To be a kid in Wisconsin is a pretty awesome thing. Lucky for Mom and Dad, finding a place that offers hands-on activities, fascinating history and memories that'll last a lifetime isn't too tricky of a task. Here are just a few of Wisconsin's top family-friendly destinations:
ATVentures
(www.discoverwisconsin.com)
While filming our latest ATV episode, I learned folks regularly travel from the Dakotas and beyond just to ride Wisconsin's well-maintained trails. Head up to Barron, Burnett, Iron, Washburn or Douglas counties (just to name a few) for some great riding with the whole family.
Why kids love it: Four wheels whizzing past Wisconsin's abundant nature and wildlife? What's not to love?
Why parents love it: See "Why kids love it."
Camping For The Fun Of It
(www.campingforthefunofit.com/)
Scattered across the state of Wisconsin are 13 kid-, teen- and parent- approved campgrounds featuring some of the craziest, wackiest toys, gadgets and activities you'll find anywhere.
Why kids love it: Giant shopping carts. Huge jumping pillows. Water wars. The list goes on and on.
Why parents love it: Admit it: You've been secretly dying to step foot on one of those huge inflatable pillows. At Camping For The Fun Of It campsites, everyone gets a free pass to act like a youngster.
Wisconsin Dells
(www.wisdells.com)
The Waterpark Capital of America is a total kid magnet for obvious reasons. Slides, rides and thrills always go over well with the kiddos. When you've exhausted yourself of lazy rivers and stomach-quenching vertical drops, venture out to discover the gorgeous Wisconsin River and its sandstone cliffs.
Why kids love it: One word: waterparks.
Why parents love it: The Dells has it all - exciting parks, great restaurants, five star resorts, beautiful scenery and so much more. (Tip: Try to pick a place to stay that has all of that in one. Our crew loves Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort.)
Wisconsin Historic Sites
(www.wisconsinhistory.org/)
So you're seeking a way to both entertain your chitlins whilst providing them with a healthy dose of knowledge? Take in all the unexpected fun courtesy of Wisconsin's 12 Historic Sites.
Why kids love it: Kids get a huge kick out of riding the boat to tour Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva or learning what life was like for children back in the 1800s at Old World Wisconsin.
Why parents love it: Sleep easy knowing you've provided your family with some good ol' educational fun. (Tip: Save more when you purchase a family membership from the Wisconsin Historical Society.)
- 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.
ATVentures
(www.discoverwisconsin.com)
While filming our latest ATV episode, I learned folks regularly travel from the Dakotas and beyond just to ride Wisconsin's well-maintained trails. Head up to Barron, Burnett, Iron, Washburn or Douglas counties (just to name a few) for some great riding with the whole family.
Why kids love it: Four wheels whizzing past Wisconsin's abundant nature and wildlife? What's not to love?
Why parents love it: See "Why kids love it."
Camping For The Fun Of It
(www.campingforthefunofit.com/)
Scattered across the state of Wisconsin are 13 kid-, teen- and parent- approved campgrounds featuring some of the craziest, wackiest toys, gadgets and activities you'll find anywhere.
Why kids love it: Giant shopping carts. Huge jumping pillows. Water wars. The list goes on and on.
Why parents love it: Admit it: You've been secretly dying to step foot on one of those huge inflatable pillows. At Camping For The Fun Of It campsites, everyone gets a free pass to act like a youngster.
Wisconsin Dells
(www.wisdells.com)
The Waterpark Capital of America is a total kid magnet for obvious reasons. Slides, rides and thrills always go over well with the kiddos. When you've exhausted yourself of lazy rivers and stomach-quenching vertical drops, venture out to discover the gorgeous Wisconsin River and its sandstone cliffs.
Why kids love it: One word: waterparks.
Why parents love it: The Dells has it all - exciting parks, great restaurants, five star resorts, beautiful scenery and so much more. (Tip: Try to pick a place to stay that has all of that in one. Our crew loves Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort.)
Wisconsin Historic Sites
(www.wisconsinhistory.org/)
So you're seeking a way to both entertain your chitlins whilst providing them with a healthy dose of knowledge? Take in all the unexpected fun courtesy of Wisconsin's 12 Historic Sites.
Why kids love it: Kids get a huge kick out of riding the boat to tour Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva or learning what life was like for children back in the 1800s at Old World Wisconsin.
Why parents love it: Sleep easy knowing you've provided your family with some good ol' educational fun. (Tip: Save more when you purchase a family membership from the Wisconsin Historical Society.)
- 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.