Wisconsin Teen Travel Guide: Adventures They’ll Actually Love

Whether your teen loves outdoor excursions, hands-on museums or stops off the beaten path, Wisconsin’s got you covered. Read on for inspiration on how to entertain the teen in your family.

For a Thrilling Outdoor Adventure:

Looking for an adrenaline-filled outing your teen will never forget? Go whitewater rafting together on one of Wisconsin’s wild rivers! Beginners are welcome, and cruising through scenic landscapes will make the trip even sweeter. Check out these whitewater trips for beginners that feature local guides and outfitters.

For another kind of fresh-air adventure, explore all kinds of landscapes on an ATV or UTV. Wisconsin’s extensive trail network can lead you and your crew through dense forests, over historic bridges and even to hidden waterfalls. Seeing the world through a new vantage point always makes for great memories.

Speaking of new vantage points, help your teen reach new heights with a ziplining adventure. Soar through colorful fall leaves or above lush summer trees for an experience your teen will never forget. Many places like Northwoods Zipline in Minocqua also offer ropes courses for hours of fun.

When the weather turns cold, there’s still plenty of outdoor fun to be had together. Snow tubing requires no skill and can be found throughout the state. With magic carpet lifts to bring you back to the top and snack shacks to warm up in between runs, kids of all ages are sure to have a blast. 

If your teen prefers to shred down hills, plan a snowy adventure at these great snowboarding parks. Each also offers skiing and tubing, so everyone in your group is sure to find an activity to enjoy. And in Boulder Junction, your group can lace up your skates and hop on the Glide Ice Skating Ribbon that winds through snow-covered trees for a winter outing as relaxed or speedy as you choose!

For a One-of-a-Kind Outing:

Discover the unexpected around every corner at the House on the Rock in Spring Green. Featuring the world’s largest carousel, an infinity room extending over 200 feet into the driftless landscape, a gigantic whale sculpture and much more, this is the perfect excursion for curious teens.

Teens or anyone interested in geology must take a trip to Cave of the Mounds. This National Natural Landmark is nearly two million years old and filled with the oldest dated cave formations in the Midwest. With rooms up to two stories tall, everyone will be wowed by experiencing the vibrant colors and unique shapes underground. Choose from a daytime guided tour, a blacklight tour or an old-fashioned lantern tour for a blast from the past.

You don’t have to travel across the world to take a safari–just head to Lake Geneva! Safari Lake Geneva is a family-owned conservation park that your family can experience from the comfort of your car. You’ll be able to hand-feed camels, zebra, giraffe, water buffalo and more on this extraordinary excursion.

Take your teen to explore a true Wonder of Wisconsin–the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. Kayak through stunning sandstone sea caves on a guided tour by Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den that’s ideal for beginner paddlers. For an extra special adventure, take the night caves tour and explore a haunted shipwreck.

For Memorable Indoor Fun:

Spend the day enjoying hands-on exhibits at Discovery World in Milwaukee. From a huge, interactive model of the Great Lakes to a flight simulator to touch tanks with stingrays and more, learning about the world has never been so fun. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, continue the adventure by renting paddle boats or hydrobikes from the museum’s south dock for fun on Lake Michigan.

Also in Milwaukee, soak up the excitement of a Bucks Game at Fiserv Forum. The NBA team plays from October to April and includes entertaining halftime shows featuring dance performances, magic shows and circus acts. Spend time exploring the surrounding the electric Deer District together for tasty eats and unique shops.

Find year-round fun for teens at Wisconsin’s many indoor and outdoor waterparks. From wild waterslides and wave pools to lazy rivers and surfing simulators, these parks offer a perfect day or weekend-long getaway. While Wisconsin Dells is home to the highest concentration of waterparks, you can find many others throughout the state.

Discover more family fun with these vacation ideas everyone in your group will love.