Wisconsin Dells Family Travel Guide: 19 Fun Things to Do in the Dells with Kids

Wisconsin Dells is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World thanks to its many world class indoor and outdoor waterparks and resorts. In fact, it has more waterparks per capita than anywhere else on earth! Naturally, many Wisconsinites as well as people from all over the world flock to the Dells to ride the waterslides!

We love a good waterpark, too, but if you’re looking for things to do in the Wisconsin Dells other than waterparks, I’ve got some great suggestions for you!

I grew up in the Milwaukee area, but rarely went to the Dells as a kid. We were in sports and competitive dance, so most of our weekends were taken up with competitions and tournaments.

Now that I have four kids of my own and just moved back to Wisconsin from Florida, I wanted to explore this popular Wisconsin vacation destination as a family.

We stopped at a few waterparks for sure, because what kid doesn’t love splashing around and going down water slides? But I also made it my mission to see what else the Dells has to offer, in addition to exploring the surrounding areas.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Some of the activities listed here are sponsored by Wisconsin Dells were complimentary to our family in exchange for editorial consideration. I decided to put it all together in a blog post, too, so that I could give a detailed guide for the area.

Where is Wisconsin Dells?

Sheboygan is located in south central Wisconsin along the Wisconsin River.. it is:

1 hour 50 minutes from Milwaukee
1 hour from Madison
3 hours 15 minutes from Chicago
2 hour 20 minutes from Green Bay
3 hours from the Twin Cities

What is Wisconsin Dells known for?

Wisconsin Dells is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World because it has the largest concentration of waterparks on earth.

While amusement parks and water slides and family-friendly tourist attractions are the calling card of the Dells, many people don’t know that the natural beauty of the area was what originally drew tourism to the area.

With sandstone bluffs, slot canyons, rock formations, rivers, gorges, and forests, this area exemplifies how picturesque the Wisconsin outdoors can be.

Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting?

Yes! Wisconsin Dells is one of the top family vacation destinations in the state because there is such a wide variety of things to do in the area.

If waterparks and kitschy souvenir stores aren’t your thing, go off the beaten path and do some hiking, boat tours, and animal encounters.

If you kids live for waterparks, the Dells has that in spades!

If your family likes a mix of both, you don’t have to go far to find it.

What is there to do in Wisconsin Dells besides waterparks?

1. Upper Dells Boat Tour

The Upper Dells Boat Tour was hands-down our family’s favorite activity in the Dells. The scenery was breathtaking, and we learned so much about the history of the area from our tour guide.

This 2-hour tour operates from mid-March until mid-November, and takes you on a journey along the Wisconsin River passing cliff and rock formations like Romance Cliff, Chimney Rock, Black Hawk’s profile,, and Twin Sisters.

On the tour we learned that the sandstone that makes up the cliffs along the sides of the river is Cambrian sandstone, which is only found in 4 places in the world: Potsdam, Zurich, Upper New York, and the Wisconsin Dells!

You’ll have 2 ports of call, stopping at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock.

Witches Gulch is a slot canyon carved by wind and water, with walls covered in moss. The short walk through the canyon is quiet and eerie, and the moss casts a green hue inside the gulch, giving it an otherworldly feel.

We took our stroller on the boat, and were able to use it for our toddler at the Witches Gulch stop. This was a relief, because the path is a wooden boardwalk with water below, and you never know what an active toddler will do!

There are restrooms and concessions at the end of your walk at Witches Gulch, as this is about the halfway point of your tour.

After you get back on the boat, you’ll head over to your next stop, Stand Rock. Normally, a dog will jump from the cliff to stand rock, but it was raining on the day we visited, so it wasn’t safe for the dog to perform the jump.

This is an absolutely beautiful area, too, and you’ll get to see several cool rock formations up close. Be sure to bring a camera!

Upper Dells Boat Tour
Adult (12+): $34.16
Child (4-11): $17.08
Ages 0-3: Free

2. Dells Scenic River Walk

This is an absolutely FREE activity in the Dells! Just past the entrance for the Upper Dells Boat Tour you’ll see a sign that says “Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk” with a walkway toward the river.

The quarter-mile path leads you on a peaceful amble along the Wisconsin River to see the soaring bluffs and the river boat tours heading off on their excursions.

