Wisconsin in the summertime is an ideal vacation destination for families looking to spend time together having fun. With places like the Wisconsin Dells jam-packed with family-friendly activities, there is definitely no shortage of places to visit, but Northern Wisconsin often gets overlooked as a destination of choice.
The northern portion of the state has great family activities all summer long in a beautiful setting of lush green woods and sparkling blue lakes. Check out some of these fun ideas to plan your next trip.
Head to the Rodeo
Spooner, located in Washburn County, may be a small town but it offers big fun. The annual Spooner Rodeo from July 11–13 is fun for the whole family. The rodeo includes all of the excitement of cowboys and cowgirls competing in competitions, as well as plenty of fun activities for the crowd to participate in like the Kid’s Nickel Scramble.
In addition to the non-stop entertainment of the clown, the rodeo will also have live country music and a parade. There will be plenty of vendors selling wares and a variety of food booths selling yummy carnival treats.
General admission tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children per day. Three-day passes are available for $36 for adults and $18 for children.
Ride a Zip Line
Riding a zip line is not only fun, but a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Northwoods Zip Line experience can be found in the Oneida County town of Minocqua, known for its outdoor adventures. The ride sends you soaring over the treetops and a beautiful lake at a height of 1,000 feet. The experience is great for kids 7 and older and costs $105 per person.
The company also offers a kid-specific zip line tour specially designed to accommodate children as young as 3. Tickets for this experience are only $30.
Remote lake in Northern Wisconsin. Photo: NatmacStock | Dreamstime.com
Catch a Lumberjack Show
Check out Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show on Hayward Lake. Shows include demonstrations and competitions like logrolling, pole climbing, axe throwing, canoe jousting and speed carving. The show lasts approximately one hour and tickets cost $10.95 for kids aged 4–11, teen and adult tickets cost $14.95 and children under age 3 get in for free. If you are planning to attend a Scheer’s Lumberjack Show with small children, the matinee performances are best as they include bonus activities for the little ones.
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