Families looking for affordable spring break destinations near Minnesota will love these spring break ideas in Wisconsin with kids! Whether your family loves meandering museums, embarking on epic outdoor adventures, or a mix of both, the fun Wisconsin family vacations on this list are perfect for spring break. For a quiet retreat fueled by nature, consider Door County. Meanwhile, Milwaukee offers an urban escape filled with thrilling attractions and interactive museums. Late March and early April offer a mix of winter and spring elements, making it a transitional period in Wisconsin. Many southern locations may already be snow-free, making Wisconsin a fantastic option for a quick spring break getaway for families. If you’re wondering where to go for spring break in Wisconsin with kids, keep reading to learn about our favorite 5 Spring Break Ideas in Wisconsin that Families Will Love!
Milwaukee
Milwaukee might be the answer if you’re wondering where to go for spring break in Wisconsin with kids! Milwaukee offers abundant opportunities for family fun, and planning a spring break trip is an excellent way to create lasting memories together. One of the best parts is that Milwaukee works for all ages, from toddlers to teens, due to its wide array of activities and attractions. Here, you can explore cultural attractions and historical landmarks to engage in epic outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for dynamic family getaways!
Start by exploring the Milwaukee County Zoo. It is home to over 2,000 animals showcased in outdoor and indoor exhibits. During March and April, hibernating animals like Grizzly Bears emerge, offering a unique chance to say hello. Plus, you can experience the Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality for a face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda. Then, sports enthusiasts can embark on a thrilling visit to American Family Field. Tour the legendary stadium any day of the week (excluding game days) and catch the excitement of the Brewers’ baseball season starting in April. Top off the experience with a burger and locally-made Sprecher soda at Major Goolsby’s.
Milwaukee’s fantastic museums provide endless fun for families during spring break, from the butterfly garden at the Milwaukee Public Museum to Science CITY at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Are you looking to get outside in the warm spring sun? Take a hike around Mystery Lake at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Or check out the Family Friendly Trail at Wehr Nature Center. As the largest city in the state, Milwaukee undoubtedly stands as one of the best family vacations in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Dells
Did you know Wisconsin Dells has been dubbed The Spring Break Capital of the Midwest? With its vibrant and kid-friendly atmosphere, Wisconsin Dells transforms any gray spring day into a colorful kaleidoscope of fun. Experience a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors, including hiking, ziplining, and scenic tours, ensuring a versatile and enjoyable spring break for everyone in the family.
As one of the best Wisconsin family vacations, Wisconsin Dells beckons families for an exhilarating spring break getaway. The city offers an unparalleled concentration of indoor waterparks and resorts for a splashing good time, making it ideal for all ages. Choose from beloved options like Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, or opt for super-sized properties like Wilderness Resort, Mt. Olympus Resort, Kalahari Resort Waterparks, and Great Wolf Lodge—guaranteeing happy kids and parents.
Once you’ve dried off, explore indoor amusement parks like Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park, Knuckleheads Trampoline Park Rides Bowling, and Wild Fun Zone, offering diverse entertainment options for all ages, Looking for a unique experience? Catch a captivating show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Alternatively, get outside by exploring the Dells Scenic River Walk or nearby Devil’s Lake State Park. Families with young animal lovers can’t miss Wisconsin Deer Park, home to over 100 deer. Finally, families can also indulge in souvenir shopping downtown and relish meals at 60+ kid-friendly restaurants across the city. Undoubtedly, you’ll never hear the dreaded “I’m bored” in Wisconsin Dells! The opportunities for exciting spring break ideas in Wisconsin with kids are endless here.
Spring Break in Wisconsin: Madison
Madison stands out as an excellent destination for spring break with kids, offering an assortment of museums, lovely parks, and great restaurants. Its location in southern Wisconsin means you may be free of snow. Plus, due to its size and variety of attractions, Madison is an excellent choice for all ages. Start by exploring State Street, a pedestrian mall spanning half a mile. This stretch is home to some of Madison’s finest shopping and dining. Look inside the state capitol building, which provides free guided tours or self-guided options year-round.
Outdoorsy families can also begin their visit at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Vilas Park, or the UW-Madison Arboretum. Each location offers lovely walking paths and hints of spring flowers. Henry Villas Zoo is also an excellent stop for those with young kids and tweens. Not only is it home to 650+ animals (like aardvarks, bison, and Amur tigers), but admission is always free (donations are encouraged). Plus, the zoo is surrounded by Vilas Park, featuring two playgrounds to burn any extra energy they may have.