This is a perfect spot for a picnic, as there are benches and even game tables along the way. The River Walk is open all year round, so you can enjoy the views whether it’s during the heat of summer or to see the changing fall colors in fall, or the icy river in winter.

Insider Tip: The River Walk Pub is a restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the Wisconsin River. Perfect for a summer meal or an after-dinner drink!

3. Candy Shops

One things the Dells does so well is candy shops! All along Broadway, the main thoroughfare in downtown Dells, you’ll find adorable candy shops with all of the classics: saltwater taffy, homemade fudge, caramel apples, chocolate truffles, gummies, and more.

Our kids went home with Pez dispensers, which was such a throwback for us and so much fun for them! Goody Goody Gumdrop is the largest candy store, and has so many fun options!

4. Riverside & Great Northern Railway

If your kids, like ours, love trains, be sure to plan a visit to the Great Northern Railway! You can go for a 3-mile scenic train ride through the bluffs of the Wisconsin Dells, then return to check out the free museum exhibits!

If you’re visiting in fall, be sure to check out the Pumpkin Trains every weekend in October! Kids 12 and under will get a free pumpkin with the train ride.

Train rides leave at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00. Check the website for dates, as the train runs seasonally. While the museum is free, the train rides are:
Seniors (62+): $12"
Adults: $15
Children: $10
3 and Under: Free

5. Duck Boat Tour

Another way to see the Dells from the Wisconsin River is through a Duck Boat Tour! These amphibious vehicles start on land, and drive right into the water! The transition can get a bit wet, so bring a waterproof jacket or a bag to store any belongings you don’t want to get wet.

We really enjoyed the Duck Boat Tour because our guide was absolutely hilarious while being a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Dells as well.

Our kids were fascinated by how our vehicle could operate on both land and water, and as a bonus, it’s a bit shorter than the Upper Dells Boat tour - only one hour.

Prices are:
Adult (12+): $34.16
Child (4-11): $17.08
Ages 0-3: Free

6. Deer Park

Dad and toddler feeding deer at Wisconsin Dells deer park

An under-the-radar activity in the Wisconsin Dells is the Deer Park! You’ll feel like a Disney Princess when you enter the park with your package of crackers and the deer come flocking to you, eager to be fed!

The kids were a bit nervous to feed the deer, but the worker explained that it’s impossible for them to bite your hand as their teeth are so far back.

The deer were gentle, and before long our kids got the hang of feeding them the crackers. There are deer all along the scenic trail, so don’t make the same mistake we did by giving away all your crackers right at the beginning of the park!

Adults to 12 years – $16.00
Kids 3 to 11 years – $12.00
Kids 2 & Under – FREE

Deer feed $6.00, feed cups$1.00, $0.25 vending machines

7. Jet Boat Tour

The one boat tour we didn’t get around to trying was the Jet Boat Tour. The tour is 50 minutes long, and goes through both the Upper and Lower Dells! If you want a short and speedy tour of the incredible scenery along the Wisconsin River, this might be the best option for you.

You will get wet, so be prepared with towels and clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

Prices are:
Adult (12+): $34.16
Child (4-11): $17.08
Ages 0-3: Free

8. Indoor Water Parks

No matter what time of year you visit, you can enjoy balmy temperatures and fun in the water at one of several indoor water parks the Dells has to offer.

Indoor water parks range in prices and quality, and some offer day passes, while others are for hotel guests only.

I’ll summarize details for each indoor water park below, but just know that even if you choose to stay in a non-waterpark hotel or a vacation rental, so you can still experience one of the water parks that made the Dells famous!

9. Wizard Quest

Wizard Quest is a team-building fantasy game in a 30,000 sq. ft. maze. There are four different realms - earth, fire, water, and air, and you can choose quests in each of the realms that involve scavenger hunts and riddles.

This is an activity geared toward slightly older kids, so we went on a day when we had a babysitter for our toddler. The 4, 6, and 8-year-old really enjoyed the game, although at first we found it a little challenging until we got the hang of it.

You get a portable tablet and 2 hours to solve as many quests as you can. Kids will love the secret passages, slides, and themed realms.

Adults (10+): $27.99
Children (3-9): $19.99

Be aware that strollers are not allowed, so while toddlers are free, we were really relieved we left our 1-year-old at home. It would have been so hard to have her in there without a stroller!

