Episode 19: Safe Summertime Fun in Wisconsin

What is there to DO this summer??? Many families have had to cancel vacation plans and trying to figure out how to entertain children (and adults) amidst a pandemic can be overwhelming. Maria and I have both taken to being “tourists” in WI and planning day trips and outings within the region. We discussed many of these options today and thought we would compile links and tips to help all the friends because summer is long… 

First a shout out to Go Valley Kids https://govalleykids.com/

What a great site that has compiled so many awesome things to do: Mural Hunt in downtown Appleton, Places for a Sunday Drive, Summer Bucket List, 60 Spots for Ice Cream in Northeast Wisconsin, a day trip to Waupaca, Beaches, if you aren’t following this page you should. Their facebook page is filled with so much information - right at your fingertips.

Maria took her kids and some of the kids in their “bubble” tubing on the Wolf River. http://wolfrivertrips.com/ has everything you need to know about taking your own trip. Who doesn’t want to float on the river for a few hours?

Maria and Michelle both visited the Paine Art Center and Gardens recently and were quite impressed with the levels they are going to to keep everyone safe. Reservations in advance are required (pay at the door) and the garden gnome hunt is such a fun way to spend a few hours in the mansion and gardens https://www.thepaine.org/events/admissionreservations/

Why not hit an outdoor patio at Fox River Brewing Company, Beckets or Mahoney’s after, go on a mural hunt downtown or get some custard from one of the many places in Oshkosh Carmel Crisp, Rhapsodies, Leon’s or Ardy and Ed’s. 

Michelle is finding things to do between Wausau and Oshkosh with her sisters and nephews. JoJo’s Jungle https://www.jojosjungle.org/ a park for all abilities in Wausau; Stevens Point Sculpture Park http://stevenspointsculpturepark.org/ and a trip to Belts Ice Cream or a trip to the Neenah Splash Pad in Washington Park https://www.ci.neenah.wi.us/departments/parks-recreation/splashpad-washington-park/ (and ice cream) are on the short list of things to do.

State and County Parks are always a fun trip, car ride, walking, picnic, maybe stop for a treat lots of fun for everyone and every ability. Parks are also fun for all well into fall, with color change and more. Some of our favorite parks:

High Cliff State Park https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/highcliff/

Dave’s Falls https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/daves.shtml

Fronferek Glen https://www.browncountywi.gov/community/parks-department/general-information/

Dells of the Eau Claire River https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=109

Newport State Park https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/newport/

Peninsula State Park https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/peninsula/

Cave Point County Park https://www.doorcounty.com/experience/cave-point-county-park/

Roche-A-Cri State Park https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rocheacri/

KohlerAndrae State Park https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kohlerandrae/

The drive in movies and mini golf/go carts are another thing fun for all ages two of our favorite places to check out are:

Field of Scenes Drive-in: https://www.fieldofscenes.biz/

Badger Sports Park for mini-golf and go-cart outdoor fun: https://badgersportspark.com/

And for adults why not take out from your favorite local business and eat at a local park if you don’t feel like eating at home. Or turn on a baseball game and grill and do an at home tailgate. Mondo and Rye are offering fun dining out options in Appleton, popular in Oshkosh at Planet Perk in the Grind are picnic lunches by local food trucks https://www.facebook.com/PlanetPerkinTheGrind and https://www.facebook.com/newfoodtruckmashup has great offerings in Oshkosh and Appleton.

We’d love you to join the conversation, what are your favorite regional places to visit? Day trips within the state? How are you keeping yourselves and family busy this summer? How can we help one another out? 

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