OT: Wisconsin with kids: need experts

[surfgirl]

I'm taking the kids (4,6,8) to visit extended family in Wisconsin this summer. Along with the obligatory family visits, I want to work in some fun things.

1) Wisconsin Dells - has anyone done a Duck tour ? Which one ? Upper Dells or Lower Dells ?
- this is planned as an afternoon stop to break up the driving trip from one place to another -- I don't want an entire day, but a few hour activity.

2) Wisconsin Dells - water park. Kalahari Falls vs. Great Wolf Lodge vs. Noah's Ark - opinions ?
- concerned that it is best oriented for my kids' ages. Will spend an overnight here to get 'free' waterpark. Either of them 'nicer' in the actual room?

3) East Troy Trolley tour - has anyone done this ?

4) Delavan - has anyone stayed at Delavan Lake Resort ? It looks fairly new and nice... looks nicer than Lake Lawn. Any thoughts ?
- (visiting family in the area, so committed to Delavan)

5) Milwaukee - flying in and out of here. airport hotels ? kids' activities ?
- don't want to spend a ton of time here but would consider either the zoo or the Children's Museum (probably not time for both).
- Art Museum 'wings' - is this too old for my kids ? Will they enjoy a tour ? (my parents really want them to do it...)

thanks everyone... trying to figure out these things

 

[keetmommy]

I am from Wi and will try to answer some of your questions if I can..

1. The ducks are fun, we did the lower dells last summer and my kids really enjoyed it.

2. Water parks, we only do the indoor ones in the winter so I haven't been to Noah's Ark for years, the nice thing about the resorts is they have indoor/outdoor slides that you don't have to worry about the weather.

3/4. Make sure you check out the Alpine Valley music sight if you are going to be in the area over the week-end because it may be crazy and not someplace where you want to be with kids depending on who is there (This from someone who has been there many times to see Jimmy Buffett)

5. Flew out of Milwaukee last week/in an Sunday night after our wonderful vacation and even with 2 special needs kids it was easy.

6. Do the Zoo, not the childrens Museum. I don't think the CM is that great and it is a nice zoo..

Any more questions I will try to keep an eye on the thread.

Amie

 

[D&DDisney]

I'm taking the kids (4,6,8) to visit extended family in Wisconsin this summer. Along with the obligatory family visits, I want to work in some fun things.

1) Wisconsin Dells - has anyone done a Duck tour ? Which one ? Upper Dells or Lower Dells ?
- this is planned as an afternoon stop to break up the driving trip from one place to another -- I don't want an entire day, but a few hour activity.
Duck rides are different from Boat tours. If you do a boat tour, I'd suggest the upper. It is 2.5 hrs but very scenic and there are 2 stopping points to get out and look around.

2) Wisconsin Dells - water park. Kalahari Falls vs. Great Wolf Lodge vs. Noah's Ark - opinions ? Kalahari and Great Wolf are hotels w/ water parks. Noah's Ark is just a water park. Kalahari is nicer but more expensive (like $300+ per night) Noah's Ark is great for a day trip. About $35 admission , I think, for the day. Something there for kids of all ages. Check for discounts before you go.
- concerned that it is best oriented for my kids' ages. Will spend an overnight here to get 'free' waterpark. Either of them 'nicer' in the actual room?

3) East Troy Trolley tour - has anyone done this ?
It's about $10 per person and the ride is not that long. Kinda boring unless you are really into trains trollies

4) Delavan - has anyone stayed at Delavan Lake Resort ? It looks fairly new and nice... looks nicer than Lake Lawn. Any thoughts ? Never been here.
- (visiting family in the area, so committed to Delavan)

5) Milwaukee - flying in and out of here. airport hotels ? kids' activities ?
- don't want to spend a ton of time here but would consider either the zoo or the Children's Museum (probably not time for both). Do the Zoo. It is great w/ lots to do there. One of the best zoos.
- Art Museum 'wings' - is this too old for my kids ? Will they enjoy a tour ? (my parents really want them to do it...)Its very nice but kids don't really get into it.
If you are are here during Summerfest (June 26-July 6) I'd recommend that. Great music festival at the lake front.

thanks everyone... trying to figure out these things

Since you will be in Delavan, you may want to check out the Kettle Moraine State Park. Great beach in Ottawa Park. Camping, biking, hiking, swimming. Also, Old World WI is not that far from Delavan.Outdoor museum from the 1800s. They have many day activities there. Runs about $16 adults and $9 kids.
Have a great time!

