A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
We’re all about family here in Wisconsin! And August just happens to be Family Fun Month, celebrated across the nation. This year, plan your month of fun in Wisconsin! Discover the endless, family-friendly opportunities, including festivities, outdoor recreation, and rainy-day activities, throughout America’s Dairyland.
Family-Friendly Festivities
Festive fun can be found all across the state, from the western border to the northernmost point. Make your way to western Wisconsin, where a unique, family-friendly festival awaits in small-town Holmen… none other than Kornfest! Every year, the third week of August, Kornfest offers families (and friends) kernels of fun, with food, fireworks, kiddy games, and more!
Bring your kiddos up North for another fun-filled festivity in the heart of the Northwoods–downtown Eagle River! Happening August 23rd, Wiggle Giggle & Shake, a free program focusing on music and movement, is all about creating happy times and core memories for kids and parents alike. Children ages 0-5 are welcome to sing, play, and dance the day away!
Outdoor Recreation
You can’t beat the outdoor recreation in Wisconsin, but you can top it off with some family company! A hub of outdoor recreation, Jefferson County, nestled in the southeastern corner of the state, has all the routes you can imagine, by land and water. Pedal your way to family fun biking on the Glacial River Biking Trail–a six-mile stretch of paths built over an abandoned railroad track. Make it an even sweeter ride with a stop at Jones Dairy Farm, an ice cream parlor and market.
Paddle into more family-time adventures along the famous Jefferson County Rock River Trail, which has 155 access sites to launch your kayak or canoe. Along the way, make a few pit stops, like The Heron’s Landing for a quick bite to eat and Goat Island! Yes, goats on an island! Of course, there’s always room for ice cream at Frostie Freeze. After all, Jefferson County is the dairy capital of the country.
Rainy-Day Activities
Rain or shine, there’s family fun to be had in all weather! A rainy day calls for some shopping. In southern Wisconsin, in the city of Wauwatosa, shops big and small are scattered galore! For a mall shopping experience, head to the Mayfair Mall. Or, if you’re looking to shop locally, visit The Village and stop at The Flannel Fox, Cream City Soap, and The Village Cheese Shop, to name a few family favorites.
The family fun in southern Wisconsin doesn’t stop there…What do you get when you combine food and exciting entertainment? The one-and-only Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson! Fireside is the ultimate place for family fun indoors. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, topped with a signature dessert that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. From dinner to the theatre, find your seat in an immersive theatre with a circular stage. The whole family will be entranced, as stories take form and the characters come alive right before your eyes.
This August, celebrate Family Fun Month in Wisconsin! No matter what your family (or closest friends) enjoy, we’ve got it all, from family-friendly festivities and outdoor recreation to rainy-day activities.
Hailey Rose, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Bally Sports Wisconsin or online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
