Planning a quick family escape close to home? These kid-friendly weekend getaways around Wisconsin offer a mix of outdoor adventures, small-town charm, lakefront fun, and unique experiences – many of them recommended by our Instagram community and based on our own family travels.
If you’re looking for new ideas for a family weekend away, here’s where Wisconsin families say you should go next.
💡 If you’re looking for even more ideas around Wisconsin—from day trips to outdoor adventures—our Wisconsin With Kids: Best Day Trips, Outdoor Fun & Getaways guide has a full overview of family-friendly options across the state.
Quick Picks: Best Weekend Getaways for Wisconsin Families
Here’s a fast look at some of the best kid-friendly weekend getaways around Wisconsin. Each spot offers something a little different, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, small-town charm, or easy lakeside fun.
- Best for Indoor Fun: Wisconsin Dells
- Best for Lakeside Relaxation: Elkhart Lake
- Best Small-Town Getaway: Cedarburg
- Best Outdoor Adventure: Door County
- Best Scenic Escape: Bayfield
- Best for Museums & Free Attractions: Madison
- Best Mix of History + Adventure: Lake Geneva
- Best for Beaches & Creativity: Sheboygan
- Best Budget-Friendly Thrills: Green Bay
- Best Lakeside Strolls & Playgrounds: Port Washington
1. Wisconsin Dells: A Splash of Fun
Best for: Families who want indoor fun, waterparks, and year-round entertainment.
Quick Highlights
- Indoor amusement parks
- Indoor waterparks
- Dramatic boat tours
- Plenty of family attractions
Overview
Think “Wisconsin Dells,” think waterparks—but there’s so much more. Indoor amusement parks packed with rides and games, hotels where water slides are an elevator ride away, and boat tours that show off some of Wisconsin’s most stunning natural scenery. Choose Wisconsin Dells if you need weatherproof fun.
Indoor Theme Parks
Packed with roller coasters, bumper cars, ropes courses, trampolines, arcades, and activities for every age:
- Tom Foolerys Adventure Park
- Knucklehead Trampoline Park
- Mt. Olympus Indoor Theme Park
- Wilderness Resort’s Dodge ’Em City
- Great Wolf Lodge
Indoor Waterparks
Winter? No problem. These hotels bring the water fun indoors:
- Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Chula Vista Resort
- Wilderness Resort
- Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort
Boat Tours
The Upper and Lower Dells offer dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and stops at places like Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. The Sunset Cruise is especially beautiful.
💡 If you’re planning a trip, we also have a full guide to visiting the Wisconsin Dells with kids with tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit.
2. Elkhart Lake: Where Relaxation Meets Adventure
Best for: Lake lovers, outdoor families, and those who want a little luxury mixed with exploration.
Quick Highlights
- Gessert’s Ice Cream (Old-fashioned parlor)
- Road America (Exciting race track!)
- Beautiful beaches and trails (Fireman’s Park is very family-friendly)
- Water adventures (Kayaks, Paddleboats, and Paddleboarding)
Overview
Just an hour north of Milwaukee, Elkhart Lake is a postcard-perfect getaway. Blue-green water, sandy beaches, outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace make this an easy and refreshing escape.
Water & Outdoor Fun
Swim, boat, fish, paddle, or rent a pontoon for a relaxing ride.
Fireman’s Park is one of the best spots for a picnic, grill-out, or beach day—with concession stands, picnic tables, grills, and a sand volleyball court.
Food & Treats
Gessert’s Ice Cream is a must-visit. It’s filled with charming antiques and located a short walk from The Osthoff Resort.
Road America
From sunset cruises to pace-car hot laps, this racetrack is fun whether you’re an observer or a thrill-seeker.
Where to Stay
Top resorts: The Osthoff, Siebkens, and The Shore Club.
3. Cedarburg: Historic Charm Meets Modern Family Fun
Best for: Walkable exploring, small-town vibes, festivals, and kid-friendly shops.
