Wisconsin Family Vacations: 7 Unique Ideas for Your Bucket List

This post featuring some of the best Wisconsin family vacations may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

A young girl stands in the water at School House Beach.

As a Minnesota family who loves to travel with our tween daughter, we’re always on the lookout for fun, budget-friendly adventures close to home. I may be a little biased about my home state (stay tuned to learn where I grew up!), but Wisconsin is packed with incredible destinations that make for exciting weekend getaways for families. From the coastal charm of Door County and Washington Island to the European-inspired streets of New Glarus, there’s no shortage of unique family vacations across Wisconsin. This list highlights our top picks for both off-the-beaten-path spots and beloved classics, offering something special for every family.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or one-of-a-kind dining, these exciting places and things to do with kids in Wisconsin promise a family trip filled with fun moments and lasting memories. Ready to hit the road? Here are 7 destinations that make Wisconsin an unforgettable place for family travel.

New Glarus

Looking for a touch of Europe without leaving the Midwest? New Glarus is a must for Wisconsin family vacations! Known as “America’s Little Switzerland,” this charming town offers Swiss-inspired architecture, delicious food, and fun activities for kids and parents alike.

Start your visit with a walk through downtown, where you’ll find chalet-style buildings, Swiss bakeries, and the iconic Glarner Stube—home to some of the best food we’ve had while traveling! For an outdoor adventure, take a stroll or bike ride along the Sugar River Trail.

Parents will love a stop at New Glarus Brewing Company for a self-guided tour and scenic hilltop views (note: it’s only open on weekdays). Meanwhile, kids will enjoy the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, where retired cheesemakers bring Wisconsin’s dairy history to life. It’s one of the most remarkable museum experiences we’ve ever had!

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding it to your bucket list for family vacations in Wisconsin, New Glarus boasts unique family fun for all ages!

Book Your Stay in New Glarus with Kids

Wondering where to stay during your visit to New Glarus? Here are a few local hotel recommendations to get you started.

Fox Cities

A mom and her daughter look for turtles in a pond at Bubolz Nature Preserve.

For a memorable Wisconsin weekend getaway for families, head to the Fox Cities! This vibrant region—home to Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha—offers an unforgettable mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and fantastic food on the state’s eastern side.

Start your trip in Appleton, where kids can explore hands-on exhibits at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum. With older kids, dive into local history at the History Museum at the Castle (filled with Harry Houdini history!). For outdoor fun, hike through Bubolz Nature Preserve or High Cliff State Park, both offering scenic, kid-friendly trails. In Menasha, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a must-visit. The park features stroller-friendly boardwalks and a giant nature-themed playground. We even saw a few deer and several birds during our visit!

Downtown Appleton and Neenah are packed with cute shops, local eateries, and weekend farmers’ markets. Of course, you can’t miss the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass for a surprisingly fun and interactive art experience! Whether you’re after outdoor exploration or local cultural gems, the Fox Cities offer relaxation and adventure for your next Wisconsin vacation with kids.

Book Your Stay in the Fox Cities with Kids

Here are our favorite picks for kid-friendly hotels in the Fox Cities, including options in Appleton and Neenah.

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley (downtown Appleton) – this is where we stayed!
CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel (downtown Appleton)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Appleton (Appleton)
Holiday Inn Appleton (Appleton)
DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah (downtown Neenah)

La Crosse

For Wisconsin family vacations packed with adventure and charm, head to La Crosse! This riverfront city offers incredible outdoor fun, scenic bluff views, and a lively downtown. In fact, it’s nestled right along the Mississippi River and the iconic Great River Road!

Start with a hike up Grandad Bluff for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. If your family loves the outdoors, explore Perrot State Park, too. Or, spend the day paddling through Goose Island County Park. Want something more relaxed? Hop aboard a La Crosse Queen, a unique river cruise experience—kids will love the pizza cruise option!

For indoor fun, the Children’s Museum of La Crosse is a must-visit, with hands-on exhibits for toddlers and young kids. You can also catch a movie with pizza at the Rivoli Theater. Of course, browsing Pearl Street Books is perfect for a cozy afternoon together. Finally, history buffs can stop by the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a cultural and educational experience. With its nature, culture, and kid-friendly activities, La Crosse is easily one of the best vacation spots in Wisconsin for families.

Book Your Stay in La Crosse with Kids

There are so many great kid-friendly hotels in La Crosse! Here are a few to consider as you plan your weekend getaway in Wisconsin.

Door County

Door County delivers big on charm and adventure. And, it’s one of our top picks for unique family vacations in Wisconsin! We’ve been twice, and both experiences were fantastic. I know we’ll be back again soon! This scenic peninsula, jutting into Lake Michigan, offers stunning natural beauty, historic charm, and endless family fun.

Start with outdoor adventures—hike the trails at Peninsula State Park, explore sea caves by kayak at Cave Point County Park, or relax on the sandy beaches of Whitefish Dunes. Kids will also love visiting The Farm, a hands-on historic site where they can bottle-feed baby goats. Take a ferry to Washington Island for a day of exploring trails, beaches, and quirky shops. Don’t forget to stop at a local orchard for fresh cherries or apple cider donuts, depending on the season!

