Discover Your Next Big Wisconsin Family Adventure This Summer!

Exploring Wisconsin: Your Ultimate Family Adventure Guide

Wisconsin is not just a state with a great reputation for cheese and beer; it’s a wonderland of family activities tailored to make memories that’ll make your kids giggle and your in-laws nod in approval. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just vacationing in the Badger State, brace yourself for the family fun awaiting you this July!

In PBS Wisconsin Passport | July 2025, the spotlight is on summer family activities in Wisconsin, prompting us to explore fun-filled suggestions to make the most of your time here.

Cream of the Crop: Family-Friendly Festivals

In July, the air in Wisconsin is rich with the aromas of summer fairs. From the sizzling bratwursts at the Summerfest in Milwaukee to the joyous laughter echoing through the air at the Wisconsin State Fair, you can find family-friendly festivals that cater to every taste. Can you smell the fried cheese curds? That’s the sound of happy stomachs waiting to be filled!

Summer isn't summer without a splash of fun, and what better way to celebrate than at the lakefront with your favorite festival food? As our state motto goes, “forward” we go—towards summer festivities that bring the community together like no other. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, or risk being the lobster of the family photo!

Outdoor Adventures: Nature Awaits!

You can’t talk about Wisconsin without mentioning its breathtaking natural beauty. From the stunning trails of Kettle Moraine to the serene waters of Lake Geneva, your family will have no problem finding their outdoor playground!

Hiking, biking, and fishing are just the beginning. If you’ve got little ones who are more interested in playing in the dirt than scaling mountains, take a stroll through the many state parks where everyone can experience nature without any fancy equipment. Nothing says 'family bonding' quite like searching for the elusive Wisconsin walleye while dodging mosquitoes. It builds character!

Learn Something New: Discover Wisconsin’s Educational Resources

This July, turn learning into fun at one of Wisconsin’s many family-friendly museums or learning centers. Why climb the walls of boredom when you can explore the wonders of discovery and innovation? The Milwaukee Science Center has hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity—perfect for a rainy day or a summer 'too hot to trot' kind of day!

And don’t forget about the Children's Museum in Madison; it’s a haven for little minds eager to explore, where the only limit is their imagination. Encourage them to learn a thing or two about science while you can still impress them with your knowledge of the periodic table—because we all know those teenage years are lurking just around the corner, ready to test your “smart” level!

Take a Bite: Wisconsin Family-Friendly Restaurants

If you think family dining means settling for the usual fare, think again! You haven’t truly experienced Wisconsin until you’ve sampled local favorites like fish fry Fridays or indulged in homemade custard that’s thicker than your Uncle Jim’s sense of direction. Dining out with kids can be daunting, but we’ve got restaurants that are as family-friendly as they are delicious!

For example, try the Old Fashioned in Madison where the kids can enjoy classic messtacular fare while you sip on an Old Fashioned (responsibly, of course) and reminisce about the last time someone praised your cooking—it's bound to happen, right? Just make sure to pack some extra napkins for the inevitable spills!

Planning Your Stay: Best Wisconsin Family-Friendly Hotels

This July, step away from the frying pan and straight into a comfy bed with family-friendly hotels that have mastered the art of keeping both kids and parents happy. Think pools, game rooms, and maybe even complimentary breakfast that could fuel an army!

Top choices include the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, which is essentially an indoor water park disguised as a hotel. The kids will be living their best life while you effortlessly sip your coffee and contemplate life’s biggest mysteries—like how did the remote end up in the fridge?

Final Thoughts: Embrace Wisconsin Family Life

Wisconsin's family activities provide a tapestry of experiences ready to be woven into the fabric of your family’s memories. From festivals and dining adventures to the transformative outdoor escapades, each moment spent in our lovely state embraces the value of togetherness. So grab your calendars, gather the kids, and start planning some of those Wisconsin family traditions this July—trust me, it’s going to be a blast!

And remember, if things don’t go perfectly? Just shrug it off and tell your kids that’s called 'character building.' After all, those are the hilarious memories that everyone will remember every time they whip out the family photo album…or the one where Dad was in short shorts learning to fish on Lake Kegonsa!