The Best Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin for Families

Looking for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin for the whole family? Wisconsin has incredible state parks, beaches along Lake Michigan, charming small towns, and thriving big cities.

There are so many amazing options for weekend getaways with kids in Wisconsin, so whether you're looking for outdoor activities, waterparks, or cool new cities to explore, there's truly something for everyone.

I grew up in Wisconsin, and after living away during college and for 10 years after graduation, I finally moved back and settled here with my husband and 4 kids. We've had so much fun exploring all Wisconsin has to offer.

I love rediscovering what makes Wisconsin a great place for families with my children, and now I'm excited to share my favorite spots with you!

Here are the best places in Wisconsin for a family-friendly weekend getaway.

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Best Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin for Families

Lake Geneva

This picturesque lake town in Southeastern Wisconsin is one of the best family vacation spots in the state, offering historic mansions, a cute downtown, a scenic lakeshore path, boat tours, water sports, and plenty of family-friendly hotels.

Our family booked an Airbnb in Lake Geneva one summer and especially enjoyed strolling the 22-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path and spotting sprawling mansions, including the Wrigley Estates and the Schwinn Estate.

Boat tours, especially the Ice Cream Cruise on Lake Geneva, are popular for families. This half-hour narrated tour will show you the highlights of Lake Geneva while you enjoy an ice cream sundae with toppings of your choice!

You also may enjoy a stroll downtown where you can duck into the many boutiques, adorable cafes, local restaurants, and ice cream shops.

This is a favorite destination for both Wisconsinites and Chicagoans during every season of the year.

Summer offers swimming and water sports on the lake. In fall, the Elegant Farmer hosts an Autumn Harvest Fest. Winter brings ice castles and Winterfest, and spring brings everyone back outside for golf, boating, and hiking.

La Crosse

The dramatic bluffs of Wisconsin's Driftless Region create some of the most scenic views in the state, and La Crosse is the perfect place for a driftless region getaway.

Perched on the Mississippi River and surrounded by bluffs, La Cross is a dream for nature lovers.

We visited La Crosse in the fall when the leaves were changing and a crisp chill in the air had us wrapping our hands around our hot chocolate. The Apple Blossom Scenic Drive took us across the river into Minnesota, but the views were worth it!

We also enjoyed the peaceful beauty at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe tucked in the Mississippi River Valley. The chapel perched on top of a hill is a half-mile walk from the parking lot, but the views are worth it!

Naturally, we enjoyed the vista from the top of Grandad Bluff. At the time of our visit, our kids were pretty young so we opted to drive up to the viewpoint rather than hike. Now that our kids are older, I would love to return and hike to the top! I think we would be up for the challenge.

You can also visit Riverside Park and enjoy the International Friendship Garden, wander through historic downtown La Crosse, grab some ice cream at Pearl Ice Cream Parlor, or take a day trip to Onalaska.

We recommend both The Charmont Hotel for family-friendly luxury in downtown La Crosse (read my review here), or Stoney Creek Hotel in Onalaska for a rustic cabin-in-the-woods feel where you can spread out in a larger suite and go for a swim (find my review here).

Here are 11 Things to Do in La Crosse in the Fall.

Washington Island

Washington Island is located in Lake Michigan off the northeast coast of the Door Peninsula. Take a 30-minute ferry ride from the Door Peninsula to Washington Island, and be prepared to enjoy slow summer days away from the hustle and bustle.

One of the biggest draws of Washington Island is Schoolhouse Beach. Instead of sand, the shoreline is made up of smooth, white limestone rocks.

We spent much of our time on the Island swimming at the beach, and the kids fell in love with the limestone rocks. I would recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet! There are also several picnic areas at the beach, so you can bring a lunch to enjoy by the lake.

In addition to Schoolhouse Beach, you can spend time visiting the two lavender farms on the island. The larger field is Fragrant Isle, and the other one is Lavender Farm. Fragrant Isle has an entry fee, but you can put that toward items (food, souvenirs, etc) in the shop. Lavender Farm is free, but much smaller.

I think my kids like Lavender Farm better since there was a wooden train they could play in, and yard games. Fragrant Isle is more aesthetic, and you can walk between the rows of lavender plants.

Aside from the lavender farms and the beach, you can visit Rock Island State Park, or check out the shops and restaurants around the island.

This is definitely one of the most unique weekend getaways for families in Wisconsin!

We went tent camping at Washington Island Campground, so I can't attest to any of the hotels on the island.

Read my guide to a Weekend on Washington Island with Kids.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state for good reason. It's called the Waterpark Capital of the World because it has more waterparks per capita than anywhere else on earth!