Young kids will also adore the Madison Children’s Museum. Featuring exhibits on art, gardens, and more, it’s a great spot to get creative together. Meanwhile, tweens and teens can engage with interactive displays at the Wisconsin Historical Museum or Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Alternatively, the Chazen Museum of Art is free on UW Madison’s campus. Finally, family-friendly breweries like Capital Brewery and Wisconsin Brewing Company offer game nights and live music. Top off your visit to Madison with kids by enjoying campus-made ice cream at Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Madison’s variety of family-friendly activities makes it a preferred choice for those wondering where to go for spring break in Wisconsin with kids!
Eau Claire
Are you looking for kid-friendly spring break ideas in Wisconsin near Minneapolis? Eau Claire is only 90 minutes away! While Eau Claire is an excellent option for all ages, it is especially ideal for traveling with young kids and tweens. Action City is a thrilling all-ages stop with an arcade, go-karts, mini-golf, and much more! Make spring break with kids even more fun by staying on-site! Metropolis Resort is an ideal spring getaway with kids, offering different accommodation types and endless on-site fun, including a water park!
Nature enthusiasts can still enjoy the best of winter and early spring in the area, including ice fishing, ice skating, winter biking, and hiking in several serene locations. Try the dedicated Winter Recreation Path for a lowkey walk with kids. It features several shops, stops, and eats along the way. Alternatively, those seeking an urban adventure can explore the historic downtown, featuring boutique shops for a bit of shopping. Don’t miss the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour, the most extensive self-guided sculpture tour in the nation, with 70+ unique sculptures scattered throughout the city.
Families with young kids can also explore the newly renovated Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, while Carson Park offers a colossal playground for little ones. It’s even fun for families in the snow! Meanwhile, older kids and tweens may prefer the cozy exhibits at the Chippewa Valley Museum. Since it’s also in Carson Park, stop for a photo op with Paul and Babe the Blue Ox! Finally, for a fun cultural experience, catch a kid-friendly spring show at Eau Claire Children’s Theatre or the Pablo Center at the Confluence. Eau Claire is undoubtedly among the top Wisconsin family vacations, offering a mix of outdoor and indoor activities for everyone.
Spring Break in Wisconsin: Door County
While spring sees a quieter version of Door County, it remains amongst the top Wisconsin spring break ideas for families! Traverse across the peninsula’s western coast, where you can enjoy charming towns like Egg Harbor, Sister Bay, and Gibraltar. Boasting beautiful spring hikes, family-friendly tours, and epic lake views, the entire peninsula presents many activities for all ages. Plus, those with an April spring break will be delighted to see blossom season kick off in Door County!
Considering spring break in Door County with kids? Discover pre-busy season activities such as Spring Trolley Tours, including the Family Friendly Easter Trolley Ride. Then, visit the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, offering several displays highlighting the area’s rich maritime roots. Up for a bit of family competition? Experience timeless bowling at Sister Bay Bowl. It also features a yummy pizza menu that is sure to please everyone in your family! Looking for more culinary treats? You can’t leave the area without munching on a piece of cherry pie or deep-fried cheese curds found at establishments across Door County.
Then, embrace some end-of-winter/early spring hiking at Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes, or Ridges Sanctuary. In particular, Ridges Sanctuary is a favorite amongst families for its easy boardwalk trails, lighthouse, and indoor nature center. The Ridges Sanctuary Family Discovery Trail showcases one of the best kid-friendly hiking trails in Door County! Additionally, through the end of March, families can also try their hand at feeding the chickadees at Peninsula State Park. Weather and ferry scheduling permitting, check out Washington Island for a day or two of fun too! Indeed, as one of the best vacation spots in Wisconsin for families, you’ll have many options for exploring one of the most beautiful parts of the state!
Have a Great Spring Break in Wisconsin with Kids!
We hope this article featuring some of the best spring break ideas in Wisconsin with kids inspires you to embrace the season and make some memories with your family. Wisconsin has fun family vacations throughout the year, and spring break is no different! Its southern locations may even be snow-free during late March and early April. Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway or want to explore during the whole break, these are the best vacation spots in Wisconsin for families this spring!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
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