Events & What’s Happening
Annual opening of the iconic WWII-era amphibious vehicle tours that travel through the Upper Dells, plunging into the Wisconsin River for a land-and-water adventure.
💡Book online in advance for summer weekends — this is one of the most popular family activities in the Dells and sells out quickly.
Hot air balloon launches and twilight glows over the Wisconsin River corridor, drawing families for colorful displays and tethered rides.
💡Arrive at dawn for the mass ascension — kids love watching balloons inflate up close before the crowds gather.
One of the oldest outdoor performances in the Midwest, featuring Native American Ho-Chunk Nation dances and ceremonies held at Stand Rock amphitheater along the Wisconsin River.
💡The evening show is accessible only by boat or by walking a scenic trail — arrive early to catch the sunset over the sandstone formations.
Large fireworks show launched over the Wisconsin River with live music and family activities along the waterfront in downtown Wisconsin Dells.
💡Stake out a spot on Broadway or the river walk by 7pm for the best unobstructed view of the fireworks.
Annual triathlon event set against the scenic Wisconsin Dells landscape, with youth and adult divisions making it a family-friendly spectator and participation event.
💡Cheer on participants near the finish line on the downtown riverfront — kids love watching athletes complete the final sprint.
Seasonal boat tours on the Upper and Lower Dells highlighting the dramatic fall color changes along the sandstone bluffs and forested river banks.
💡Peak color typically hits in early to mid-October — the Upper Dells boat tour offers the most spectacular foliage-framed canyon views.
Halloween-themed events across the Dells resort corridor including trick-or-treat trails, haunted attractions, and costume contests at multiple participating venues.
💡Younger children enjoy the daytime trick-or-treat events at the indoor waterparks, which are less scary than the evening haunted experiences.
Holiday season celebration featuring light displays, Santa visits at indoor waterpark resorts, and seasonal activities throughout the resort community.
💡Book a mid-week waterpark resort stay in December for holiday ambiance at a fraction of the summer price.
Weekly Wednesday story time at the Kilbourn Public Library offering read-alouds, songs, and simple crafts for children ages 2 through 6.
💡A perfect rainy-day activity year-round — arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot and check out extra books before heading to the waterparks.
Weekly open-air farmers market in downtown Wisconsin Dells featuring local produce, honey, baked goods, and handmade crafts from regional vendors.
💡Pick up fresh Wisconsin cheese curds and locally made jam — kids enjoy sampling and vendors are friendly to little browsers.
Naturalist-led Sunday morning hikes at nearby Devil's Lake State Park (25 minutes from the Dells) covering geology, wildlife, and glacial history along beginner-friendly trails.
💡The East Bluff Trail loop is manageable for kids ages 6 and up and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the lake below.
America's largest outdoor waterpark hosts weekend family-focused programming including character appearances, kids' games, and special ride events throughout the summer season.
💡Visit on a Saturday morning when gates open to enjoy the wave pool and younger kids' areas before afternoon crowds peak.
Free Friday evening outdoor concerts held at Riverside Park in downtown Wisconsin Dells featuring local and regional bands across a variety of genres.
💡Bring a blanket and lawn chairs — the grassy area near the river is perfect for kids to dance and play while adults enjoy the music.
Planning Your Visit
Neighborhoods & Areas
Local Tips for Families
- 💡Noah's Ark tickets are meaningfully cheaper when purchased online at least 24 hours in advance — walk-up gate prices in summer 2025 were roughly $15–$20 higher per person than the online rate, which adds up fast for a family of four.
- 💡The Dells Boat Tours upper Dells excursion sells out on July weekends by mid-morning — book your tickets online the night before and arrive at the Broadway dock at least 20 minutes early to secure seating on the shaded side of the boat.
- 💡Kalahari Resort's indoor waterpark is open to non-guests on a day-pass basis, but they quietly stop selling day passes once the park reaches capacity, which happens by 10am on rainy summer days — call ahead at (608) 254-2192 before driving over.
- 💡The Tommy Bartlett Waterski, Sky, and Stage Show on Lake Delton runs nightly at 8:30pm in peak summer and costs significantly less than a full day at a waterpark — tickets run around $25 for adults and $15 for children, making it an ideal lower-cost evening activity after a waterpark day.
- 💡Mt. Olympus offers a wristband for unlimited go-karts, mini-golf, and roller coasters that provides much better value than paying per ride — families who arrive when gates open at 10am and stay through mid-afternoon consistently get the most out of the wristband price.
- 💡Moosejaw Pizza & Brewing Co. on Broadway stops taking large walk-in groups without a wait after about 6pm on summer weekends — put your name on the list before 5pm or call ahead, and note that kids genuinely love the underground cave seating section.
- 💡Mirror Lake State Park's canoe and kayak rentals from the park concession stand book up on summer weekends — reserve through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system at least a week ahead rather than counting on walk-up availability.
- 💡The Lost Canyon horse-drawn wagon tours north of downtown on Canyon Road are often overlooked by first-time visitors but take about 40 minutes through a genuine sandstone canyon with no walking required, making them ideal for kids ages 3–8 who can't keep up on longer hikes.
- 💡Parking downtown on Broadway becomes genuinely difficult after 11am on summer weekends — the municipal lot off Superior Street fills first, but the lot adjacent to Ripley's Believe It or Not on Broadway typically has space 20–30 minutes longer than the Superior Street lot.
- 💡Wisconsin Dells restaurant prices are inflated during peak season — the Cheese Factory Restaurant on Wisconsin Dells Parkway is a local vegetarian institution with large portions and prices noticeably lower than the resort-area restaurants, and kids tend to love the build-your-own mac and cheese options.