Does a lake-side getaway surrounded by idyllic homes, a charming community filled with great shopping and restaurants, and all-season opportunities for family-friendly outdoor fun sound like your idea of a great vacation? Then a Lake Geneva family vacation will be perfect for you!
There are lots of things to do in Lake Geneva with kids, but there are also plenty of great things to keep the teens and adults in your group happy too. Known as the “Hamptons of the Midwest”, Lake Geneva has long been an escape for the upper echelon of Chicago society. Their mansions grace the lake’s shoreline, providing plenty of “ooh and ahh” moments for us commoners.
Thankfully, Lake Geneva is not just for the uber rich and you don’t need a mansion along the shoreline to enjoy this beautiful destination. Use this guide to plan our Lake Geneva vacation. It includes plenty of activities, food suggestions, and family-friendly resorts.
Explore more of the state! Here are our favorite things to do in Wisconsin with kids.
Best Things to Do in Lake Geneva with Kids
Get On the Water with Lake Geneva Cruise Line
One of the first things your family should do to familiarize yourself with the area is to take a boat tour of the lake.
The Lake Geneva US Mailboat Tour is the classic way to see the lake. A tradition for over 100 years, the Mailboat delivers mail to residents along the shores of Lake Geneva during the summer season.Instead of stopping at each dock, the boat continues moving. Mail jumpers leap from the boat onto the docks, deliver the mail, and then jump back onto the moving boat as the passengers applaud.
The tour typically lasts around 2.5 hours and covers 20 miles of shoreline. Along the way you will see dozens of impressive homes and mansions, and learn about the history of the region and the famous people who own these “summer cottages”.
There are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the boat, along with postcards that you can mail from right onboard! This boat departs daily from June 15 – September 15 at 10am.
The Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a few other kid-friendly ways to explore, but their Ice Cream Social should be on the top of your list. Who can resist ice cream, after all?
While you are enjoying your ice cream sundae on this 85-minute tour, you can admire and learn about the beautiful estates that line the lakeshore.
They also offer brunch cruises, dinner cruises, and even Santa Cruises during the holiday season.
Rent a Boat and Spend the Day on the Water
Marina Bay is the most popular spot on the lake to rent speed boats, pontoons, and tubes. They have a variety of options to choose from and go through a full orientation before sending you out on the water.
If you would rather rent a WaveRunner for a couple hours on the water, head to Jerry’s Majestic Marine. They also offer charter 35’ cruiser boat trips for up to 15 people. These include a captain so you don’t have to worry about driving and can focus instead on having fun!
Enjoy Some Beach Time!
Looking for some fun in the sun? Riviera Beach is the place to be! Located close to downtown on Geneva Lake, the beach is the perfect way for you to catch some rays or watch the boats pass by. There are picnic tables and grills and a playground. They also offer concessions and water rentals.
Located on the lakefront in downtown Lake Geneva adjacent to Riviera Beach, Lake Geneva Public Beach offers a large sandy area for sunbathing and swimming. It is conveniently situated near restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
Big Foot Beach State Park is a mile-long, sandy beach on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva that also has some hiking trails.
Walk Along the Lake Path
Now that you’ve scoped out the estates on the boat tour, you can get close up views of those drool-worthy homes by walking through the historic Shore Path along Geneva Lake.
The entire path is more than 20 miles, so pick a portion and explore! The easiest way to access the path is from right behind the library. Plus you can peep at the library’s cool architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright protégé, James R. Dresser.
As you walk along the path you will get up-close views of these amazing homes along the water. Each homeowner is responsible for maintaining their portion of the path so you will see it change from paved stone to gravel to brick and a multitude of other surfaces along the way.
Visit the Yerkes Observatory
Opened in 1897, the Yerkes Observatory has been a destination for some of the most famous astronomers and scientists to study the skies, including Albert Einstein and Carl Sagan.It houses the world’s largest refracting telescope, a marvel of 19th-century engineering and is known as the birthplace of modern astrophysics.
The building itself is an architectural treasure, designed by Henry Ives Cobb, who was commissioned by Charles Tyson Yerkes, a streetcar and transportation magnate of Chicago who made his immense wealth after the Great Chicago Fire. It is designed in Beaux-Arts style, with plenty of whimsical nods to Yerkes on the exterior among the many intricate stone carvings.
At one point, the observatory was threatened by a housing development but thankfully, the community rallied to save this incredible structure. Public tours are available and seeing this impressive telescope in person is highly recommended. Try to visit during one of the night sky viewing sessions but be sure to book well in advance as they are quite popular.
