13 Things to Do in Lake Geneva with Kids

Experience Safari Lake Geneva from the comfort of your vehicle. Purchase a cup of grain and feed animals from your window. Drive through as many times as you’d like. The animals roam free, so each time is a unique adventure.

Timber Ridge Lodge is conveniently situated between the major metro areas of Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. With plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, along with events and dining to amuse the adults, it's full-on family fun when you play and stay at Timber Ridge Lodge.

Kristy Pepping said:  Timber Ridge Lodge is the best indoor water park in Lake Geneva! It's conveniently located right off the highway before you hit downtown, too. This is most helpful for families arriving for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago. I love the room options for families! They offer many two-bedrooms with a kitchen. When you stay overnight, you get passes to the water park. They offer day passes, too. Enjoy so many kid friendly activities geared for all day indoor and outdoor fun. The Grand Geneva Resort, located on the same property, offers some of the best restaurants in Lake Geneva to dine, golf, and relax too.

Dan Patch Stables offers a handful of kid friendly things to do in Lake Geneva. Just located off town a bit, stop in for pony or trail rides, check out their free petting farm, and experience some of their awesome attractions around the holidays like haunted hayrides and horse-drawn sleigh rides! The stables are near the property of The Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge Resort.

Golf, hike, spa, bike, ski, and dine as you explore 1,300 beautiful acres at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

Kristy Pepping said:  We always make it a point to visit the resort at Grand Geneva. This premium retreat features world-class golfing, spa and fitness opportunities, skiing and snow sports, seasonal festivals, and some of the best restaurants in Lake Geneva! You can stay overnight, or visit during the day as a guest.

Family activities in Lake Geneva go beyond water recreation. Check out Tristan Crist Magic Theatre for some indoor fun! These stunning magic show performances run about an hour, with new tricks added to keep you coming back year after year.

The Baker House is a historic mansion‑turned boutique hotel, restaurant, and event venue with quite a colorful past.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Baker House is a historic hotel located in downtown Lake Geneva. Its elegant restaurant with a view attracts visitors to come dine for brunch and dinner. Our kids love this place for dinner because they have several hats located around the restaurant. You can pick one up and wear it during dinner. Or you can swap them out throughout dinner and try several. There is no dedicated kid's menu, however, they offer small plates and crowd-pleasing desserts. We love the chocolate fondue! Also, Baker House has a nice outdoor area that is great to walk around while you wait for your food.

Allison Wonderland in Lake Geneva is a toy store — a locally owned, family‑run shop that’s been in business for decades. They have a variety of unique toys, games, puzzles, art supplies, and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  If your kids enjoy souvenirs from family trips, then check out Allison Wonderland in Lake Geneva. It's a great toy shop located downtown featuring puzzles, games, baby toys, books, arts and crafts and more. My kids save up their allowance money to pick out a special toy from this shop! The store staff is very friendly and even have tables and displays set up to test out some toys.

Kilwins in Lake Geneva is a nostalgic sweets shop located in the Landmark Center, known for its handcrafted chocolates, caramel apples, and its “Original Recipe” super‑premium ice cream served in warm waffle cones. 

Kristy Pepping said:  For some of the best ice cream in Lake Geneva, check out Kilwins! Located 1 block in from the lake, they also have candy, popcorn and fudge for sale. We always make it a point to stop at this shop when we are in town. The line gets long, but it does move fast! There are a couple of tables located just outside the restaurant in the inside mall.

Join daring mail jumpers on this exciting cruise as they leap from the boat to deliver mail to 75 lakeside residents – without waiting for it to stop! Witness the thrilling feat up close as the captain and crew share stories of Lake Geneva’s historic lakeshore estates.

Kristy Pepping said:  One of the most unique things to do in Lake Geneva! How about delivering the mail on a boat as you pull up to the houses along the lake? For over 100 years, that's how it has been done on Lake Geneva and continues today. US Mailboat Tours last about two and half hours and make a full circle back to Riviera Docks. Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a variety of other kid-friendly tours, too.

June 15–September 15

Riviera Beach is located in downtown Lake Geneva next to the historic Riviera building. It has 600 feet of sandy beach along the lakefront with a beach house and board walk. Daily admission is charged during the summer. Dogs are not allowed at the beach.

Kristy Pepping said:  Lake Geneva has a family-friendly public beach located just a couple blocks from downtown. The beach offers plenty of sandcastle-worthy fine sand and the water is shallow enough to wade out quite a bit. There is also a diving platform located just off the shoreline. Plus, there is a bathhouse with restrooms on the premises.

Popeye’s on Lake Geneva is a casual family dining experience serving classic American dishes, featuring house-made soups, salads, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, burgers, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials that include new creations and returning guest favorites!

Vanessa M. said:  Popeye's Galley and Grog is one of the best kid friendly restaurants Lake Geneva has to offer. This spot is family run and has been a local staple since 1971. Situated just off the beach, the view of the lake is a major plus! Outdoor seating is a nice option in warmer months. Popeye's is a true family restaurant, and they just "get" kids. The kids menu has options like buttered noodles, chicken tenders, burgers, and more, while the regular menu is great for steaks, seafood, and their signature rotisserie chicken.

The Dancing Horses Theatre is the home of the most amazing Vegas-style show in the area – a horse show in Lake Geneva! A talented team of creative, artistic, and technical professionals has come together to create a magical experience for you and your family.

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures offers zipline and ropes courses and a climbing tower for some outdoor thrills while you're visiting with kids. You can see Lake Como from some areas located at 1,200 feet in the air, too! They offer family hiking and mountain biking trails as well.