This post, featuring a 4-day itinerary for Appleton with kids, may contain affiliate links. It was also written after a sponsored trip in partnership with Fox Cities CVB. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Looking for a low-key, but very fun weekend getaway for families near Minneapolis? Head to Appleton, Wisconsin, for a healthy dose of adventure, nature, and small-town charm. Just 4.5 hours from Minneapolis, this vibrant region on the state’s eastern side includes cities like Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah. Nestled between Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, the area boasts a rich history (home to Harry Houdini!) and is filled with beautiful outdoor spaces, unique museums, and dynamite local eats (seriously, we were so impressed by their foodie scene!).
We’ve been hearing about this community for years from my aunt and uncle, who live there, but we haven’t had a chance to visit…until now! After four days of exploring the area together, we can honestly say that it’s a great upper Midwest destination for families! Whether relaxing at a local spa or enjoying time outdoors, there’s always something new for families to experience here. Use my 4-day itinerary for Appleton and the Fox Cities with kids to help you discover the best things to do, delicious kid-friendly restaurants, and the top hotels for families.
Tips + Packing List for Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
If you are planning a weekend itinerary for Appleton and the Fox Cities with kids, you should know a few things first! From the best time to visit Appleton, Wisconsin, to a few packing tips, remember these things while planning your upcoming family trip to the Fox Cities!
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A Few Tips
Here are a few tips for visiting Appleton, Wisconsin, with kids:
- Summer is generally considered the best time to visit Appleton, as all of the seasonal attractions are open, there are tons of festivals throughout the season, and the weather is warm. The shoulder seasons (like May and September) are also lovely. Fall is also beautiful here!
- Appleton hosts many festivals and events throughout the year; check the local events calendar before your trip to see what’s happening—or use it to plan your trip!
- If you’re traveling from Minneapolis (like we did), Appleton is about a 4.5-hour drive. Appleton is also less than 90 minutes from Milwaukee and less than 3 hours from Chicago. The closest airports are in Appleton and Milwaukee.
- See an account of our highlights and favorite family activities in Appleton, Wisconsin, on Instagram here!
Packing List Reminders for Appleton with Kids
In addition to the things you usually pack for a vacation with kids, don’t forget these things for traveling to Appleton with kids:
- Summer visitors will need sunscreen and bug spray on hand. Late summer visitors should expect a lot of bald-faced hornets (we found them everywhere food was present outside – it made patio dining + picnics really tricky).
- Outdoor apparel: there are many hiking options and other seasonal outdoor experiences like fishing and kayaking. Here are my favorite hiking shoes for women and kids.
Day 1 in Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
Let’s dive into our itinerary for Appleton, Wisconsin, with kids! Day one starts with checking into the hotel, getting settled, and having dinner.
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Arrive + Check In
During our recent trip, we stayed at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley. Located in downtown Appleton, this family-friendly hotel offers traditional and connecting rooms. We had a connecting room, which allowed us plenty of space to spread out and rest between activities. The rooms were pleasant, and the hotel staff was very welcoming and friendly. We also loved that its location allowed us to walk to so many restaurants, museums, and shops.
Hilton Appleton Paper Valley also has a huge pool, which we loved and used twice during our visit. Unfortunately, there is no hot tub. Finally, they also have four on-site dining options (including a Starbucks).
More Ideas for Where to Stay in Appleton with Kids
If you’re looking for more options for your own itinerary for Appleton with kids, consider booking and staying at:
- CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel (downtown Appleton) offers on-site dining and traditional rooms + suites
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Appleton (Appleton) has rooms + suites and an indoor pool
- Holiday Inn Appleton (Appleton) has a large indoor pool, one on-site restaurant (kids eat free), and traditional rooms + suites
- Courtyard Appleton Riverfront (Appleton) features on-site dining and traditional rooms.
- Hampton Inn Appleton – Fox River Mall Area (Appleton) offers connecting rooms, includes a hot breakfast, and has an indoor pool
- DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah (downtown Neenah) features connecting rooms, on-site dining, and an indoor pool
Dinner + Dessert
After getting settled into the hotel, dinner is next. We opted for Tipsy Taco & Tequila Bar. It’s just a few blocks from the hotel. We took it as a chance to stretch our legs and explore the area a bit. Tipsy Taco offers a vibrant dining room and an excellent taco menu. Not to mention, great service. We loved how colorful everything was! The cocktail and taco menus were excellent. I highly recommend the birria tacos and table-side guacamole. Tipsy Taco also offers a dedicated kids’ menu.