Cook Together at the Lake Geneva School of Cooking
It is impossible to not have a great time at the Lake Geneva School of Cooking thanks to Chef John Bogan whose energy and enthusiasm is sure to make a chef out of even the most kitchen-avoidant members of your group.
When I visited, I had the pleasure of learning how to make a delicious ratatouille with sausage and creme brulee for dessert. We had a blast and the chef did a great job keeping the light-hearted atmosphere going and the wine flowing. It was a wonderful bonding experience and everyone had a role in the kitchen that they felt comfortable with.
There are lots of different class themes that you can sign up for, including one where you shop the Farmers Market before making your meal. Families with younger children will want to sign up for the Sunday Family Suppers or the Kids Cuisine classes.
Take the Kids Golfing
Lake Geneva is a huge golf destination, with nearly 20 golf courses surrounded by the natural beauty of rolling green hills, wooded areas and lots of lakes. Some of these courses have been designed by the likes of famed PGAers like Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino. But fear not- there is plenty of room for kids to get involved in golfing culture in Lake Geneva,
Want to watch the kids work on their golf skills, while you relax and have a drink? Just five minutes away from downtown Lake Geneva, the Geneva National Resort & Club offers a drop-in clinic on Wednesdays where kids ages 7-15 can sharpen their golf skills, or learn the basics.
The gold club also offers three-day summer camps for kids as young as six. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the sport or keep the kids busy while you head off to enjoy some adult time.
Wild Animal Fun at Safari Lake Geneva
A safari in Lake Geneva? You bet! At Safari Lake Geneva you can drive your own vehicle through the park and learn a little bit about the 50 animals including American bison, ostrich, giraffes, domestic yak, camels, miniature donkey, antelopes that roam freely on their 800-acre savanna.
Purchase a bowl of food and you can feed the animals from your window or sunroof! You are welcome to drive the loop through the park as many times as you like. There are also special add-ons like the giraffe encounter and the capybara encounter where you can pet and feed the capybaras.
Believe in Magic
As the world’s smallest magic venue, the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre provides an intimate magic experience that will make you believe in magic again. The kids and (adults) will be mesmerized from start to finish at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre.
Expect to be wowed with classic magic acts like cutting a lady in half, card tricks, and levitation. After the show, hang back for a picture with Tristan and an autograph.
Watch Horses Dance
Initially created from one person’s vision and their love for horses, The Dancing Horses Theatre combines artistry, acrobatics, and horse training for an entertaining performance for the family.
After the main show,head to the adjoining Animal Gardens Petting Zoo which has wallabies, goats, and 14 other species of animals to pet and hold. There is also a train and playground for the little ones.
Learn About Geneva Lake’s History
At the Geneva Lake Museum, visitors are able to take a stroll through the brick-lined streets of Geneva Lake’s Main Street during the late 19th and early 20th century. Walk into a classroom as it was back in the days, sit in a fire engine, or compare kitchens with and without electricity.
The museum is well thought out and most of the artifacts are authentic. Ask for an I-Spy worksheet when you arrive to keep young kids busy and entertained while learning at the same time!.
Explore Downtown
Downtown Lake Geneva is full of charm and great shopping. Kids will love Allison Wonderland, a toy store field with plenty of toys from trusted brands, dress up clothes, and games. They will also enjoy picking their own scents and colors as they pour their own candle at The Candle Merchantile.
And, if your kids are anything like mine, you won’t get out of the downtown area without a stop in Kilwin’s Chocolates. They have all sorts of homemade treats including ice cream fudge, and some seriously tasty (and huge!) candy apples.
My favorite store was the Market of Lake Geneva on Main Street which is filled with handmade goods from local artisans. I found more than a few gifts for friends and family while I was there. There are several little stores within this marketplace, including a rock and crystal shop.
If you visit downtown on a Thursday, you will definitely want to stroll through the Lake Geneva Farmer’s Market which takes place from 8am – 1pm at Horticultural Hall from May through October. I found all sorts of food and gifts to take home here as well. There are also seasonal Farmer’s Markets in the Lake Geneva area on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Hike at the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy
As Geneva Lake’s largest watershed, Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy is one not to be missed. Kishwauketoe in Potawatomi means “clear water” or “lake of the sparkling water” and after seeing the streams we no doubt agree with the name.
This hike offers a boardwalk, a climbing tower, a prairie, a kids play area, and more to make it an interesting hike for kids. There are five different loops to explore, ranging in length from one to three miles.
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Hit Up the Cheese Bar
Only in Wisconsin will you find a cheese bar! Hill Valley Dairy has an artisanal Wisconsin Cheese Shop and Tasting Room in downtown Lake Geneva that cheese lovers will definitely not want to miss.