If you're visiting in summer, you'll have no trouble finding outdoor water parks, but many hotels also have an indoor water park for winter months or rainy days!

Our favorite activity to do in the Dells is the Upper Dells Boat Tour where you'll glide along the Wisconsin River past sandstone bluffs to reach Witches Gulch, an eerie moss-covered slot canyon. Wisconsin Dells has a reputation for being kitschy, but this tour reminds you of the natural beauty that attracted tourists to the area in the first place.

You can also take a Duck Boat tour. Duck Boats are amphibious vehicles that can drive on land and float in water, so the tour takes you over land and water.

Go to the Deer Park to feed crackers to deer, walk the scenic river walk, complete Wizard Quest, or visit the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.

Our favorite waterpark hotel in the Dells is Great Wolf Lodge, and you can read my tips for visiting the hotel here! We've also enjoyed visits to Kalahari (it has a very fun African Safari theme that kids love), Mount Olympus (a great budget option), and Chula Vista. We haven't visited Noah's Ark yet, but we've heard great things!

This resort city has tons of lodging options and plenty of opportunities for family fun!

Read my Wisconsin Dells Family Travel Guide here!

Green Bay

My entire extended family took a family staycation to Green Bay a few years ago on a quest to tour Lambeau Field. We have some die-hard Green Bay Packers fans in the family, so a pilgrimage to the famous football stadium was a fun item to check off our bucket lists!

While in Green Bay you cannot miss Bay Beach Amusement Park! Admission and parking are free, and ride tickets are 25 cents each. Most rides require 1 or 2 tickets, with some of the more thrilling rides requiring 4-6 tickets. Nearby is Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary where you'll find numerous birds, deer, wolves, and more.

Green Bay also has an excellent Children's Museum, and the Green Bay Botanical Garden has a Children's Garden with a playground.

Finally, Titletown Entertainment District is the perfect place for kids to run off some energy. There are playgrounds, a 40-yard dash, yard games, and restaurants. It's such a family-friendly environment, and all of the activities are free!

Madison

The State Capital is an excellent place for a Wisconsin weekend getaway!

As the home of the University of Wisconsin Madison, this city has a college town feel, but that doesn't mean there isn't a ton to do for families.

Henry Vilas Zoo is free to visit and features a Children's Zoo, a carousel, and tons of exhibits from a giraffe barn to a big cat exhibit, an arctic passage, and more.

Naturally, families should make time to stop by the Capitol Building. Free tours are offered most days, and you can find the tour schedule here.

Other family-friendly attractions include Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Memorial Union Terrace, Madison Children's Museum, and the Arboretum.

You could also add on a side trip to nearby Cave of the Mounds just 30 minutes away.

Devil's Lake State Park

Visiting Devil's Lake State Park is one of the best things to do in the state of Wisconsin, and it has the most beautiful natural areas to hike and explore.

wisconsin weekend getaways devil's lake state park.jpg

The ever-popular Devil's Doorway Hike is perfect for families with older children, while young families can enjoy the nature center, camping, picnics, and water activities like swimming and canoeing. And with 4 miles of biking trails, active families will find plenty to do on a getaway to Devil's Lake.

You can reserve a campsite to stay inside the park on your weekend getaway or find lodging nearby in the Wisconsin Dells or Madison. We enjoyed a quick camping trip there with our kids when they were younger, and it was such a beautiful spot to enjoy s'mores and spend time together as a family.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a big city with a small town feel - or at least that's what out-of-town visitors have told me!

I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee just a short drive from downtown, and have grown to love this slice of heaven along Lake Michigan.

Milwaukee is a popular destination thanks to its art galleries, museums, beautiful downtown, and friendly people.

My mom had a Milwaukee County Zoo Pass for our family, so we spent countless summer days wandering through the zoo. Discovery World and Betty Brinn Children's Museum are popular spots for families, and Bradford Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day along Lake Michigan.

During winter, take advantage of the Mitchell Park Domes, and in summer, wander along the RiverWalk, stop by a beer garden, or take pictures outside the iconic art museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. Kids might also enjoy a tour of the Sprecher Root Beer brewery.

Milwaukee is fun during all 4 seasons, but I think it really comes to life in summer.

Door County

Door County is one of the most popular places for both Wisconsin and Illinois residents to escape during the summer months. It's perfect for a weekend road trip because there is so much to see and do there!

Visit Cave Point County Park or dramatic shoreline views or Peninsula State Park to enjoy miles of shoreline. Check out the scenic drives around the peninsula, especially along the Door County Coastal Byway (we really enjoyed this in the fall).

