
Visiting Door County with Kids
Visiting Door County with kids features so many fun and exciting things to do in this quaint peninsula off Wisconsin. The area juts out into Lake Michigan and is dotted with picturesque towns along both sides. Once you are in Door County, hopping from town to town only takes around 10 minutes by car. Families can expect water sports, charming restaurants, ice cream shops, mini-golf, and other family favorites.
Have you been to Door County, WI, as a family? Please add your favorite things to do on our list!
Gravity Trails Shipwreck Kayak Tour
Kristy Pepping said: If you want some water fun while you are visiting Door County, head out as a family on a 2-hour shipwreck tour. Take glass-bottomed kayaks out on Lake Michigan and see the many wrecked ships at the bottom of the lake. This is a guided tour and you are asked to bring items like sunscreen and bug spray. See website for a complete list of what to pack for your adventure.
Baileys Harbor, WIWhitefish Dunes State Park
Kate Wille Murray said: Beaches are clean and wide. Great trail to get from parking lot to the beach. Beaches are no longer handicap accessible because of high Lake Michigan levels.
Sturgeon Bay, WIMountain Park and Lookout Tower
Kristy Pepping said: If you are on Washington Island (accessible by ferry), visit Mountain Park. This is a pretty park to go on a hike, but the best part is the lookout tower. If you have little ones, this may not be suitable for them because they will need to climb 186 steps to get to the top of the lookout tower. Once you are at the top, there are some great views of the island and Lake Michigan. On a personal note, my youngest was four when we did this and was able to handle this climb. There are some steps that bring you to a landing where you can rest and even sit at a picnic table before heading up the stairs of the tower.
Washington Island, WICherry Train
Kristy Pepping said: If you did not bring your car to Washington Island (via ferry), you may be surprised to learn that there are actually several roads there. So it's hard to get around without a mode of transportation. No car? No worries. Just jump on the Cherry Train! This train or really tram takes you around the island and stops at all the touristy places to see. Plus, you'll have a guide giving you background on each stop. Rides are two hours each and trams are open so make sure to dress accordingly.
Washington Island, WI
Fragrantisle
Kristy Pepping said: Fragrantisle is a lavender farm located on Washington Island. In order to get there, you'll need to take the ferry over with your car or jump on the tram that tours the island once you are off the ferry. They are the largest lavender grower in the Midwest. Kids will love running through the fields, smelling the lavender and seeing how it's grown, and dried out to make products. Once you are done touring the farm, check out their large array of lavender products inside the shop, or enjoy lunch on the terrace.
Washington Island, WI
Washington Island Ferry
Kristy Pepping said: Door County is a peninsula and right off the tip, are two small islands, Washington and Block. Washington is the larger of the two islands and this quick ferry goes to just Washington Island. The Washington Island Ferry can accommodate cars as well, and that mind-blowing concept could honestly be the highlight of this short trip for your kids! You simply sit in the car, pay your entrance fee and drive your minivan or sedan directly onto the boat! Pets are welcome but must be leashed if brought outside of the car.
Ellison Bay, WIThe Ridges Sanctuary
Kristy Pepping said: The Ridges Sanctuary is a unique nature preserve with 30 acres to explore. There are over 500 plant species, breeding birds and endangered/threatened species. Kids can explore both the indoor Nature Center and hike the Ridges outdoors. The Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center has exhibits, workshops and classes. Hiking you'll experience animals and plants on several well-marked trails. There are also 2-hour guided hikes where you'll learn more about the property for an additional fee.
Baileys Harbor, WISchool House Beach
Kristy Pepping said: If you take the ferry to Washington Island, I highly recommend checking out School House Beach. Although there are a few beaches on the island, this one is truly unique. In fact, there are so few other beaches in the world like it. The beach is made up completely of medium-sized rocks. My kids loved to skip the rocks and pick them up and make different sculptures out of them. If you pack a lunch, there are picnic benches set up. You are also free to swim in the water as well. It makes for great photos too!
Washington Island, WILakeshore Adventures Zipline Tours
Kristy Pepping said: If you are looking for ziplining in Door County, I highly recommend Lakeshore Adventures. They gave us a great safety lesson before we started, had two instructors with our family the entire time and all of our kids had fun. You need to be between 60 and 245 pounds to ride and you must bring closed-toed shoes.
Baileys Harbor, WIRenards Cheese - Factory Tour
Kristy Pepping said: Wisconsin is known for several foods and one of these is cheese. But do your kids know how that cheese that goes into their sandwich or on their macaroni is made? Renards Cheese will show you how cheese is made and you even get some samples at the end of the tour! Tours are 30 minutes and advanced reservations are required, when operating.
Algoma, WIPC Junction
Kristy Pepping said: Toot toot all aboard! Do you have a train-loving child? While visiting Door County with kids, check out PC Junction - a restaurant that delivers your food via a model train car! Please note that the train delivers food around a circular track at the counter so if you want the train delivered food, this is the place to sit! Other than that, there is also other seating located around the restaurant and they have an outside patio too. While you wait or after your meal, make sure to walk the kids in the back of the property. They have pedal cars and playground equipment.
Baileys Harbor, WIKurtz Corral
Kristy Pepping said: Is your child horse-obsessed like mine? Then they will love Kurtz Corral! They offer horseback Western trail riding led by instructors. Make sure your family dresses in long pants and closed-toe shoes. Helmets are available for all riders. Trails vary in length and any age can ride. Reservations can be made online.
Sturgeon Bay, WIAl Johnson's
Molly Weber said: If you're in Door County with kids, plan a pit stop at Al Johnson's to check out the goats grazing on the restaurant's grassy roof. Visit when you're hungry to enjoy Swedish favorites served by employees dressed in traditional garb.
Sister Bay, WIBirchwood Lodge
Kristy Pepping said: Birchwood Lodge is a fun place to stay in Door County with kids. First of all, they have several different room arrangements from regular hotel rooms to entire houses for up to 10 people including kitchens. In the lobby, they offer breakfast each morning and DVDs to watch in the rooms. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, grills on site, game room, laundry facility, bike rentals and more. Plus, this hotel is close enough to walk into downtown Sister Bay and there is a grocery store behind the property for those kid-friendly snacks.
Sister Bay, WISister Bay Bowl and Supper Club
Kristy Pepping said: Sister Bay Bowl is a bowling alley located right downtown in Sister Bay. It's a great family outing for a rainy afternoon or an evening before bedtime routines. If you decide to eat while you are there, kid's get a free game with the purchase of a meal. Check out their food menu for detailed options. Also, they have typically host special events throughout the year, which can be a lot of fun if you are in town during one of them.
Sister Bay, WIPrimary photo: Upparent
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