You can order curated cheese board or wine and cheese flights that will satisfy all your cheese-loving taste buds. After you nibble your way through the tastings, head to the cheese shop next door and purchase your favorite. The experience is completely kid friendly and there is even a private room that local families love to use for some after school cheese-based fun!
Experience Winter in Lake Geneva
Though many may associate visiting Lake Geneva with warm weather months, winter is still a fantastic time to visit. During the holidays and winter, Lake Geneva transforms into a winter wonderland offering plenty of fun including holiday activities, Winterfest, outdoor activities, and more.
About 35 minutes north of Lake Geneva is Old World Wisconsin, an open-air museum which depicts the lives of the immigrants that settled Wisconsin.
During the holiday season, visit Old World Wisconsin to participate in traditions that immigrants brought to Wisconsin. Tour the Yuletide Village on a horse-drawn carriage, meet a Victorian Santa Claus, or make traditional Vanocka braided bread. Imagine life as it was around the 1800s as you sip on tea and nibble on tea sandwiches during the Victorian Tea at the historic Baker House.
From January 29th – February 2nd celebrate all things winter at Lake Geneva’s grand-daddy of all winter festivals, Winterfest. Visitors will find more than a dozen events and activities to keep them busy so they can forget about those chilly temps.
One of the highlights is the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk where snow sculpting teams compete as they create impressive sculptures for all to enjoy. There will also be bonfires on the beach to warm up after your stroll.
Geneva National hosts Winter Realms, an icy wonderland filled with ice sculptures, ice slides, igloos, tunnels, sledding hills, sleigh rides and even an ice throne. It is especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Ski the hills of Grand Geneva Resort at The Mountain Top. There are 20 runs and six lifts with nothing too intimidating, making it perfect for families. There is also a terrain park for snowboarders.
Wilmot Mountain is also nearby and part of the Vail Resorts ecosystem. In addition to ski and snowboard hills and a terrain park, this resort also has a snow tubing hill with 22 lanes!
Ice skating can be found at several of the area resorts including The Abbey Resort, Grand Geneva, The Ridge Hotel, and Lake Lawn Resort. There is also an ice rink at Edgewater Park.
If you want to experience winter like a true Wisconsinite, go ice fishing! Those new to the sport can hire a professional guide from Lake Geneva Fish Guiding Service and head out on top of the lake to embrace the season’s chill while chilling out and catching some fish.
Where to Eat (and Drink) in Lake Geneva
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s never going hungry in Lake Geneva. As a matter of fact, I spent my entire time in the region satisfied and stuffed!
Popeye’s on Lake Geneva
You can always count on good food at Popeye’s on Lake Geneva. Start with chicken nachos with wonton chips or the crab rangoon appetizer. Try their rotisserie chicken roasted on their very own outdoor rotisserie. Their shrimp bisque is quite tasty as well.
But seriously, everything you try will be good! It gets busy, but with over 600 seats, waiting is never too long. This spot is located across the street from the marina so it is a great place to head to after your boat tour.
240° West
If you are planning a special night out, head to the signature restaurant at the Abbey Resort, 240° West. Executive Chef Luis Quezada wowed us all with his amazing dishes which focus on using ingredients from local sources.
The restaurant has wonderful views of Lake Geneva and a warm interior that I would describe as upscale yet rustic. Menu highlights include the short rib pappardelle, a variety of steak cuts, and the eggplant ratatouille. Rest assured, they have a kids menu and families are welcome.
1878 on the Lake
Another meal that didn’t disappoint was our memorable dinner at 1878 on the Lake, the signature restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort. Open for three meals daily, this restaurant has a focus on steak and seafood. Start with the roasted beet salad or Wisconsin beer cheese soup and make sure to indulge in sides like cauliflower and cheddar gratin.
Definitely make room for dessert because they have mud pie, tiramisu, rhubarb creme brulee, and flourless chocolate decadence. I sampled several desserts and they were all insanely good.
Oakfire Pizza
Oakfire boasts outstanding lakefront views of Geneva Lake. But the real star here is their Neapolitan-style Pizza. Kids will love their Mickey Mouse pizzas while adults can indulge in favorites like the Margherita di Bufala pizza.
Simple Cafe Lake Geneva
Breakfast or brunch at Simple Cafe is the best way to start the day. The bright atmosphere is enough to pick you up, but it’s the food that will keep you coming back.
Sourcing from local farmers and producers, Simple Cafe also offers healthy, organic options with a twist on originals. Try the Croque Madame!