Pick apples or cherries at one of the many orchards, visit Door County Ice Cream Factory for an ice cream cone, or enjoy a round of mini golf. Check out the Door County Maritime Museum, or stop by towns like Sturgeon Bay or Egg Harbor for some shopping.

The real draw of Door County is to relax and soak in slow days along Lake Michigan, so don't forget to sit and enjoy a sunset as a family (or sunrise if you have early risers).

Cedarburg

Cedarburg is just 30 minutes from Milwaukee, but certainly worth a weekend getaway on its own! This charming, historic small town has lots of shopping, restaurants, and parks to enjoy as a family.

Cedar Creek Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers. You can tour the family-run winery, and kids are welcome to join. Be sure to take home a bottle of Cranberry Blush! It's a favorite around our family's Thanksgiving table (for the adults, of course).

Bring your kids into Art of Joy, a social house that serves cocktails and mocktails with a play area for kids upstairs with toys and movies. The adults can chat over a beverage while the kids get lost in their imagination.

Cedar Creek Park is a great place for kids to get their wiggles out, or drive a bit outside of town for a cool hike at Lions Den Gorge to see some dramatic cliffs along the Lake Michigan coast. It's one of my favorite hikes in Wisconsin!

Eau Claire

Eau Claire is an artistic college town situated on the western side of the state where the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers meet.

Kids will love taking the Sculpture Tour downtown, spotting some murals along the way, too! You can also stop by the Children's Museum of Eau Claire to enjoy the interactive exhibits or get a sweet treat at Ramone's Ice Cream Parlor.

If your family loves being out in nature, check out Beaver Creek Reserve. You can find a butterfly house, 2 trout streams, 9 miles of trails, a stargazing observatory, and log cabins to rent.

Sheboygan

Sheboygan, also known as the Malibu of the Midwest, is another one of my top picks for Wisconsin weekend getaways. Its sandy beaches and great waves make it a popular place for surfers in the Great Lakes.

Start at Bookworm Gardens where your favorite childhood books are brought to life with sculptures, and there's even a life-sized covered wagon from the Little House on the Prairie Series.

Be sure to stop by Above and Beyond Children's Museum which has tons of exhibits and play areas, and even a real beehive you can observe behind glass that opens up to the outdoors.

Stop by Kohler-Andrae State Park for some beach time, sand dunes, and hiking trails, or head to Shaw Family Playground which has tons of accessible playground equipment.

I would highly recommend a stay at Blue Harbor Resort to enjoy the water park and the family-friendly rooms!

Read all of my suggestions for Things to Do in Sheboygan with Kids here.

Marinette County

Marinette County is beautiful all year round, but I would highly recommend visiting in the fall to complete the Fall Color Driving Tour to see the best vistas and waterfalls the county has to offer!

Marinette County is in Northern Wisconsin bordering Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so it's one of the earlier locations in Wisconsin to start getting fall colors.

Marinette is the waterfall capital of Wisconsin, so its natural setting is breathtaking. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or ATV riding, there's something outdoorsy for you here. I especially enjoyed Dave's Falls County Park, Goodman Park, and McClintock Park.

We stayed at Four Seasons Island Resort, which was perfect for families since it's an all-suite resort. We especially enjoyed the indoor pool and hot tub during the chilly fall weather.

Read all about visiting Marinette County in Fall here!

Elkhart Lake

The best reason to visit Elkhard Lake for a weekend getaway is to stay at the Osthoff Resort!

The Osthoff is perfect for families because the suites are super spacious with a full kitchen and living room area. Plus there are plenty of restaurants on site if cooking on your weekend getaway isn't your idea of relaxation.

The resort offers bicycle rentals and watersport rentals you can use on the private lake on the property.

Kids can swim in the outdoor pool, or the indoor pool when the weather gets cold, plus an arcade and game room. Be sure to check the schedule for kid's activities available for an extra fee.

Elkhart Lake Village also has boutiques, ice cream shops, and more.

Wausau

We took a day trip to Wausau in fall one year, and it was one of the most underrated destinations in Wisconsin!

The highlight is Rib Mountain State Park, with miles of hiking trails, a 60-foot tall observation tower with the best view of the fall foliage, and even a few rock formations.

Be sure to stop at the Granite Peak Ski area to take the scenic chairlift up Rib Mountain! You can either use it at transportation to and from Rib Mountain State Park or just take the ride round trip.

When you reach the bottom, you can get snacks and drinks at the ski resort while enjoying the crisp fall weather and the views.

In the city of Wausau, you'll find Monk Botanical Gardens, tons of local restaurants and shops, plus an adventure park with mini golf courses, a trampoline park, and a climbing wall.