While I would love to be on some tropical island with an umbrella drink, it’s not a reality for our family this Spring. That doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy the break. In fact, there are some amazing spring break getaways in Wisconsin.
Spring in Wisconsin is actually one of my favorite times of the year. Everyone is so excited that the deep freeze of winter is almost over. If they are anything like mine, you’ll often find your kids begging to wear shorts on 40 degree days. Restaurants start to open their patios, and that big yellow ball finally appears in the sky.
Spring Break getaways in Wisconsin allow your family to enjoy that sunshine, explore this great state, and not break the bank. Our family has taken several spring break getaways in Wisconsin, so I’m sharing ideas for your next family trip. Our trips were taken before COVID, but I’ve included information on current protocols and procedures.
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Madison
Only about an hour away, Madison is a fantastic destination for a family. We love to explore and shop on State Street, learn a little about our State Capital Building, and get some great food. Public buildings are currently closed. However, you can still walk around and enjoy the scenery. Public parks are also open with COVID precautions in place.
One of our favorite restaurants is right on UW Madison’s campus called The Nitty Gritty. They serve delicious burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere. If you happen to have a birthday, you will get a free mug (with a beverage of your choice!) and a balloon. The restaurant is currently open at 25% capacity. You can read about their other safety precautions here.
Did you know that Madison also has a great free zoo and a fun Children’s Museum? The zoo is open, requiring age five and up to wear masks, along with other safety measures. The Children’s Museum was closed as of publishing this post, but check their website for updates on reopening plans. Plus, you can get your kids excited about college by walking around the campus and Camp Randall, where the Badgers play. Even though it may not be warm enough to swim, a walk along Lake Mendota is beautiful.
Madison is also close to other spring break getaways in Wisconsin.
House on the Rock
The House on the Rock is located in Spring Green, about an hour to drive from Madison. Their 2021 season begins on March 17th, with COVID precautions in place.
There’s so much to see, but it’s a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Most of the attraction is indoors, but there are also beautiful gardens. We ended up spending the whole day there.
At the end of the day, we went back to our hotel in Madison, but there is also a resort in the immediate area with a spa and golf course. It might be worth an extra day as part of your spring break getaways in Wisconsin.
The Dells
The Wisconsin Dells are truly a place for everyone. We stayed at The Wilderness and took my parents along. It was great because we stayed in a suite big enough for everyone. Both kids and adults loved the giant indoor waterpark. I loved the outlet mall right next door, and my parents loved the casino, which is currently open and operating under 25% capacity.
The Wilderness currently has a “Safer-At-Play” policy in response to the pandemic.
Green Bay
About two hours away from Milwaukee, Green Bay is another of my family’s favorites and would be a perfect spring break getaway in Wisconsin.
We found a hotel, The Ramada Plaza Hotel Green Bay, which not only had an indoor pool but also had two water slides. The boys would have been happy spending the whole vacation right there. However, we found something else to entertain them: The National Railroad Museum. When we went, it was during A Day Out with Thomas, but the museum itself has plenty to see without the number one engine in attendance. Moms of train-obsessed kids know what I mean.
Capacity is limited in both the museum and on the train rides.
Sheboygan
One last idea for a spring break getaway in Wisconsin is Sheboygan. From the gorgeous beaches at Kohler-Andrae State Park to the John Michael Kohler Art Museum, there really is something for every family member.
My boys loved walking in the sand at the park, playing at the playground, and getting ice cream at a soda shop on the boardwalk. There is also Bookworm Gardens, a cute book-inspired botanical garden, which opens on May 1st for the season.
Even though Wisconsin may not be the first place you think of for spring break getaways, it definitely should be. There are so many fun and beautiful places to explore close to home. For more ideas, please check out our Guide to 100 Day Trips for Milwaukee Families.
