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National Parks / Natural World in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has that little something special for everyone in the family - especially kids! Zoos, water parks, festivals, museums, outdoor adventures and indoor fun.Make friends with animals of all sizes, from the giants at Milwaukee County Zoo, to the smaller at Mulberry Lane Petting Farm. History more your thing? Wisconsin is filled with fascinating history. Step back in time with Old World Wisconsin exploring life in the 1800s, or delve into Native American history with Historic Point Basse.
Museums range from the interactive Northwoods Children’s Museum, to the fun Circus World Museum. Transport, art and history museums are waiting too!
Sports fans? Head on down to a ball game, or get behind the scenes with the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame.
Did you know that Wisconsin was also the location of the country’s first kindergarten? See - they have been great for kids from the very beginning! It's also the birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae (signs of a great state!)
Planning your Trip to Wisconsin
Wisconsin is at the very heart of the Midwest and in close proximity to Lake Michigan.
There are plenty of attractions throughout the state offering something for everyone whether you prefer water sports, museums, evening entrainment, or walking in the wild.
Below is a list of the top ten attractions to visit in Wisconsin with kids, covering everything from learning, spending time outdoors, sports, and much more.
Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is known for being one of the best waterparks around and is often referred to as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” Take the kids to Wisconsin Dells for the entire day as not only can they enjoy everything the waterpark has to offer, but they can also enjoy the rides and many restaurants to dine in.
Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
Families that love the motorcycle world will enjoy visiting the Harley-Davidson museum. Here you can explore all the best bikes in the world. Pay a visit to their on-site design museum and see the behind scenes of the making of some of the world’s finest bikes. The museum also allows you to sit and experience the motorcycles which are super fun!
There are over 450 artefacts and motorcycles, including the old Harley Davidson, also known as the Serial Number One. The building in which the museum resides is beautiful as it was designed by the famous Pentagram Architects.
Door Country
This is the perfect outdoor recreation for performing arts and those that love the great outdoors. With over 11 lighthouses, 5 state parks, and 300 miles of shoreline, you are spoilt for choice.
Here you will find all types of accommodation to stay in such as camping, historic inns and bed and breakfasts. You can also try fruit picking the local apples and cherries which of course depends on the season you visit.
There are lots of outdoor concerts to enjoy, performing arts, outdoor sports, biking, hiking, paddling and so much more.
Circus World Museum, Baraboo
This circus first opened in 1954 and is still as popular as ever. Constantly expanding with new exhibits including the Ringling Brothers structures, live programs, and electronic media.
One of the major attractions of the museum is the Siemor Bros Miniature circus which took over 40 years to finish and can now be viewed in the Spectacle Room.
There is so much to see and do in Wisconsin. Everything from festivals and big-city entertainment in Milwaukee to picnics and trail walks in the capital city, Madison.
You have your pick of charming neighbourhoods, beautiful beaches, extensive coastline, including the two Great Lakes, outdoor activities and waterparks, Wisconsin provides everything when it comes to holidays with the kids.
Listed below are our top pick neighbourhoods to visit with the kids.
Peninsula
This neighbourhood is also known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. A popular weekend destination for families. Here you will discover so much wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Peninsula has over 300 miles of shoreline on the 70-mile peninsula. This neighbourhood is perfect for families that enjoy water activities such as swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing.
Close proximity to Rock Island State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park, and Newport State Park, there is so much to see and do.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, why not try camping and star gazing in one of the beautiful state parks.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is known around the globe as Bew City, the hometown of festivals. If you’re a family that loves outdoor music and bands, Milwaukee is the neighbourhood for you. They host the world’s largest outdoor festival called Summerfest. This hosts every weekend throughout summer and includes loads of cool bands, food trucks, cultural events, and much more.
With the close proximity to Wisconsin Dells, Madison, and the Door County Peninsula, this neighbourhood is a great choice for a family looking for an action-packed adventure.