 

[jen2207]

I'm taking the kids (4,6,8) to visit extended family in Wisconsin this summer. Along with the obligatory family visits, I want to work in some fun things.

1) Wisconsin Dells - has anyone done a Duck tour ? Which one ? Upper Dells or Lower Dells ?
- this is planned as an afternoon stop to break up the driving trip from one place to another -- I don't want an entire day, but a few hour activity.

2) Wisconsin Dells - water park. Kalahari Falls vs. Great Wolf Lodge vs. Noah's Ark - opinions ?
- concerned that it is best oriented for my kids' ages. Will spend an overnight here to get 'free' waterpark. Either of them 'nicer' in the actual room?

3) East Troy Trolley tour - has anyone done this ?

4) Delavan - has anyone stayed at Delavan Lake Resort ? It looks fairly new and nice... looks nicer than Lake Lawn. Any thoughts ?
- (visiting family in the area, so committed to Delavan)

5) Milwaukee - flying in and out of here. airport hotels ? kids' activities ?
- don't want to spend a ton of time here but would consider either the zoo or the Children's Museum (probably not time for both).
- Art Museum 'wings' - is this too old for my kids ? Will they enjoy a tour ? (my parents really want them to do it...)

thanks everyone... trying to figure out these things

We go to the Dells at least 2 times a year - once in Winter, once in summer (we live about 2 hours away)

#1 - The Ducks - I prefer the original wisconsin ducks (green trucks). They are located on the main road - across from the giant go-cart place. The drivers are knowledgable and funny - usually college kids. They are on the lower dells, but since the ducks get in and out of the water - it's pretty cool. You can take a boat tour on the upper dells - but it seems that the lower dells has more of the action - ducks, speed boat tours, Bartletts etc.

#2 - We've stayed at both the Kalahari and the Great Wolf Lodge - - I think the Kalahari has a better waterpark and also has options for rooms with kitchenette. I don't remember this being an option at Great Wolf Lodge so we have not stayed there for several years. To be quite honest - for the past 3 summers we have stayed at the Wilderness on the Lake. Excellent rooms with so much space and our kids love the infinity edge pool. You can go to the waterparks - but after a while of slides, my kids love a pool to actually swim in. So if I can't "sell" you into the WOTL - which again, I LOVE! I'd do Kalahari.

Also here is my best tip for booking a room in the Dells - and especially at the Wilderness resorts. Wait until about 2 weeks before you want to go. For example a 2 BR Condo at WOTL runs up to $500/nt. But I have called in late June for a mid-week stay and gotten it as cheap as $200/nt. Late June is a good time to go - not as busy as July. And the Wilderness has a zillion rooms available - so if you can go with short notice, they'll sell it at a deep discount.

#3 Never heard of the East Troy Trolley.......

#4 We've been to Delavan and the Lake Gevena area too. It's a different kind of vacation - less to do, but could be more relaxing too. The resorts in the area are a bit more "dated" than the Dells. The Geneva Grand built a waterpark a few years back - we've not been there but my husband's business partner took his family - they said it was nice but smaller.

#5 Milwaukee - the zoo is very nice and a Miller beer stand at every corner. Which I just find funny for a family/kids attraction - although I'm not going to say I haven't sampled the libations while there on a hot hot day! Hotels near the airport are standard airport hotels - can't think of anything that stands out. Depending on when you are going Summerfest occurs the last week of June through July 4th weekend. It is the largest music festival, in the midwest, at least. I loved Summerfest when I was in college - have not been back with kids - too many drunks.... or at least those are my memories...... so you may want to go to see some great bands, or you may want to avoid traffic, drunks etc. Or the State Fair is in Milwaukee in August, I think. That's always fun - fair food who can beat that!??!

Milwaukee Brewer games are fun and the new stadium is very nice - clean, kid friendly. Even cool to check out on non-game days.

If you are looking for a great Wisconsin vacation place - I would highly recommend Door County as well. We go there every summer and wouldn't miss it. Lots to do, or nothing to do - very relaxing. Good shops, restaurants, parks, wineries etc.

 

[surfgirl]

You guys ROCK!

