Nearly every summer we take a family roadtrip up to Wisconsin. There are SO many family fun things to do in Door County with kids that it quickly became one of our favorite little getaways!
Situated on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan lies the most charming, scenic, picture-perfect destination of Door County, Wisconsin. With so much to do, see, and explore for all ages, Door County is consistently ranked as one of the top destinations for families.
With outdoor adventures and family fun such as beaches, hiking trails, lighthouses, orchards, farms, fish boils, and more, along the 10 waterfront towns and 300 miles of shoreline, it’s nearly impossible to do it all!
Door County is one of those places where families go back to visit each summer, spanning generations, and I can absolutely see why. It’s the perfect place for your next big outdoor adventure, with so many great things to do for both kids and adults together. It really is a destination that the whole family will love.
If you’re looking to plan a kid-friendly itinerary for Door County, Wisconsin- look no further! Here is the ultimate list of kid-friendly things to do in Door County (including the best restaurants for families and the best Door County family resorts!):
Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Door County
Visit The Animals
The Farm
A great first place to visit as you enter Door County through Sturgeon Bay is The Farm, an adorable hands-on farm where kids can bottle feed baby goats, piglets, and lambs, hold sweet kittens roaming around, watch chicks hatch, and so much more.
My kids had such a great time here being with all of the farm animals, that a visit to The Farm definitely earns a top spot on the list of kid-friendly things to do in Door County. (Children ages 2 and younger visit free)
Plum Loco
Another animal farm worth visiting is Plum Loco. Located in Egg Harbor, is this unique sanctuary for horses, miniature donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, pigs, geese, chickens, and many other varieties of animals. Kids can feed animals with a high-quality feed, as well as learn about nutritional needs of each animal.
Additionally, an adorable play-size village allows kids to explore inside the child-size buildings that are filled with toys and items for imaginative play.
Outdoor games are set up for kids, as well as a large ”farm play table” with sweet toy animals.
Plum Loco has a gazebo and picnic tables- perfect for a picnic lunch with the family. Lastly, I love how their mission focuses on the care and well-being of animals. Hands-down, Plum Loco is one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Door County.
Horseback Riding At Kurtz Corral
Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay offers year-round horseback riding for all ages. Ages 6 and older can go on an hour long guided scenic trail ride that goes through beautiful Door County forests. Younger children can go on a 30 minute arena ride guided with an adult. Horseback riding is such a unique, fun experience for families to do together and the trails in Door County are the perfect backdrop to explore.
Explore Washington Island
Ferry Ride
Another GREAT activity to do with the kids while in Door County, is to take the ferry ride over to Washington Island. With only a 30 minute ferry ride, kids will get an adventure with incredible views hopping over to the island, and once arrived, there’s so much to explore.
(Passenger vehicles can also board the ferry- phew!)
Schoolhouse Beach
On Washington Island, a must-do is to visit Schoolhouse Beach. Instead of sand, Schoolhouse Beach is filled with beautiful smooth stones- the kids will love to stack stone towers here. Schoolhouse beach is actually one of only 5 limestone beaches found in the world! The water is gorgeous and the endless stones are truly a sight to see.
Sand Dunes Park
If a sandy beach is also on the itinerary, Sand Dunes Park is a great option on Washington Island- the water is pristine and, unlike the popular Schoolhouse Beach, it’s rarely busy here.
Art & Nature Center
A unique little spot to visit with the family while on Washington Island is the Art & Nature Center. The Art & Nature Center offers classes and events for kids such as “stitch a birch bark basket”, “create a dream catcher” and presentations about nature, animals and special guests such as children book authors.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm is a stunning sight to see on Washington Island. Kids can explore through the fields of lavender and learn to cut and harvest their own bundle of flowers. It is the largest single-site lavender grower in all of the Midwest. Lavender peaks in July and August so if you’re visiting Door County during these months, be sure to make a stop at the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm!
Stavkirke
Bring some culture to your trip by visiting Stavkirke, a church modeled after an Ancient Norwegian Borgund Chapel. The Washington Island Stavkirke is a hidden historical treasure- it’s a peaceful place, a great photo opportunity, and kids will feel like they’re visiting a place straight out of the movie Frozen.
