimming with family-friendly activities. Start your adventure in the downtown area, where you can take a tour of the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, explore the Milwaukee Public Museum, or catch a show at the historic Pabst Theater. Kids of all ages will love the Milwaukee County Zoo, which boasts more than 3,000 animals from all over the world. And no trip to Milwaukee is complete without a visit to the famous Milwaukee Riverwalk, an iconic three-mile stretch of waterfront that offers stunning views of the city.

For a unique experience, take a ride on the Milwaukee River Cruise, where you can learn about the city’s history and admire the skyline from the comfort of a boat. And don’t forget to check out the Harley-Davidson Museum, where you can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most iconic motorcycles.

With its diverse range of attractions, Milwaukee is the perfect destination for a family day out.

Hit the Beach

Wisconsin is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Midwest. With over 800 miles of shoreline and more than 15,000 inland lakes, there’s no shortage of beachy fun in the Badger State. Head to Lake Michigan for a day of sun and sand at one of the many lakefront beaches. Or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Lakes, where you can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing.

For a unique experience, take a trip to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Here, you can explore the islands by kayak or paddleboard, or take a boat tour to admire the stunning sandstone sea caves. No matter which beach you choose, you’re sure to have a blast.

Wisconsin’s beaches are the perfect place to spend a hot summer day.

Visit the Dells

The Wisconsin Dells is a must-see destination for families. This small town is home to a variety of attractions, including the iconic Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the world’s largest waterpark. Here, you can ride the thrilling slides, take a dip in the wave pool, or even brave the “Tornado” — the world’s first seven-story water slide.

For a more relaxing experience, take a scenic boat tour of the Wisconsin River, which is lined with breathtaking sandstone cliffs. Or take a walk through the nearby Mirror Lake State Park to admire the stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. And don’t forget to check out the Tommy Bartlett Show, a thrilling waterski and stunt show that’s sure to entertain the whole family.

The Wisconsin Dells is the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.

Explore the Outdoors

Wisconsin is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces, and there are plenty of ways to explore them with the kids. From hiking in the North Woods to biking along the great rivers, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. Explore the breathtaking trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, or check out Wisconsin’s many state parks, which offer a variety of activities like camping, fishing, and canoeing.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, take a trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Here, you can explore the islands by kayak or paddleboard, or take a boat tour to admire the stunning sandstone sea caves. And don’t forget to experience the thrill of ziplining at Wildman Adventure Park in Wisconsin Dells.

Wisconsin’s outdoors are the perfect place to explore with the family.

Visit Madison

Madison is the state capital and is home to a variety of family-friendly attractions. Explore the city’s vibrant outdoor spaces, ranging from the lakeshore of Lake Monona to the lush gardens of Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Or take a walk through the historic Capitol Square, where you can admire the architecture of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

For a unique experience, take a tour of the Wisconsin Historical Museum, which houses artifacts from the state’s past. Or take a ride on the iconic Madison Streetcar, which takes you on a journey through the city’s bustling downtown area. And don’t forget to check out the Henry Vilas Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic animals.

Madison is the perfect destination for a family-friendly adventure.

Take a Road Trip

Wisconsin is full of scenic roads that are perfect for a family road trip. Start your journey in Madison and take the Great River Road, a scenic highway along the Wisconsin River that offers stunning views of the countryside. Or take the Great Lakes Trail, which takes you through the Northwoods and along the shores of Lake Superior.

For a unique experience, take the Door County Coastal Byway, which takes you through the picturesque towns of Door County. Here, you can explore the charming towns, admire the stunning views of the lake, and take a break at one of the many beaches. And don’t forget to check out the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where you can take a boat tour to admire the stunning sandstone sea caves.

Wisconsin’s roads are the perfect place to explore with the family.

