Let's be honest, traveling with toddlers has its challenges. You’re forever in search of the right balance of fun and rest (read "tire them out with activities so they take a good nap"). And you want to make certain that lots of great memories are made in the process. Have we got some vacation ideas for you!
While Wisconsin Dells has been known as a family destination for more than a few generations now, we saw a need to do something special for the smallest visitors. And our business owners really came through for us. If you have children under the age of five, you'll want to post this list on your refrigerator, right next to that great crayon artwork.
- We're known for extreme water park rides, slides and water roller coasters. But there are plenty of water activities that cater to the kiddies. Both outdoor waterparks - Noah's Ark Waterpark and Riverview Park & Waterworld - have toddler-appropriate swings, slides, tickle-your-toes geysers, squirt guns and shallow pools. Try the new Tadpole Bay at Noah's Ark and the Kiddie Adventure Lagoon at Riverview. New for 2009 at Riverview is the return of classic amusement rides like the toddler-sized train that chugs along at just the right pace and a whimsical animal-themed carousel.
- Indoors and outdoors, Copa Cabana Resort, Hotel & Suites, Polynesian Resort, Hotel & Suites and Great Wolf Lodge know just what the little ones like, delivering both toddler-friendly water park activities and dryland attractions. Wiley's Woods at Great Wolf is a great dryland example - it's a massive play structure complete with computers, gizmos, slides, bridges and nets set up for a foam "berry" quest collecting game..
- Speaking of dryland, there are a number of spectacular attractions that have toddler written all over them. First up, the new Kalahari Indoor Theme Park at the Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center, featuring featuring a six-story Ferris wheel and African-themed carousel. Also new this year are two indoor, 3-D, black light mini-golf courses at the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, both themed to sea adventures with aquariums filled with salt water fish and a stingray touch tank. There's also Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor Amusement Park which offers bumper bowling and cute kiddie rides and Pirate's Cove Family Fun Center with sized-right peddle go-carts, a jumping pillow and sand castle area.
- When it comes time to feed your hungry toddler, you'll be pleased with the kid-friendly menus and atmosphere at both Buffalo Phil's Pizza & Grille, Pizza Pub and Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., to name just a few. For breakfast, try Mr. Pancake or Paul Bunyon's Northwoods Cook Shanty.
- To let kids experience the great outdoors, plan for a DUCK ride on the Wisconsin River, a visit to the Wisconsin Deer Park where children can pet tame deer and a stop at Timbavati Wildlife Park at Storybook Gardens where the little tykes can enjoy an up-close encounter with the animals including giraffe, zebra and kangaroo to name a few.
- Don’t forget Circus World Museum in nearby Baraboo, where there are animals, acrobats, circus wagons and costumes to delight children of all ages.
- And if they're really good, perhaps you'd like to treat your sweet children to some age-appropriate sweets at the two Goody Goody Gum Drop shops in town.
If you accomplish all of the above, everyone in the family will need a nap!
