Wisconsin Dells is one of our family's favorite getaways in the Midwest. We have enjoyed the Dells with young children, tweens, teens, and grandparents. We love staying at local waterparks (especially Wilderness Resort), enjoying water slides and lazy rivers, but the many wonderful attractions in town offer so much fun throughout your vacation.
Best Time to Visit Wisconsin Dells
- Summer: Peak season with all attractions open
- Fall: Beautiful colors and fewer crowds
- Winter: Skiing and indoor attractions
- Spring: Lower rates and emerging natural beauty
Beyond the Waterparks: Guide to The Most Fun in Wisconsin Dells
Dells Boat Tours: Natural Beauty at Its Best
- Address: 107 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.254.8555
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts and photographers
- Season: Spring through Fall
- Duration: 2.5 hours for Upper Dells tour
The Upper Dells boat tour is a must-see for experiencing Wisconsin's natural beauty. Our family loves exploring nature and history. This peaceful tour showcases distinctive rock formations that gave the Dells their name. "Wisconsin Dells" derives its name from the "dells" or gorges shaped by glaciers along the Wisconsin River, showcasing impressive sandstone formations. This term was initially used by French explorers who referred to the area as "les dalles," meaning "flat, layered rock."
On the Upper Dells boat tour, we especially enjoyed the two shore landings at Witch's Gulch and Standing Rock. Witch’s Gulch, only accessible via boat tours, is a beautiful narrow slot canyon in the Wisconsin Dells. It features twisting rock formations and moss-covered walls that give it the famous green hue, inspiring the name "Witch's Gulch." The ethereal atmosphere of the gulch is truly enchanting. Visitors take the boardwalk tour through towering sandstone cliffs and cool, green passageways. Witch’s Gulch is one of our favorite experiences in the Dells.
Pro Tips:
- Bring light jackets even on warm days. Witch's Gulch is cool, almost like entering a cave.
- Book morning tours for calmer waters.
- Pack water and snacks.
- Choose the Upper Dells tour for the most scenic experience.
Timbavati Wildlife Park: A Wild Adventure for All Ages
- Address: 2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy., Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.253.2391
- Season: May through November (Regular visits); VIP tours available year-round
- Best for: Animal lovers of all ages, especially future zoologists
For animal lovers, the VIP tour at Timbavati Wildlife Park is a must. Behind-the-scenes tours include meet-and-greets with animals, holding baby kangaroos, feeding giraffes, playing with hedgehogs and anteaters, and feeding lorikeets. This educational wildlife park offers a variety of animal encounters.
Pro Tips:
- Book VIP tours in advance for the most intimate animal experiences
- Plan for 3-5 hours to fully enjoy the experience
- Bring a camera – the animal encounters are priceless
- Visit during morning hours when animals are most active
Wizard Quest: Where Technology Meets Magic
- Address: 400 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.253.0324
- Hours: Check website for seasonal hours
- Best for: Families who love puzzles and interactive adventures
We are big fans of escape rooms and interactive games, and Wizard Quest stands out from any escape game we've experienced. This 30,000-square-foot fantasy labyrinth GAME was a surprising favorite for our whole family, and it's a must-visit attraction every time we're in the Dells. The tablet-guided quests were challenging and fun and required teamwork. Wizard Quest is highly interactive, with secret passages, surprises at every turn, climbing areas, and ball pits.
Pro Tips:
- Choose difficulty levels based on your youngest participant
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring
- The goal is to complete the challenge in 120 minutes.
- Book ahead during peak season.
Dells Lumberjack Show
- Address: 411 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.254.8717
- Hours: Daily shows at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM (seasonally)
- Best For: Families and anyone who loves high-energy entertainment
This show is pure fun! The Dells Lumberjack Show is more than just a performance - it's a living tribute to Wisconsin's logging history. Professional lumberjacks compete in traditional logging sports, showcasing incredible feats of strength and precision.
Pro Tips:
- Arrive 30 minutes early to get the best seating
- Bring a light jacket, as the show is primarily outdoors (and you might get splashed).
- Purchase tickets in advance during peak summer season
- Sit in the "splash zone" if you want an extra-interactive experience
Bigfoot Zipline Tours
- Address: 1550 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.254.5555
- Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM daily (weather permitting)
- Best For: Adventure seekers, teens, and adults looking for an adrenaline rush
The best adventure in the Dells for thrill-seekers is Bigfoot Zipline Tours. With a variety of courses open year-round, thrill-seekers enjoy breathtaking views of Wisconsin Dells' stunning landscape. Multiple zipline courses offer varying difficulty levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Pro Tips:
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip
- Dress in comfortable, layered clothing
- Check weight and height requirements beforehand
- Book early morning or late afternoon slots to avoid midday heat
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- Address: 105 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.254.2184
- Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM daily
- Best For: Families, curious minds, and lovers of weird and wonderful exhibits
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is an attraction we've visited in various cities, including Wisconsin Dells. This 13,000-square-foot interactive museum features the strange, bizarre, and utterly unbelievable. Ripley's collection offers everything from strange artifacts to optical illusions.
