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Family-friendly winter getaways under 1 hour from Milwaukee
Winter in Wisconsin has a magic of its own — fresh snow, sparkling lights, cozy cafés, and plenty of ways to get the whole family out of the house. But when the cold stretches on and the kids get restless, planning a winter day trip can feel overwhelming.
To make things easier, we rounded up 25 winter-friendly day trips from Milwaukee that are worth bundling up for. Some are outdoorsy and adventurous, while others keep everyone warm and busy inside. All are under two hours from the city.
Grab your boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore.
Outdoor Winter Adventures (Close to Milwaukee)
Great for active families who love snow, fresh air, and big winter views
Tubing at Sunburst (World’s Largest Tubing Hill)
8355 Prospect Dr., Kewaskum, WI — 30 minutes from Milwaukee
Sunburst boasts 45+ tubing lanes, conveyor lifts, and winter views that stretch for miles. No lessons needed — just grab a tube and go. Warm up afterward with food from the lodge café.
➡️ Looking for more spots? Check out our guide to the Best Snow Tubing Hills Near Milwaukee for even more family-friendly options.
Winter Ziplining at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures (Year-Round Thrills)
N3232 County Rd H, Lake Geneva, WI — 55 minutes from Milwaukee
For families with older kids who love adventure, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures offers year-round ziplining, including in the winter. Their snowy forest canopy tours are stunning, and the experience feels totally different from summer. Choose from a full zipline tour, a shorter express option, or add on high ropes elements for an extra challenge. Staff are fantastic with families, and their website features plenty of winter photos so you know exactly what to expect.
Best for: Big-kid and teen adventurers (typically ages 7+), active families, unique winter outings
Skiing & Tubing at Little Switzerland (Family-Friendly Slopes)
2197 Hwy 164, Slinger, WI — 40 minutes from Milwaukee
Little Switzerland is one of the easiest winter day trips for families looking to ski, snowboard, or tube without a long drive. Beginners can start on gentle hills, while more experienced kids and teens can explore a variety of runs. Tubing is a fun, no-lessons-needed option, and the cozy lodge is perfect for warming up with hot chocolate between runs.
Wilmot Mountain
11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot, WI — 50 minutes from Milwaukee
Wilmot’s tubing park features 22 long, fast lanes and two conveyor lifts. Hats, gloves, and goggles recommended, especially on windy days.
Frozen Waterfalls (Port Washington, Green Bay & Beyond)
If your family loves exploring in winter, frozen waterfalls are a must-see. Several spots within 30–120 minutes of Milwaukee—like Sauk Creek Nature Preserve and Wequiock Falls—transform into dramatic ice walls and sparkling formations that kids love to admire. Most require only a short walk from the parking area, making them easy even on cold days.
❄️ Want more ideas? Explore our full guide to Winter Waterfalls & Ice Formations in Wisconsin for family-friendly destinations and tips.
Cozy Indoor Winter Day Trips (Warm + Easy for Kids)
Perfect for cold days when you want something fun, hands-on, and mostly inside.
Springs Water Park (Warmest Winter Day Trip Close to Home)
2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee — 28 minutes
Tropical-feeling water park with slides, lazy river, activity pool, and indoor/outdoor hot tub. A fun winter warm-up for all ages.
💦 If your crew loves this kind of warm-weather escape, don’t miss our full roundup of Indoor Water Parks Near Milwaukee for even more ideas.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
7001 Gass Lake Rd., Manitowoc, WI — 1 hour 7 minutes
A big hit with all ages. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits, learn about Wisconsin agriculture, and even watch a calf being born in the birthing barn. Read our full review of Farm Wisconsin.
EAA Aviation Museum
3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh — 1 hour 20 minutes
Flight simulators, kid-friendly exhibits, vintage planes, and a whole KidVenture gallery. Don’t miss the space section on the second floor.
Above & Beyond Children’s Museum
902 N. 8th St., Sheboygan — 56 minutes
Hands-on exhibits, climbing structures, a giant pin screen, a ship, and a recreated 1900s schoolhouse.
Pair with:
Kohler Arts Center (free admission + tons to explore)
Breaker Bay Waterpark (84 degrees year-round!)
Museum of Wisconsin Art (Studio Saturdays!)
205 Veterans Ave., West Bend — 46 minutes
Kid-friendly, beautifully designed, and full of Wisconsin artists’ work. On weekends, families can drop into Studio Saturday for hands-on activities. Don’t miss the cute downtown and Riverwalk.
Dinosaur Discovery Museum (Kenosha)
5608 10th Ave., Kenosha — 48 minutes
Home to one of the largest collections of meat-eating theropods in the U.S. A big hit for dinosaur-loving kids. Here’s our full review of the Dinosaur Discovery Museum.
Pair with:
Kenosha Public Museum
Mars Cheese Castle (because… cheese)
Festive Small-Town Winter Trips
Stroll through Southeastern Wisconsin’s most picturesque towns and discover something new together!
A Winter Stroll Through Cedarburg (Historic Small-Town Charm)
Cedarburg, WI — 25 minutes from Milwaukee
Cedarburg is one of Wisconsin’s most charming winter day trips, with historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafés that make the whole town feel like a snow-globe village. Wander Washington Avenue, explore the Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, or warm up with a treat from a local bakery. On mild winter days, families can visit Cedar Creek Park or see Wisconsin’s last remaining covered bridge just outside town. The Rivoli Theatre also shows affordable, family-friendly movies if you need an indoor warm-up.
Best for: Small-town charm lovers, holiday strolls, shopping, easy winter outings
Learn more: Dive into our full Cedarburg Day Trip Guide for a detailed itinerary and even more family-friendly stops.
Lake Geneva Winterfest (America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational)
Lake Geneva, WI — 55 minutes from Milwaukee
Lake Geneva turns into a full-on winter playground during Winterfest, a five-day celebration featuring America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational. Fifteen champion sculpting teams from across the country carve massive snow blocks into incredible works of art right along the lakefront at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park. The event is free, family-friendly, and perfect for a brisk winter wander.
Before You Go: Helpful Winter Day Trip Tips
- Pack extra clothes: Gloves, socks, and mittens get wet fast.
- Plan around nap times: Many of these trips are 35–60 minutes away.
- Check hours: Winter hours vary widely, especially for outdoor spots.
- Have a warm backup plan: A café, a museum stop, or a short indoor add-on can save the day.
More Winter Fun Ideas Near Milwaukee
Explore our local guides to the best Milwaukee sledding hills, indoor playgrounds, winter activities, and holiday lights — all kid-tested and close to home.
- Complete Guide: Day Trips From Milwaukee
- Best Sledding Hills in Milwaukee
- Best Indoor Playgrounds in Milwaukee
- Best Ice Skating Rinks in Milwaukee
- Fun Winter Activities for Kids
- Winter Break Activities in Milwaukee
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
