5 Wisconsin Trips for Spring Break With the Kids

Spring Break means quality time with your kids and the opportunity to have a week of unforgettable adventures. Enjoy the fresh air together on a Northwoods escape, go on a quest in Wisconsin Dells or cheer on your favorite team to make this year’s spring break one to remember.  

Skip to Summer in Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells has the best of both worlds: an indoor waterpark extravaganza surrounded by the great outdoors. Great Wolf Lodge has three adjoining waterparks that offer options from relaxing the Lazy River to the thrilling Howlin' Tornado water adventure. The resort also offers fun family activities like MagiQuest and the Great Clock Tower Show perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, you'll have four dining options at the resort, from savory steak dinners to pizza for lunch.

For fresh air fun, experience a bird's-eye view of the Wisconsin Dells' breathtaking landscape with a zipline tour from Vertical Illusions. That’s right, you can zipline year-round here! The adventure starts with a hike up Chimney Rock Park, where you and the kids will learn how to zipline from experienced instructors. Once at the peak, you'll zip down a course of 15 treetop-to-treetop ziplines for a scenic tour you'll never forget.

Sample Sweet Syrup in the Northwoods

Nestled along the Eagle River Chain of 28 Lakes, a stone's throw from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, The Wild Eagle Lodge is a rustic retreat that offers snowshoe rentals and an indoor pool ideal for families looking to make memories during spring break.

In nearby Phelps, stop by the Phelps Maple Syrup Fest for sweet maple treats and to learn how to tap trees for their syrup. For a blast from the past, tour the Vilas County Historical Society Museum in Sayner, which displays the world's oldest snowmobile.

End the day at Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern, housed in Eagle River’s oldest log cabin that includes a kid-favorite “Little Minnows” menu.

Have City Adventures in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is full of opportunities for year-round family fun and a spring break trip is a great way to spend quality time exploring the city together.

Hang out with the more than 2,000 animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo that includes both outside and inside exhibits. By March and April, most hibernating animals like the Grizzly Bears will be starting to come out of hibernation to say hello. Be sure to check out the Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience to be transported to the forests of Rwanda to meet mountain gorillas face to face!

Families who love sports can pay a thrilling visit to American Family Field. Take an eye-opening tour of this legendary stadium with the kids any day of the week besides game days. April means the start of the Brewers baseball season, so pick a home game and start or end at Major Goolsby’s for a burger and a locally-made Sprecher soda (or beer for parents).

And don't forget all the fantastic museums there are to visit in Milwaukee. From the Milwaukee Public Museum's butterfly garden to Science CITY in the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, you and your family can find days on end of fun for your spring break.

Great Art on a Great Lake

In Sheboygan, on Lake Michigan, spend your spring break at the Blue Harbor Resort & Spa where the kids can play at the waterpark and the parents can enjoy the luxury spa. For some artsy fun, venture to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center to explore interactive exhibits and make your own art in the Social STUDIO open to preschool-aged children through adults. Grab a tasty bite to eat at the museum’s café or keep it local at Field to Fork for a wide lunch menu of locally sourced options. 

While in Sheboygan, look out for surfers taking advantage of the Great Lake waves in this area. Travelers come from all over the world to visit the "Malibu of the Midwest," and if the weather's right, you and the family will be able to watch them hang ten. 

Another way to experience Lake Michigan's beauty together is by hiking the sand dunes at Kohler-Andrae State Park. 

A Superior Spring Break

Winter fun lasts a little longer in northern Wisconsin, which is great news for adventurous spring breakers. When Lake Superior freezes up off the shores of Bayfield, unique beauty awaits along its scenic shores. Settle into The Bayfield Inn where you can enjoy a relaxing room overlooking the water or a spacious condo or apartment. Then, schedule a tour of the nearby Red Cliff Ice Caves that often freeze over for a spectacular outdoor adventure with the family.

Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing offers one-of-a-kind dog sledding excursions for a half or full day of puppy-filled fun. Extend the enjoyment by taking an unforgettable winter camping trip with the dogs for even more quality time together.

Make it a family ski trip at Mt. Ashwabay just three miles south of Bayfield, where you and your crew can rent equipment, take lessons and make memories on both cross-country and beginner downhill ski runs.

Be sure to end the day at any of the area’s fine restaurants, like Silver Screen-themed Greunke’s First Street Inn or Grizzly’s Wood Fired Grill for classic American cuisine.

Discover more trips to take together with these family vacation ideas!