There are many great activities for kids and families in Appleton, WI. Are you planning a weekend trip to the Fox Cities? Here are my recommendations:
Fall or Winter
SATURDAY
1. Building for Kids Children’s Museum – 9 am
The Building for Kids is located in downtown Appleton. When we arrived we parked in the recommended parking area (the Red Ramp) and walked to the museum. On the main floor our favorite exhibits were the airplane + control tower and the Discovery Tree climbing area, which also continues upstairs. The main floor has great family bathrooms!
PRO TIP: Bring a full change of clothes for your kids. They might need them after playing in the water area!
Upstairs, my kids loved the water area, the vacuum ball tubes (see first photo), and my son was excited about the cute play area just for kids age 3 and under. The museum is really chock full of great exhibits. If you run out of time to do everything before lunch, you can ask for a hand stamp before you leave and come back later that day! We had a great time and will definitely go back! [The museum generously waived our admission for my honest review.]
2. Lunch at Copper Rock Coffee Company – Noon
This coffee shop has simple sandwiches, good coffee, and is within walking distance from the Building for Kids.
PRO TIP: Have a refrigerator where you’re staying? Like bagels? Pick up some cream cheese and bagels at Bagelicious while you’re in the area!
3. Nap at your Airbnb rental – 2 pm
If you are new to Airbnb, you can $40 off your first stay by clicking the link above. You can frequently find 2 bedroom homes or apartments for the same price as a studio hotel room. If your kid (or you!) need a nap, there is nothing nicer than having real bedrooms with doors!
4. Dinner at Glass Nickle Pizza Co. – 5 pm
Eat in, or get a pizza to-go from this great WI original.
5. Funset Boulevard – 6 pm
If your kids still have energy, check out Funset Boulevard. You can buy a wristband for unlimited access to the carousel, bumper cars, playground climbing area, and the train. (Adults cannot go in the climbing area so make sure you trust your kids to be on their own.)
SUNDAY
1. Breakfast – 8 am
If you grabbed some bagels yesterday, eat those! If not, check out brunch hot-spot, SAP.
2. Luv2 Play – 10 am
This indoor playground has a climbing structure with slides and other fun areas for kids. (Adults can climb in the structure too, but should be aware that it’s a little tricky to crawl through some of the areas.)
PRO TIP: Feed your kids a snack before you go in! No outside food is allowed.
2. Lunch at Mai’s Deli – 1 pm
This is a great place for Vietnamese food!
Going to multiple museums? Check out the Museums of Appleton Pass!
Other activity options:
- Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve
- Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
- History Museum at the Castle
- Weis Earth Science Museum
- Paper Discovery Center