1) Dells tour - after your comments and a little digging, sounds like the 'Original Duck' is the way to go (I think the camo one is newer and got some negative reviews). My Dad is going with us and I think he is more excited about this than my kids ! lol. This will be used as a way to break up the trip between 2 points and should be about the right amount of time (I don't want to get committed to a 3 hr tour on the SS Minnow).

2) water park. I think I'll avoid Noah's Ark. One of the appeals of either GWL or Kalahari is that I can take the little guy back to the room if his sisters want to play longer. WOTL looks awesome for a family vacation, but since we are just using this as time about the kids, we'll probably aim for one of the other ones. Thanks for the tip about rates !!

3) Trolley tour - again, my Dad is all geeked about this. We'll probably use it as a way to break up the trip from Delavan to Milwaukee, although it really isn't a far drive. He thinks my 4yo ds would really like this... I'm thinking that maybe I'll send them one way and drive the car so we aren't on the trolley for an hour

4) Delavan - we are committed to this since there is family in the area. Probably won't spend much time in the actual resort, but I like the idea of having a kitchen in the condo one. My cousin in the area has a boat, etc. so we'll probably spend time with him.

5) Milwaukee - sounds like the zoo is a good option. I remember doing Summerfest as a kid, but I think mine are a little too small.

---
My parents both grew up in Wis. and my kids have never been there. After an uncle just passed away, I was feeling guilty and decided that we really should go - also because I need my parents help to see all the aunts/uncles and cousins that I haven't seen in 10 years. So I'm managing the expectations and needs of 4,6,8 yo's as well as 80-something parents. Most places we'll do 2 rooms, but a few (Delavan Lake Resort, for example), we can get a 2 bdroom condo for cheaper than 2 rooms.

wish me luck THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the input!!

 

[braylon]

Hi,

Wisconsin -A great place to go with kids.
It supposed to be interesting-Rock Climbing And Backpacking At Devils Lake
There's some good info here: http://www.viamigo.com/place/5430/wisconsin
Have fun!!!!!!!!!!

Thsnks.

 

[McKelly]

Don't rule out the Wilderness. It not only has condo's/cabins, but a hotel as well, with several waterparks on property for all ages. It also has a Wisconsin Ducks pick-up right in the parking lot, which is very convenient. I believe kid's eat free at their restaurants too. We go to the Wilderness every summer, it is a great resort.

 

[mamaLori05]

I'm from Waukesha, so not too far from where you are talking about going. I've done the East Troy Trolley, and if you are into trolley's it will be great. They have a little museum where you board, and then it takes you to Elegant Farmer (In Mukwonago). (I recommend getting the apple pie in a bag there! YUM!) Anyway, you can get off, walk around Elegant Farmer (basically a farmers store) and then hop on and head back. Nothing fancy, but still something to do.

As for the Dells, I totally recommend Noah's Ark. It's the best waterpark in my opinion. A full day thing too!!! I'm not sure about the hotels. We stayed at Kalahari in the winter and it was nice. The hotel itself is nice, but the waterpark is okay. Great for an indoor park, but nothing compared to Noah's Ark. I'd say the Kalahari waterpark is more of a half day thing. Hope that helps.

I would also recommend the Zoo. We have a pretty nice zoo. Discovery World (the children's museum) is fun too, but if you can only do one, I would do the Zoo. However, if it turns out to be a rainy day, head to Discovery World.

 

[cwojchik]

I would have to second (very loudly!) to go to Wilderness Lodge. We always stay at their Glacier Canyon rooms and they are WONDERFUL! 1 1/2 baths, two separate rooms, one with king and other with double/bunk bed, fireplace, flat screen, full kitchen and connected indoors to waterparks. They usually run specials on these (check website and sign up for coupon mailings) and we always get these rooms for 129.00/night - includes waterpark. One more thing, kids eat free at one of the restaurants. We have a 5 and 2 yr old and I feel there are tons of slides and activities for both of them. We go in the winter and in the summer, they have several water parks outside as well. My only caution would be to go to any of these parks in the week, if you can. they are less busy and less expensive.

 

[El&Asmom]

Haven't read all the replies, but here's what I know:

I'm taking the kids (4,6,8) to visit extended family in Wisconsin this summer. Along with the obligatory family visits, I want to work in some fun things.

1) Wisconsin Dells - has anyone done a Duck tour ? Which one ? Upper Dells or Lower Dells ?
- this is planned as an afternoon stop to break up the driving trip from one place to another -- I don't want an entire day, but a few hour activity.

