We’re so lucky to have so many options in the Fox Valley or nearby for exploring all of the things that go that kids love: planes, trains, automobiles…and boats! Looking for a new thing to do? Try exploring a ship! Have a birthday or special event coming up? Maybe pizza on a train is in order! Plan your next adventure with your curious kids and let us know where you went!
Boats
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc
Explore the nation’s most completely restored WWII submarine, stroll the streets of a 19th-century shipbuilding town, sail a boat down a river… Kids will want to play in the Children’s Waterways Room. You’ll marvel at the exhibits, be in awe of the detail, and wander in and amongst rich maritime history as you’ve never seen before.
Pirates Hideaway
1998 HWY 45 N, Eagle River
Avast Mateys! Round up the crew and journey on over to Pirates Hideaway in beautiful Eagle River, WI! Located on the shores of Duck Lake and HWY 45 N, Pirates Hideaway is a small family-owned and operated business that has a little something for everyone. We are a seasonal establishment offering a full-service ice cream shop, lakeside tiki bar, and gift shop, and we provide pirate ship rides for all ye landlubbers and adventure seekers on the World’s largest chain of inland fresh-water lakes!
Denis Sullivan
Discovery World
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee
Explore the wonder, beauty, and fun of Lake Michigan from the deck of Discovery World’s Tall Ship, the S/V Denis Sullivan. Climb aboard the world’s only re-creation of a 19th century three-masted, Great Lakes schooner. Family Sails are a fun and educational outdoor experience for you and your family. Kids are invited to dress up as their favorite pirate or superhero while enjoying a complimentary small snack and beverage!
SS Badger Shoreline Cruises
Manitowoc
Board the Vintage S.S. Badger for many different outings! June 2nd and 3rd is the 65th-anniversary cruise with a 1950s theme! Fourth of July firework cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean cruise, cruise by Kite Fest and see the sky filled with kites!
Willie Bee Charters
1400 Lake Street, Two Rivers
Head out on a fishing boat! Two Rivers and Manitowoc Wisconsin Charter Fishing for King & Coho Salmon, Rainbow, Brown, & Lake Trout on Lake Michigan. Willie Bee Charters will take you on your next fun-filled sport-fishing adventure! Call ahead to Waters Edge Restaurant located at the Lighthouse Inn and they will cook your catch! Just be sure to call and see if the chef is in.
Planes
EAA Aviation Museum
3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh
EAA Aviation Museum is one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world – a year-round destination for the entire family. Come and explore our world-class displays and galleries. Marvel at aviation innovations in our collection of more than 200 historic aircraft. Spend time in one of our four movie theaters and get “hands-on” in the KidVenture Gallery, our exciting interactive gallery for kids of all ages! Step back in time and take a ride in a vintage airplane at Pioneer Airport, a real working aerodrome right out of the golden age of aviation. Honor service and sacrifice in the Eagle Hangar, our tribute to World War II aviation and the heroes who served.
EAA also holds one of the largest aircraft festivals (Airventure) every July, and hosts overnight camps, workshops, and plane rides.
AirVenture
This extensive airshow is a must-see. 2018 will bring a military refueling aircraft fleet from the Airforce Reserves, historic aircraft flyovers, twilight flyovers, historic and replica aircraft from WWI, daily airshows, skydiving activities, youth activities, exhibits, shopping, and more.
Trains
National Railroad Museum
2285 S Broadway, Green Bay
Multiple exhibits with varying models of trains. View the only A4 Class locomotive in the United States! Learn the history of trains’ role in the labor and civil rights movements. Get a tour of the museum on vintage, full-size railroad equipment. Along the way, the conductor describes various rolling stock, points out highlights of the museum, talks about railroad safety, and discusses the hobo culture. The train ride is pulled by a diesel locomotive. Children can learn hands-on in the Discovery Depot.
Riverside and Great Northern Railway
N115 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells
The R&GN is a 15-inch gauge railroad living museum offering fun for the young and old. Ride the live steam trains along a 3-mile roadbed winding through scenic canyons, beautiful wooded areas, and majestic rock cuts beside the Dells of the Wisconsin River. Watch the locomotive being turned on a hand-operated turntable at Western Springs, and turned again at the final stop at the Hyde Park depot.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an outdoor, living museum and operating railroad recreating the small town/short line way of life during the “Golden Age of Railroading,” spanning the years 1880-1916, with operating trains, educational exhibits, and displays of restored rolling stock. Visitors can purchase tickets or souvenirs in the restored 1894 depot. Once aboard the historic train cars, you’ll travel along the same rails which served the iron mines of the Baraboo Bluffs over a century ago. Rides are seven miles round-trip and last 50 minutes.
Automobiles
The Automobile Gallery
400 S Adams Street, Green Bay
History and automobile culture come to life in a spectacular new gallery. The gallery displays almost 50 vehicles of distinction, each with a story to help you understand and appreciate the impact of the automobile in our everyday lives.
Wisconsin International Raceway
W1460 County Rd KK, Kaukauna
Wisconsin International Raceway has been Wisconsin’s premier stock car and drag racing venue since 1964. Children ages 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, attend most events FREE. The 2018 program includes numerous thrilling events weekly as well as special events throughout the summer. Special events include Jet Dragsters, Nostalgic Drag Cars, the Eve of Destruction, the Dixieland 250 and the State Championship Red, White and Blue Series drawing stock car racers from around the country including NASCAR stars.
USAIR Motorsports Raceway
W5901 County Road BE, Shawano
Usair Motorsports Raceway Offers Private Go-kart Rentals and Hosting Of Club Events Including Drifting, Autocross, Utv, Supermoto, Legend Car & Kart Racing. Our 1.1 Mile Road Coarse And 40-Acre Property Offers A National Level Of Competition And Entertainment For Everyone.
141 Speedway
12812 County Road R, Maribel
Racing at its core at this local track. Weekly racing consists of Imca modifieds, Imca stock cars, Imca sport mods, Imca sport compact, grand nationals, and street stocks. Grandstand admission Is $12 For Adults, $10 For Students & Seniors, 10 & Under Free on weekly Racing.
Car Shows around Northeast Wisconsin
All over Wisconsin March through October! Check out our Car Show Roundup.
