10. State Parks

Eagle Bluff Light at Peninsula State Park

Wildlife in Peninsula State Park

Door County boasts five state parks (as well as eighteen county parks and countless local parks) filled with hiking/biking trails, lighthouses, wildlife, and many more things for your family to explore. You can picnic, fish, golf and swim. If you prefer to vacation during our winter months, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling are also available. With vehicle admission at $5 daily for Wisconsin residents and $10 daily for non-residents, the state parks are a very affordable form of entertainment and exercise. (To make this adventure even more affordable, you can park in downtown fish creek and walk in to Peninsula State Park.)  For more information: Newport (920) 854-2500; Peninsula (920) 868-3258; Potawatomi (920) 746-2890; Rock Island (920) 847-2235; Whitefish Dunes (920) 823-2400.

9. Cave Point County Park

Cave Point County Park

Though Cave Point is located within the Whitefish Dunes State Park, you do not need to purchase admission to get to Cave Point. This 19-acre park boasts a half-mile trail that allows you to choose your own adventure: you can walk above the caves or down along the rocks. I would recommend strict supervision of young kids if you choose to hike along the rocks near the water. You can watch the waves crash, explore the caves, or, if the water is calm, take some time to teach your kids how to skip rocks.

8. Washington Island

Washington Island map: Click to enlarge

It takes a thirty-minute, six-mile ferry ride to reach Washington Island, and that sometimes in itself is an adventure. Once there, however, there is plenty for you to do with your kids: shipwreck exhibits at Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum, train ride tour of the island, explore one of the four smaller islands that surround Washington Island (Rock, Plum, Detroit, Pilot), fish, hike, Mountain Park Lookout Tower, lighthouses, or check out the limestone bluffs. If you decide one day is not enough to explore the 22 square mile island, there are plenty of cottages, motels and even a campground. Ferry Rates: Adult $11; Child (6-11) $5.50; Automobile (passengers not included) $24; Motorcycle $14; Bicycle $4. Ferry runs year round.

7. Miniature Golf

Mini Golf is great family fun!

With four different miniature golf courses, you’re sure to find a favorite. Pirate’s Cove recently went through a remodel, and now includes fun amusement such as hidden pirates (don’t worry, they are statues) and even a mock cannonball firing in the pond. Adults $6.50; Child (4-12) $5.95. Other courses include the Red Putter (Door County’s oldest mini golf course), Egg Harbor Fun Park (which also includes an arcade and batting cages) and Johnson’s Park (which also includes go-karts and batting cages). Prices not currently available for other parks. Months of operation vary, but typically May - October.

=> Pirate’s Cove located at 810 S Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay (920) 854-4929

=> Red Putter located at 10404 Water Street, Ephraim (920) 854-5114

=> Egg Harbor Fun Park located at 7340 hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 868-9417

=> Johnson’s Park located at 349 N. Highland, Sister Bay (920) 854-4715

6. The Farm

Kids love The Farm

Great for kids and adults alike – I’ve been spending time at the farm since I was a kid, and still enjoy it today. Get up close and personal with sheep, piglets, baby chicks, turkeys – even milk a goat! There are plenty of trails that take you to places like the Sugar Shack and the Honey House. Bring a lunch, spend the day, and be prepared for your child to ask about bringing one of the many kittens home with you. The Farm is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Mid-Oct. Adults $7; Child (4-12) $3.50. You can get a season pass for double the regular admission price. 4285 Hwy 57, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-6666

5. Skyway Drive-In

Skyway Drive in

For those of us old enough to remember what it was like to see a movie at a drive-in theatre, here is a chance to share that experience with your child. Located north of Fish Creek on Hwy 42, the Skyway Drive-In is nostalgia at it’s best. Always showing a double feature at $6.75 for an adult and $3.75 for a child (6-11), it’s also a steal. Snacks include popcorn with real butter, candy, ice cream, foot long hotdogs, nachos, pizza and soda, again all reasonably priced (certainly cheaper than any indoor theatre I’ve seen). Pets are allowed. The Skyway opens Memorial weekend.

3475 Hwy 42, Fish Creek. Call (920) 854-9938 for listings. (Call Monday for shows starting Friday)

4. Swimming

Great swimming in Jacksonport

Beach map: Click to enlarge

With more than 250 miles of shoreline, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Door County has almost thirty beaches. Whether you simply want to cool off on a hot day, or bring a snorkel and explore beneath the surface, Door County has a beach for you. 

3. Schopf’s Hilltop Dairy Guided Tour

Schopf's Dairy Farm

Take a trip to the farm that is both entertaining and educational. Take a guided tour where you and your kids can learn about the process of milking cows and even get to taste the end result! You can also enjoy one of the thirty flavors of homemade ice cream. Open from May-Oct. $6 for the guided tour. Please call ahead to make a reservation.

Located at 5169 Cty I, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-9979

2. Fishing

Kids fishing in Egg Harbor

Whether you’re experienced or not, fully equipped or not, Door County provides the opportunity (and supplies) for a great fishing experience. Establishments, such as Nan & Jerry’s Bait and Tackle located in downtown Fish Creek have all the supplies you need (including fishing licenses), and are ready to answer any questions you may have. Whether you are catching and releasing, or trying to catch dinner, fishing is always a great family activity. Don’t forget the camera!

Nan & Jerry’s located at 4084 Hwy 42, Fish Creek (920) 838-3402

1. PC Junction

PC Junction is at the center of the Peninsula!

For a kid (or adult) that loves trains, PC Junction is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. Sit at the bar, and you will have a great view of the cooks preparing your meal. Once it is ready, your meal arrives by choo-choo! After your meal, stop back in their Sugar Snack for a yummy dessert. Open year round, Wed-Mon during the summer, weekends only during the winter.

Located at Hwy A & E (920) 839-2048

Prices and location/contact information are up to date as of publication, but are subject to change.