After dinner, continue your initial exploration of downtown by walking past the hotel and grabbing dessert at Legendairy Cookies ‘N Creamery. They offer yummy frozen custard and cookies. You can even combine their ice cream and cookies to create your own gourmet ice cream sandwiches!
Day 2 in Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
Day two of this itinerary for Appleton with kids starts with breakfast at Tempest Coffee Collective. This riverside coffee shop, near downtown Appleton, serves a full menu of coffee and espresso drinks, pastries, and hot breakfast and lunch items. My daughter loved the avocado toast, while I enjoyed the almond croissant. They offer indoor and seasonal outdoor seating. Finally, there is a small basket of kids’ toys and games for use inside.
If you don’t want to eat at the coffee shop, take your items to-go and head to Telulah Park. The playground is just minutes (by car) from the coffee shop. It offers a large play area and plenty of green space to run off any early morning energy.
Massages at the Flourish Day Spa
I love finding mommy-and-me opportunities when we travel! Since my husband had to work the first morning of our trip, we scheduled a massage for two at Flourish Day Spa. If you want to add a little self-care and relaxation to your weekend getaway, it’s an ideal addition to any itinerary for Appleton with older kids and teens.
This was my daughter’s first massage (she’s almost 10), and it turned into such a memorable morning for us! Flourish offers a double massage room, making relaxing side-by-side in their tranquil, calming space super easy. We opted for the 60-minute Swedish massage. After a busy summer, this was the perfect way to unwind and bond together. The staff at Flourish is very welcoming and knowledgeable. They also made sure we both felt at ease throughout the entire appointment.
Flourish Day Spa is an excellent option if you’re looking for unique or relaxing things to do in the Fox Cities with tweens and teens! Undoubtedly, adding a spa day to your itinerary is a great way to introduce your kids to the importance of self-care while enjoying some quality time together!
Lunch at Waverly Beach Bar & Grille
Your next stop is lunch! We recommend Waverly Beach Bar & Grille for a laid-back lunch on the shores of Lake Winnebago. This is a great spot when the weather is nice, as there is a huge outdoor patio with lake views, lawn games, and a sandy playground. My daughter loved exploring the playground while we waited for our food!
Waverly Beach Bar & Grille offers classic American favorites, including—of course—Wisconsin cheese curds! We opted for a trio of appetizers, but they also provide plenty of sandwiches, salads, and other options. A dedicated kids’ menu is also available. As you can see, it’s a great spot to relax by the water, enjoy good food, and let the kids burn off some energy!
Explore Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
After lunch, it’s time to explore Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha. This was one of our favorite kids’ activities in the Fox Cities! As we strolled along the elevated boardwalks, we were lucky enough to spot a deer and several birds, which completely amazed my daughter.
The 91-acre urban reserve is a wonderful mix of forested wetlands, prairies, and marshes, making it a fun spot for a family hike with plenty of wildlife sightings. Inside the nature center, my daughter had a blast checking out the aquariums filled with turtles and fish. They even have a playroom with small toys, books, and coloring supplies. The real highlight for families, however, is the huge nature playground. My daughter loved the zipline and mud kitchen—it was hard to pull her away! Whether you’re walking the trails, playing, or exploring the exhibits, this spot offers so much family fun year-round. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best things to do near Appleton with kids!
Shop + Explore Downtown Appleton
If you’re looking for more fun things to do on your itinerary for Appleton with kids, add taking a stroll downtown next! We loved spending the afternoon exploring Appleton’s College Street, especially between Oneida and Durkee, where some of our favorite shops can be found. Blue Moon Emporium was a huge hit for us with its quirky, local finds. Then, Olive & Rose Boutique is perfect for picking up something stylish, such as candles, clothes, or other boutique finds.
As we wandered, my daughter also enjoyed spotting the colorful murals and sculptures along the way. The sidewalk poetry and fountains add a fun, unexpected touch. Plus, Lawrence University’s beautiful campus is just a short walk down College Street on the edge of downtown. Finally, on weekends, families can hop aboard the free trolley for an easy way to see even more of Appleton’s small-town charm!
Dinner at Ellinor
Wrap up day two of this itinerary for Appleton with kids with a cozy dinner at Ellinor. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, Ellinor has a warm, neighborhood vibe that makes you feel right at home. It reminded me of some of our favorite spots in Seattle.
The menu has everything from upscale dishes like duck and fjord trout to more casual pizza options. While there’s no official kids’ menu, my daughter was happy with their delicious cheese pizza. The atmosphere is laid-back yet refined, making it a great place for a special family meal. Just be sure to make a reservation—it’s a popular spot for good reason!
