Parents, we know the struggle to find ways to help kids burn off all that energy is real! So, let’s head outdoors and survey the landscape of winter activities that fit the bill for youngsters.
- First up, Cascade Mountain, where kids 12 and younger ski free when accompanied by a paid adult. You can book a private ski or snowboarding lesson for up to five in your group. Cascade has a rental center to make it easy for newbies to get out on the beginner hills for skiing and snowboarding. Speaking of easy, there’s nothing easier than tubing – no experience required and the “magic carpet” will get you back to the top of the hill with no effort at all. Do be sure to pack face coverings and mittens/gloves for everyone in your group.
- Wisconsin Dells in the wintertime is a sight to behold. So, we suggest bundling yourself and the littles up and venture out on a walk to view nature’s beauty. Start out by strolling the Scenic River Walk that parallels the Wisconsin River. You can enter the walk right downtown and the views of the cliffs and pine trees are especially spectacular after a fresh snowfall. There’s also the two-mile Chapel Gorge Trail located off River Road that takes you to a small beach on the river’s shore for more scenic beauty. You can even bring Fido along to play in the snow.
- Head to Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stables or Woodside Ranch Riding Stables, both in nearby Mauston, to experience a winter wonderland by horseback. Horse drawn wagon rides or sleigh rides are also available. And if the children still have energy to burn, Woodside Ranch even offers a sledding hill for guests to access with sleds and tubes provided.
Of course, you will need to move indoors at some point to warm up, and that’s where the terrific variety of weather-resistant attractions come in.
- The indoor waterparks at the large resorts have pools, slides and rides that are sized-right for toddlers. At the mid-sized resorts, you could say the indoor waterpark experiences have been tailor made for toddlers and grade-schoolers.
- You can also head to an indoor amusement park – Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, Wild Fun Zone, Wilderness Resort, and Knuckleheads Trampoline Park Rides Bowling are four not to miss – where youngsters can get their fill of laser tag, bowling, trampolines, mini-golf and ropes courses.
- If a quest adventure is your thing, MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge and Wizard Quest in downtown Wisconsin Dells offer a hands-on interactive gaming adventure that’s fun for all ages.
Interested in something a little less kid-friendly? Click here to read about Adult-Focused Outdoor Winter Activities in Wisconsin Dells.