July 5, 2026
There’s nothing like a Wisconsin Dells summer.
We’re called “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” for a reason! But Wisconsin Dells offers much more than just waterslides. From outdoor adventures and scenic boat tours to amusement parks and wildlife attractions, there are tons of things to do in Wisconsin Dells in summer.
Wisconsin Dells Summer Adventures
Go to an Outdoor Waterpark
Yes, Wisconsin Dells is more than waterparks, but…the waterparks ARE amazing! During summer months, you can enjoy some of the biggest and best outdoor waterparks in the country, including Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the nation’s largest waterpark; Land of Natura, the nation’s largest floating waterpark; Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, home of the nation’s tallest waterslide; Kalahari Resorts & Conventions; Wilderness Resort; Great Wolf Lodge, and more.
Tour the Wisconsin River
Experience the natural beauty that first made Wisconsin Dells famous by taking a scenic tour! Whether you climb aboard an amphibious Duck, jet boat, tour boat, WaveRunner, or a kayak, your tour of the remarkable sandstone cliffs along the Wisconsin River will be unforgettable.
Have Maximum Fun with Mini-Golf
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf offers five different courses, with incredible landscaping courtesy of 30,000 plants, waterfalls, and great putting greens. Over at Timber Falls Adventure Park, cool off in the shade during your family mini-golf competition. Feel like a mini-golf pro in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Dells at Yeti Yard Next Level Adventure, featuring an 18-hole course with real turf and white sand traps.
Embrace Interactive Attractions
Families who play together make lasting memories. Get hands-on with your crew at Wizard Quest, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, and Tommy Bartlett Exploratory – Interactive Science Center.
Ride the Coasters
Roller coaster aficionados will find every style of ride to get their heart rate peaking at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, including roller coasters with upside down loops and tracks that take you underground. Or try Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered alpine ride that offers a unique blend of speed and control, as riders can adjust their pace with a simple brake.
Escape Rooms
Ready to test your wits, teamwork, and time management under pressure? Wisconsin Dells offers a variety of escape rooms, from thrilling prison break scenarios to sci-fi adventures to Batman scenarios, including Booby Trap Escape Rooms, Escapology The Dells, Beyond the Door Room Escapes, Dells Escape Rooms, or Elusive Escape Rooms.
Go Karting
Did you know there are indoor go-kart tracks in the Dells? Check them out at Knuckleheads Trampoline Park • Rides • Bowling and Tom Foolerys Adventure Park. Outdoors, race around the tracks at ADare Go Carts, Yeti Yard Next Level Adventure, and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park.
Relax on a Lavender Farm
Relax, restore, and reconnect at New Life Lavender – nestled in the Baraboo Bluffs just minutes from Wisconsin Dells. Enjoy specialty homemade lavender cherry pie, lavender ice cream, lavender drinks, and fudge. Stroll through the lavender fields and hop on a scenic wagon tour.
Pose for an Old-Time Photo
A vintage-looking black & white photograph will put a smile on your face every time you look at it. Get gussied up in costumes at Old Abe’s Old Time Portraits, Capone’s Original Old Time Picture Studio, or Prof. Porter’s Old Time Portraits.
Visit an Animal Attraction
Animal experiences are everywhere in Wisconsin Dells! One of the newest is Brilliant Butterflies, a greenhouse filled with more than 20 species of butterflies, that visitors can feed with sugar sticks. Also new is Casacampo Alpaca Ranch, where guests can experience guided ranch tours and spend one-on-one time with the alpacas and llamas.
Traditional favorites include Wisconsin Deer Park, where families can feed and pet gentle deer; and Timbavati Wildlife Park, which features safari train rides and animal encounters. International Crane Foundation is the only place on earth where you can see all 15 crane species. Wander through live crane exhibits, join a guided or self-guided tour, and learn all about cranes at their research library.
See the Circus
See a show under the Big Top at Circus World and be amazed by one of the world’s largest collections of restored antique circus wagons.
Jump, Twirl, Ride, and Roll
Bounce around the trampoline park at Knuckleheads Trampoline Park • Rides • Bowling or take a ride on a six-story indoor Ferris wheel at Tom Foolerys Adventure Park.
Get on a Horse
Get the family out on horseback at an area stable such as Canyon Creek Riding Stables or Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable. If you prefer a carriage to a saddle, Lost Canyon Tours offers rides in a horse-drawn carriage through a magnificent mile of cliff-walled gorges.
Let the Show Go On
For amazing illusions, check out Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. For an “old school” movie experience, pile your family in the car and catch a double feature at Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater. At Dells Dinner Adventures, visitors can take in Sneaky Pete’s Wild West Dinner Adventure show, while Crystal Grand Music Theatre and Wisconsin Opry offer live music performances.
If you are headed to downtown Wisconsin Dells, don’t miss out on the free nightly entertainment at Elm Street Plaza through Labor Day weekend.
Pan for Gems
Dells Mining Co. – Wis Dells lets kids pan for natural gemstones from all over the world. Create your own custom gemstone jewelry and explore the Rock Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. It’s a great bargain for the bling.
Why Summertime is the Right Time
Wisconsin Dells is much more than just a waterpark destination. Between the scenic tours, hands-on attractions, and all the activity of downtown Wisconsin Dells, there’s something for everyone, here.
And we haven’t even mentioned food! While the Dells area boasts delicious dining year-round, it is even better in the summer, when many area restaurants open outdoor dining areas! All are delicious, and many of them overlook the water!
This summer, add Wisconsin Dells to your travel plans and experience everything this multi-faceted destination has to offer. Start planning your trip today!
Updated: 07/15/2026