Albatross Drive In
While visiting Washington Island, a classic spot to stop for lunch is Albatross Drive In. Alby’s is a burger and ice cream staple on the island, and they have a nice sandbox for kids to play in. (For more recommendations of the best places to eat in Door County, scroll down).
On The Water
Go Boating Or Tubing
What better way to explore Door County than on the water! Check out Sister Bay Boat Rental to rent a pontoon boat for the day. They also have wakeboards, skis, kneeboards, and tubes available to rent for your adventure-seeking littles (and parents). A day on the water is sure to be a blast!
Door County Adventure Rafting
Door County Adventure Rafting is SUCH a cool experience for the family. From a small boat, see shipwrecks, lighthouses, islands, caves, bluffs, and remote sights in Door County.
On the tour, you will learn about the history of the waters surrounding Door County while seeing the gorgeous sights and shorelines of Baileys Harbor, Cana Island, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Peninsula State Park, and Plum and Pilot Islands.
NOTE: The tour is about 1.5 hours long, which can be tough for our littlest travelers, so make sure the kids are old enough to handle the full ride.
Additionally, private rides are available (and suggested for little travelers).
(Kids must be 3 years old to ride in a group, but can be younger on the private tour).
Orchards and Berry Picking
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country
Door County is known for their cherries, so what better way to experience the sweet fruit than picking your own. In mid summer (usually mid-July), sweet cherries line the orchards and are ready to be picked and snacked on. Lautenbach’s Orchard Country in Fish Creek is a great spot for cherry picking- one of the best kid-friendly activities to do in Door County!
If you visit Door County before the cherries are ripened, the cherry blossom trees are a gorgeous site to see in springtime when they’re covered in white or pink blossoms.
Seaquist Orchards
Seaquist Orchards in Sister Bay is a great place to visit with the kids for an orchard visit. Although not a U-Pick orchard, it’s still a fun place to visit their orchards, play at their small playground, and stop in their large market for some delicious cherry goods.
Come fall, the orchards change from cherries to apples, with the largest acreage of delicious Honeycrisp apples- yum! Stocking up on cherry pies and apple cider donuts are a must for the whole family!
Hiking & Biking
Bike Rentals
Edge Of Park in Fish Creek is a great spot to rent adult bikes, kids bikes, and bike trailers/Burleys to bring along your littlest travelers.
Peninsula State Park
Another great kid-friendly activity in Door County is to go on a bike ride through the beautiful Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. The Sunset Bike Route is 9.6 miles of relatively flat, fine graveled paths that can accommodate bikers and hikers, perfect for kids.
(Adult and kids bikes are available to rent at the Nicolet Beach concession stand, but if you prefer to secure your bike rental before venturing to Peninsula State Park, check out Edge Of Park rentals).
If your little explorers want to go for a hike at Peninsula State Park, there are multiple trails listed as “easy” such as: Minnehaha Trail, Sentinel Trail, White Cedar Nature Trail, and Trail Tramper’s Delight Trail (an easy, shaded 0.5 mile trail near the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse).
The Ridges Sanctuary
In Baileys Harbor, The Ridges Sanctuary is a fantastic spot to take the kids for a hike and visit to a nature center. I love a hiking path that is accessible for strollers, and the Hidden Brook Boardwalk at The Ridges provided just that- a well-maintained, raised, boardwalk-style path.
I kept telling my boys to stay on the boardwalk, as they would “accidentally” fall off, and warned them that they might see a snake… Sure enough, we did spot a small snake. As a result, my boys decided to listen to mom and stayed on the boardwalk. (Ha! Parent-win).
Visit A Lighthouse
Cana Island Lighthouse
One of the most popular lighthouses to visit in Door County is the Cana Island Lighthouse in Baileys Harbor. It’s the highlight of any Cana Island visit! Kids will have fun on the small tractor ride that takes them through the shallow waters to get to the lighthouse.
(Note: Children must be 5 years old and 42 inches tall to climb the tower, which includes 97 step spiral staircase. The Cana lighthouse tends to get very crowded so arrive early! Always check ahead of time because high water conditions have previously closed the ride due to unsafe conditions.)
Ziplining
Lakeshore Adventures Zip Line Tours
You won’t catch me ziplining through the forests of Door County, but for those adrenaline-seeking kiddos be sure to check out Lakeshore Adventures Zip Line Tours in Baileys Harbor! This scenic zip line tour takes you through the treetops of The Ridges Sanctuary nature preserves, with views of Moonlight Bay and Cana Island.
