Top Things to Do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin with Kids

(Update 2021) Are you looking for a quick day trip or a family weekend getaway in Wisconsin? There are tons of fun things to do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin with kids. This family-friendly town is only a short drive from Chicago & Milwaukee to Lake Geneva making it an easy family getaway.

Visitors will find a cute downtown, beautiful lake, museums, delicious restaurants, and tons of activities & things to do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. There really is something entertaining to do for everyone in your family.

Follow along and get inspired for your Lake Geneva Weekend Getaway and start planning your fun family getaway.

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclaimer here.

Top Things to Do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Table of Contents

Big Foot Beach State Park

Hike Through the Woods

The Big Food Beach State Park is a great, smaller state park located just a mile south of downtown Lake Geneva. It’s a perfect size for a day trip hike and visits before heading to downtown for lunch or dinner.

Big Food Beach State Park has easy walking trails that the whole family can do. The trails are flat and are made of dirt and grass so if you are using a stroller, I would suggest using a jogging stroller.

Prairie Hikes through Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. A fun and easy family hike close to downtown Lake Geneva.

Hike Through the Prairie

It’s a fun walk because part of your hike is through the woods and the other part is through the prairie.

You will receive a map when you come in and there is colored signage along the way so you don’t get lost.

Visitors will also find near the entrance a playground, BBQ pits, and bathrooms. We found several families who just came to have a picnic in the park by the playground.

The park offers the convenience of camping too if you’re looking for somewhere to stay other than a hotel.

This is a great stop for an hour or two before you head into town or bring a picnic and stay all day.

Address: 1550 S. Lake Shore Drive, Lake Geneva, WI

Geneva Lake Museum of History

The Geneva Lake Museum of History is a cute museum located at the edge of downtown. It offers your family a walk through the history of the area and the people.

When you step inside, you are greeted by a display of the Potawatomi Indian Tribe and then are whisked through the history of Lake Geneva with a recreation of Main Street.

Along a brick-paved street, your kids can wander through a pioneer home, general store, a law office, a stagecoach, and much more. You really get a feel for what life was like over 100 years ago.

What I love about Geneva Lake Museum is your kids are immersed in history by walking through the exhibits and not just looking in glass displays. It holds their attention as they wander through the museum learning how people use to live in this small community.

Tip: I often find deals on Groupon for this museum

Address: 255 Mill St. Lake Geneva, WI

Downtown Lake Geneva

Downtown Lake Geneva has several streets of shops and restaurants to explore. The shops range from clothing and furniture stores to touristy t-shirt shops.

The Downtown sits right on the lakefront which makes for a pretty stroll. Stop and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants such as the family-friendly Popeye’s Restaurant.

Check out our guide to the Best Restaurants in Lake Geneva WI to see where to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you’re there with kids.

We also love to pick up Ice cream at Scoops Ice Cream & Deli. You feel like you’re in an old-time ice cream parlor with 40 flavors to choose from. We usually take our ice cream across the street to sit by the lake and watch the boats.

If you come in the warmer months, there is a beach right in downtown that you can go to for a fee.

The city also has several events that are fun throughout the year so make sure to check their calendar of events before you go.

Lake Geneva Scenic Boat Tours

Riviera Docks in Downtown Lake Geneva

Taking a Lake Geneva Scenic Boat Tour is a fun way to explore the lake and all the amazing homes without renting a boat yourself. As you ride around the lake, the Captain will point out the homes and tell you about the history of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The kids can enjoy watching the boats go by and walking around the big ship. The dock is located at Riviera Docks right in downtown. The cruise ship company is Gage Lake Geneva Cruise Line.

Lake Geneva Shore Path

I love the Lake Geneva Shore walking path that extends for 26 miles around the lake. The whole walk around the lake takes about 8 to 10 hours to complete.

That is a really long walk so with kids we just break it up and walk as long as we think the kids can make it and then turn around to walk back.

The path is located right along the lake edge and has beautiful views that let you take a closer look at the amazing homes.

Each homeowner along the lake must maintain the part of the path in front of their home. This leads the path to vary from dirt to stone to paved based on the owner’s preference.

Often the path is uneven and does not work well for strollers or bikes. Families will definitely have to walk this path.

I would suggest starting at the Library located just north of the Riviera Docks in Downtown. Then follow the sidewalk north around the lake to the entrance of the path. There are also public bathrooms near this entrance.

Just remember when you start off, however far you walk you will have to get the kids to walk back.

This is a fun way to work up an appetite for dinner or lunch in Downtown Lake Geneva.

Safari Lake Geneva

Fun Things to do in Lake Geneva. Families will love the Safari in Lake Geneva with over 50 animals from 5 countries in this conservation ranch just 5 miles from Downtown Lake Geneva.

Safari Lake Geneva

Just a short 5 miles from downtown Lake Geneva you’ll find the Safari Lake Geneva.

It is located on 800 acres and is a pristine wildlife habitat. The conservation-focused ranch has over 50 animals from 5 different countries from Arabian Camels to Water Buffalos and Yaks.

The park used to have families climb onto a safari wagon and ride as a group throughout the park. However, it is now a Drive Through safari park using your own car.

You can drive through as many times as you like so feel free to go back and look at your favorite animals again. However, you do need to make reservations before you go.

Visitors will climb aboard their safari wagons and take a one-hour guided tour through their conservation-focused ranch. On the tour, you’ll see over 50 animals from 5 different countries.

This ended up being one of our family’s favorite things to do in Lake Geneva. The staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, they are rescuing answering guests’ questions along the way.

This made it a great trip for all ages from kids to seniors. We really learned a lot on this trip.

The really cool part is the animals will come right up to the safari wagon to eat so you get a close-up view. Visitors can also purchase feed for the animals for a small fee and they will eat right out of your cup. It’s pretty thrilling for the kids.

Get more information on our Safari Lake Geneva Review.

Tip: We found a deal for the Safari on Groupon

Address: W1612 Litchfield Rd. Lake Geneva, WI

Where to Stay in Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva has a huge variety of places to stay while visiting. There are large resorts like The Grand Geneva and The Abby. If you are bringing kids you might enjoy Timber Ridge Lodge Waterpark. You’ll also find tons of smaller local hotels and big chains like Fairfield Inn.

Find the right hotel for your family on our favorite hotel website for great deals booking.com.

More Fun Wisconsin Destinations

There is so much to do in Wisconsin with your family. Get inspired by more Wisconsin Destinations.

I hope this list of things to do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin with kids will help your family plan a great weekend getaway. If you find other memorable places to visit please share in the comments. We can all learn together.

Don’t forget to check out the Best Restaurants in Lake Geneva WI too.

If you enjoyed this article become part of the Happy Mom Hacks community and never miss a new fun travel destination, kids activity, and household hack with our newsletter.

Bonus you’ll get our free printable Ultimate Family Travel Packing List.