Visiting Door County with Kids

Kristy Pepping said:  We stayed in Sister Bay so we decided to try Door County Boats for a tour that left from the Sister Bay Marina. They have several tours to choose from all lasting an hour or so. We chose the sunset cruise and it was beautiful. The boat is a double-decker ship with a bar and snack area below for purchase. There is plenty of seating and takes you around the Door County area.

Kristy Pepping said:  Candy and fudge anyone? Do not miss this opportunity to indulge when visiting Door County with kids! Door County Confectionery fudge is homemade and in some stores, you can actually see bakers preparing it in front of your eyes. Candy includes everything from suckers to gummies to chocolate. Plus, they have several stuffed animals in case your child is searching for a new friend. I personally love their English Toffee and my kids always grab a handful of candy from one of their several bins. Yum!

Kristy Pepping said:  The Farm offers up close and personal visits with farm animals. They have a large barn area and then several farm animals who also roam the property freely like goats and kittens. All animals are friendly, but if you have a family member a bit scared of animals, take this into consideration. You can even feed the animals like goats some milk from a bottle! Besides the animals, there are smaller buildings in the back of the property that gives you a history lesson into various farming methods.

Summer/Fall

Kristy Pepping said:  A trip to Door County with kids is not complete without a stop at a farm stand. These farm stands are large buildings full of fresh and local products - and Door County is known for is locally grown cherries! Our favorite place to stop is at Seaquist Orchards for these cherry products and more. Not only do they have products like dips, apples, and sweet treat mixes like cherry brownies, they have kid-friendly play options as well. While you shop, kids can occupy themselves outdoors at the playground, play in the sandbox, sit in several wagons, and more. Plus, kids always enjoy sampling their way through the store! Check out their events and canning tours, too.

Summer/ Fall

Kristy Pepping said:  Northern Grill & Pizza is a great place for a family dinner! This American-style restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza. They also have a kid's menu available. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend sitting outside on their back patio. Here you'll find a ping pong table as well as a playground. While the kids wait for the food, the whole family can play! I should also mention they do carry out in case the little ones are too tired to sit down.

Lunch/Dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  Bay Shore Outfitters offers unique Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga classes every week. This fun class is run in shallow water and they use a milk jug with sand in it to keep everyone's board in place. No experience necessary. I will add Bay Shore Outfitters also features paddleboard rentals, classes and even daily kids' camps, which is especially ideal for short-term visitors.

Kristy Pepping said:  Johnsons Park is an amusement park featuring go-carts, mini golf, a bounce house, an arcade and more. We have basically tried every activity at this park and everything was great. The golf course is super compact so it's easy for little ones to walk between holes. My mom took my daughter on a go-kart since they conveniently have two-seater versions. And in case you are like my family and love mini golf, this place is next door to Pirate's Cove another mini golf spot!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are looking for a fun game of mini golf, Pirate's Cove is a great stop! It offers scenic waterfalls, some water holes and lots of winding hills to aim for that hole in one. I like that they offer several sizes of clubs perfect for all kids. Plus, they give kids a goody bag at the end with a pirate's flag, eye mask and other pirate themed loot! And if you get a hole in one on one of two holes for the day, you win a free game! (Good thing we go back each year so we can redeem the one my daughter won last time!)

Kristy Pepping said:  Plum Loco is a fun stop for kids when in Door County! You can get a bucket of carrots and grain to feed the animals. Some animals include horses, pigs, goats, sheep and other barnyard friends. After you are done feeding, there is a fun play area in the middle of the property. Kids will love the little play houses large enough to go in and out of, the pedal cars and the several games to play like checkers at the tables that surround this area.

Kristy Pepping said:  For a place to sit outside for dinner and enjoy a lake view, Fred & Fuzzy's fits the ticket. This casual restaurant is located in front of the lake and offers a full food menu plus kid-approved desserts. And, if you have antsy kids like mine, you can place their order and then watch them throw rocks into the water from the shoreline, play in the small sandy beach or take a walk down the little pier.

Open Late May - Mid-October; Lunch and Dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are looking for a pizza place when in Door County, head to Joe Jo's. You can dine in or carry it back to your hotel. Besides pizza, they offer gelato. The fruit flavors of the gelato are dairy-free so family with lactose restrictions can enjoy. While the kids are waiting and if the weather is nice, there is a field next to this restaurant. In this field are lawn games and a jungle gym. Kids can burn off some energy, if they have any left from the day! Plus, this restaurant is next door to The Red Putter for a game of mini golf before or after dinner.

Lunch and Dinner

Kristy Pepping said:  The Red Putter is a miniature golf course in Door County. If you have early risers like my kids, you'll love that they open earlier than the other mini golf courses in the area. This course has fun water features and rock obstacles to complete. They also have benches between holes for little ones to take a break.

Kristy Pepping said:  Every year we go to Hands On Art Studio. When you drive up, you'll see horses and chickens out front. Once you enter the property, you'll notice several little houses all with a different craft to make. Kids can work on glass mosaics, jewelry, ceramics, painting, metalworking and more. You really can't go wrong! After you are finished, there are snacks and drinks located at checkout. Plus, a playground outside for some fresh air. Just note that projects need time to dry and are typically available for pick-up next day afternoon so plan accordingly.

Kristy Pepping said:  Another great place to grab lunch, dinner, or just ice cream, is Wilson's when visiting Door County with kids. It's located across the street from the lake so a perfect spot to carry out and watch the waves. If you are eating onsite, they have an outdoor patio and Jukebox inside. While you are waiting for your food, kids will love selecting a song from this old-fashioned music player.

Food consists of traditional American food like hamburgers, salads, milkshakes, and sandwiches. For ice cream, try one of more than 20 flavors or if you're feeling adventurous, a super sundae!

Summer

Kristy Pepping said:  A trip to Door County would not be complete without attending a fish boil at the Old Post Office Restaurant. Although there are several spots around town that hold these, the Old Post Office Restaurant stands out. Why? They offer the fresh fish plus fish alternatives if you have kids who are picky eaters. The whole family will love the boil process! Whitefish is caught by local fisherman and then all can watch as they boil the fish in a large pot. The grand finale is when kerosene is poured on the pot creating large flames and the oil spilling out. Dinner is served at this point! See website for the menu.