We have done the ducks and had fun. They go pretty fast and my kids are a bit whimpy at 2 and 4 so I don't think we will go again any time soon, but they are fun. We did one of the boat rides, and thought it was kinda boring. Just a boat tour really. dd was 2 at the time and had a hard time sitting still.

2) Wisconsin Dells - water park. Kalahari Falls vs. Great Wolf Lodge vs. Noah's Ark - opinions ?
- concerned that it is best oriented for my kids' ages. Will spend an overnight here to get 'free' waterpark. Either of them 'nicer' in the actual room?

We do the Wilderness Resort every summer and love it. We have friends and family that have done the other two big hotels, and liked it but from what I've heard, the Wilderness is supposed to be the best. We like it b/c there are 3 outdoor waterpark area's and 3 indoor ones. So even if it's raining, there is plenty to do. We also like that it is away from the highway set back in the woods so it is pretty quiet. The other nice thing about doing the waterpark hotels is that you can come and go as you please. My kids are still small, so we can't do the all day waterpark thing. We usually do breakfast, (the buffet style place is where the kids eat free. It's a great breakfast but still expensive). After breakfast we either go swimming or an activity somewhere in the Dells until it is warm enough to swim. We go back to the resort, swim until lunch. Have lunch, maybe a nap and then swim until dinner. After dinner either we go to an indoor water area or they also have "dry" play areas. There is one that has balls the kids shoot and climbing structures. There is also an arcade area. We'll be there later in June. I hope it warms up soon. It was 45 degrees here yesterday.

3) East Troy Trolley tour - has anyone done this ?

Nope.

4) Delavan - has anyone stayed at Delavan Lake Resort ? It looks fairly new and nice... looks nicer than Lake Lawn. Any thoughts ?
- (visiting family in the area, so committed to Delavan)

Dhs family used to go there. But I've never been. I've heard it's nice.

5) Milwaukee - flying in and out of here. airport hotels ? kids' activities ?
- don't want to spend a ton of time here but would consider either the zoo or the Children's Museum (probably not time for both).
- Art Museum 'wings' - is this too old for my kids ? Will they enjoy a tour ? (my parents really want them to do it...)

Sorry, we haven't spent much time in that town.

thanks everyone... trying to figure out these things

 

[Relish]

1) Sorry, can't help with the Ducks tour.

2) Water parks --bascially, it will be hard to go wrong with any of the three (Great Wolf, Wilderness, or Kalahari).
We vastly prefer Great Wolf but have a younger child. We toured Kalahari (twice) and Wilderness (once) we just weren't impressed so we keep going back to GW. The Kalahari just hasn't seemed worth the extra $. Wilderness is HUGE meaning very spread out. Walking from one section to another was a hike and just not for us. I'll go there next before Kalahari though as they seemed to have more variety. Kalahari is very loud to me (music and very high ceiling indoors). The wave rider looks cool, but we wouldn't use it. Great Wolf is three seperate indoor rooms, so we like being able to say, "We're going to X room" and know that our family/group is fairly contained. Also, shorter walk back to the room. Ds also gets a big kick out of the clock and interior theming. I don't know about kitchenettes, but all rooms at GW have a microwave, fridge, sink for dishes, ceramic mugs as standard. AVOID, avoid, avoid Chula Vista. Just don't go.

Great restaurant next to Wilderness and just down the road from Kalahari and Great Wolf is the "Cheese Factory." Its actually a vegetarian restaurant we learned but so very, very tasty. They have an old fashioned soda fountain counter, amazing deserts, and kid cupcake heaven.

3)Can't help here.

4) Can't help again.

5) Milwaukee
- I'll just add that the Zoo has very expensive (IMO) parking so for a half day may not be worth it.
-Lake front by the Children's museum is the new aquarium and the Betty Brinn museum.

- Art Museum 'wings' - is this too old for my kids ? Will they enjoy a tour ? (my parents really want them to do it...)
We think its cool but it really depends on your kids whether it will impress or bore them. Hard to say. Dh and my Mom love to watch. On windy days I wish it moved faster. The Dale Chihuly chandelier right inside the lobby might earn a Wow from the kids too. Check the exhibits, they had a great puppet one last year, but traveling so I'm sure its moved on, but there may be something family oriented for summer.

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

I agree with the PP about The Cheese Factory Restaurant! It is unbelievably quaint. The staff are so nice too. We also like to eat at the Moose Jaw.

