Last weekend, we went to Wisconsin Dells and we are so excited to share everything we did! Growing up in Wisconsin, we are no strangers to “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”, but the Dells offers much more than just thrilling water slides.
Both of our families were able to enjoy a quick 24+ hour trip and we jam packed it full of all the fun activities, sight seeing, and food stops. Wisconsin Dells is a great destination for all ages! If you are visiting in the winter months, check out our blog post here. Now, here we go!
Our Stay this Summer Visit
Avid Hotel is a brand new hotel in Wisconsin Dells, located near the Kalahari and great food options. It was clean, in a good location, and the roof top patio was awesome. One of our favorite things was the freshly ground cup of coffee to start our day!
Wisconsin Dells Summer Activities
Land of Natura was our first stop and is called the America’s largest floating waterpark! Located on Lake Wisconsin Dells, there are various activities for you to jump, swing, and climb on in the new outdoor water park that opened last summer (2023)! It’s filled with inflatables, slides, and obstacles and our kids would have loved to be here all day!
We got a lot of questions on what age kids this is good for! The two times we have been, it’s been pretty busy and can get kind of wild! So if your kid wants to play in the main area, they need to be comfortable if they were to be pushed in or run over! All of that to say, life jackets are required for everyone! They also have a separate kids area with smaller inflatables and in shallower water.
They also have add on experiences such as gem mining, floating cabanas, paddle boards, and kayak rentals. Buckle up for a fun full day and maybe pack some ibuprofen for after…haha!
Original Wisconsin Ducks® are a must when visiting Wisconsin Dells! These World War II-era amphibious vehicles are amazing and and a great way to see the Wisconsin River, Dell Creek, Lake Delton, and miles of exclusive wilderness trails!
The Ducks are super entertaining and so fun seeing the beautiful landscape!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is a perfect indoor activity for quirky exhibits and oddities! They have galleries, illusions, puzzles, and of course some of the strangest stories you will ever hear. Our kids and husbands had a blast seeing all the strange displays and competing with each other to solve the fun riddles and games at the museum.
Big Sky Twin Drive-In brings all the nostalgia of seeing a movie in your car. Pack some snacks and cozy up with a blanket to watch latest movie! We saw Inside Out 2 and loved it!
One thing to note, is make sure you bring bug spray and a fan on a hot evening!
Timbavati Wildlife Park offers a family-friendly, immersive experience in a beautiful environment. The park is a home to over 400 animals that represent over 75 different species. This was such a fun experience! Seeing a ton of animals, getting to pet and feed them was something special and different. We saw sloths, had birds hang out on our shoulders, fed giraffes and more!
Food Stops in Wisconsin Dells
Bella Goose Coffee is a great spot to stop for coffee, breakfast, or quick snack. Trust us, after living it up at Land of Natura, we all needed a pick me up and Bella Goose delivered! Their coffee and home made syrups are delicious and they have a great selection of homemade baked goods. Gluten free options included!!
Dells Pizza Lab is a locally-owned, create your own pizza, pasta and salad bar. It is perfect for a small or large group since they offer so many options, they can accommodate preferences, allergies, and gluten sensitives. They also have desserts, craft beer, and wine to complete your meal!
The River Walk Pub Food & Spirits is another great food option for your family or group! It’s located in the upper Dells and overlooks the Wisconsin Dells River. There is plenty of outdoor seating on the timber deck to take in the view.
And of course, in true Wisconsin fashion, don’t forget they have pull tabs to keep the fun going!
Mr. Pancake has been a local favorite for over 50 years. The family tradition began in 1962 and continues yet today. Mr. Pancake is the perfect stop to fuel for a full day of activities! They have family recipes and batter is freshly made daily! We loved the pancakes, omelets and avocado toast!!
Don’t forget to enjoy their wonderful selection of delicate Blintzes!
More Wisconsin Dells Recommendations
We also polled our audience for their top recommendations for visiting the Wisconsin Dells and here are the responses:
Wisconsin Dells is more than just a vacation destination – it’s a place where natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and family-friendly attractions come together to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking to explore the outdoors, hit up a waterpark, or even relaxation, Wisconsin Dells promises a memorable escape for all interests.
