Our team loves the Wisconsin Dells, and it’s the perfect destination for a day trip or a mini-vacation with your crew. It’s a fun place to visit year-round!
From amusement parks, boat tours, shopping to waterparks galore, there are things for all ages and interests in the Dells.
Here’s a breakdown of our favorite things to do when we visit – we hope you find this list helpful as you plan your Dells trip!
This Guide is sponsored by our featured programs. We so appreciate the support of the community and the opportunity to present our readers with valuable resources such as these!
Where to Stay | Our Top Pick
Wilderness Resort
The Wilderness Resort is beautifully situated on 600 wooded acres in Wisconsin Dells and is home to Wilderness Hotel, which features 444 guest rooms, 40 Vacation Villas, 76 Frontier Condominiums and 35 cabins. It is also home to Wilderness on the Lake which features 108 luxurious two- and three-bedroom condominium units overlooking Lake Delton; and Glacier Canyon Lodge, which features 460 upscale condominium units.
Combined, these three properties are all about FAMILY FUN! With four indoor and four outdoor waterparks that total nearly 500,000 square feet your family can splash, slide, and laugh together across the equivalent of 12 football fields of water-filled excitement. Rain or shine, the adventure never stops!
And when you’re ready to dry off, the good times keep rolling:
- Wander through the glowing magic of Aquavia Lumina, an enchanted night walk through a canyon of wonders
- Soar together on the Take Flight Aerial Adventure Ride
- Let the kids climb, explore, and imagine at Timberland Playhouse
- Challenge each other to laser tag, mini golf, climbing walls or escape rooms (who’s the best problem-solver in the family?)
- Race side-by-side on go-karts or conquer the sky ropes course
- Golf at the award-winning Wild Rock Golf Club or The Woods 9-hole golf course.
There’s truly something for every age—from little adventurers to thrill-seeking teens and yes, parents and grandparents too!
Finally, when it’s time to refuel, the resort has plenty of tasty dining options including Field’s at the Wilderness Steakhouse; Sarento’s Italian Restaurant; Survivors Bar & Grille; Camp Social Food Hall; Swimm’n Chick’n and many other quick service options.
The Wilderness isn’t just a great resort, it’s a place where family memories are made and smiles and laughter fill your days.
511 East Adams – Wisconsin Dells, WI
(608) 253-9729
What to Do | Our Top Picks
Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park
At Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park in Wisconsin Dells, you are in for a fun-packed family experience. There is a bit of something for everyone to enjoy whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart. Visit Knuckleheads & Booby Trap Escape Rooms for unlimited indoor family fun! Go-karts, mini-golf, amusement rides, a huge arcade, trampoline park, cosmic bowling and a full bar & grill all under one roof. Stop in with your family and friends or book your upcoming special event at Knuckleheads.
We are open year-round and are conveniently located next to Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille, Booby Trap Escape Rooms, and Outlets at the Dells.
150 North Gasser Road – Wisconsin Dells
(608) 254-7332
More Dells Attractions
Where to Eat | Our Top Picks
Buffalo Phil's Pizza & Grille
150 Gasser Road – Wisconsin Dells, WI
(608) 254-7300
Helpful Tips!
Are you getting the mini-vacation itch yet??
If you’ve never done the hotel-with-kids thing, here are a few quick tips to make the experience go smoother:
- Bring some kind of white noise. Bring a large fan and position it between the “kid” side of the room and the “adult” side and you won’t have to worry about waking them up with any little sound!
- Invest in a room with a little separation. Wilderness offers suites, condos & villas, which are great if you have a big crew, or just need a little extra space!
- Consider springing for a room with a balcony. This might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but again: when you have very young kids, separation is critical to hotel success. A balcony offers a great option for adult hang-out time after the kids are down for the night.
- Ask for a room with a mini fridge and microwave. These are pretty common in hotels these days, but not every room has them, so it’s worth checking it out in advance. It is so much easier to be able to prepare meals/snacks (especially breakfast) in the comfort of your room, rather than having to scramble to get to a restaurant with a hangry toddler.
- Pack paper cups/plates AND/OR dish soap/cloths to wash your plastic stuff. Easy to forget—tragic to forget.
- Bring entertainment for the adults. This is usually the last thing on your mind when you’re planning for a kids’ vacay, but it’s kind of depressing to get the kids to bed and then realize you have nothing quiet enough to do. Bring a book (and a mini light!), a laptop (possibly with headphones), or some other activity that requires minimal sound/light.
Q: Seasoned Dells travelers, what would you add to this list?
We have not been up to the Dells with our 6 month old, but we can’t wait to check out the parks in the area. I always bring a blanket along because she loves to explorer and touch everything even at 6 months.
My son really liked Buffalo Phil’s. The deer park sounds like it would be a hit with him as well.
I have really enjoyed reading these comments. I have three grand kids. Ages for two and one. Which spot would be a good place for staying a few days in the summer months. Which one would be a good outdoor place for the little ones.
I love your tips! I just booked the fireplace suite, I was going to get the standard room, but after reading your blog, I noticed it didn’t have a microwave or fridge! I thought they came in all the rooms so thanks for pointing that out. I have 3 small kids so that’s a must. Also, I will be bringing our white noise machine and paper plates. We’ve never gone on a family vacation yet so your blog was super helpful! Thanks 😀
Thank you for your post. We are new to Wisconsin and wanted to have a weekend with our 4 and 6 yo. Your suggestion on Great Wolf Lodge was spot on. The entire weekend went as smooth as it can go with 2 young kids excited for water parks. The rides were completely age appropriate. It was all very safe. The water was warm and the people were friendly and accommodating. It’ll cost you along with a few days in the arcade also inside Great Wolf but for a fun weekend of splurging on kiddie activities it really fit the bill.
What some may not know is Noah’s Ark offers tiered season passes beginning at $60/person for WI residents. If you live within a short driving distance, ahem…Madison, you can easily take advantage of this offer. Especially considering your normal daily ticket is $39.99 for taller than 48″. The higher tier $99/person also includes parking which can run you $20/visit. Two visits and it has paid for itself. I’m taking advantage of this for the first time this year. To say my son is excited is an understatement.