Rainy days don’t have to put a damper on your plans when you are looking for things to do in Northeast Wisconsin! Whether you’re a local family looking for indoor fun or a visitor eager to explore, there are plenty of exciting and cozy activities to enjoy, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. From learning at museums and running off energy to unique entertainment venues and cozy cafes, the Fox Cites has a wide array of indoor options that make rainy days just as enjoyable as sunny ones.
The Sweet Lair in Menasha is a unique café and gaming hub that offers delicious treats and a fun, social gaming environment. It serves a variety of sweets, including coffee, ice cream, cookies, and cookies, while also providing space for board games, card games, and tabletop gaming.
Snuggle cats at Pawfee Shop Cat Cafe in Appleton while enjoying a treat.
These coffee shops have play areas for kids that make meeting a friend the perfect date for everyone!
Glow in the Park Mini Golf – Neon balls, fluorescent features at each hole, and glow-in-the-dark murals and decorations all around make this spot a perfect family destination for a bright twist on mini golf.
Indoor Trampoline Parks & Inflatables
We have over 40 Indoor Playgrounds, Parks & Play Areas in the Fox Cities!
Luv 2 Play is perfect for the younger kids! Enjoy three stories of climbing, crawling, sliding, and zipping! Cafe and grill available and fun games available to pay.
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Badger Sports Park, which has escape rooms, VR, laser tag, mini bowling, arcade games, and more!
Other great options are Urban Air Adventure Park, Altitude Trampoline Park in Appleton.
The Mineshaft in Oshkosh is a large, family-friendly entertainment venue and restaurant that offers a variety of activities for families and kids of all ages. It’s known for its expansive arcade featuring numerous games, a dining area with a wide-ranging menu, and a lively atmosphere perfect for families, groups, and parties.
Go Bowling
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to forget about how cold it is outside! Both Super Bowl in Appleton and Sabre Lanes in Menasha are now owned by Bowlero and offer special loyalty programs, events and promotions, and lots of lanes for bowling.
- The 10th Frame in Appleton is locally owned and operated and has good old-fashioned bowling, including keeping score by hand!
- Electric City Lanes in Kaukauna has a cozy, intimate bowling experience with fluorescent lights and a fireplace. The full-service restaurant has a casual dining menu and a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits.
- Rolling Thunder Lanes has open bowling and an arcade (and wings!)
Go Roller Skating
Looking for inexpensive fun for the whole family? Head to the roller rink and lace up for some roller skating! We recommend Skate City in Kimberly and Skaters Edge in Appleton!
Explore at a Museum
Whether you are looking for a children’s museum in Wisconsin, science, art or history museums we have so many great options across the state. Some of our favorites include Discovery World and the Milwaukee Art Museum.
- The Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton: This hands-on museum is perfect for kids, with exhibits focused on art, science, and imaginative play. Activities include water play, building zones, and a giant fire truck.
- Atlas Science Center, Appleton: Learn all about the history and process of papermaking through interactive exhibits. Kids can even make their own paper!
- History Museum at the Castle, Appleton: Explore local history, including exhibits about Harry Houdini, who grew up in Appleton. It’s a fun educational experience for kids and adults alike.
- Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Neenah: This unique museum focuses on glass art. They offer some hands-on experiences and workshops for kids and adults.
Get Crafty, Creative & Artsy
There are many options for drop-in projects or scheduled classes for artists, young and old. Check out the events and schedules at the following locations:
- Catch Fire Creations, Menasha
- Hazelmade Art Studio in Appleton
- The Fire, Appleton
- The Fire Escape Art, Oshkosh
- Rooster Dreams, Neenah
- Painting Pottery or Bead it, De Pere
- Trout Museum of Art / Fox Cities Building of the Arts
Take a Road Trip or a Day Trip
We have so many great day trips and road trips near the Fox Cities that are fun for the whole family. Find lots of things to do in our guides. Some of our favorites are Milwaukee, Madison, Sheboygan, and a weekend trip to Minneapolis or Chicago.
Watch Movies
This year’s Kids Dream Family Film Series features some sure-to-please movies to beat cabin fever in Wisconsin! This partnership between Marcus Theatres and American Family Insurance offers a movie lineup for just $3 (or FREE, just download the vouchers before).
Library
Check with the libraries for FREE programs. They usually also have board games and puzzles! Many of these events are on our calendar, or check out the individual library calendars.
The Mulva Cultural Center, a 75,000-square-foot cultural destination, opened in December 2023 and offers traveling exhibits, arts, and culture in a beautiful facility in downtown De Pere. It also features films and a “gourmet to go” cafe with spectacular views of the Fox River. The temporary exhibit Bricktionary: The Ultimate LEGO® A-Z runs until September 2.