Quick Highlights
- Cedar Creek Settlement
- Art of Joy
- Strawberry Festival & Oktoberfest
- Cedar Creek Park
- Covered Bridge Park
- Charming B&Bs
Overview
Cedarburg is incredibly walkable and packed with history, charm, and family-friendly stops—all centered along Washington Avenue. Most of the fun in this town is clustered close together, so you won’t need to do a lot of driving once you arrive.
Cedar Creek Settlement
Built in 1864 as the Wittenberg Woolen Mill, this historic complex is now home to shops, restaurants, and the beloved Cedar Creek Winery. The preserved beams and original equipment add a unique historic feel.
Festivals
Cedarburg is festival-famous:
- Strawberry Festival
- Oktoberfest
- Other seasonal celebrations
Parks
- Cedar Creek Park: Walkable from downtown; great playground and river views.
- Covered Bridge Park: Home to Wisconsin’s last remaining covered bridge—like stepping into a postcard.
Where to Stay
Lovely options include the Washington House Inn and Stagecoach Inn.
💡 If you want a deeper look at the town, here’s our full Cedarburg overview, including more places to eat, shop, and explore.
4. Door County: Where Nature Shows Off
Best for: Families who love hiking, biking, scenery, and outdoor adventures.
Quick Highlights
- Stunning shoreline
- State parks
- Lighthouses
- Cherry orchards
- Arts and culture
Overview
Door County is the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” with endless shoreline, small-town charm, state parks, and enough cherry treats to make any weekend sweet.
Outdoor Fun
Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes, and other state parks offer hiking, biking, kayaking, and gorgeous views.
Culture & History
Visit art galleries, historic lighthouses, and charming villages like Egg Harbor.
Cherry Capital
Cherries are everywhere—from u-pick orchards to baked goods and desserts.
5. Bayfield: Nature’s Masterpiece
Best for: Scenic views, island adventures, kayaking, and small-town charm.
Quick Highlights
- Lake Superior vistas
- Hiking and kayaking
- Apostle Islands gateway
- Charming downtown
Overview
Perched on Lake Superior, Bayfield is colorful, scenic, and consistently rated one of the best coastal small towns in America.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking trails reveal sweeping lake views, and kayaking lets families explore sea caves up close.
Apostle Islands
A gateway to:
- Sea caves
- Historic lighthouses
- Quiet beaches
Small-Town Charm
Stroll the streets, sip coffee with lake views, and pop into shops and cafes.
6. Madison: Quirky Meets Classic
Best for: Families who love museums, free attractions, and a little city buzz.
Quick Highlights
- Wisconsin State Capitol
- Dane County Farmer’s Market
- Madison Children’s Museum
- Henry Vilas Zoo
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- Badger games
- Cave of the Mounds
- House on the Rock
- Sunflower Days
- Trolls of Mt. Horeb
Overview
Madison is a lively mix of arts, nature, quirky attractions, and family favorites. Parents tell us they love Madison because so much of it is free — the zoo, the Capitol, the gardens.
Free & Fun
- Wisconsin State Capitol tours
- Henry Vilas Zoo (free and fantastic)
Play & Learn
The rooftop deck at Madison Children’s Museum is always a hit.
Market Delights
The Dane County Farmer’s Market is a foodie playground.
Nature & Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a plant-lover’s dream.
Nearby Must-Sees
- Cave of the Mounds
- House on the Rock
- Sunflower Days at Pope Farm Conservancy
- Troll-filled Mt. Horeb
For Sports Lovers
Catch a Badger game at Camp Randall—it’s an unforgettable family experience.
💡 If Madison is on your list, you may also like our family-friendly guide to Madison, which covers all the major attractions in one place, and our tips for taking kids to a Badger Game.
7. Lake Geneva: Fun & Fancy
Best for: Families who want lakeside fun, history, horseback riding, and adventure.
Quick Highlights
- Charming downtown
- Black Point Estate
- Dan Patch Stables
- Animal Gardens Petting Zoo
- Big Foot Beach State Park
- Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures
Overview
Lake Geneva blends lakeside beauty with activities for all ages—shopping, boating, ziplines, estate tours, and more.
Downtown Fun
Shop, eat, stroll, repeat! The lake path is a favorite.
