This past January, our families took a trip to the Fox Cities in Wisconsin! We honestly weren’t sure what to expect, but we have to say, it was so much fun! Sometimes you don’t need to go far to have a good time. The Fox Cities are made up of 19 different communities including Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha, and Neenah. They’re just a short two-hour drive from Madison and a great spot for a quick family weekend. Whether you have sports in the area and are looking for something to do between games or just want to get away, we have some fun places to share.
We spent two days and one night in the Appleton and Neenah area. We want to share what activities we did, where we ate, and the hotel we stayed at! Here is our itinerary:
Hotel: Comfort Suites Appleton Airport
Contrary to the name, the hotel is not actually by the airport, but conveniently located right off the highway. The rooms were clean and the beds passed the comfort test with flying colors. And of course, what’s most important for most kids, the hotel has a pool area with a water slide! Our kids had a blast!
Fox Cities Activities:
History Museum at the Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers programs for all ages throughout the year, including walking tours, pub crawls, and unique social events. The exhibits weave national and local events and periods together to provide both perspective and local relevance. They had an exhibit all about Harry Houdini while we were there. It was magical!
Atlas Science Center had great exhibits and was very educational. Scientific exploration is at the core of Atlas’ education programs, outreach activities and exhibits. Great for students grades 3 through 12. They offer scientific experiences through their STEM+ Diversity Summer Program, workshops and live science stage presentations. We loved our class on DNA and Henrietta Lacks. The kids also got to make paper which was for sure a highlight of the trip!
We went ice skating at The Plaza at Gateway Park in Neenah, it was a super cute place!! They have an indoor spot for warming, skate rentals, getting drinks and food. And to complete the Hallmark feels, they have outdoor fire pits for making smores! Conveniently located right Downtown Neenah by food and shops.
Visiting during the summer? Don’t worry, the rink is used for roller skating! Pack those leg warmers and crimpers to dress for the occasion! The Plaza hosts various activities, make sure to check out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Badger Sports Park is every kid’s dream! There are tons of games, mini bowling, virtual reality, and laser tag. We got there early Sunday morning and pretty much had the place to ourselves! They have an outdoor space with a beautiful 18-hole mini-golf course, NASCAR Road Course go-kart track, and batting cages. Whether it is snowing, sunny, or raining, Badger Sports Park is a win for everyone in the family any time of year.
Need some retail therapy? Fox River Mall has 130 stores with a lively vibe, lots of shopping and dining options! It is one of the larger malls in Wisconsin and provides a great activity for families.
Fox Cities Food Stops:
We loved Bona Fide Juicery! From their cold pressed juices to avocado toast and everything in between, there are options for everyone. They are happy to accommodate any diet needs or allergies you may have (hey-o, yeah for gluten free options!). Our favorites were avocado toast, chili and smoothies!
For dinner we visited Antojitos with amazing Mexican food and of course, margs! The restaurant is right downtown in Appleton. Their menu had a lot of options for everyone in our family to find something they loved.
SAP is a really great breakfast spot near the Fox River Mall. They offer from scratch and made to order dishes in an atmosphere that is welcoming and familiar. SAP supports local and Wisconsin made and grown products. And always a win when I find great gluten free options! This place does get busy, so make a reservation!
We crammed a lot into two days, and can’t wait to get back to see what else they have to offer! Check out the Fox Cities website for even more information, Destination Guide, and help answer any questions you may have. It’s a gem of a place and excited for you to plan your stay!
We have other local travel guides if you’re looking for other spots in Wisconsin to visit. Check out our guides to Door County and Madison! Where should we go next?