(Note: Be sure to check requirements ahead of time- a weight minimum of 60lbs is a requirement as of the time of this post.)
Showtime!
Skyway Drive-In Theatre
A super fun, old-timey, kid-friendly activity to do in Door County is to watch a movie at a local drive-in movie theater. Skyway Drive-In Theater in Fish Creek is the place to be! It’s just like a 1960s drive-in, except now we can watch Minions.
Northern Sky Theater
Featuring family productions outdoors in an open-air amphitheater, Northern Sky Theater is a unique itinerary option to take the kids to see a show in Peninsula State Park (Fish Creek).
Have a Beach Day
One of the best things to do in Door County to enjoy the natural beauty of the peninsula is to visit one of the many beautiful beaches. There are SO many lovely beaches in Door County, it’s honestly hard to choose just one! Here are some of the best beaches in Door County:
Ephraim Beach
We loved this beach! Located in Ephraim, it’s very shallow, perfect for little ones, and close to Wilson’s Ice Cream!
The small parking lot is just a few steps from the beach, so I was able to easily escape the heat with some AC in the car while baby took a nap. (Super helpful especially when you want an easily-accessible beach vs. a long trek / climbing a dune just to get to a shoreline!).
A perfect kid-friendly Door County beach!
Sister Bay Beach
A hoppin’ beach right in downtown Sister Bay, with boat rentals nearby. A quick walk to great restaurants like Wild Tomato, Door County Creamery, Grasse’s, Al Johnson’s, Analog Ice Cream & Coffee, and Skip Stone Coffee Roasters for coffee, pastries, and a light breakfast menu.
Egg Harbor Beach
A nice beach within walking distance to downtown. Egg Harbor beach has a playground, restrooms and changing rooms available, with accessible paved pathways, and kayak rentals available.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is such a unique beach! This stunning beach in Sister Bay is quiet and secluded, and made completely of smooth stones (no sand!). We had the beach to ourselves and our kids loved building towers with the smooth rocks and snorkeling the water’s edge.
Pebble Beach, Sister Bay, Door County
Nicolet Beach
If you’re visiting Peninsula State Park, Nicole beach is a nice option for a sandy beach that also has a small waterfront park / playground.
Fish Creek Beach
A small, kid-friendly beach in Egg Harbor with renovated bathrooms and changing rooms, right across from the popular Blue Horse Beach Café.
Schoolhouse Beach
Located on Washington Island, Schoolhouse Beach offers pristine waters, and gorgeous smooth stones that surround the beach. Being one of only 5 limestone beaches found in the world, this is such a unique experience that the kids will love. Perfect for stacking stones!
Sand Dunes Park
Also located on Washington Island, Sand Dunes Park is a beautiful sandy beach, and rarely busy (unlike the island’s Schoolhouse beach).
Things To Do In Door County On A Rainy Day (Or Cloudy Day!)
Sister Bay Bowl
Have a fun family bowling afternoon at Sister Bay Bowl (and they have a restaurant too).
Door County Maritime Museum
Located in Sturgeon Bay, the Door County Maritime Museum is the perfect spot for your little boat-lovers to check out!
PC Junction
In Baileys Harbor, PC Junction is an interactive train-themed burger restaurant that entertains kids with meals on tracks.
Hands On Art Studio
At Hands On Art Studio in Fish Creek, kids can do mosaics, ceramics, and even “art-to-go kits” like ceramics and bird houses that you can paint back at the resort.
Red Putter Mini Golf Course
At Red Putter in Ephraim, enjoy a family-friendly game of mini golf!
Free & Simple Outdoor Activities
Don’t forget the simple things to do!
- Watch a sunset over the beach
- Walk through the downtown of each small town
- Picnic on a grassy area and enjoy the spectacular views!
- Bring binoculars and go bird-watching
- Nature walks
- Play yard games at the resort or on open fields
- Go for a low-key day hike
The Best Restaurants In Door County
I’ve always thought that trying new restaurants is one of the best parts of family trips! I’ve scoped out which restaurants rank as the best restaurants in Door County for families. And if the kids are too wiggly to eat at the restaurant, order some carry-out and take it to a nearby beach for a family picnic. A perfect way to end the day!
