Kid Friendly Summer Activities

Summer is the time for sun and fun! Of course, the summer months are full of events that you can check on our Events Page, but if you're looking for things to do during the weekdays or down times, here are some summer activities you can do with your kids in the Wausau area 🌞 

Outdoor  

• Rainbow Hunt at a public park

  • Challenge your kids to search for all the rainbow colors as you explore the outdoors. Whether that's a Red Cardinal at Rib Mountain State Park or a violet honeysuckle at Yellow Banks Park, you'll find splashes of color everywhere

• Jojo’s Jungle  

  • A unique playground where children of any ability can play alongside their friends and families. There's even a water feature during the summer months.

• Sprinklers at the 400 Block or the Marathon Park Splash Pad

  • Right in the heart of downtown Wausau, there's a splash pad/fountain on the 400 Block that welcomes visitors with its playful streams and refreshing mist.

  • The splash pad at Marathon Park is open to children of all ages as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The public hours of operation are usually Monday through Sunday from early June to mid-August, from noon to 6:00 pm.

• Learn new facts at the Monk Botanical Gardens 

  • Take time to stroll through the Monk Gardens and learn new species of plants! The Monk Gardens are a perfect place to slow down and connect with nature. Be sure to check their page for any summer events or camps. 

• Ice Age Trail  

  • There are multiple Ice Age Trail segments in the Wausau area. The Ice Age Trail Alliance website has many resources to help you find your perfect hike! 

• Find all the murals downtown 

  • There are plenty of artworks hidden throughout downtown Wausau that would make for a fun scavenger hunt activity as you explore the area. Make sure to check high and low, take photos, and tag us @visitwausau!

Indoor  

• WOW 

  • An arcade and laser tag entertainment center full of activities for your kids to enjoy. Enjoy lunch on the patio, which is located right on the waterfront, and don't forget to explore the outdoor jungle gym!

• Sawmill Adventure Park  

  • Sawmill Adventure Park offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Their athletic and recreational facilities host a VR gaming arena, open trampoline jump time, toddler jump area, trampoline dodgeball, traverse climbing wall, ninja warrior course, aerial climbing, stunt jump, dunk pads, battle beams and other trampoline-based activities, as well as a meticulously kept 18-hole outdoor mini golf course (open seasonally).

• Children’s Imaginarium  

  • A whimsical STEM-based Children's Museum that's great for all ages.

  • Be sure to check out their website for special events such as Storytimes and STEM Beats!

• Art Park at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum   

  • Drop in to the lower-level classroom studio for family-friendly hands-on projects guided by members of the Wisconsin Valley Art Association.

• Clay Corner  

  • Find your next project here! Kids will enjoy painting a piece of pottery with options ranging from mugs to piggy banks. Teens and adults can test their artistic ability with more complex projects, such as canvas painting and wooden signs. Check out Clay Corner’s website to sign up for events, such as pottery wheel throwing classes.

• Indulging in the sweet treat downtown 

  • If you're looking for a cold treat, try some gelato at The Chocolate Cafe or hand-scooped ice cream at Sweets on 3rd!

• Pick a book at The Story Cellar or Janke Bookstore

  • Both shops have a wonderful selection of children's books at affordable prices that's perfect for any young reader. 

• Join Archie’s Kid Club at the Dawg House and get a free kids meal

  • Sign up for a FREE Kids Meal during your birthday month and enjoy a classic All-American Hot Dog with a twist!

What are you planning to do this summer?