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Snow, ice, and a state-wide commitment to finding fun ways to make the cold months less, well, cold, make Wisconsin a wonderful place to snuggle up with the whole family during the winter season. Whether it’s tubing, skiing, or walking through seemingly endless twinkling lights, let us help plan the best family-friendly winter activities for a Wisconsin trip through a tour of our favorite locations in the state—plus a place to stay in each so that no one has to crash in the car. (It’s way too cold for that anyway!)
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The Dells
The Wisconsin Dells is known for its water parks, but we know that it also has a whole lot to offer families in the winter. Families will love snow tubing at Cascade Mountain. A 900’ chute will zip revelers down the mountain, and don’t worry; a lift will whisk them right back up. All-day passes can be purchased- tubes are provided, and no experience is needed. This is a thrilling way to burn off cabin fever energy while also keeping everyone laughing.
Christmas Mountain Village is another family spot that delivers skiing and snowboarding experiences with slopes that cater to beginners and intermediate levels. It’s the perfect place for families with littles who want to try winter sports without the pressure of advanced trails.
It wouldn’t be a trip to The Dells without a water park escapade. There are so many indoor water parks here that will provide a warm winter oasis where kids can enjoy slides and wave pools while parents find a cozy indoor cabana to catch up on some much-needed R&R. Our favorite for families with little ones is Great Wolf Lodge, which also happens to be one of our favorite places to stay, too.
Where to Stay In The Dells
Great Wolf Lodge
At Great Wolf Lodge, families will love the indoor water slides, lazy river, and arcade. And the winter months mean extra events like holiday-themed crafts and storytime, ensuring that kids stay busy and happy.
Wilderness Resort
Wilderness Resort is a massive property with multiple indoor waterparks under one roof, including a wave pool and lazy river. Winter guests get to enjoy holiday decorations, special guests (Santa!?), and festive activities tailored to the season.
Put your kids to work at Great Wolf Lodge. We really hope that they find enough gold to pay for your vacation. © Great Wolf Lodge
Southern Wisconsin
Kettle Moraine State Forest is a brilliant spot to try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across gorgeous wintry trails with older kids who won’t need carrying halfway through. (Seriously, carrying a child while traipsing through the woods via snowshoes is no joke.) The peaceful surroundings and crisp air are sure to make for an invigorating family outing.
Parents of younger children will love Kickapoo Valley Reserve. This area provides guests with options for quieter trails perfect for easier winter hiking and wildlife spotting.
Lake Geneva’s Winterfest is serious, Frozen-inspired fun! Visitors will love the ice sculpting competitions and festive bonfires. Families can enjoy walking tours through town and will be blown away by the intricate creations made by talented, world-renowned sculptors.
Old World Wisconsin turns into a historic winter wonderland with Home for the Holidays with horse-drawn sleigh rides and demonstrations of 19th-century holiday traditions. Kids can learn about history while staying entertained with hands-on activities like visiting Santa’s toy shop.
Hop aboard the merriest trolley ride at Grand Geneva’s Trolley Tour of Lights this winter. © Samantha Bell
Where to Stay In Southern Wisconsin
The Charmant Hotel, La Crosse
The Charmant Hotel is located in a renovated candy factory! This sweet boutique hotel provides charm and warmth. The hotel’s riverside location and family-friendly dining make it ideal for unwinding after outdoor adventures.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”a1nPC” via=”no” ]Snow, ice, and a state-wide commitment to finding fun ways to make the cold months less, well, cold, make Wisconsin a wonderful place to snuggle up with the whole family during the winter season.[/ctt]
Milwaukee
The Enchant Christmas light maze at Ballpark Commons takes guests through 10 acres of glittering twists and turns, adding a thrilling kind of magic to the season. Beyond the maze, ice skating, holiday markets, and Santa photo opportunities create a festive family experience. Don’t worry; there are swoon-worthy hot chocolate vendors to ensure everyone stays warm.
Craving more warmth? Mitchell Park Domes delivers an indoor tropical escape during the cold months, with seasonal displays that have included a Dickens’ themed winter village and scenes from the Nutcracker Suite. A trip to the Domes is an educational and warm outing for families.
Red Arrow Park downtown becomes a bustling hub for ice skating under the sparkling city lights. Families can rent skates and enjoy a few hours of active fun before grabbing a warm drink nearby.
Where to Stay In Milwaukee
The Pfister Hotel
Iconic downtown lodging, The Pfister Hotel combines timeless style with kid-friendly touches like a heated indoor pool. For a winter stay, be sure to check out one of the festive packages with holiday treats and access to local seasonal events.
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center is conveniently located near all of the holiday attractions, but what is more, is that this hotel is pet friendly! With on-site dining, families will have no problem relaxing after exploring all the city’s winter fun.
