Mission: Plan a family vacation that the whole family will love - without breaking the bank. This can be one excruciatingly daunting undertaking but I'm here to tell you it can be done. Here are a few tried and true destinations for the entire family. Let's start in the Waterpark Capital of the World ...
Wisconsin Dells
Why kids will love it: One word: waterparks.
Why parents will love it: The giant indoor and outdoor waterparks make for an unforgettable vacation - there's no doubt about it. But consider taking a break from the water slides and lazy rivers to explore Wisconsin Dells' true beauty. With huge glacially-formed gorges and the stunning Wisconsin River as its backdrop, Wisconsin Dells' landscape is chock-full of rich history and is pretty easy to explore on a budget. There's also a great historical, hidden gem called H.H. Bennett Studio. And for you nature buffs, you'll want to add the International Crane Foundation in nearby Baraboo to your itinerary.
Wisconsin Historic Sites
Why kids will love it: This is unexpected fun. Add 12 historic sites to your summer bucket list and your kids will have a heyday crossing off and enjoying each site throughout the summer. No two historic sites are alike, either. Kids will love that you can only reach Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva by boat. They'll take delight in the role-playing aspect of Old World Wisconsin, where you receive an "identity" and discover Wisconsin as it was in the 1800s.
Why parents will love it: Feel extra good about planning "edu-taining' trips - vacations that both entertain my family but also school them on some interesting Wisconsin history. It's the best of both worlds. (Tip: Consider purchasing a family membership for extra cost savings.)
Great Lakes Beaches
Why kids will love it: Perhaps one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets is the fact that you don't have to travel far for a gorgeous beachside vacation. There's Big Bay Beach at Big Bay Town Park on Madeline Island, Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan and North Beach in Racine, to name a few. Help your kids pack some treats for a lunchtime picnic. Explore nearby harbor towns like Bayfield, Sheboygan, Racine and Manitowoc. Don't forget the Frisbee.
Why parents will love it: If you can plan a vacation the kids love that also results in a little R&R for Mom and Dad, well ... that, my friends, is a grand slam. (100 brownie points for Mom.)
ATVentures
Why kids will love it: I've included this idea for all of you with a house full of finicky teenagers. The quickest way to keep "em happy on vacation is to be out on the trails. ATVing is like the unofficial sport of kids everywhere.
Why parents will love it: Moms and pops have just as much fun on those ATVs as their offspring. Plus, it offers kids another important, hard-to-teach lesson, which is learning how to read maps. Make frequent stops along your ATV expedition to whip out the trail guides and map out your ride as a family. If you're concerned about not owning any ATVs, no need to worry. There are tons of places across the state that rent out their machines. Not sure where to head? The trails in Barron, Burnett, Clark, Iron, Jackson, Price, Washburn and Douglas counties are in tiptop shape.
Wherever you and your family explore, be sure to share your photos with me on social media and I'll share my favorites on the Discover Wisconsin Facebook page. Be safe and happy trails.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
Wisconsin Dells
Why kids will love it: One word: waterparks.
Why parents will love it: The giant indoor and outdoor waterparks make for an unforgettable vacation - there's no doubt about it. But consider taking a break from the water slides and lazy rivers to explore Wisconsin Dells' true beauty. With huge glacially-formed gorges and the stunning Wisconsin River as its backdrop, Wisconsin Dells' landscape is chock-full of rich history and is pretty easy to explore on a budget. There's also a great historical, hidden gem called H.H. Bennett Studio. And for you nature buffs, you'll want to add the International Crane Foundation in nearby Baraboo to your itinerary.
Wisconsin Historic Sites
Why kids will love it: This is unexpected fun. Add 12 historic sites to your summer bucket list and your kids will have a heyday crossing off and enjoying each site throughout the summer. No two historic sites are alike, either. Kids will love that you can only reach Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva by boat. They'll take delight in the role-playing aspect of Old World Wisconsin, where you receive an "identity" and discover Wisconsin as it was in the 1800s.
Why parents will love it: Feel extra good about planning "edu-taining' trips - vacations that both entertain my family but also school them on some interesting Wisconsin history. It's the best of both worlds. (Tip: Consider purchasing a family membership for extra cost savings.)
Great Lakes Beaches
Why kids will love it: Perhaps one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets is the fact that you don't have to travel far for a gorgeous beachside vacation. There's Big Bay Beach at Big Bay Town Park on Madeline Island, Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan and North Beach in Racine, to name a few. Help your kids pack some treats for a lunchtime picnic. Explore nearby harbor towns like Bayfield, Sheboygan, Racine and Manitowoc. Don't forget the Frisbee.
Why parents will love it: If you can plan a vacation the kids love that also results in a little R&R for Mom and Dad, well ... that, my friends, is a grand slam. (100 brownie points for Mom.)
ATVentures
Why kids will love it: I've included this idea for all of you with a house full of finicky teenagers. The quickest way to keep "em happy on vacation is to be out on the trails. ATVing is like the unofficial sport of kids everywhere.
Why parents will love it: Moms and pops have just as much fun on those ATVs as their offspring. Plus, it offers kids another important, hard-to-teach lesson, which is learning how to read maps. Make frequent stops along your ATV expedition to whip out the trail guides and map out your ride as a family. If you're concerned about not owning any ATVs, no need to worry. There are tons of places across the state that rent out their machines. Not sure where to head? The trails in Barron, Burnett, Clark, Iron, Jackson, Price, Washburn and Douglas counties are in tiptop shape.
Wherever you and your family explore, be sure to share your photos with me on social media and I'll share my favorites on the Discover Wisconsin Facebook page. Be safe and happy trails.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.