Blue Horse Beach Café (Fish Creek)
Featuring artisanal breakfast and lunch fare, a coffee and espresso bar, and yummy pastries, the Blue Horse Beach Café is one of the best places to eat in Fish Creek. A perfect spot to order some lunch to-go and walk across the street to Fish Creek Beach. (I really liked their chicken curry salad sandwich!)
The Creamery (Sister Bay)
For great sandwiches and small batch artisan locally-made cheese, The Creamery is one of the best places to eat in Sister Bay.
Skaliwags (Fish Creek)
Featuring great sandwiches, burgers, carnitas, and Hawaiian-inspired seafood dishes, Skaliwags is another great choice for one of the best restaurants for families in Fish Creek.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant (Sister Bay)
Such a fun, kid-friendly restaurant featuring Swedish pancakes and goats on the roof! That’s right! What kid wouldn’t love to see goats climbing on the roof while scarfing down some amazing Swedish pancakes?! Al Johnson’s is one of the best places to eat in Sister Bay, but try to get here early because there can be a long wait.
Wild Tomato (Sister Bay & Fish Creek)
For really solid wood-fired pizzas, check out Wild Tomato in Sister Bay right near the beach (or Fish Creek). Be sure to order early as there can be a long wait at this popular pizza spot.
PC Junction
A train-themed restaurant perfect for the little ones! Who doesn’t love food and drinks delivered on a model train?!
Grasse’s Grill (Sister Bay)
Grasse’s is a great little lunch spot in Sister Bay for comfort food like burgers and mac and cheese with a twist, and unique options like their Door County Cherry Chicken Wrap or their vegetarian “Hippie Burrito”.
White Gull Inn (Fish Creek) (*Fish Boil Experience)
One of the best places to eat in Door County for a fish boil! A fish boil is a tradition in Door County that features freshly caught whitefish cooked over an open fire in boiling water alongside potatoes- just like the Scandinavian settlers used to do over a hundred years ago on the peninsula. Kids will be so entertained by the burst of flames that ignites the boil and results in a deliciously cooked dinner. How cool.
The White Gull Inn is also one of the best place breakfast spots in Fish Creek offering delicious menu items like Door County Cherry Stuffed French Toast. YUM.
Pelletier’s Restaurant (Fish Creek) (*Fish Boil Experience)
Another great spot for a traditional Door County fish boil is Pelletier’s in Fish Creek. They also have other options on the menu if you don’t care for fish- so you can still watch the experience of a fish boil but eat something else to your liking.
Old Post Office Restaurant (Ephraim) (*Fish Boil Experience)
For a fish boil dinner in Ephraim, be sure to check out Old Post Office. They also offer a nice traditional breakfast menu as well.
Chef’s Hat (Ephraim)
A solid restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Chef’s Hat is a great place to eat in Ephraim.
Not Licked Yet (Fish Creek)
A popular place to eat frozen custard in Fish Creek, Not Licked Yet also offers a cute playground on site. Frozen custard and a playground afterward- a double win for the kids!
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor (Ephraim)
We loved this old fashioned soda fountain ice cream parlor in Ephraim! Just a quick 2 minute drive from (the very kid-friendly) Ephraim beach, Wilson’s has been a staple in Door County since 1906.
Featuring nostalgic juke boxes, home-brewed draft root beer, and an array of ice cream flavors, this is definitely a spot to eat with the kids when visiting Door County.
Analog Ice Cream & Coffee (Sister Bay)
A great little place to grab a coffee or scoop of ice cream near Sister Bay beach. Analog Ice Cream & Coffee serves tea, coffee, iced coffee, ice cream, and a light bakery/food menu consisting of breakfast burritos, quiche, scones, cinnamon rolls, etc.
Door County Ice Cream Factory and Sandwich Shoppe (North Sister Bay)
Family vacations require a visit to an ice cream shop and Door County Ice Cream Factory is open daily with all the premium flavors, such as a Door County Cherry Sundae. Yum!
Skip Stone Coffee Roasters (Sister Bay)
For coffee, pastries, and a light breakfast menu right across from Sister Bay beach, be sure to check out Skip Stone Coffee Roasters.
Albatross Drive In
While visiting Washington Island, a classic spot to stop for lunch is Albatross Drive In. Alby’s is a burger and ice cream staple on the island, and they have a nice sandbox for kids to play in.
