Whether you’re planning a day trip from the Fox Cities or looking for local attractions and things to do to fill your itinerary, these are our favorite family-friendly activities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Also, check out our Fox Cities Guide organized by age: Babies to Teens: 99 Things to Do with Kids (by Age) in the Fox Cities!
Make sure to check our calendar for upcoming events and family-friendly activities!
Green Bay
Green and gold bleed deep in Green Bay, but there is so much more than just football things to do in Green Bay. The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Children’s Museum of Green Bay, Bay Beach Amusement Park, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. With such diverse options, Green Bay ensures unforgettable adventures for families with kids of all ages.
Appleton
Appleton offers a range of family-friendly activities – the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Bubolz Nature Preserve, Butterfly Gardens of Appleton, epic parks like Memorial Park and Plamann Park, and more!
Find more things to do in Appleton with kids.
Oshkosh
Menominee Park is one of our family’s favorite destinations. The park includes a free-admission zoo, beach, playground, train ride, and more! Oshkosh is the home of many museums, including The Paine Art Center and Gardens, Oshkosh Public Museum, Military Veterans Museum and Education Center, and EAA Aviation Museum. The Mineshaft is a family favorite! More than just a destination for family dining, this 50,000+ square-foot facility features an exciting arcade and game room.
Find more things to do in Oshkosh with kids.
Sheboygan
Ocean-like beaches, magical Bookworm Gardens, a children’s museum, and a day full of non-stop fun await families in Sheboygan. Stroll beach boardwalks at Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Find more things to do in Sheboygan with kids.
Fond du Lac
On the south side of the lake, you can find year-round fun at the Children’s Museum of Fond Du Lac, spend some summertime days at Fondy Aqua Parks, and find miles of hiking and biking trails or geocaches at Hobbs Woods. Stop by Lakeside Park for family fun including a walkup lighthouse, picnic spots on Lake Winnebago, a splash pad, a playground, and more. Lakeside Amusement Rides is a small amusement park located in Lakeside Park with historic rides, including a miniature train, merry-go-round, and roto-whip! They also offer hourly canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals.
Manitowoc
Visit a lighthouse, playground, zoo, murals, Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, shipwreck, or the beach — there’s something for everyone on a trip to Manitowoc, including a trip to Cedar Crest’s ice cream parlor! Here are some ideas for how to spend your day.
Find more things to do in Manitowoc with kids.
Neenah
Some of our favorite family-friendly activities are the Neenah Public Library, Riverside Park (aka the Rocket Park), Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, and The Plaza. If you are looking for somewhere to cool off, the firefighter-themed splash pad at Washington Park is free and lots of fun!
Find more things to do in Neenah with kids.
Menasha
Nature, art, and science, there is no shortage of fun in Menasha. Heckrodt Wetland Preserve is home to one of our favorite Fox Valley walking trails, a fun nature center, and a fantastic outdoor play area for all-weather exploration. Explore science at The Barlow Planetarium and the Weis Science Museum. Play a game at the Sweet Lair and customize a 3d printed masterpiece at Catch Fire Creations.
Watch for exciting updates this year at Jefferson Park!
Hortonville
Located between New London and Greenville, the home of the polar bears, Hortonville has a small-town charm. Cuff Farms is a treasured family spot with strawberry picking in early summer, pizza on the farm, fall adventures, and hayrides. Charlie’s Drive-In is a fun spot for burgers and ice cream.
Watch for a new splash pad and playground coming to Alonzo Park by the end of 2024.
New London
Close to the Fox Valley and full of art and natural areas to explore, New London is a great close-to-home destination for families. Visit Mosquito Hill, take a walk along the river, go on a New London mural hunt, and grab an ice cream cone at Kist Kandies & Ice Cream before your short drive home. This is also a great place to spend a winter day!
Kaukauna
Nestled on the water, Kaukauna has so many great things for families. The Kaukauna Public Library has the perfect play area for toddlers and preschoolers. 1000 Islands Environmental Center has boardwalk trails along the river, a nature center, and sometimes you can even find a story walk. Stop for a treat at Kaukauna Coffee & Tea or Sweet Treats Candies & Sweets. Learn about history at the Charles A. Grignon Mansion.
Watch for exciting updates coming this summer to the Kaukauna Pool!
Little Chute
Little Chute is a charming destination for families. You can’t miss the iconic windmill, a symbol of Dutch heritage. Enjoy outdoor fun at Van Lieshout Park. After a day of adventure, unwind at Country Inn & Suites, where kids can splash around in the mini waterpark. The Nelson Family Heritage Crossing is a great walking and biking trail overlooking the Fox River.
Two Rivers
A Wisconsin summer isn’t complete without a beach day at Point Beach State Park with ice cream after Washington House! Other fun activities include a visit to London Dairy Alpacas or the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum. Try donut ice cream cones at Scream ‘n Conuts!
Kimberly
Sunset Beach and Park in Kimberly is a family favorite in the summer! Grab your rollerskates or rollerblades for a classic night at Skate City.
Oconto
Oconto offers a variety of family-friendly activities for kids. You can explore the scenic Oconto River State Trail for hiking or biking, visit Copper Culture State Park to learn about Native American history, or enjoy a day of fishing and picnicking at Breakwater Park along the shores of Lake Michigan. Wildman Adventure Resort in Niagra is a multi-sport outdoor adventure resort located in Northeastern Wisconsin that includes whitewater rafting, zipline, rock climbing, ropes course, and paintball. Sweet Memories Candy Shoppe in Lakewood is a classic family staple.
Chilton
Chilton, Wisconsin, is a fantastic destination for families seeking outdoor adventures. Explore the beautiful trails and wildlife at Ledge View Nature Center. Run off some energy and spend some time at Morrissey Park, a beautiful community-built wooden playground.
Find more things to do in Chilton with kids.
Brillion
Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago, Brillion is a perfect destination for a quiet day of exploring. You’ll find a nature center, Ariens Museum, a 4-mile-long Friendship Trail, and an Instaworthy lion mural. Fun stops on the way along Lake Winnebago include High Cliff State Park, a fun playground, and a FREE splash pad at Wanick Choute Park in Sherwood, with a stop for ice cream at Frogg’s Ice Cream.
Sherwood
Part of the Fox Cities, Sherwood is a village in Calumet County, just 10 miles east of Appleton. This little gem is the home of some of our favorite things to do with kids and families in Northeast Wisconsin! High Cliff State Park, Wanick Choute Park, Mulberry Lane Farm, and sweet ice cream from Frogg’s are some of our favorites here!
Find more things to do in Sherwood with kids.
Algoma
Lake Michigan town is just a short drive from the Fox Valley, Crescent Beach and Boardwalk are perfect for a beach day. There are also walking and hiking trails and a cool steel lighthouse.
Kewaunee
A quiet lakeside town with two beautiful beaches covering 28 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Home to the World’s Tallest Grandfather Clock, admission-free Breummer Park Zoo, and plenty of ice cream spots, this is a perfect beach day trip destination. Head back in the winter to explore tubing, sledding, and more at Winter Park.
Green Lake
Hiking, biking, and lake life to the max. You’ll find public swimming beaches at Dodge Memorial County Park and Sunset Park and plenty of spots to grab ice cream or Colectivo Coffee at Sassafras before you head home. Nearby cities include Ripon, Berlin, and Princeton.
Door County
There’s so much to love about Door County. It is a short drive, but once you’re there, you feel like you’re far from home and all of the stresses that come with it. It’s a perfect place to get away with the family. These charming Door County cities and towns include Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Gills Rock, and Washington Island
Find more things to do in Door County with kids.