10. Shop Downtown Wisconsin Dells

Sometimes you just need a break from the tourist attractions, so head to Downtown Wisconsin Dells to do some shopping! Between souvenirs, apparel, candy, and ice cream shops, everyone will find something to do!

Most of the shopping can be done on Broadway Ave, but if you’re really in the mood for retail therapy, there’s also an outlet mall called Outlets at the Dells.

11. Wisconsin Dells Trolley Tour

Our family loves a good trolley tour! We’ve taken them in the Florida Keys, Savannah, and Santa Barbara, and we always learn so much!

While we haven’t had a chance to try the Wisconsin Dells trolley tour yet, there are lots of kid-friendly options for families to choose from, including a Scenic & History Tour, a City Express Family Tour, and a Full Winter Wonderland Tour!

Prices vary depending on which tour you choose, so head to the Wisconsin Dells Trolley Tour Website to see your options!

12. Bavarian Village

The Bavarian Village is a hidden gem in the Dells downtown area that I stumbled upon by accident. My husband had taken the older kids mini golfing, while I walked around with our toddler in a stroller.

We found a courtyard that reminded me of my time in Germany, and found out later that this is called the Bavarian Village.

There is a Glockenspiel that plays music on the hour, and little shops around the square to stop in!

You don’t need a lot of time to check out this area, but it does have a public restroom here, and is a cute spot for photos if you’re already downtown.

13. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

With 2 teachers in our family, we absolutely love when travel and education come together! Tommy Bartlett Exploratory was such a fun way to incorporate some science lessons into our trip to the Dells.

The adventure starts by using a giant lever to lift a car off the ground! The kids thought it was so cool, and we explained how the longer the lever is, the easier the car was to lift! If you moved closer to the fulcrum, it got tougher.

Next, we moved inside to discover exhibits about electricity, robots, outer space, and sports! We had so much fun trying out the different challenges and exhibits that the kids didn’t even realize they were learning.

This attraction is super fun, and perfect for a rainy day or an escape from the summer heat.

Adults $15.00
Children (5 -11) $12.00
Senior (65+) $12.00

14. Knuckleheads Trampoline Park

If your kids are bouncing off the walls and you need a break from the water parks, consider Knuckleheads Trampoline Park for TONS of family-friendly activities.

Beyond the trampoline park, you can play arcade games, ride amusement park rides, try your hand at cosmic bowling, or immerse yourself in virtual reality.

No matter the age or stage your kids are at, there is something for everyone at Knuckleheads!

Check current prices here.

15. Get a Bubble Waffle

While wandering around Downtown Wisconsin Dells this summer, we stumbled upon Dells Bistro where we tried the ice cream bubble waffles! This delicious dessert uses puffy Belgian waffles as the cone, which is then filled with ice cream, toppings, and whipped cream.

Not only is it totally unique, cute, and Instagrammable, but really fun for the kids to eat, too!

16. Go Hiking nearby

As I mentioned above, Wisconsin Dells was originally a tourist attraction because of the beautiful scenery in the area. Take advantage of that if the weather is nice by finding incredible hiking trails in Devils’ Lake State Park or Mirror Lake State Park.

Families with older kids who are experienced hikers can try the famous Balanced Rock Trail at Devil’s Lake State Park for the iconic picture in front of Balanced Rock, but there are also plenty of easier, flatter, trails for families like our with young kids and toddlers.

17. Miniature Golf

Who doesn’t love playing a round of putt-putt golf on family vacation?

There are several mini golf places to choose from in the Dells, but our kids absolutely loved Timber Falls Adventure Park, which is the only mini golf course in the shade. On top of that, there’s a petting zoo at Timber Falls where kids can feed the goats.

Pirates Cove is one of the more popular golf courses in Wisconsin Dells because it has 5 courses, a playground, and a giant sundial.

18. Have you Food Delivered by Train at Buffalo Phils

We usually avoid going out to eat with our kids because getting young children and toddlers to behave while they’re waiting for their food can be so difficult.

However, eating at Buffalo Phils was such a great experience for our young family! Not only are there LEGO sets everywhere that the kids loved looking at, but they deliver your food and drinks to you on a train!