A snowy day in Milwaukee. © Photo by Tom Barrett on Unsplash
Kohler in Sheboygan County
In winter, Kohler transforms into a cozy retreat offering a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families looking to create lasting memories together.
Families can find sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating at the Frozen Fairways at The American Club. Add to that hot chocolate bars and patio games, and families are sure to have a full day of wintry fun.
Woodland Dunes Nature Center provides a quieter winter space for families who are seeking a peaceful escape with guided snowshoe hikes and bird-watching opportunities. Families can learn about the local ecosystem while exploring the snowy landscape.
Where to Stay
The American Club
The American Club is a resort that caters to families with winter-specific events and on-site dining. Its proximity to outdoor winter activities is ideal.
Inn on Woodlake
Featuring multi-bedroom suites, Inn on Woodlake can accommodate larger families. Its close connection to Kohler’s winter events adds convenience for those seeking nearby fun.
The American Club is a charming winter escape. © Turner Travel
Door County
Door County, in the heart of winter, is basically just a shiny snow globe that has come to life. We love the amount of thrilling winter activities that’ll have the whole family out in the great outdoors.
Cross-country skiing is a must, with trails winding through sugar plum forests and along icy blue shorelines. Peninsula State Park, with 16 miles of groomed winter trails, is the perfect spot to don those cross-country skis (or rent them, because who really brings their own?) and glide through miles of snowy magic. Not into cross-country skiing? Grab some skate skis (much shorter than cross-country skis but a bit longer than ice skates) and try out skate skiing. Just try not to pull a Bambi moment in front of the locals.
And then there are the 17 miles of scenic snowmobile trails in the park. The family member who is an absolute speed demon will love this part of Peninsula State Park. There is just so much fun to be had, even if, like me, you find yourself sitting in the backseat and hanging on for dear life.
As for scenic winter hikes, our absolute favorite is a trip to the Cana Island Lighthouse, because it is pure magic in the winter season. Although guests can’t climb to the top during this time of year, they are sure to get unique frame-worthy photography.
Don’t miss the Midwest’s sweetest New Year’s Eve party- The Cherry Drop in Sister Bay, Door County. © Turner Travel
Where to Stay In Door County
The Landmark Resort
The Landmark Resort is where cozy meets winter fun. Indoor pools, a whirlpool, and plenty of cozy spots to curl up by the welcoming stone fireplace make it a warm retreat after a day of freezing your toes off. Near Egg Harbor, it’s close to all the skiing, hiking, and charming little villages that make Door County a true winter wonderland.
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Northern Wisconsin
This time of year means the frozen lakes of Northern Wisconsin are perfect for ice fishing or just sitting and marveling at the smooth, glassy expanses stretching to the star-filled horizon. (Nighttime, while exceptionally cold, is also remarkably pretty here.)
Ask a local, and they will surely tell you that a great way to spend the day is to set up an ice shack, drop a hope-filled line, and swap exaggerated fish tales with neighbors.
The famous Apostle Islands’ Ice Caves are a must-see. When the weather cooperates, and Lake Superior freezes just right, the caves transform into a sparkling wonderland. Who needs Iceland? When can you fly economy to Wisconsin? Seriously, it’s one of the best places in the world for winter exploration. There are new icy tunnels and frozen waterfalls every single year- they are never the same. It truly feels like stepping into another world.
Downhill skiing enthusiasts will find plenty of slopes to conquer. Granite Peak stands out as a great place for both beginners and seasoned pros. Families can find runs that deliver sweeping views of the snow-covered landscape that makes the North Country so enchanting.
For a different kind of adventure entirely, the CAMBA Trails in Cable, Wisconsin, are perfect for fat tire biking. Each season, the trails are groomed for winter biking, which means the snowy wilderness becomes a mountain biker’s winter dream. Local outfitters like New Moon Ski & Bike Shop in Hayward rent fat tire bikes and provide trail maps.
Biking through the snow is our favorite way to visit Northern Wisconsin. © Getty Images
Where to Stay In Northern Wisconsin
Lakewoods Resort
Families will love staying at Lakewoods Resort in Cable. It’s a warm spot with everything needed for a memorable winter getaway. Spacious condos and cabins make it easy to accommodate the whole crew, and amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, and game room keep everyone entertained after a snowy day outdoors. Ideally situated near the CAMBA Trails and also close to those ice fishing hotspots, it’s a great base for exploring all of Northern Wisconsin.
Seems like a lot of work for this little guy. © Joe Eitzen via Unsplash
So let’s be straight about this- Wisconsin winter doesn’t mess around. But with the right plans and a good pair of fur-lined boots, it’s tons of fun. Pick a spot, pack those layers (and layers), and get ready to create some snow-covered memories.
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