Evenings in Door County are just as magical. Enjoy a classic fish boil, grab ice cream in Ephraim, or stargaze by the campfire. As one of our favorite vacation spots in Wisconsin for families, Door County is an ideal destination for making unforgettable family memories.

Book Your Stay in Door County with Kids

Door County is brimming with charming hotels and resorts across the peninsula. Here are a few great hotel options in Door County to get you started as you plan your trip.

Ephraim Shores – this is where we stayed, and we loved it!
Best Western Maritime Inn
Newport Resort
Parkwood Lodge
Sister Bay Inn
Scandinavian Lodge

Washington Island

Hop on the ferry and set sail for Washington Island, one of the most unique vacation ideas with kids in Wisconsin! Just a short ferry from the tip of Door County, this island offers stunning scenery, rich history, and plenty of outdoor adventure for all ages.

Start your visit at School House Beach. This rare sandless beach is covered in smooth, white limestone rocks. The crystal-clear water is perfect for wading. Fall visitors will discover a shoreline filled with fall colors, making it even more breathtaking. This is our favorite part of the island—and the only reason you need to make the trek. Be sure to have lunch at Jackson Harbor Soup after your beach visit. Their bread bowls are unmatched in our travels!

Next, explore the Washington Island Farm Museum, where kids can meet farm animals and get a glimpse of pioneer life. History lovers will enjoy the Jacobsen Museum and Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum, which highlight the island’s seafaring past. For a peaceful walk, visit Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, home to one of the largest lavender fields in the Midwest. They offer pick-your-own lavender bouquets in July and August!

Whether you’re biking, hiking, or just soaking in the island’s charm, Washington Island is undoubtedly a bucket list family vacation in Wisconsin you won’t soon forget!

Book Your Stay in Washington Island with Kids

If you want to spend a night or two on Washington Island with kids, consider staying at the following properties. Accommodations on the island are limited, so if this is your plan, book early! Alternatively, choose one of the Door County hotels above and plan a day trip.

Eau Claire

Eau Claire is a must-visit for unique family vacations in Wisconsin! This artsy, outdoor-loving city is packed with fun experiences for kids of all ages. I grew up in the area and still love returning each year to explore the many things to do there. It’s a fantastic year-round option for those seeking an exciting Wisconsin getaway with kids.

Kick off your trip with a stroll through Phoenix Park and along the self-guided Eau Claire Sculpture Tour—one of the largest in the country! Little ones will love splashing in River Prairie Park’s stream. Meanwhile, bigger kids can climb and explore the huge playground at Carson Park. Challenge kids to find the Hank Aaron statue in the park. He started his baseball career in Eau Claire!

Need an indoor adventure? The newly renovated Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a hands-on hit for toddlers and young kids. Alternatively, check out the Chippewa Valley Museum or Wisconsin Logging Museum for a bit of local history with older kids. Feeling competitive? Head to Action City for mini-golf, bumper cars, and an epic arcade.

With hiking trails, river views, and a buzzing arts scene, Eau Claire is perfect for kid-friendly weekend getaways in Wisconsin. Plan your visit and see why families like mine keep coming back for more!

Book Your Stay in Eau Claire with Kids

Eau Claire is filled with great hotels for families! Here are a few that we recommend.

Staybridge Suites Eau Claire – Altoona, an IHG Hotel – we’ve stayed here; I love the large suites, pool, and outdoor patio
Metropolis Resort & Conference Center
The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
The Oxbow Hotel
Holiday Inn Eau Claire South I-94, an IHG Hotel

Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls is one of my favorite Wisconsin weekend getaways for families—and I should know, I grew up here! This charming small town boasts history, outdoor fun, and classic Midwest hospitality, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back family trip.

Start your visit at Irvine Park & Zoo, where kids can explore a playground, walk through a hidden cave, and see black bears up close. Cool off with a swim at Ray’s Beach on Lake Wissota. Or, rent a kayak for a peaceful paddle along its quiet shores. If hiking is on your list, check out the scenic trails at Old Abe State Trail or Lake Wissota State Park.

Downtown, treat your crew to a cone at Olson’s Ice Cream. This iconic spot has been a local favorite for generations. Their cookies and cream flavor is top-notch! With so many outstanding things to do with kids in Wisconsin, Chippewa Falls is a small town with big family fun!

Book Your Stay in Chippewa Falls with Kids

There are so many cozy hotels and accommodations in Chippewa Falls for families. Here are a few to consider as you plan your weekend getaway.

Want to stay on a real working dairy farm? Read this: My Honest Review of New Day Dairy GuestBarn in Iowa for Families

Have Fun Exploring these Unique Family Vacations in Wisconsin with Your Kids

A man and a young girl walk along a path in New Glarus, one of the best Wisconsin family vacations.

No matter what kind of family adventure you’re looking for, Wisconsin has something for everyone. From charming small towns to beautiful lakeshores, there’s no shortage of unique family vacations in Wisconsin to check off your list. Whether you’re hunting for unique vacation ideas with kids or searching for bucket list family destinations in Wisconsin, my home state is filled with fun things to do that will keep the whole crew entertained. So, why not make new memories and go on a weekend getaway to Wisconsin with your kids? Your next family trip to Wisconsin is waiting!

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.

7 Unique Family Vacations in Wisconsin to Put on Your Bucket List!