My kids are DS7 and DD4. Last time we were in the Dells we stayed at Chula Vista Resort. It has been remodeled and you can choose from rooms, villas or condos. We had a two bedroom condo with 2 baths and a hot tub. It was really nice. They have a HUGE waterpark (indoor and outdoor) that is included with your stay.

We always go to Deer Park to feed the deer (they come right up to you). Our kids adore it. If you have time, try to catch a movie at The Big Sky Drive-In. It is a gem, an old fashioned drive-in movie. It is clean and has a great consession stand. We go every summer!

We didn't love The Duck ride (I think we went on The Original Ducks"). The gas smell was really bad and my DD fell asleep. Not too exciting after the initial plunge into the water.

Enjoy!!!

 

[jen2207]

You might want to re-think the visit to Wisconsin Dells boat tours. There is no water in the lower dells - Lake Delton. The 250 acre lake breached its dam and the lake emptied of its water in the course of a couple of hours last weekend.

There are still waterparks etc. - but Tommy Bartletts waterski show, boat tours, etc. Won't be open this year. I tried to find the video of some of the houses that were literally washed away - but I couldn't find it. Here is a link to a newspaper article about the empty lake. http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/290816

I;ve never seen anything like it - it is literally gone. No water. Bet it stinks to high heaven with rotten fish left behind in the mud today.....

It's too bad about the people that lost their houses - I saw on the Today show that they did not have the right kind of insurance (I'm guessing flood insurance) so they lost everything with no insurance available to rebuild.

 

[Poohbug]

You might want to re-think the visit to Wisconsin Dells boat tours. There is no water in the lower dells - Lake Delton. The 250 acre lake breached its dam and the lake emptied of its water in the course of a couple of hours last weekend.

There are still waterparks etc. - but Tommy Bartletts waterski show, boat tours, etc. Won't be open this year. I tried to find the video of some of the houses that were literally washed away - but I couldn't find it. Here is a link to a newspaper article about the empty lake. http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/290816

I;ve never seen anything like it - it is literally gone. No water. Bet it stinks to high heaven with rotten fish left behind in the mud today.....

It's too bad about the people that lost their houses - I saw on the Today show that they did not have the right kind of insurance (I'm guessing flood insurance) so they lost everything with no insurance available to rebuild.

Lake Delton is gone but there is a dam between the upper Dells and Lower Dells. The Upper Dells are just fine. I know the Ducks are still running but the Tommy Bartlett Ski Show is cancelled because of no water. Everything else is just fine.

Right now all the rivers in central and southern WI are really high so look out for road closures. Sometimes even interstates are being closed.

I also feed bad for the people who lost their homes but if I lived anywhere near a river or lake I would have flood insurance.

 

[surfgirl]

Thanks for the updates.

I actually talked to relatives this week and they had shared some of the details. We're not going for about a month or so, so there is time for the situation to get settled.

I can't imagine how horrible those families must feel. Yes, woulda coulda shoulda with regard to preparation/insurance/etc., but bottom line is that someone's house is destroyed. Apparently, the waters came so fast that they took out the foundation of houses and the houses just crumbled. I think I heard that they are not sure if they will rebuild the town. I truly can't imagine.

thanks to everyone for all the info. I'll find this thread when we get back and share my thoughts !

 

[kbbunny]

I am from WI also. Unfortunately, with the damn breaking, it will limit your activities in the Dells. However, the water parks are full of activities within themselves. We can spend a couple days in the park itself.

If you go to Milwaukee, I would try to see a Brewers game. Even if you aren't into baseball, the stadium itself it worth seeing.

However, I would check on the flooding situations. Last week, downtown Milwaukee had water flowing through it as well.

 

[El&Asmom]

We'll be there next weekend at the Wilderness. I'll update when we get back. i was told that the town is fine, just the main activities on the lake that were affected. I heard it flooded away from town into a forest area.

I hope the lake can refill. It is a fun quick vacation spot for lots of Chicagoans and MN, WI people.

 

[brandylouwho]

I also feed bad for the people who lost their homes but if I lived anywhere near a river or lake I would have flood insurance.

I just have to add this, becasue I too was "Why the heck didn't they have flood insurance!!! those dummies" but there is more to that story--the town did not want to do some things it needed to do 9such as redraw flood plain designations) to renew their particiaption in the national flood insurance program--so it was not even available to those residents. It is just all so messed up!