The Best Things To Do In Door County With Kids on a Family Vacation

Ready to visit a destination that will charm your socks off? A place that is so idyllic and family friendly, that you will be planning your return trip before you leave? Well then head to our favorite little penninsula in Wisconsin, Door County. There are so many fun things to do in Door County with kids, it is no wonder a visit here has become an annual pilgrimage for many.

Door County is a true outdoor paradise from late May through October. This coastal peninsula is dotted with adorable white clapboard homes, plenty of farmland and forest, small wineries, groves of cherry trees, scenic lakeshore on three sides, and plenty of lighthouses to admire. Just 30,000 people call this special place destination home, but 2.5 million people visit the region every year to enjoy all it has to offer.

From fish boils and water play to brilliantly colored foliage and plenty of Nordic heritage, here are all of our favorite things to do in Door County on a family vacation.

Explore more of the state! Here are the best things to do in Wisconsin with kids.

The Best Things To Do In Door County With Kids on Vacation

Spend Time in Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay is the largest town on the Door County peninsula, and a great place to start your visit. It has a cute little downtown area that has shops like Door County Candy, Dancing Bear Toys, The Gnoshery/Gnome Games, The Marketplace (multiple stores under one roof), as well as galleries and jewelry stores.

In the summer you will want to either rent a boat, take a boat tour, go fishing, swim, participate in watersports, enjoy a picnic by the water, or visit a lighthouse. Everything revolves around water in this town.

You can also visit Potawatomi State Park which protects 1,200 acres of forest along the cliffs of Sturgeon Bay. If you are up for stretching your legs, the Tower Trail Loop is a nice, 3.6-mile hike through the forest.

The town is also home to the Door County Maritime Museum which celebrates the region’s strong maritime history. It is located in the 118-foot Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, which houses several floors of exhibits. A “can’t miss” attraction is the John Purves, a fully restored 1919 tugboat available for guided tours.

If you visit in mid-September, Sturgeon Bay’s Harvest Festival celebrates the fall season with a street art auction, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Visit a Local Farm, Market or Orchard

Door County is well known for its cheeses, cherries, wineries, craft beer and cute little markets. Stopping to appreciate the local goods for purchase is a quintessential thing to do while in Door County.

Wisconsin and cheese go hand in hand and the best place to buy cheese in Door County is Renard’s Cheese Store. Master Cheese Maker Chris Renard makes award-winning aged cheddars, whip string cheese, hoop cheddar, and fresh cheese curds. There is a playground for the kids so you can shop to your heart’s content while knowing they are entertained.

Places like Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market offer you the chance to grab a gift, sample some wine or hard cider, munch on something good to eat, or admire the seasonal scenery in the orchard.

Door County Coffee and Tea is six miles north of Sturgeon Bay on Highway 42. It is a popular coffee roaster, cafe, and gift shop. They have an extensive variety of small batch roasted coffee flavors with seasonal options like Harvest Blend and Candy Cane. Their cafe serves up scratch-made egg breakfasts that I highly recommend.

North of Egg Harbor you will find Wood Orchard Market which started out as a roadside fruit stand in 1996 but quickly grew into an expansive store filled with local produce, specialty food products, fresh bakery, home decor, gifts, and so much more.

Kids will love that they have a large playground and free apple cider pops to keep them entertained while you shop for goodies like their chopped cherry jam and apple cider donuts.

Hop On Board a Door County Trolley

The Door County Trolley Company offers several family-friendly tours that are fun, educational, and a great way to get your bearings for further exploration.

Some popular options include the “Scenic Tour,” which highlights the beautiful landscapes and landmarks of Door County, the “Ghost Tour,” a light-hearted, spooky journey through local legends and haunted locations, and the “Fall Foliage” tour which takes you to some of the best locations for enjoying incredible foliage.

Visit Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park is one of the highlights of Door County’s incredible outdoor offerings. This 3,776-acre park overlooks Green Bay and has opportunities to enjoy scenic drives, hiking, biking, and even golfing!

In the summer, Nicolet Beach is a popular destination for swimming and picnicking. Bikers will want to ride the 10-mile Sunset Trail bike path which passes through Weborg Marsh, forest lined with cedar and maple trees, and places to view Green Bay from atop the cliffs.

If you like to hike, check out the flat, 2.1-mile Sentinel Trail loop or the 2.5-mile Eagle Trail which includes a decent along the park’s 150-foot limestone cliffs to the shoreline.

The park is also home to the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse which is open late May through late October. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and learn about its history, the life of lighthouse keepers, and the importance of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes via guided and self-guided tours.

Make time to vsit the 60-foot Eagle Tower which happens to be Wisconsin’s first accessible observation tower. You can either climb the 95 stairs to the top or use the 850-foot ramp that climbs gently up above the trees. It is especially impressive during peak foliage season.