Enjoy a Festival

Wisconsin is home to a variety of festivals throughout the year. In the summer, take the family to one of the state’s many music festivals, such as the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival in Eau Claire or the Milwaukee Summerfest. Or take a trip to the Wisconsin State Fair, which offers a variety of activities, such as carnival rides, live music, and delicious food.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out the Wisconsin Cheese Festival in Monroe, which celebrates the state’s signature cheese. Or take the kids to the Wisconsin Dragon Boat Festival in Oshkosh, which features a variety of dragon boat races.

No matter what type of festival you’re looking for, Wisconsin has something for everyone.

Experience the Food Scene

Wisconsin is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of culinary experiences to choose from. Start your journey in Milwaukee, where you can sample some of the city’s famous bratwursts and microbrews. Or head to Madison and explore the city’s vibrant food scene, from its delicious farm-to-table restaurants to its cozy cafés.

For a unique experience, take a trip to the city of Bayfield, home to the world-famous Bayfield Apple Festival. Here, you can sample the town’s signature apples and enjoy a variety of local delicacies, such as smoked whitefish pate and cheddar cheese curds. And don’t forget to check out the Wisconsin State Fair, which offers a variety of delicious food options, from deep-fried cheese curds to classic Wisconsin bratwursts.

Wisconsin’s food scene is the perfect place to explore with the family.

Go Shopping

Wisconsin is home to a variety of unique shopping experiences. Start your adventure in the state’s capital, Madison, which is home to a variety of boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Or take a trip to Milwaukee and explore its bustling downtown area, which is home to some of the city’s best shopping, from its iconic department stores to its trendy boutiques.

For a unique experience, take a trip to the city of Bayfield, home to the world-famous Bayfield Apple Festival. Here, you can browse the local shops and pick up some unique souvenirs, such as handcrafted jewelry and locally-made crafts. And don’t forget to check out the Wisconsin State Fair, which offers a variety of unique shopping experiences, from carnival games to artisanal food vendors.

Wisconsin’s shopping scene is the perfect place to explore with the family.

Visit a Museum

Wisconsin is home to a variety of interesting museums that offer something for everyone. Start your journey in Milwaukee and visit the Milwaukee Public Museum, which houses artifacts from the city’s past. Or take a tour of the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, which showcases a variety of art from around the world.

For a unique experience, take a trip to the Wisconsin Historical Museum in Madison, which houses artifacts from the state’s past. Or take a walk through the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits and historic trains. And don’t forget to check out the Harley-Davidson Museum, which houses some of the world’s most iconic motorcycles.

Wisconsin’s museums are the perfect place to explore with the family.

Play Some Mini Golf

Mini golf is a fun and exciting activity for the whole family. Wisconsin is home to a variety of mini golf courses, ranging from classic courses to more unique experiences. Start your journey in Milwaukee and visit the iconic Putt’n Around, which boasts an 18-hole course with an array of obstacles. Or take a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and check out the iconic Crystal Grand Adventure Park, which features an 18-hole course with a variety of challenging obstacles.

For a unique experience, check out the Mini Golf Safari in Madison, which features a variety of animals and exotic plants to make the course even more exciting. Or take a trip to the city of Eau Claire and visit the Chippewa Valley Mini Golf Course, which boasts a challenging 18-hole course with a variety of obstacles and a stunning view of the Chippewa River.

Wisconsin’s mini golf courses are the perfect place to explore with the family.

Visit a National Park

Wisconsin is home to a variety of national parks, offering something for everyone. Start your journey in the North Woods and explore the breathtaking trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Or take a trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where you can explore the islands by kayak or paddleboard, or take a boat tour to admire the stunning sandstone sea caves.

For a unique experience, take a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and explore the stunning sandstone cliffs of the Wisconsin River. Or take a walk through the Mirror Lake State Park to admire the stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. And don’t forget to check out the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, which offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and canoeing.

Wisconsin’s national parks are the perfect place to explore with the family.

Summary

Wisconsin is a great destination for families. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor activities, or something in between, Wisconsin has something for everyone. From exploring the vibrant cities to hitting the beach to visiting a national park, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Wisconsin. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the Badger State!