Day 3 in Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
Before exploring more fun things to do in the Fox Cities with kids, day three starts with breakfast at SAP. A little off the beaten path, this popular spot for locals is a true hidden gem for tourists (reservations are highly recommended).
The menu at SAP includes dynamite, scratch-made, and made-to-order dishes (including a kids’ menu). I highly recommend the chilaquiles—they are divine (albeit a bit spicy for my Midwestern palate)! Families will also adore the warm, welcoming environment—complete with coloring supplies for the kids. After fueling up for the day, it’s time to keep exploring!
Neenah Farmers Market + Explore Downtown Neenah
Next stop, downtown Neenah! This enchanting downtown feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie with its charming shops, cozy restaurants, a waterfront location, and beautifully decorated storefronts. We particularly loved shopping at Red Door Mercantile and Lily and Sparrow—both had such unique finds!
For us, day three was a Saturday. If that’s the case for you (or if you can swap things around), be sure to check out the Neenah Farmers Market at Shattuck Park. Here, you can browse fresh farm eggs, maple syrup, handcrafted jewelry, and artisanal crafts (including woodworking and pottery). The waterfront setting adds to the fun, with a splash area for kids and sailboats to admire. While the little ones enjoy the splash zone, parents can sip coffee, enjoy live music, and explore the market’s seasonal fruits, Wisconsin cheese, and other ready-to-eat treats. It’s a sensory feast and a great family outing to boot! We found it to be one of the best summer things to do in Appleton with kids.
If I could have changed our own itinerary for Appleton and the Fox Cities with kids, I would have spent more time in downtown Neenah. If cute towns and boutique shopping are your jam, I definitely recommend staying in this area—or, at least, spending more time here in the evening, too.
Explore the Collections at Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass
For a unique twist on the area’s paper milling history, spend the rest of the morning visiting the Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass. This museum in Neenah showcases everything from vibrantly designed antique paperweights to contemporary glass sculptures. We found the displays and the museum’s history fascinating! As one of the best free things to do near Appleton with kids, this museum will undoubtedly captivate the imaginations of everyone in your family! After exploring the colorful, delicate displays, browse the gift shop for whimsical glass souvenirs to take home.
Located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, it’s the perfect spot for a scenic walk or some playground fun after the museum visit. After our own visit, we headed to Riverside Rocket Park, where my daughter couldn’t get enough of the rocket-shaped play equipment. There is also a lakeside, paved walking path near the playground. It’s from this path that we spotted our next stop!
Meader Doty Park + Check Out Doty Cabin
Across the water from Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass and Riverside Rocket Park, Doty Park was a last-minute addition to our list of kids’ activities in the Fox Cities. But I’m so glad we found it – and I recommend it to you! I spotted the beautiful bridges adorning Doty Park from across the water, which inspired our trek there.
Menasha’s Doty Park was a favorite of ours. The park features scenic lake views, wide-open green spaces, and a touch of history. Two stone bridges crisscross the inlets from the lake, making for gorgeous photo opportunities.
On the walk back to the car, we noticed that Doty Cabin was open for tours. Located at the park’s edge, this cabin is a replica of the home of Wisconsin’s second Territorial Governor, James Duane Doty. During our guided tour, we loved hearing about the Doty family and imagining what life was like during the early days of Wisconsin’s statehood. Open from June through Labor Day, the cabin offers a fun and interactive history lesson. Plus, it’s free to visit (though donations are appreciated).
Fox Jazz Fest (Or Another Seasonal Event)
During our visit (over Labor Day Weekend), Fox Jazz Fest was happening at Jefferson Park in Menasha – so we had to check it out! Hosted annually on Labor Day Weekend, Lake Winnebago serves as a stunning backdrop to top-notch jazz performances. There were also several food trucks available for something to munch on. This is where we opted to have lunch. Whether you’re grooving to the tunes of local, regional, or national jazz artists, or sampling delicious food from local vendors, it’s a great stop if you plan your trip right!
Fox Jazz Fest is just one of many family-friendly events throughout the year in the Fox Cities—many of which are free. From Appleton’s Mile of Music to Neenah’s StreetBall three-on-three basketball tournament, there’s always something happening for kids and adults alike. We always make it a point to check the local events calendar to know what’s happening before our visit. This helps us plan our itinerary around unique events and festivals! We recommend doing the same when planning your itinerary for Appleton with kids.
Dinner at Mark’s East Side
Mark’s East Side in Appleton is an excellent spot for a cozy, family dinner to end day three. This family-run, German-inspired restaurant has that classic Wisconsin supper club vibe that makes you feel right at home.
