Top 18 Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells With Kids

Vanessa M.:  When we take a family getaway to the Dells, we camp here, where families can enjoy the exciting Dells and the beauty of Devil's Lake State Park. The campground is loaded with fun activities our kids love, such as heated pool, jumping pillow, playground, mini golf, pedal carts, inflatable pond toys, and more. Themed weekends like Super Hero, Dino Dig, and Glow weekends fill their calendar. In addition to tent and RV camping, families can rent yurts, cabins, or tiny houses.

Shila:  Big Sky is a drive-in movie theatre featuring two full-sized outdoor screens that play popular and new releases. Snack on their reasonably priced concessions, along with meals like the Mamaburger or homemade sloppy joes. Even quiet pets are allowed.

Alexandra F.:  We love Kalahari, and it is one of two resorts we always stay at with our kids on what have become annual visits to the Dells (the other is the Wilderness Resort). Kalahari is truly all-inclusive, so if you stay there, you really can just *stay* and not venture out your entire vacation. In addition to the indoor and outdoor waterparks, we love the expansive arcade and fun center which includes ropes courses, a small mini golf, go carting and bowling. They also have a movie theater next door, so when we go with grandma & grandpa, we like to leave the kids with them at least one night for a movie date. I also really like their on-site fine dining restaurant, Double Cut Steak House, though of course they also have lots of casual dining options as well. And if you did want to venture out, they are right by the outlets, Knuckleheads, and Buffalo Phil's, which are the other big things we like to do in the Dells!

Shila:  Wisconsin has the best cheese! Check out the quick-and-casual, yet incredibly innovative, Macaroni and Cheese Shop. Kids will love the mac and cheese menu items, including their signature toasties, cheddar mozzarella fried hot dogs, and gooey grilled 4-cheese blend sandwiches. Savory melts and fresh salads are also popular.

Great Wolf Lodge offers 80,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun with more than a dozen slides, a lazy river, in-lodge family entertainment, spa, restaurants, and more. Guest passes are available for the day, too.

Kristy Pepping:  Does your son or daughter love wizardry and fighting off dragons and other mystical creatures? Take them to The Great Wolf Lodge for a game of MagiQuest. The concept is simple enough even for little ones. You select a sword that comes in several assorted colors and designs. Then it is activated and you go around the resort and try to win the MagiQuest game by pointing your sword at various spots to unlock your quest. Kids can take the wand home as a nice souvenir of your trip!

Kristy Pepping:  One of our favorite things to do with kids in Wisconsin Dells is Knuckleheads. If you are staying in The Great Wolf Lodge or Kalahari, it is a 5 or less minute drive. This is a large indoor arcade with bowling, a climbing structure for younger kids, a go-cart track, a trampoline park, and a rope's course for the tween to older crowd. My kids love the small amusement rides they have like a rollercoaster and a large jumping pillow.

Kristy Pepping:  Buffalo Phil's Pizza & Grille is one of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in the Wisconsin Dells. We go there every year! Meals are delivered via model train car. Plus, they have a huge buffet which is great for those kids that like a little of this and a little of that. They also have a small arcade inside the restaurant which is fun, too.

Shila:  Hot Rocks is a fun, family-friendly restaurant where guests can cook their own food over hot rocks at their table! This is especially perfect while sizzling-up tender steaks and seafood - Hot Rocks' signature fare! This is an interactive dining experience for all ages in the Dells.

The Wilderness Resort is located on 600 acres consisting of cabin-themed properties and villas, and including multiple indoor and outdoor water parks, and so many family attractions. The resort features arcades, a laser arena, go-carts, ropes course, mini-golf and more, including Take Flight, an aerial adventure theatre ride. 

Kristy Pepping:  This aerial adventure theatre ride is worth checking out, even if you are not a guest at the Wilderness!

Shila:  Visit the Dells - literally! These low key boat adventures invite you to explore the natural vista of the Dells waterways, tall cliffs and iconic rock formations like Chimney Rock. There's a couple different tours based on what you'd like to see. For example, The Upper Dells Tour® meanders through the section of river above the dam. While the Lower Dells Tour® could offer more majestic views of the tall bluffs and sandstone formations above. Families can enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, too.

Noah's Ark features water thrill rides, food, and over 80 family activities to enjoy including schooners, arcades, and a dive-in theatre. Also featuring two endless rivers, four children's water play areas, bumper boats, and two giant wave pools. It's recognized as being "America's Largest Waterpark." Parents with young tots can appreciate the exclusive kiddie area and gentle rides. There is lodging adjacent to the water park.

Molly Weber:  Bobbers Island Grill is a great family-friendly restaurant year-round, but it really shines in the summer and fall months when you can take advantage of their outdoor seating and kids' sand play area. And in the fall, there is a great outdoor fire pit! If you're visiting during cold weather times, don't worry, the kids will still love the coloring on the tables while sipping on a kid's pina colada! Their menu includes "tropical island cuisine", along with burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

Shila:  Timbavati Wildlife Park is home to more than 400 animals representing over 75 diverse species. They have everything from exotic birds of prey to mammals, reptiles, and large cats. The giraffes of Timbavati Wildlife Park are even known to come up and pose for a friendly photo! Families can enjoy a safari train, select animal encounters, and VIP Behind-The-Scenes Tour (by appointment). Among the surrounding water parks, these are unique (dry!) things to do with kids in Wisconsin Dells!