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There are obvious, tried and true places that folks know to head to when they’re looking for family fun in the summer, but that tourist spot isn’t the only place in our great state to use as a home base for your summer. Family-friendly lodges, resorts and campgrounds are all over the Dairy State and give you the option of never having to leave or being a place to head out and explore. Here are 11 spots you can head to with the kids for a wonderful summer getaway:
There are miles and miles of trails on the 155 acres these guys own, so head out on a hike, rent a bike and get in nature. There's also bikes, paddles boats, kayaks and more to help make the experience amazing.
Located at W12505 Roosevelt Rd., Gresham, WI 54128.
Not only is this place an indoor waterpark dream, but there's tons to explore, see and do in Sheboygan! Located at 725 Blue Harbor Dr., Sheboygan, WI 53081.
This spot has been around for more than a century and there's a huge focus on family fun. There's a Kids Zone, supervised programs for kids, an obstacle course and of course, plenty of fun on Delavan Lake. Located at 2400 Geneva St., Delavan, WI 53115.
Not only does this place have amazing waterpark facilities, but they also have programs set up for when mom and dad need some alone time. Whether the kids go for a hike, try some cooking classes or do some creative crafts, they'll have a blast and parents get a rest. Plus, Lake Geneva is full of charm, like the mail boat and the path that circles the lake and gives you stellar views of all the big homes.
Located at 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
This place has a big reputation, but it's not just a posh resort. With its lake frontage, you'll find a proprietary beach and time here feels a bit like you imagine old Poconos family vacations were like. There are tons of activities, but when you leave the resort, you get to explore this quaint town and check out Road America. Located at 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake, WI 53020.
Not located on water, but close driving distance to the Wisconsin River and Petenwell Lake, there's also a swimming pond on site, fishing, a full calendar of events, movie nights
Located at 8025 Isherwood Rd, Bancroft, WI 54921.
On Squaw Lake, there's trout fishing, paintball, laser tag, disc golf, shuffleboard, mini golf. This is a campground adjacent to Fort McCoy, so there's also 6 a.m. reveille and bugle calls all day long. Located at 8053 W J St., Sparta, WI 54656.
These folks love a theme and basically created the camping experience they dreamed of as kids. You'll find mini golf, paddle boats, arcades, fishing, biking, obstacle courses, shaving cream ice skating and more! Plus, you're just minutes from Sheboygan and Lake Michigan, from the cheese history center and from Road America. Located at N7271 Lando St., Plymouth, WI 53073.
The shallow, warm kiddie pool full of fun is reason enough to head here, but you're also in the middle of a gorgeous part of Wisconsin to explore. On site, there's a skate park, volleyball pit, mini golf and more.
Located at 50483 Oak Grove Rd., Osseo, WI 54758.
Nearly up at the Michigan border, this charming spot sits on Lac Vieux Desert. Time here feels like it's stood still since the 1950s and that's the way everyone here likes it. Unplug and join in scavenger hunts, campfires, fishing, campfires and more.
Located at 5894 W Shore Rd., Land O' Lakes, WI 54540.
On spring-fed Rice Lake, this place has mini golf and all kinds of family fun. Head to Lake Koshkonong State Park or find fun in Janesville or Madison.
Located at 856 Hillside Rd., Edgerton, WI 53534.
These are just a few of the great options. Do you have somewhere else you love to go each summer? Let us know in the comments!