Explore the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor

For 90 years, the Ridges Sanctuary has been protecting a portion of Door County that that is filled with tremendous biodiversity. It has been designated an Audubon Important Bird Area and National Natural Landmark. It also happens to be very family friendly!

Specifically, this sanctuary protects the southernmost boreal forest in the United States as well as wetlands, meadows, and the iconic ridges and swales that give the sanctuary its name. The sandy ridges and swales are formed by the shifting sands of Lake Michigan. They result in a variety of habitats that support a diverse array of plant and animal species.

The Ridges Sanctuary offers educational programs, guided hikes, and workshops about the local ecology, geology, and conservation efforts. It has a large Nature Center filled with information about the preserve’s natural history, exhibits on local flora and fauna, and hand-on activities for children.

The highlight of the Ridges Sanctuary is a boardwalk that allows visitors to explore the fragile and diverse ecosystems without causing damage to the sensitive vegetation like endangered orchids and the carnivorous purple pitcher plant. Animals inculding otters, mink, fox, fishers, porcupines, call the preserve home and there are several miles of trails which are nice for hiking and birdwatching.

In the late spring, dwarf lake iris carpet the forest floor, in summer visitors will encounter tiny orchids and lady slippers and in the fall you can see the tamarack tree which is a deciduous conifer with needles that turn from green to gold.

You also will want to visit the historic Baileys Harbor Range Lights which are a pair of lighthouses that played a crucial role in guiding ships through Baileys Harbor. The rear light’s elevated location allowed mariners to align the lights when entering the harbor. The are very photgenic, especially in the fall when the maple tres near them are changing colors.

Take a Day Trip to Washington Island

A 30-minute ferry ride across Death’s Door Strait leads you to Washington Island, an island in Lake Michigan with just 700 permanent residents. You can drive your car on the ferry or bike your way around and enjoy the scenery. There are places on the island to rent bikes if you don’t have your own.

Filled with a host of outdoor activities like relaxing on Schoolhouse Beach, attending a music or theater event, visiting a lavender farm, renting a boat, moped or ATV or taking a hike, this island is a popular day trip for locals as well as visitors to the region. 

Be sure to visit Stavkirke, a gorgeous Norwegian church in the woods that pays homage to the region’s Scandinavian ancestry. The church is based on drawings of another built in Borgund, Norway in 1150.

Cross the Cana Island Causeway to visit an 89-foot Lighthouse

As you may have guessed by now, lighthouses are kind of a big deal in Door County. One lighthouse that is fun to reach is the Cana Island Lighthouse.

There is a short causeway between the island and the shore. Sometimes the water is low enough that you can walk across it without getting your feet wet, while other times you will need to be shuttled via a tractor-pulled wagon which drives in the shallow water. Kids will love it!

In addition to the lighthouse, there is also the original home of the lighthouse keeper and his family which provides a glimpse into the life of the lighthouse keepers during the19th and early 20th centuries. Be sure to climb the 97 spiraling steps of the tower staircase to reach the outside deck which is a great place to enjoy sprawlings views of Lake Michigan.

Trekaroo tip: If you get hungry while in Baileys Harbor check out PC Junction where your food is served to you via a miniature train car!

Learn to Kayak with Door County Kayak Tours

There are several great places to kayak in Door County and going with a guide is a great way to stay safem have fun, and learn something new about the region. Children as young as five can join a kayaking tour of Cave Point County Park, known for its dramatic coastline.

This two-hour tour will give you just enough time on the water before little arms get too tired. Book an early tour for calmer waters and an early evening tour for memorable sunsets (best for older kids).

See the Roof Goats at Al Johnson’s

Yes, you read that right! Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik is well known for having goats grazing on its sod roof and has been a Door County fixture for nearly 60 years.

The Swedish atmosphere and cuisine are represent the Scandinavian heritage of the region and the food is tasty! Breakfast is served all day so you can enjoy a traditional order of Swedish pancakes with lingonberries at any time.

You also will want to try the Swedish meatballs and Al Johnson’s version of poutine which includes fried cheese curds, gravy, onion rings, and Swedish meatballs. Wash it all down with a glass of lingonberry juice.

Al Johnson’s also has a large gift shop filled with Scandinavian items like traditional clothing, home decor, dala horses, clogs, lots of goat-themed merch, and a variety of Swedish food and candies. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts to bring home.

Interact with Animals in Door County

At the Farm in Door County in Sturgeon Bay children can feed bottle feed goat kids, lambs, and piglets. They can also milk a goat and see chicks hatch. This is a living museum of rural America and new exhibits and animals change each season.

If you have horse lovers in your group, head to the Kurtz Corral. They offer horseback riding experiences on the “wooded Walk Trail” to kids as young as six. Younger children can enjoy an arena ride which gives them an opportunity to ride a horse at a pace that is better suited for them. Advance reservations are recommended.

