Things to Do With Kids in the Northwoods
The obvious answer is "go to the lake." And yes — you should go to the lake. But at some point, usually around day three of vacation, somebody's going to need a change of scenery. Maybe it's raining. Maybe the kids are tired of swimming. Maybe you just want to do something that involves a shirt and shoes.
Good news: the Northwoods has a lot more family-friendly activities than people realize. Some of them have been here for decades. Some are newer. All of them will keep kids busy and parents reasonably sane.
Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari — Minocqua
The second-largest zoo in Wisconsin, in the middle of the woods.
Wildwood is the one everybody tells you about, and for good reason. It's a full-scale zoo with over 200 animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, tigers, bears, and wolves. Kids can hand-feed giraffes, walk through the Budgie Encounter aviary, and pet miniature goats in the contact area. The Safari Tram ride takes you through an open-range section where animals roam freely.
This isn't a small roadside attraction. Plan for at least half a day, bring sunscreen, and know that your kids are going to want to feed every animal that allows it.
Open seasonally, typically May through September. Minocqua. wildwoodwildlifepark.com
Northwoods Children's Museum — Eagle River
Twenty-six exhibits designed for hands-on chaos.
The Northwoods Children's Museum in Eagle River is the only children's museum in an 80-mile radius, and it punches above its weight. Twenty-six interactive exhibits include a ranger station, a pioneer cabin, Grandma's attic, a giant loom, and plenty of build-it-yourself activities that keep kids engaged for hours.
It's best for ages roughly 2-10, and it's one of the few indoor activities in the area that genuinely entertains rather than just kills time. Open year-round: Monday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM.
346 W Division St, Eagle River. northwoodschildrensmuseum.com
Scheer's Lumberjack Shows — Woodruff
Log rolling, pole climbing, and canoe jousting — live.
Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Show is one of the most unique family attractions in the Northwoods, and it's been running for decades. World-class lumberjack athletes perform ten different events over about 90 minutes, including the boom run (racing across floating logs), speed climbing 60-foot poles, log rolling, cross-cut sawing, and canoe jousting.
The show mixes comedy and history with the competition, and kids love it. Shows run rain or shine from May through September at the Woodruff arena.
Pricing: Kids 3 and under free. Ages 4-11: $14.95. Ages 12+: $19.95. Seniors: $16.95.
1112 Hwy 47 East, Woodruff. scheerslumberjackshow.com
Northwoods Zip Line — Minocqua
Adventure courses for kids as young as three.
Northwoods Zip Line offers canopy tours and adventure courses that work for a wider age range than you'd expect. Kids as young as three can participate in the adventure bridges, and older kids can tackle the lake crossing and the dual race zip line. The courses are set in the forest canopy, which makes the whole experience feel distinctly Northwoods.
It's a solid half-day activity, especially for families with kids who have energy to burn and aren't interested in sitting still.
Minocqua area. northwoodszipline.com
Bearskin State Trail — Minocqua to Harshaw
Eighteen miles of flat, rideable trail with 13 bridges.
The Bearskin State Trail is an 18-mile crushed granite path that runs from Minocqua south to Harshaw, crossing 13 trestle bridges along the way. It's flat and smooth enough for kids on bikes (and for pulling a trailer), and the bridges and forest scenery keep it interesting.
Bike rentals are available at BJ's Sportshop in Minocqua if you didn't bring your own. Keep your eyes open for deer and bald eagles — both are common along the trail. A state trail pass is required for riders 16 and older.
Trailhead in Minocqua.
Minocqua Pontoon Cruises
A boat tour through the chain of lakes.
Minocqua Pontoon Cruises runs four cruises daily through the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, and it's one of the easier ways to get the whole family out on the water without renting a boat and navigating it yourself. The pontoons are comfortable, the guides point out wildlife and local landmarks, and the pace is slow enough that even small kids can sit through it.
You'll likely spot loons, eagles, and possibly otters. Pontoon rentals are also available if you'd rather captain your own tour.
8579 US Highway 51 N, Minocqua. minocquapontooncruises.com
Go-Karts and Mini Golf
For when you just need to let them race.
Two spots in the area cover the go-kart and mini-golf basics:
- Holiday Acres Recreational Park in Minocqua has go-karts, mini golf, and other amusements in a lakeside setting
- Rock Falls Riding Stables, Mini Golf & Go Karts combines horseback rides with a mini-golf course and go-kart track
Neither is fancy, and that's the point. Sometimes you need a place where the kids can race something motorized and eat ice cream afterward.
Beaches
Sand, water, and very little fuss.
The Northwoods has hundreds of lake beaches, but a few public ones stand out for families:
- Torpy Park in downtown Minocqua — sandy beach, picnic area, restrooms, and right in town
- Brandy Park — quieter option with good swimming and a picnic area
- Clear Lake Beach — clear water and a sandy bottom that's great for younger kids
All are free and open to the public. Bring your own towels, sunscreen, and snacks.
The Short List
If you've got one day and need to make it count:
- Morning: Wildwood Zoo or the Children's Museum
- Afternoon: Bearskin Trail bike ride or pontoon cruise
- Evening: Scheer's Lumberjack Show or ice cream in downtown Minocqua
If you've got a full week, you'll find something different to do every day without repeating. The Northwoods is better for families than people give it credit for — and when the kids finally do get tired, the lake is always right there.
