Visiting Door County with Kids

Molly Weber said:  If you're in Door County with kids, plan a pit stop at Al Johnson's to check out the goats grazing on the restaurant's grassy roof. Visit when you're hungry to enjoy Swedish favorites served by employees dressed in traditional garb.

Goats late May-mid October

Tim Ponisciak said:  Kids who are die hard football fans will love this museum, located next to historic Lambeau Field. You can see the Packers' 13 world championship trophies, a replica of iconic head coach Vince Lombardi's office and numerous interactive exhibits. Depending on the day, you can also schedule a tour of Lambeau Field!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you take the ferry to Washington Island, I highly recommend checking out School House Beach. Although there are a few beaches on the island, this one is truly unique. In fact, there are so few other beaches in the world like it. The beach is made up completely of medium-sized rocks. My kids loved to skip the rocks and pick them up and make different sculptures out of them. If you pack a lunch, there are picnic benches set up. You are also free to swim in the water as well. It makes for great photos too!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are coming to Door County with kids, you want to take full advantage of nature! A great stop to get some fresh air is Peninsula State Park. This park offers several marked trails for walking or biking, a sandy shoreline beach and a lighthouse to climb up. Make sure to stop by White Cedar Nature Center for other park activities like crafts and workshops. Plus, they offer the "Like to Hike" program in which kids participate in park activities and earn pins (for purchase). Kids 3+ can receive a Wisconsin Explorer booklet and earn a patch once complete.

Kristy Pepping said:  Gibraltar Grill is an American-style cuisine restaurant. It has a nice indoor section, but the best place is actually the patio and lawn. While you wait for your food, play a game of cornhole, try your hand at the giant Jenga or test out your Ladder Ball skills. Kids will have more than enough to stay entertained while they wait for dinner to be served. If you have your four-legged friend with you, they are also dog-friendly!

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:  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:  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:  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:  We really like this beach when visiting Door County. This is a small beach with plenty of parking nearby and they also have a parking lot at the beach. There is also a playground for added fun. Kids can bring small rafts into the water and there is a nice roped off section for swimming. Plus there is plenty of sand for that signature sandcastle! Note there are no lifeguards on duty and they only have port-a-potties. But this beach is right downtown Fish Creek so there are plenty of restaurants nearby for a bite to eat and use of a regular bathroom.

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:  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:  Wisconsin makes amazing custard! I would describe their frozen custard as a more dense version of frozen yogurt and creamier than soft serve ice cream. A great place to enjoy custard in Door County is at Not Licked Yet. Every day, they offer a different flavor to sample, along with favorite traditional flavors. They also have an outdoor playground and a scenic trail that runs behind the property with plenty of ducks floating by.

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:  If you want some water fun while you are visiting Door County, head out as a family on a 2-hour shipwreck tour. Take glass-bottomed kayaks out on Lake Michigan and see the many wrecked ships at the bottom of the lake. This is a guided tour and you are asked to bring items like sunscreen and bug spray. See website for a complete list of what to pack for your adventure.