Make the Most of What Remains of Summer 2022 With These Kid-Friendly Wisconsin Activities

Things to Do with Your Kids in Wisconsin Before They Go Back to School for 2022

Published by Derek Paulus, digital marketing specialist at Network Health
8/17/2022

School is right around the corner, but summer isn’t over just yet. There is still time for you and your kids to take advantage of the remaining school-free days, making memories that will last for years to come.

Wisconsin is a beautiful place to grow up and is full of exciting activities for kids to take part in. From nature and waterparks to museums, sports venues and more, there is a wide range of things to do with your family around the state before they head back to school this fall. So, use our list below to plan ahead and make the remaining days of summer a time to remember.

Summer Nature Activities in Wisconsin

Whether your family enjoys forest trails or beaches, you’re sure to find some way to enjoy nature before the autumn months bring chilly weather. Here are some of our top picks for enjoying Wisconsin’s summertime nature.

1. Ice Age Trail

Older kids may enjoy a trek along the Ice Age Trail, a 1,200-mile route winding its way throughout the state to trace the path of glacial ice 12,000 years ago. Glacial formations pepper the trail route, which is broken up into segments allowing you to enjoy it one section at a time. Our recommendations are the Point Beach and Holy Hill segments, but as long as your kids are old enough to handle the hike, you really can’t go wrong no matter where you start your adventure.

2. High Cliff State Park

Overlooking Lake Winnebago, High Cliff offers visitors a wide range of natural features to enjoy. The park sits on limestone cliffs, making the area perfect for both hiking and taking in picturesque views. High Cliff is also the site of effigy mounds, an old lime kiln and an observation tower overlooking the entire area.

3. Bookworm Gardens

If you have particularly young kids, they may struggle to find appreciation for scenic nature areas. That is where Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan comes in. With a botanical garden and unique sections of the area decorated to reflect some of your favorite children’s books, it’s a great way to get your little ones outside and enjoying nature in their own way.

Wisconsin Water Wonders and Fun

Before the weather cools down, it may be a good idea to have some fun in the water one last time. Thankfully, Wisconsin has no shortage of such activities. Here are some ideas.

1. Noah’s Ark Waterpark

Wisconsinites know that Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its collection of waterparks. Why does Wisconsin, of all places, have so many? Perhaps it takes enduring snow up to six months out of the year to fully appreciate the kind of fun water can offer in liquid form rather than frozen. Either way, before school starts, consider a trip to Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells, which claims the title of America’s largest waterpark.

2. North Beach in Racine

The ocean is nice, but you don’t have to travel that far to enjoy the beach if you’re from Wisconsin. Between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, miles of coastline are available to spend a warm day by the water. North Beach in Racine offers 2,500 feet of shoreline and 50 acres of space for picnics, playing in the sand or just relaxing.

3. Cave Point Kayak Tour

Door County is full of natural wonders, and kayak tours of Sturgeon Bay’s Cave Point County Park are a great way to enjoy them. Tours are hosted by Door County Kayak Tours and give you the chance to experience the caves and coves dotting the shoreline.

Indoor Activities for Kids in Wisconsin

Of course, not everyone is a nature lover or enjoys spending a day at risk of getting wet. If that describes you or your children, then you’ll likely enjoy some of these activities that keep most of the fun out of the sun.

1. Lambeau Field and Packers Hall of Fame Tour

Packers season is ramping up, with the pre-season already started. Before the area around Lambeau Field gets too busy, consider taking a trip to Green Bay for a stadium tour, and be sure to visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame while you’re there too. It’s a great way for any Packers fan to end summer and kick off the football season.

2. EAA Aviation Museum

The annual EAA AirVenture aviation event may have already happened this year, but there is still plenty to enjoy from the EAA in Oshkosh the rest of the year as well. Witness the history of aviation on display, including the KidVenture Gallery that features interactive exhibits, the highlight of which is a half-scale model of an F-22 Raptor that kids can sit in.

3. Milwaukee Public Museum

A fun way to get your kids into the spirit of learning before school starts is through a visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum. The massive museum has over 4 million objects and specimens on display, as well as 150,000 square feet of exhibit space. Special exhibitions are also frequently appearing, with a narwhal exhibit currently available at the time of this posting.

Summer is a time to relax and make memories before the busy school year starts, so whether enjoying one of the activities on this page or finding your own adventure, the key is to get out and have some family fun. For more ways to enjoy our Wisconsin communities, check out our community blog page. Your friends at Network Health are also available to answer any of your health plan questions, so don’t hesitate to click the link below and give us a call.

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