Family fun doesn’t have to break the bank. In Appleton, a pleasant park called Plamann Park offers plenty of wet and wild thrills for the kids. You won’t mistake it for a fancy private waterpark, but it comes with a much lower investment of time and money. If you’re looking for an affordable way to help the kids beat the summer heat, this could be the place. Here’s what you need to know about Plamann Park, a natural Wisconsin water park.

You’ll find Plamann Park on the north side of Appleton - it’s north of U.S. 41, and it’s not far from Appleton North High School, but it still offers a little slice of nature.

The park is a county park that covers over 250 acres. There’s a lot to do, at Plamann – there’s a 5-star-rated, 27-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, ball diamonds, a nice network of trails, and a petting zoo.

But on hot summer days, the park’s best feature is the water – it’s home to Plamann Lake. It’s not a huge lake, but its waters are cool and refreshing.

The little lake has a soft sand beach and a seasonal swimming area. All ages are welcome – there’s an affordable entrance fee, and you can buy a season pass that’s a bargain. Children 0-3 and adults aged 65 or older get in free.

Plamann Park has an inflatable aqua park that’s a lot of fun for kids. It’s called WIBITS, and it includes a seven-foot climbing wall, a flip pillow, a slide, a trampoline, and more!

It’s easy to spend a summer day here - there are plenty of shade trees, and the lake is appropriate for all ages. It’s a good place for little ones to experience the water, and there are lifeguards on hand to keep things safe.

There are so many great county parks out there, and I’ve visited many of them, but this natural Wisconsin water park is one of the best spots to cool down. Learn more about Plamann Park on the Outagamie County website. If you’re planning a summer trip, here’s an ultimate packing list that can make your travels even easier!