Family Fun Weekend in Door County

With more than 50 beaches, dozens of parks, and family-friendly activities and businesses around every corner, Door County is a perfect destination for a fun family weekend.

Day 1

Shortly after rolling into the county, be sure to stop at the Destination Door County Welcome Center in Sturgeon Bay to get the latest on the weekend’s festivals, happenings, and best activities for families.

From there, make your way to a family-friendly place to stay. In Egg Harbor, Newport Resort will keep your kids busy with the indoor heated and outdoor swimming pools and children’s play areas while you can relax in the whirlpool tub. If you need a little more room, Pheasant Park has two and three-bedroom suites all within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, and beach and marina in Sister Bay. And for small-town charm nestled in the woods, there is The Landing Resort that offers a large outdoor playground, basketball and ladder golf courts, a video arcade, indoor and outdoor pools, and more.

Day 2

Morning
Rise early, grab a great breakfast in Ephraim, then head into Peninsula State Park to connect your kids with nature. The park features a nature center with a calendar full of nature programs, and if you don’t catch one of those, there’s no shortage of trails, scenic overlooks, or places to skip rocks into the bay.

Afternoon

Head into Fish Creek to grab lunch at one of dozens of local eateries and take advantage of some great shopping for kids and adults alike.

Then, check out the Hands On Art Studio, where you all can get creative and make a keepsake of your trip — no reservations required. There are five different studios with five different mediums to choose from, including ceramics, mosaics, fused glass, painting, and a workshop offering board signs, stamped jewelry, and metalware classes. 

Evening
Come dusk, challenge your clan to some friendly competition at Evergreen Miniature Golf during the nightly Glow Ball. This cosmic mini-golf adventure is fun for the whole family. If you’re still up for more, make your way to the Skyway Drive-in Theatre to watch the latest double feature from the comfort of your own vehicle. 

Day 3

Morning

After a good night’s sleep, explore Door County’s nautical side with Shoreline Boat Tours. The Sturgeon Bay Day tour provides a look into the area’s rich maritime roots. If shipwrecks and lighthouses are more your style, the Baileys Harbor Day package visits multiple shipwreck sites. On both excursions, your children can participate in their First Mate educational program to earn their very own First Mate certificate.

If you’re all land lovers, skip the boat and go straight to The Ridges Sanctuary and explore the many trails, including the Family Discovery Trail. This naturalist-guided hike is suitable for all ages and lasts about 2 hours, offering an interactive way to learn about the Sanctuary. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are plenty of other kid-friendly options, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, petting zoos, and museums.

Afternoon
If you haven’t explored the southern part of the peninsula, spend the rest of the afternoon driving around the open roads of Southern Door, stopping at orchards and farms, markets, or Belgian chapels in quaint communities such as Brussels and Forestville.

Evening
Drive back north along the shoreline, where you can watch the sun set slowly over the shore and through the trees on your way back to your lodging, weaving through each little town and village. Maybe even stop for custard, gelato, or ice cream on the way.

Day 4

Want to squeeze in one last memory on your way out of town? Take the kids to Cave Point County Park near Sturgeon Bay. This stunning geological wonder will wow them — and you — and offer a stunning backdrop for a family photo or two.

For more ideas, explore Door County family vacations and start planning your trip.