Pro Tips:
- Plan at least 1-2 hours for a full exploration
- Bring a camera to capture the most incredible exhibits
- Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs
- Look for combo tickets with other local attractions
Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
- Address: 1670 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.254.5511
- Hours: Various showtimes; check current schedule
- Best For: Families, magic enthusiasts, and those seeking entertaining evening entertainment
Prepare to be amazed by world-class illusions that will make you question reality! Rick Wilcox's magic show isn't just tricks - it's a sophisticated, high-energy performance that combines comedy, skill, and pure wonder.
Pro Tips:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime
- Sit near the center for the best view of illusions
- Consider purchasing VIP or front-row tickets
- No photography during the show, so be present and enjoy!
International Crane Foundation
- Address: E11376 Shady Lane Rd, Baraboo, WI
- Phone: 608.356.9462
- Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily (seasonal variations)
- Best For: Nature enthusiasts, conservation supporters, bird lovers
The International Crane Foundation is a global conservation leader that teaches visitors about cranes. Visitors enjoy the beautiful grounds, see rare crane species up close, and learn about critical conservation efforts that are saving these incredible creatures.
Pro Tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring binoculars for better bird viewing.
- Check the website for guided tour schedules.
- Donate, if possible, to support conservation efforts.
More Recommendations in Wisconsin Dells for Families:
Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
- Address: 560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Phone: 608.254.2525
- Hours: 9 AM - 10 PM daily during peak season
- Best For: Science lovers, families, curious minds of all ages
The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is an interactive wonderland that transforms learning into an exciting adventure, unlike a typical museum. Featuring hands-on exhibits focused on science, it is a family-friendly attraction in the Dells.
Pro Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for maximum exploration
- Plan at least 2-3 hours to fully experience all exhibits
- Bring a sense of curiosity and willingness to play
- Check out the outdoor exhibits for additional fun experiences
Circus World Museum
- Address: 550 Water St, Baraboo, WI
- Phone: 608.356.8341
- Hours: Seasonal, typically May through October
- Best For: Families, history buffs, and circus enthusiasts
Step right up to a living piece of American entertainment history! Circus World Museum isn't just a museum - it's a vibrant celebration of the circus tradition that once captivated audiences across the country. Located in the original headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus, this attraction offers live performances, historical exhibits, and a magical glimpse into the golden age of circus entertainment.
Pro Tips:
- Attend the daily live performances for maximum excitement
- Bring a camera to capture historic circus wagons
- Check the schedule for special demonstrations
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the museum grounds
Wisconsin Deer Park
- Address: 1762 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
- Phone: (608) 253-2041
- Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM daily during summer season
- Best For: Families with children, animal lovers, nature enthusiasts
At the Wisconsin Deer Park, visitors stroll among over 100 deer, hand-feed them, and meet in a stunning natural environment.
Pro Tips:
- Purchase deer feed upon entry for the best interaction
- Wear shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty
- Bring hand sanitizer for after feeding
- Visit during cooler parts of the day for more active deer
Lost Canyon Tours
- Address: 720 Canyon Rd, Lake Delton, WI
- Phone: 608.254.8757
- Hours: Seasonal, typically late May through early October
- Best For: Nature lovers, families, adventure seekers
Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride and tour through a picturesque canyon. Learn historical facts and canyon lore. This is one of the original attractions that established Wisconsin Dells as a major destination and remains a must-see today.
Pro Tips:
- Wear layers, as the canyon can be cooler than outside
- Bring a camera with a good landscape mode
- Book early in the day to avoid crowds
- Check weight restrictions for wagon rides
Cascade Mountain
- Address: W10441 Cascade Mountain Rd, Portage, WI
- Phone: 608.742.5588
- Hours: Seasonal, primarily winter skiing and summer activities
- Best For: Winter sports enthusiasts, summer adventure seekers
Cascade Mountain offers snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing for all skill levels. Take lessons and courses before you hit the slopes.
Pro Tips:
- Take lessons if you're a beginner
- Rent equipment on-site to save luggage space
- Check snow reports before winter visits
- Look for multi-day pass discounts
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
- Address: E8948 Museum Rd, North Freedom, WI
- Phone: 608.522.4261
- Hours: Seasonal operations; check website for current schedule
- Best For: History enthusiasts, train lovers, and families with children
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an open-air living history museum and functioning railroad that recreates, preserves, and interprets the small town and shortline lifestyle from the "Golden Age of Railroading."
Pro Tips:
- Dress for outdoor weather, as much of the experience is on an open-air train
- Bring water and snacks for longer rides
- Purchase tickets online to guarantee your spot
- Consider bringing a small cushion for more comfort on historic train seats
Accommodation Tips
- Book resorts with both indoor and outdoor activities. Check out our Guide to the 5 Best Waterpark Resorts in Wisconsin Dells
- Consider condo-style rooms for multigenerational groups
- Look for properties with easy accessibility for grandparents
Conclusion
Wisconsin Dells offers so much fun; it is a great destination for a multi-generational getaway. From interactive wildlife encounters to engaging attractions and natural wonders, you'll find something for everyone.
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