Attractions in Wisconsin for Kids

I was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, only a few miles from the Wisconsin border. I spent many day trips and family vacations in Wisconsin. Green Bay was our most popular location to visit because it was only 100 miles away. There are so many things to do with kids in Wisconsin.

Green Bay: Bay Beach Amusement Park

Bay Beach Amusement Park is located on Green Bay’s east side right along the Bay of Green Bay. It is one of the best attractions for kids in Wisconsin. All rides are either $0.25 or $0.50 to ride on, except for the park’s only roller coaster, the Zippin Pippin, which is $1.00. The park has rides for kids of all ages. I remember the first time my parents took me there. My brother and I had an absolute blast. The park is open for weekends only starting in early May and then open daily through Labor Day. The park continues to be open on weekends through the end of September.

Green Bay: National Railroad Museum

I love trains. I grew up playing with model trains and watching trains go by, now my kids love them too. The National Railroad Museum is a great place to take kids to check out railroad history and get up close to real trains. The museum also offers train rides daily from May through September and on weekends in October. The museum is open all year long. There is an admission charge to enter the museum as well as a small additional fee to ride on a train. The museum also offers seasonal ride specials such as the Great Pumpkin and Polar Express. The National Railroad Museum is located along the Fox River in Ashwaubenon, which is a suburb of Green Bay.

Green Bay: Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

Whether you are a Green Bay Packers fan or not, visiting Lambeau Field must because of all of the history that has happened there. I am a life long Packers fan so I really enjoy going there. My kids have enjoyed being going there too. The atrium is open year round along with the Pro Shop and the Packers Hall of Fame. If you plan your trip right, you may be able to catch the Packers practicing across the street at one of their practices field. The best times of the year to see them are May (mini camps) and August (training camp). Once the season starts, their practices are closed to the public.

Laona: Lumber Jack Steam Train

The Lumber Jack Steam Train is a fun attraction for kids. I still remember riding this train when I was little. The train travels between Laona and a Lumberjack Camp several times a day. What makes this trip so unique is that the engine is a “4-spot” steam locomotive that was actually used by the logging industry back in the late 1920s. When you arrive at the Lumberjack Camp, you will have a chance to explore the lumber camp, which includes a museum and a black smith shop. You can get on any train that you want when you are ready to head back to Laona. They also offer a few other activities that include a farm corral, forest tour, and a wildlife tour. Younger kids will really enjoy this trip. The depot is located on Hwy 8 a little less than a mile west of Laona.

Oshkosh: EAA AirVenture

The EAA AirVenture is a must see for a kid of any age. If you are not familiar with it, it is one of the best aviation celebrations in the world. AirVenture transforms Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport into the busiest airport in the world when the more than 10,000 aircraft fly in at the start of the week. It features vintage, warbirds, ultralights, homemade, and some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. AirVenture offers daily air shows, forums, and much more. They even have an area set aside for kids called KidVenture, where kids can learn to fly on a flight simulator and also how to fly remote controlled airplanes. AirVenture typically takes place around the end of July or the first week in August each year. If you are planning to go, make your plans early because all of the area hotels room will fill up. A better idea is to bring a tent or camper and stay onsite.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a kid’s paradise. It is full of family attractions that include waterparks, amusement parks, and other fun attractions. Wisconsin Dells boasts the largest waterpark in the world, Noah’s Arc. It is also home to many resorts that offer indoor and outdoor waterparks. Kids also love riding the Ducks. The Ducks are open air trucks that also function as boats.

Blue Mound: Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds is designated as a national natural landmark. The cave is considered the most beautiful cave in the upper Midwest. It is full of colorful stalagmites and other formations. Kids will enjoy the adventure of exploring the cave as part of a tour. The cave is open year round.

Milwaukee: Milwaukee County Zoo

The Milwaukee County zoo is one of the biggest and best zoos in the United States. I have always enjoyed visiting this zoo as a kid and the few times that I have been back as an adult. The highlight of the zoo for me is the train ride that takes you all around the zoo grounds. The zoo boasts over 2,000 animals. The tiger area is very impressive as you can walk up to the glass and watch the tigers walk by only inches away. The zoo also offers a wonderful sea lion show.

Milwaukee: Miller Park

Miller Park is home to the Milwaukee Brewers and is a wonderful place to watch a baseball game. I myself am a Cubs fan, but Miller Park is a great place to watch a baseball game. Do not worry if it is raining out, Miller Park has a retractable roof so that the game will go on. The most unique part of watching a Brewers game is the sausage race between innings. That alone is worth watching.

These are just some of the wonderful attractions in Wisconsin for kids. It is a great place for skiing and sledding in the winter, as well as snowmobiling. In the summer, it is a wonderful place for fishing, swimming, and camping.