best summer family day trip in wisconsin
Looking for an easy summer day trip the whole family will enjoy? Pack up the kids and spend the day discovering Downtown Baraboo. With locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, more than 40 unique stores and plenty of kid-friendly stops, it is the kind of day that keeps everyone happy—kid tested and mom approved. Baraboo is just 40 minutes North of Madison and just 10 minutes south of Wisconsin Dells
Start with Breakfast in Downtown Baraboo
Every good family adventure should start with breakfast. Head to Broadway Diner for a classic diner breakfast in a fun, retro atmosphere, or stop at Jen’s Alpine Café for a relaxed hometown meal before exploring downtown.
For a Quick sweet bite swing in to Neato’s Bake Shop for some fresh bakery and a loaf of homemade bread to take home.
If the kids are ready to get moving, grab breakfast to go and start wandering around the historic Courthouse Square.
COFFEE FOR MOM IN DOWNTOWN BARABOO
The kids may be ready to shop, but Mom deserves coffee first. Stop at Coffee Bean Connection, Powerline Coffee or Press Coffeehouse for your favorite coffee, tea, smoothie or specialty drink.
Pick up something for the kids, find a table for a few quiet minutes or take your drinks along as you explore downtown. If the day allows bring a blanket and enjoy the beauty of the Sauk County courthouse lawn, let the kids run off some energy while Mom enjoys the Day.
Explore More Than 40 Locally Owned Stores
Downtown Baraboo is home to more than 40 locally owned stores filled with clothing, books, candy, toys, gifts, home décor and plenty of unexpected finds.
Be sure to visit one of the best toy stores around and give the kids time to explore. Shopping in Downtown Baraboo feels less like running errands and more like part of the day’s adventure.
Hunt for Vintage Treasures
If you love the thrill of finding something unexpected, make time for a little vintage and antique shopping. Visit Eye of the Beholder, Oak Street Antiques, Baraboo Antique Mall and Recycled Sally’s to search for one-of-a-kind décor, collectibles, clothing and hidden treasures.
Love vintage or NEW Vinyl Albums? Spin Shack on 3rd Street has you covered.
Let the kids choose something fun to look for before you begin. Whether it is an old toy, a unique souvenir or the strangest item they can find, a family treasure hunt makes vintage shopping more fun for everyone.
Visit the Baraboo Farmers’ Market
If you visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, add the Baraboo Farmers’ Market to your plans. The market is held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features fresh produce, locally made products and live music.
Let the kids help pick out something fresh for later, find a snack to enjoy on the Courthouse Square or simply listen to the music and take in the energy of downtown on a summer morning.
Stop for Lunch and Ice Cream
Grab lunch at one of Downtown Baraboo’s locally owned restaurants before continuing your adventure. Whether your family wants burgers, pizza, sandwiches or something completely different, you will find plenty of choices within a few walkable blocks.
Then head to Sweets on Third for ice cream. It is the perfect way to cool down, take a break and add one more sweet memory to your day downtown.
Head to Circus World for an Afternoon Adventure
After exploring Downtown Baraboo, make the short drive to Circus World for an afternoon filled with history, entertainment and family fun.
Baraboo is the historic hometown of the Ringling Brothers, and Circus World brings that colorful story to life. It is a natural addition to your downtown itinerary and gives the kids another great adventure before heading home—or continuing your Baraboo getaway.
While still in Downtown Baraboo pop your head inside the Al Ringling Theater. She is a Gem.
Make It an Overnight Staycation
Not ready for the day to end? Turn your Downtown Baraboo day trip into a summer staycation at Skillet Creek Campground. Nestled in 70 acres surrounded by the Baraboo, Wisconsin hills, Skillet Creek Campground offers a serene setting for your next camping trip. Located one mile from Devil’s Lake State Park, this campground lets you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, swimming, biking, fishing, boating or just a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
Fireside Cabins is also a great option for a Summer Staycation, just added a pickleball court and a cozy lounge with cold drinks and fun snacks for a chill evening.
Explore all the other great overnight stays in the Baraboo Area
You do not need a long drive or a complicated itinerary to create a summer getaway the kids will remember. Start in Downtown Baraboo with breakfast, grab coffee for Mom, explore the stores, hunt for vintage treasures and make plenty of time for cookies and ice cream. Finish the day at Circus World and spend the night at Skillet Creek Campground, Fireside Cabins or one of our other great overnight partners in the area.
There is so much to discover in Downtown Baraboo this summer. Come rediscover your day with the kids and enjoy a getaway that is truly kid tested and mom approved. Baraboo is just 40 minutes North of Madison and just 10 minutes south of Wisconsin Dells.