The kids weren’t the only ones excited to see the train heading to our table loaded with food - my husband and I couldn’t stop laughing at how fun and unique of an experience it was. We felt like kids again, too!

It’s such a family-friendly atmosphere, and they welcome large groups, too!

If you’re like us and get nervous about bringing your loud and rowdy kids into a restaurant, this is the place to go. It’s been almost 6 months since our visit and the kids still can’t stop talking about it!

Buffalo Phil’s is also connected to Knucklehead’s, so you can easily pair the two experiences together. Check out their menu here.

19. Bella Goose Coffee and Roastery

If you want to start your day off on the best note, head to Bella Goose for coffee and breakfast! There is a plethora of comfy seating inside, or on a nice day you can take your meal on the back deck overlooking the Wisconsin River!

Their trademark lattes are to die for, and the kids will love the chocolate covered strawberry waffle or a cinnamon roll from the bakery.

Top Indoor Waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells

There are so many waterparks to choose from when visiting the Wisconsin Dells! If you’re in town when the weather is cooler, you might want to check out any of the following indoor waterparks.

1. Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is one of the more affordable options if you’re purchasing a day pass to the waterpark. It has a lazy river (the River Styx), a tube slide, a body slide, a hot tub, several pools, and a large “beached shipwreck” toddler play area.

While Mount Olympus offers fewer options than the other indoor waterparks, we still had a good time and enjoyed our visit. Medusa’s Shipwreck was where our younger kids spent most of their time, while my 8-year-old daughter and I had a blast doing the Cerberus Tube Slide together.

There are changing rooms with showers and restrooms, a small restaurant, and a little convenience store in case you forgot something you need or want a souvenir.

This is the best option if you’re on a budget but still want that Wisconsin Dells Waterpark experience with your kids.

Check out the website here for current day rates.

2. Chula Vista

We also had the chance to visit Chula Vista on one of our trips to the Wisconsin Dells. The indoor waterpark is called Lost Rios indoor waterpark, and there was SO much to do there with kids. I don’t think we even got around to doing it all on our visit!

Naturally, our 4-year-old couldn’t get enough of the Incatinka Kiddie Play Area, and spent almost the entire time on the baby slides and playing with the water guns.

We all took a few spins around the Rio Rapids Action River, a fun lazy river with some waterfalls and twists and turns.

My 6-year-old is currently really into sports, so he wanted to park himself in the pool with the basketball hoops and the Croc Walk Water Crossing.

My 8-year-old was so excited by all of the different water slide options to choose from. Meanwhile, I had the misfortune of being under the giant tipping bucket when it spilled 500 gallons of water on my head.

If you’re looking to spend a moderate amount for an amazing waterpark experience, I would highly recommend Chula Vista! Check day pass prices here!

3. Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is on the upscale end of indoor water parks in Wisconsin Dells, and for good reason! The sheer amount of options for waterpark activities ensures that your entire family will have a day full of fun. We have not had a chance to visit this waterpark yet, but we hope to soon!

There’s a family warming pool, a wave pool, a lazy river, a water fort treehouse, a toddler playground with smaller water slides, tube and water slides for big kids and adults, toboggan style mat racing slides, a basketball hoop pool, kiddie pool, and hot tubs.

Check out day pass prices here!

4. Kalahari

Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells is home to America’s largest indoor water park! There’s a wave simulator where you can body board or surf, an indoor/outdoor spa, a water basketball pool, lazy river, swim-up bar, a water coaster (water slide plus roller coaster!?!), a water tree fort, water slides, a water slide with a tube that fits 2 or 3 people, slides with nearly vertical plummets, a wave pool, a toddler play area, and more!

The waterpark is African-themed, and does provide day passes for those who are not guests at the resort. This is another waterpark we have not had a chance to visit yet, but it looks absolutely incredible!

Check out day pass prices here.

5. The Wilderness Resort

The Wilderness Resort is America’s largest waterpark resort with four indoor waterparks to choose from.

One of the indoor waterparks, Wild Waterdome, has a see-through roof so you can enjoy the sunshine even if it’s freezing outside! Klondike Kavern and Cubby’s Cove seem to be more family-friendly, and Wild West seems to offer more thrill rides for older kids.

Check out all of the options here!

One thing to note is that there are no day passes to the Wilderness Resort, so you need to stay at the resort to enjoy the fun.