10 Must-Do Family-Friendly Activities In Fox Cities, WI
From boating on Lake Winnebago to watching a Broadway show, there’s always something happening in the Fox Cities.
The Fox Cities (aka the 19 communities lining the Fox River) offer numerous venues and attractions to entertain people of all ages and tastes. This is especially true for families who will discover that there are heaps of family-friendly activities – just one of the many things that make the Fox Cities a great place to put down roots. Here are 10 must-try activities for the region’s growing families:
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1. Cheer on the Timber Rattlers
The Timber Rattlers are the Midwest League minor league baseball affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The team plays from April to September at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, which is undergoing a revamp this year. Plans call for improved seating, an expanded concourse and an improved three-story slide that’s big enough for kids and adults.
2. Spend an Afternoon at Fox River Mall
The largest mall in the state, Fox River Mall is the “shopping capital of Wisconsin.” As the heart of the shopping district in the Fox Cities, you’ll find dozens of popular stores, like Athleta, Banana Republic, DSW, H&M, Macy’s and Target. There are also numerous restaurants like Red Lobster, Starbucks, IHOP, P.F. Chang’s and Fox River Brewing Co.
3. Tune Into a Concert Series or Music Festival
The Fox Cities host a range of summer concert series, including Evening Concerts at Shattuck Park in Neenah, Sunday at the Amphitheater Concert Series in Kimberly, Live! from Hydro Park Concert Series in Kaukauna and many more. Each August, the Mile of Music is a four-day music festival and community event featuring all original music. Then, in September, music lovers will appreciate Appleton’s Octoberfest, downtown on College Avenue.
4. Fill the Day With Fun at Badger Sports Park
A 23,000-square-foot mammoth entertainment complex in Appleton, Badger Sports Park spans 5.5 acres and offers indoor and outdoor all-season fun. It includes a NASCAR go-kart track, an 18-hole Wisconsin-themed championship mini-golf course, batting cages, a huge arcade with interactive video games, a world-class two-story laser-tag arena, inflatables, four mini-bowling alleys and virtual reality.
5. Explore High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park in Sherwood spans 1,187 acres and is known for the cliffs and observation tower overlooking Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. It’s home to several effigy mounds, representing a bird, a bear and a panther. There are several hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails. High Cliff State Park also offers camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, fishing and hunting.
6. Discover Something New at an Art or History Museum
At Building For Kids Children’s Museum, kids age 7 and under will find diverse, hands-on exhibits that encourage play. Others may enjoy the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, a free museum celebrating the art of glass; the History Museum at the Castle, which focuses on everything from local history to Houdini; the Trout Museum of Art; or the Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
7. Tour a Nature Preserve and Learn About Wildlife
Bubolz Nature Preserve, a 700-acre area, is where the environments of North Wisconsin and South Wisconsin meet, offering a diverse selection of flora and fauna. You can also enjoy Ledge View Nature Center in Chilton; Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha; Guckenberg-Sturm Preserve in Appleton; Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve in Appleton; 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna; Fallen Timbers Environmental Center in Black Creek; Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London; or Brillion Nature Center in Brillion.
8. Experience a Drive-In Movie Under the Stars
Field of Scenes outdoor theatre is an independent, family-owned drive-in theater in the city of Freedom. The theater screens double features of current movies, one animated and one live action, and offers indoor concessions. Before the sun goes down, find fun on a mini-golf course and sports courts. In Calumet County, you will find the Chilton Twilight Drive-In Theater, another family-owned theater with concessions, an arcade, mini-golf and more.
9. Attend a Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Also known as the PAC, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton is the home of the Broadway Across America, Boldt Arts Alive! Series, the Thrivent Education Series and the Fox Valley Symphony. With performances ranging from “Hamilton” to Ballet Hispanico, “Aladdin-the Musical” and Amy Grant, there’s always something on stage.
10. Shop the Fox Cities’ Downtowns
Local Main Streets are revived and thriving, with independent boutiques and restaurants offering the best regional goods. From delicious food to handmade crafts and high-end brands, shoppers will discover unique treasures and memories to take home, while shopping the region’s downtowns.
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