Take Part in a Fish Boil

Fish boils are a long-standing tradition in Door County and a must-do activity with the kids. This culinary tradition originated in the late 1800s when Scandinavian immigrants wanted an economical way to feed large groups of workers so they put whitefish into a large kettle and boiled it over a bonfire.

You owe it to yourself to try one if you’ve never experienced them before. The atmosphere is jovial as guests watch the kettle boil over with a great fire-filled display. If you don’t llike fish, there is a chicken option as well.

One of the best fish boils takes place in Ephraim at the Old Post Office Restaurant. The White Gull Inn is another popular fish boil destinations is also one of the few spots in the area that is still open for fish boils late into the fall. Make your reservations early because spots will fill up!

Take Your Art Talent to New Heights

Door County is well-known for its art and creative community. You can visit any number of galleries to get a feel for the art and buy unique gifts created by area artists to wear, display or hang on your walls.

You can also sign up for a class in a field that interests you or your kiddos. From writing to performing to sculpting to painting – the variety is fun to see as well as to create. This might be one of your youngster’s favorite memories after a visit to Door County.

At Door County Candle Company you can dip your own candle for just $3. Children can choose the colors for their own personalized candle to take home. The store is filled with scented wax and soy candles for purchase as well.

The Hands On Art Studio features make-it-yourself art experiences that give children, as well as their parents, a chance to channel their inner artist. You create personal masterpieces of clay, metal, fused glass, bead, wood, and paint.

Take Time to Enjoy the Theater

Door County is full of opportunities to appreciate a show or two. Northern Star Theater in Fish Creek is perfect for families. It’s located in a wooded setting in Peninsula State Park where you can watch musicals under the stars for a truly fun and magical experience.

Another unique and kid-friendly theater experience that will charm the adults as well is catching a movie at Skyway Drive-In Theater. Bring back the old days and enjoy the show!

Experience a Supper Club and Go Bowling in the Same Spot!

Another traditional Door County dining experience is to eat at a Supper Club. This casual style of dining that originated in the Midwest and is known for its traditional American meals, social atmosphere, and nightly specials.

Sister Bay Bowl and Supper Club is a family-owned business that has been operating since 1950. It is known for its Tuesday and Friday night fish fries which includes fried fish (walleye, whitefish, or shrimp), coleslaw, potatoes, and other sides. They also have corned beef Wednesdays, prime rib Saturdays, and even liver and onions Thursdays.

In addition to the nightly specials there is a large menu filled with chicken, steaks, fish, pork chops, salads, and sandwiches. Of course, you will want to order some Wisconsin cheese curds to enjoy before your meal.

Before or after your meal, take the kids to bowl a few games at Sister Bay Bowl, a small-but-charming bowling alley attached to the restaurant.

Take the Kids for Ice Cream

One of the more delicious things to do in Door County with kids is a tradition that’s been happening for generations: going for ice cream while on vacation! It’s one you shouldn’t miss out on.

Stop by Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream in Ephraim and feel like you’ve stepped back in time with their jukeboxes, old fashioned soda fountain, home brewed draft root beer, flame broiled burgers and fun decor. Yum!

Take a Drive Through the Peninsula

Door County is roughly 70 miles in length and Wisconsin 42 is the main north-south highway running through the region. It provides lovely views of the shoreline and countryside, passing through towns like Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Ephraim.

Northport is the northern terminus of WIS 42 and as well as the location of the peninsula-side ferry dock of the Washington Island Ferry. It is also home to the famous winding stretch of Highway 42  which twists and turns while surrounded by changing fall foliage as it makes its way down to the dock.

Another scenic option is to take the Coastal Byway as it travels both coasts of Door County, combining Wisconsin 42 and 57. This allows you to visit quiet towns on the Lake Michigan side of the county like Baileys Harbor, as well as the quaint Green Bay towns like Egg Harbor and Sister Bay.

Where To Stay in Door County with Kids

There are a variety of places to lay your head at night on the Door County peninsula. Families of all sizes will enjoy staying at The Landmark Resort.

This resort is the largest in Door County, and situates you in a rustic, wooded setting with rooms that come with kitchens, living rooms, roomy bathrooms, and patios or decks in addition to the number of bedrooms to best suit your crowd.

Roam around on the path that leads through the resort, play sports here, swim, work out, enjoy s’mores by the campfire, eat in the on-site restaurant, or just hang out and relax. It’s a wonderful place to begin and end your vacation.

The Edgewater Resort is another great option. It is located just down the road from Peninsula State Park in Ephraim and is centrally located for exploring the Door County Peninsula.

Their waterfront suites are perfect for families. They feature full kitchens and living areas with fireplaces. They also have queen-sized sofa beds, king beds in the bedrooms and huge whirlpool tubs. Some even have large balcony porches with great views of the water. There is a pool which will surely keep the kids happy during the summer months.

A special thanks to Sharon Rigney who wrote the original version of this article.