Black Point Estate
Accessible by boat; stroll gardens and tour the Victorian mansion.
Horse Adventures
Dan Patch Stables offers horseback riding and pony rides.
Zoo + Exotic Animals
Animal Gardens features farm animals, exotics, and Echo the celebrity parrot.
Beach & Trails
Big Foot Beach State Park offers hiking and sandy shoreline.
Zipline Adventures
Fly through the trees at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures.
8. Sheboygan: Sand Dunes & Shipwrecks
Best for: Beach time, indoor waterparks, children’s museums, and creative fun.
Quick Highlights
- Blue Harbor’s Breaker Bay
- Bookworm Gardens
- Above & Beyond Children’s Museum
- John Michael Kohler Arts Center
- Harrington Beach State Park
- Kohler-Andrae State Park
- Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
- Kohler Design Center
- Lottie Cooper shipwreck
Overview
Sheboygan mixes culture, nature, beaches, and indoor attractions—making it a great year-round getaway.
Breaker Bay at Blue Harbor
54,000 sq ft indoor waterpark with:
- Toddler play areas
- Big slides
- Recreation pool
- Lazy river
- Double surf simulator
- Cabanas
- Summer lake access
Bookworm Gardens
Walk through scenes inspired by children’s books like Magic School Bus, Charlotte’s Web, and more.
💡 Want more details? Here’s our full Bookworm Gardens guide with tips for visiting.
Above & Beyond Museum
Three floors of hands-on exhibits, a giant pin screen, a ship, and a schoolhouse.
Kohler Arts Center
Free, family-friendly, creative restrooms included.
Nature Escapes
- Harrington Beach State Park
- Kohler-Andrae State Park
Farm Wisconsin Center
Try milking a cow or watch a calf being born at the Land O’Lakes Birthing Barn.
Kohler Design Center
Explore the evolution of American home design across three levels.
Lottie Cooper Shipwreck
A preserved piece of Great Lakes maritime history.
9. Green Bay: More Than Just Cheeseheads
Best for: Affordable thrills, wildlife, museums, and football fans.
Quick Highlights
- Bay Beach Amusement Park
- Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lambeau Field
- Titletown District
- National Railroad Museum
- Botanical Garden
Overview
Yes, it’s the home of the Packers—but Green Bay is packed with family-friendly stops beyond football.
Bay Beach Amusement Park
Old-school rides, kid-friendly fun, and prices that feel like stepping back in time.
💡 For more details, check out our full Bay Beach Amusement Park guide, including ride tips and what to expect.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to 4,500 animals with trails and nature areas.
Lambeau Field
Tour the stadium, explore the football museum, and soak in the energy.
Titletown District
Playgrounds, games, seasonal ice skating, and open green areas.
💡 You can also explore our complete Titletown District overview with activity ideas and practical tips for families.
Railroad Museum
Vintage trains, pumpkin trains, bunny trains, and Polar Express events.
Botanical Garden
47 acres of gardens—including a children’s garden and hobbit house.
10. Port Washington: A Lakeside Gem
Best for: Playgrounds, ice cream, maritime history, and lakeside strolls.
Quick Highlights
- Possibility Playground
- Ice cream stops
- Lighthouse tours
- Pirate’s Hollow
- Nature preserves
- Maritime exhibits
Overview
Just 30 minutes north of Milwaukee, Port Washington is full of charm and has a little something for everyone.
Possibility Playground
A huge, imaginative, fully accessible playground overlooking Lake Michigan.
Ice Cream Favorites
Chocolate Chisel and Frankie’s Airstream are local icons.
Step Back in Time
Tour the 1860 Light Station and see where lighthouse keepers once lived.
Pirate’s Hollow Waterpark
Waterslides, diving boards, and splash zones.
Nature Spots
Explore the Sauk Creek and Birchwood Hills Nature Preserves.
Port Exploreum
Interactive maritime exhibits for curious kids.
💡 If you’re planning a visit, here’s our full Port Washington guide with even more ideas for where to play, eat, and explore along the lake.
More Family Adventures
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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.
