Wisconsin may be a state known for its cheese production. But that doesn’t mean your family won’t find thrilling non-cheese-related family activities to enjoy when you choose to vacation there. The acres of farmland filled with cows lead to amazing adventures at every turn. As you explore the countryside, you will discover so many different family-friendly activities. These family activities are perfect for celebrating National Wisconsin Day or any other day of the year. The hardest part will be determining which activities are best for your next family vacation in Wisconsin.  

Celebrate National Wisconsin Day with These 10 Family Friendly Activities 

Hike the Ice Age Trail 

As a parent, you have heard about the Ice Age. Well, at least the five Ice Age movies that have been released since 2002. In the state of Wisconsin, there is an actual Ice Age Trail that your family will love to explore. Your family might not want to do the entire one thousand miles. But even a few miles will have you all going back in time as you explore glacial features. Spending time reconnecting while hiking this trail is simple. Especially when you are all staring at the plethora of wildlife, you will spot along the way.  

It is possible to hike the Ice Age Trail at any time of the year. Even on National Wisconsin Day! But if you want to experience the best this trail has to offer, it is better to visit during the fall. It is during that time of the year when the foliage turns the area into a bright colorful destination.  

Experience Nature at Kettle Moraine State Forest 

Kettle Moraine State Forest is massive. So massive that it is actually split into six different sections, with each section having its own name. This is the very best state park in Wisconsin. There are so many family activities to experience throughout the park, so your family will never be bored. Imagine exploring the hidden gems of this park as your family hikes, skis, horseback rides, or even bikes through different areas.  

One of my favorite locations within the Kettle Moraine State Forest is the Parnell Tower Trail. That is where Parnell Tower is located. And climbing up to the top of that tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.  

Go Snowmobiling 

Okay, so a family vacation in Wisconsin during the winter is a must if you want to add snowmobiling to your itinerary. And let me tell you, your family won’t be disappointed on any of the six hundred miles of the Eagle River Snowmobile Trails. If you are visiting an area that is not close to those trails, you will still find plenty of trail-riding options! I can help you determine which snowmobile trails are best in the area you are vacationing in. After all, hitting the trails on a snowmobile is definitely one of the top family-friendly activities in the state!  

Bike Ride Along the Elroy-Sparta Trail 

Bike rides through the countryside in Wisconsin are an excellent way to spend a family vacation. While there are plenty of bike trails to consider, a personal favorite is the Elroy-Sparta Trail. This trail used to be a railway, so you never know what your family will discover along the entire thirty-two miles.  

If the length of this bike trail is not long enough for your family, you have options! You can easily continue on the Hillsboro State Trail, Omaha Trail, or the Great River State Trail.  

Conquer the Menominee River on a Raft 

Whitewater rafting is an exciting activity that most families do not think about when they are planning a vacation in Wisconsin. As a travel advisor, I know to make sure I mention this type of thrilling activity so families like yours do not miss out on any of the fun! The Menominee River is the perfect place to go white-water rafting while on a family vacation in Wisconsin.  

Everyone in your family will enjoy conquering the rapids on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Now, if your family doesn’t love the water that much, or you are just too afraid to do something this daring, I have a solution. There are sections of the river that are gentle. Those are the areas you can spend hours at as you kayak and relax with your family.  

Explore the Cave of the Mounds 

You can explore the Cave of the Mounds when you take a family vacation in Madison, Wisconsin. The best way to experience this part of Wisconsin is to wander through the cave. This is not an ideal adventure if anyone in your family is claustrophobic. However, if you all don’t mind small spaces, the rock formations and river streams will take your breath away.  

There is no better place to relax than deep down in the cave. And imagine the conversations you will have with your partner and children as you all contemplate how the cave has changed over the course of hundreds of years.  

Explore the Sea Caves 

The Sea Caves in Wisconsin are located off the Apostle Islands. These caves are different than the ones I mentioned above because they are partially underwater. Each cave was formed from the strong currents of the water. Kayaking to each sea cave around these islands is the best way for your family to experience them. However, if being out on the water is not enough for everyone, you can also explore each individual island. Every island offers spectacular views, soft sandy beaches, and sometimes a historic lighthouse.  

Check Out the Wildlife at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary 

Families that love animals will want to spend part of their vacation in Wisconsin checking out the wildlife at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. This is where numerous animals end up when they are sick and injured. Your day can be spent hiking the trails that lead to the different animal habitats. As you are walking around, make sure you feed the animals from the available food bags. That will be the highlight of your visit, at least according to your children.  

Search for Trolls in Mount Horeb 

Troll lovers will love visiting Mount Horeb during a family vacation in Wisconsin. Trolls are everywhere in this town, but you must keep your eyes open if you want to spot them all. I recommend beginning by wandering through the downtown area. This is an excellent way to spot quite a few trolls in a short amount of time. It is said there are more trolls out in the forest. But not too many have been spotted out there as of yet.  

Enjoy the Rushing Waterfalls at Amnicon Falls State Park 

Hiking to waterfalls is a favorite activity for many families. Therefore, if it is on your list of family-friendly activities, I recommend making sure you add Amnicon Falls State Park to your itinerary when on vacation in Wisconsin. Rushing water from multiple waterfalls enters the swimming holes below. Your kids can spend hours swimming in those holes while you and your partner relax and enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of real life. Make sure you all take some time to walk across the covered bridge over the falls. The views are incredible and will likely spark a conversation or two.  

These are the 10 family-friendly activities you should consider when it is time to celebrate National Wisconsin Day. Whether you choose to take a family vacation in Wisconsin on this day, or another day of the year, at least you know your family will have numerous activities available. And don’t worry, because as your travel advisor, I can make sure every must-do family activity is on your itinerary!  

So, are you ready to start planning a family vacation in Wisconsin to celebrate National Wisconsin Day?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

And if you are not ready to start planning these family-friendly activities to celebrate National Wisconsin Day, you can sign up for my newsletter. This will ensure we stay in touch as I continue to share relevant travel information with you.