Fish Creek Market (Fish Creek)
We were pleasantly surprised by this little market! Fish Creek Market makes artisanal sandwiches and other delicious menu items. Stocking locally made frozen pizzas (and a huge wine selection)- if you’re in a pinch or the wait is too long at a restaurant, this is a perfect quick stop for a meal to bring back to the resort.
Door County Resorts For Families
Most resorts in Door County are kid-friendly, but some offer extra perks that make it even more appealing for families with young kids. These are some of the best Door County family resorts:
Little Sweden (Fish Creek)
Last summer, our family of 7 stayed at Little Sweden in Fish Creek and really enjoyed our stay! The resort is situated on a beautiful golf course surrounded by trails. Our kids had a blast running up and down the huge rolling hills surrounding the golf course.
The multi-level townhome-style suites were perfect for sprawling out and not feeling cramped in a tiny hotel-style accommodation. It included a full kitchen, dining area, washer and dryer, cribs, whirlpool tubs, a sunroom, a walk-out deck, and an attached garage. The attached garage was great for lugging all of our gear (and kids) easily out of our minivan and straight into our unit at the end of the day. Our kids also loved playing in the whirlpool tubs!
The best perk to staying at Little Sweden was their indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool has a beautiful view surrounded by trees, and the indoor pool was SUCH a plus on rainy days or at night when my husband could take the older kids while I was getting the younger kids to bed. Divide and conquer!
A playground on site, and free bike rentals were also one of the many amenities that were worthwhile for our trip. Additionally, we loved the location of Fish Creek. The resort itself was nice and secluded, and yet we were only a short drive to so many of our adventures while in Door County. Our family had a great time at Little Sweden and we would definitely stay at this family-friendly resort again!
The Landmark Resort (Egg Harbor)
For a secluded resort vibe in the woods of Egg Harbor, The Landmark Resort is a very popular option for the best kid-friendly resorts in Door County. Although it does not have a beach, it makes up for it with great views of the lake (try to book suites on the lake side!).
The Landmark Resort is an all-suites resort, which makes it perfect for families needing extra space and kitchen accommodations. It has 3 heated pools and an indoor swimming pool open 24/7- which is great for those early risers or for tiring the kids out before bed (regardless of weather!).
In addition, The Landmark Resort has tennis courts, a basketball court, shuffleboard court, pickleball court, volleyball court, playground, cribs, air-conditioned rooms, a fire pit for bonfires, hiking trails, and the Carrington restaurant on-site. It doesn’t shout “luxury” but it has many amenities for lodging with little ones to make your family vacation to Door County more enjoyable.
The Water Street Inn (Ephraim)
Another popular place to lodge for families is The Water Street Inn, located in downtown Ephraim. The Water Street Inn has a great downtown location- walking distance to the very kid-friendly Ephraim Beach and Wilson’s for ice cream! The inn offers free kayaks & bikes to rent, an outdoor heated pool, lawn games, a refrigerator and coffee maker in unit, and a lovely water view for all rooms. While it doesn’t offer the extra living space, kitchens, or indoor pool like the previously mentioned resorts, it does have a prime location to the beach and more of an “updated” feel.
Extra Notes About Visiting Door County With Kids:
- While Sturgeon Bay is nice, you’ll be in the car a lot to get to many of the recommended attractions.
- I recommend staying in Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay or Egg Harbor.
- Always check websites (or call) beforehand for information on days and hours of operation so you don’t miss out!
- Especially traveling with little ones, in case of rainy days, it’s always a great idea to stay at a resort with an indoor pool!
- Do not collect stones from Schoolhouse beach- it’s illegal and there’s a hefty fine
- When booking your resort, always ask for an “updated unit”, or one with a great view, or one “near the outdoor/indoor pool”- whichever is most helpful for you and your family, it pays off to ask for what you want!
- Don’t forget- when you’re traveling with little ones, pack TONS of snacks so your daily adventures are more enjoyable and free of extensive toddler meltdowns!
I sure hope this ultimate Door County itinerary of kid-friendly things to do is helpful! Now you know the best family fun things to do in Door County with kids- what to do, where to eat, and where to stay for a family-friendly resort- so get packing, grab the kids, and enjoy the best of Door County, Wisconsin!
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