The holidays are over, we survived 2022, now what? Thankfully, so far we’ve had plenty of snow and weather mild enough to enjoy January so far. We’ve got our fingers crossed that it continues. We’re trying different teas and are stocked up on fresh books, games, and puzzles from gifts for the days we need to stay in. How are you preparing for the colder days ahead? We hope you’ll find some inspiration from our list of fun things to do this month in Northeast Wisconsin, from Oshkosh to Appleton to Green Bay (and beyond) for your family!
Looking for activities or things to do with your family in the winter month of January in Northeast Wisconsin? There are lots of options for FREE or cheap events and activities for families! Make sure to check out all the events on our calendar.
Things to Do in December for Kids & Families in the Fox Valley!
- Washington Park Winter Festival is Saturday, January 14, 2023! This fun, FREE family event includes skating, sledding, & hockey games/contests, roasting s’mores, hot dogs, hot chocolate, giveaways, & more!
- Get cozy with a cup of coffee while the kids play somewhere new at one of these coffee shops with play areas!
- Learn more about our national bird! Eagle Days is held on Saturday, January 23, 2023, at 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna and more locations around the Fox Cities.
- When we get fresh snow, check out what The Snow Man is up to!
- Lace up your skates and try one of these outdoor ice skating rinks. Check parks and recreation Facebook pages for updates on rink conditions as they fluctuate throughout the year.
- Head to New London for a Winter adventure at Mosquito Hill!
- Loop the Lake and observe the wintertime changes.
- Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and head out for a winter hike. Here 52 area trails to explore by foot, ski, or snowshoe!
- Bring along your warmest gear, camera, and patience, and look for the abundant wildlife living along the Fox River. Try Vulcan Park and the area surrounding Fratello’s and the Paper Discovery Center, 1000 Islands, the Newberry Trail, and Telulah Park. Check out our eagle guide!
- Check out wintery waterfalls. Here are Wisconsin Waterfalls that are a two-hour drive or closer to Appleton.
- Explore parks and playgrounds in the snow! Pierce Park in Appleton is one of our favorites for winter.
- Fritsch Park in Fox Crossing has a hill for sledding and a fire pit!
- Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a great spot for a walk, wildlife watching, and checking out their excellent newly updated play area.
- Dive into one of these 17 indoor swimming pools!
- Feed the hungry ducks at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Find a new spot to sled!
- Enjoy the wintery scenery in a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
- Getting a little stir-crazy? Hit the road on one of these scenic drives.
- Head out on a mural hunt! Communities continue to add amazing pieces of public art and we do our best to update the lists frequently.
- Tubing is super fun! Here are some spots with tow ropes and without.
- Take a walk and read a story. Appleton has a StoryWalk at Memorial Park and check out 1000 Islands monthly features!
- Cabin fever? Don’t despair! Head to one of these 40+ indoor playgrounds!
- Have a family adventure day at Titletown in Green Bay and enjoy tubing, ice skating and more!
- Hit the slopes! Ski!
- Explore Door County in the offseason for stargazing, frozen lakeside views, and delicious treats.
- Have a yummy family adventure and eat in an igloo!
- Once we get 6 inches of fluffy snow, enjoy a family day out snowshoeing!
- Wisconsin State Parks are open year-round and 26 are within two hours from Appleton.
- Appleton Parks and Recreation is hosting FREE Open Gyms at Ferber Elementary School and McKinley Elementary Schools on Saturdays in January!
- Head to a park or playground to see which slides are fastest in snow pants.
- Try a toboggan run adventure with your favorites for something new this winter!
