Let's be honest, traveling with toddlers has its challenges. Hunched back assisting them to, well, toddle along. Finding the right balance of rest and fun (read "tire them out with activities so they take a good nap"), and making sure lots of great memories are made in the process. Have we got some vacation ideas for you!
While Wisconsin Dells has been known as a family destination for more than a few generations now, we saw a need to do something special for the smallest visitors. And our business owners really came through for us. If you have children under the age of five, you'll want to post this list to your refrigerator, along with the crayon artwork.
- We're known for extreme waterpark rides, slides and water roller coasters. But there are plenty of water activities that cater to the kiddies. Both outdoor waterparks -- Noah's Ark Waterpark and Riverview Park & Waterworld -- have toddler-appropriate swings, slides, tickle-your-toes geysers, squirt guns and shallow pools. Try the new Tadpole Bay at Noah's Ark and the Kiddie Adventure Lagoon at Riverview.
- Indoors and outdoors, Copa Cabana Resort, Hotel & Suites, Polynesian Resort, Hotel & Suites and Great Wolf Lodge, along with several other area accommodations, know just what the little ones like, delivering both waterpark and dryland activities.
- Speaking of dryland, there are attractions that have toddler written all over them, like Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor Amusement Park which also offers bumper bowling, and the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory with its loads of hands-on activities. Let's not forget Circus World Museum in nearby Baraboo, either, where there are animals, acrobats, circus wagons and costumes to delight children of all ages.
- When it comes time to feed your hungry toddler, you'll be pleased with the kid-friendly menus and atmosphere at both Buffalo Phil's Grille and Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., to name just a few. For breakfast, try Mr. Pancake or Paul Bunyon's Northwoods Cook Shanty.
- To let kids experience the great outdoors, plan for a DUCK ride on the Wisconsin River, a horse-drawn wagon ride through the gorges courtesy of Lost Canyon Tours, and a visit to the Wisconsin Deer Park where they can pet tame deer.
- And if they're really good, perhaps you'd like to treat them to some age-appropriate sweets at the two Goody Goody Gum Drop shops in town.
If you accomplish all of the above, everyone in the family will need a nap!