Madison
Madison is the best neighbourhood to stay in for all families that love trying new food. You can’t miss out on the cheese tasting for the kiddies and the beer tasting for the adults. Try the Laotian red curry or Taiwanese street food. For the adults why not try the original Old-Fashioned cocktail and the Old-Fashioned tavern and restaurant. Whatever food you enjoy, Madison caters to all.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is the perfect neighbourhood for families with kids. The town hosts the world’s largest water park, Noah’s Ark. The area has so much to do for kids. If you’re visiting during the summer period then why not try a boat tour with the Upper Dells River Boat Tours and enjoy the local wildlife and scenery.
There are many resorts, inns, and lodges to choose from in Wisconsin. All fun and family-friendly. Many of the hotels offer swimming in the lakes, massages, hikes and fine dining. Vacating in Wisconsin suits any budget, whether you’re looking for a cheap getaway or wanting to splash out on a luxury resort.
Listed below are some of our favourite family-friendly hotels to stay in.
Lakewoods Resort
Lakewoods resort is located on the 3400 scenic lakes, Namakagon. This resort provides the perfect base for exploring the Wisconsin Northwoods. There are many luxurious apartments overlooking Lake Namakagon and the spacious golf course.
The surrounding acres are home to Chequamegon National Forest. This area has so many kid-friendly activities throughout the year such as fishing, swimming, boating, golfing, and snowshoeing!
Families looking for that perfect getaway should consider staying in Lakewood Resort.
Cliffside Resort
Sitting on the very top of Sandstone Cliff. Cliffside Lodge provides the perfect location to see the magnificent Lake Delton. Offers the perfect getaway with lots of kid-friendly activities.
Enjoy endless hours of entertainment with the little ones. You can choose to go fishing, ride a boat, swim in the pool, or roast some marshmallows on an open bonfire.
Kids will love the 60-foot water slide (even the adults do) Not far from the resort and across the lake is the famous Tommy Bartlett Water Skiing Show.
Lake Delavan Resort
The Lake Delavan Resort is located on the scenic banks of Lake Delavan. This modern and comfortable family-friendly resort has 58 beautiful suites and all come with a fully equipped kitchen, living and dining areas, and their very own fireplaces. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake from your very own patio or balcony.
Lake Delavan Resort has its own indoor and outdoor pool and luxurious Cloud Nine Spas facilities.
This resort is a great place if you’re a family that loves fishing and enjoying outdoor activities. Let the kids swim in the lake or take them hiking around the surrounding forest.
Wisconsin is full of diverse landscapes plenty of travel attractions and fantastic water sports! Boarded by Superior Lake and Michigan Lake, makes Wisconsin a great holiday destination.
The temperature varies in the Wisconsin Dells and because they experience high winds and humidity, the feel like temperature can often be extreme. On average it’s cold for 6 months of the year, from late fall to early spring.
If you plan on travelling during these months be prepared to experience the colder temperatures and pack accordingly. The beauty of travelling during the colder season is fewer crowds and easier access to the local attractions and often better travel and accommodation deals!
March, July, and October are the 3 busiest months for tourism in Wisconsin. During these months is when the attraction parks offer their best deals and you can expect to see lots of crowds.
Wisconsin is known for serving a variety of different cuisines that cater to all palates including the younger audience. It’s hard to keep the little ones entrained whilst thinking about their next meal. Here we have selected some of the local delights that would satisfy any child and their palate.
Listed below are some of our top picks you must try!
Crispy Kringle
Some refer to the kringle as a potato chip, because once you have one you can’t stop there. This Danish delight is pretty unique to Wisconsin and it’s one that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Yummy Frozen Custard
Everyone has their own opinion on custard. Whether you like it hot or cold, over hot chocolate pudding or served on its own. In Wisconsin, they serve their custard frozen and boy is it delicious! After a long hot summer day, this delicious delight will not only satisfy your taste buds but will also cool you down. It’s a popular dessert choice for the Wisconsin kids and much better than ice cream.
Bratwurst
This smoky brat served straight off the grill is one of the most iconic Wisconsin foods and no visit to Wisconsin is complete without having this juicy sausage. They know how to cook it just right and the smokiness feels the air and gets your taste buds going!
Cheese curds
The cheese curd is symbolic in Wisconsin. These fresh, squeaky bits of cheese can only be found within the borders of Wisconsin and to the locals, they’re an important part of their diet. Most kids love cheese and the Wisconsin cheese curd is delicious.