Kick your meal off with the sauerkraut balls—trust me, they’re a local favorite for a reason! Or snag some cheese curds. Then, dig into hearty German dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Kasseler Rippchen. Plus, the dedicated kids’ menu will satisfy your little ones!
Reservations are recommended. You can make one any day except Friday, which is first-come, first-served. Since they book up fast, don’t hesitate to plan ahead and secure a table—it’s worth it!
Day 4 in Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
Before checking out of the hotel and heading home, grab coffee at Copper Rock Coffee Company in downtown Appleton. It’s one of those places where you can tell they really care about every cup—each bean is roasted in-house, and you can taste the difference. Plus, with a full breakfast menu (a bakery case and hot options), it’s a great spot to fuel up before your last day in the area. Before heading home, there is one more stop on this itinerary for Appleton with kids.
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Take a Stroll at Bubolz Nature Preserve
Our last stop was one of our favorite things to do in Appleton with kids! Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton is a 488-acre gem with over 8.5 miles of trails. We needed a spot to let our daughter burn some energy before the drive home to Minneapolis, and I’m so glad we stopped here! It’s a fantastic spot for hiking, spotting wildlife, and even snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter.
One of my daughter’s favorite parts was the trek to the turtle pond—if the nature center is open, you can even grab some turtle food and watch them swim up for a snack! The preserve’s mix of forests, wetlands, and prairies keeps things interesting. They also have interactive play areas like Kenna’s Kabin, where kids can learn about local wildlife. With trails open from dawn to dusk, Bubolz offers an easy escape into nature, perfect for a day of family fun and exploration on any itinerary for Appleton with kids.
More Ideas for Things to Do in Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
Looking for more ideas for your own itinerary for Appleton with kids? As you’ve seen, the Fox Cities area offers tons of family-friendly activities for all ages. When planning things to do in Appleton and beyond with kids, consider adding or swapping these activities into your own getaway, depending on the season, weather, or your family’s interests! Here are a few more free, indoor, and other fun things to do in Appleton and the Fox Cities for kids:
- Play Together at a Local Park or Playground. Here are two more that we recommend but haven’t mentioned yet: Kimberly Point Park (Neenah) and Riverside Rocket Playground (Neenah). The second one is right across the street from the glass museum.
- High Cliff State Park
- Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (located in downtown Appleton)
Museums + Historic Sites in Appleton with Kids
- History Museum at the Castle (where you can learn about Harry Houdini’s time here!)
- Trout Museum of Art (located in downtown Appleton)
- Atlas Science Center
- Building for Kids Children’s Museum (located in downtown Appleton, best for infants to age 7)
- Hearthstone Historic House Museum
- Grignon Mansion
- Little Chute Windmill is a fully functioning 100-foot-tall windmill that you can tour
Places for Family Sports + Games
- Badger Sports Park offers things like go-karting, mini-golfing, mini-bowling, and a game room
- On The Fringe Mini Golf & Ice Cream
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Electric City Lanes (bowling + on-site food)
- 10th Frame Sports Bar (bowling + on-site food)
More Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids
Looking for a few more ideas for kid-friendly places to eat in Appleton and the Fox Cities? Plenty of options cater to families within just a few minutes of the best family activities in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, and beyond! Here are a few more eateries to add or swap into your itinerary:
- Apple Valley Pancake House (Appleton) for a hearty breakfast
- The Sweet Lair LLC (Menasha) for board games and a low-key cafe lunch
- Mihm’s Charcoal Grill (Menasha) for a no-fuss, juicy burger joint
- Bowl Ninety-One or Ototo (both in Appleton) for ramen
- Sangria’s Mexican Grill (Appleton) offers a traditional Mexican restaurant experience
- Katsu-Ya of Japan (downtown Appleton) for hibachi-style dining and a DIY Japanese grill experience
- Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant (Appleton) serves a chef-inspired menu on the river
- Rye Restaurant (downtown Appleton) for an upscale menu + cocktails
- Cannova’s Pizzeria (downtown Neenah) for pizza, pasta, and seafood
- Crazy Sweet (downtown Appleton) for bulk candy + tasty treats.
- Doughlicious (downtown Appleton) has edible cookie dough and ice cream
Keep Exploring Appleton + the Fox Cities with Your Kids
I hope this weekend itinerary for Appleton with kids helps you plan your own fantastic trip! We loved this part of Wisconsin, filled with free things to do, beautiful outdoor spaces and trails, friendly locals, and a dynamite food scene. And we hope that you do, too! From some of the best activities and things to do in Appleton, Wisconsin, for families to packing tips and the best places to eat and stay with kids, I know you’ve found several things to add to your family itinerary. Enjoy Appleton and the Fox Cities with your kids!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
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