Avant Bicycle & Cafe
Love coffee? How about coffee and a bicycle shop? Skip the franchise coffee shops and try something local. Avant Bicycle & Cafe is located in downtown Lake Geneva and is a nice place to sit down and relax, especially after a run or bike ride! The coconut latte is just heavenly.
Inspired Coffee
I love coffee, but even more so if it’s coffee with a purpose. Not only is Inspired Coffee Shop’s mission to “empower adults with disabilities to live with greater purpose and achieve their individual best in a thriving environment” inspiring, but their coffee is delicious. Tip: Try the Lake Geneva Coffee Roast sourced from a local roastery.
Pier 290
As Geneva Lake’s only restaurant on the water, Pier 290 is the perfect place to enjoy lakefront views with good food. They have plenty of outdoor seating and evening a sandy beach area with firepits. Come for brunch on the weekend and indulge in housemade corned beef hash.
Lunch options include a variety of salads and sandwiches as well as fish tacos and burgers. Dinner is more upscale with fish and steak entrees as the stars of the menu, but a kids menu is offered all day long so your picky eaters will be happy with grilled cheese or chicken fingers, too. If the weather is nice be sure to sit outside and enjoy the lakefront views.
Where to Stay in Lake Geneva with Kids
Grand Geneva Resort
Newly renovated rooms await guests at Grand Geneva Resort. Take advantage of all the amenities including an indoor and outdoor pool, scheduled activities, the spa, golf courses, live music at the lounge.
Kids will want to climb their way up the 35’ rock climbing wall, swim in their indoor and outdoor pools, play in the arcade, go horsebeack riding, and so much more. With multiple restaurants on site including coffee and ice cream shops, you’ll never want to leave.
The resort has a Kids Are Grand program which is designed to keep kids busy with activities like arts and crafts, nature walks, and special events.
During the winter months, the Adventure Center offers activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating. The resort’s Mountain Top ski area is family-friendly, with lessons available for kids and beginners.
In the warmer months, the Adventure Center offers hiking, biking, archery, and disc golf. You can rent bikes or head out on guided hikes as a family. They also organize family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and lawn games.
If you have golfers in your group, the resort offers two championship courses. There’s also a mini-golf course that’s fun for the whole family. There is also a full service spa on property.
If you visit during the holidays, the resort is fully decorate and hosts events like the Christmas in the Country celebration which features lights, gingerbread houses, breakfast with Santa, and more festive events for families.
Good to know: Families staying at the Grand Geneva Resort can purchase access to the Mountain Falls Waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge for $30. There is a trolley that will transport you between the resorts.
Timber Ridge Lodge
If the weather may not be suited for the beach, you can still have a warm water getaway by heading to Moose Mountain Falls at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark.
Timber Ridge is an all-suite hotel, with one-bedroom to two-bedroom options that are all equipped with kitchens, fireplaces, and separate living areas.
Guests of the resort can enjoy the waterpark with over 50,000 square feet of splash-tastic fun. Thrill-seekers will definitely enjoy the two gigantic heated waterslides, but my family prefers lounging around on the lazy river surrounding the waterpark.
Little ones will busy themselves by splashing away in the Tiny Timbers area with zero-depth entry, little slides, swings, and mushroom fountain. The obstacle rope course is always a fun time.
Beyond the waterpark, there is an arcade, mini golf course, basketball, tennis, horseback riding and children-focused programming via Camp Timber, the resident kid’s club.
The Villas at Grand Geneva Resort
For a home away from home, look no further than a stay at The Villas at Grand Geneva Resort. It was everything our family wanted – a gorgeous, spacious two-story townhome with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room.
Plus, it had a fully stocked kitchen with full-size appliances, a fireplace, and a laundry. Absolutely perfect! Since the Villas are located on the Grand Geneva’s property guests can also take advantage of their amenities including Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, spa, and fitness center.
The Cove of Lake Geneva
The Cove of Lake Geneva is located a short walk away from downtown, the lake, the beach, lakeshore path, restaurants, and museums. The all-suite hotel’s slogan “center of it all” couldn’t be truer.
Besides its fabulous location, the rooms are spacious and nicely appointed with a kitchenette perfect for whipping up meals. All one- and two-bedroom suites comes with a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and a fireplace, giving families plenty of room to spread out.
Plus, who can resist their large, zero-depth entry outdoor pool which also has a splash pad, poolside snack bar, and a hot tub. Visiting in the cooler months? no worries! They have an indoor pool as well. If the kids are looking for more fun, there is also a game room with arcade games and air hockey.
The Abbey Resort & Spa
Located on the other side of Geneva Lake, The Abbey Resort & Spa is definitely one of the best full service resorts in the area.
The Abbey offers a variety of room types, including suites which are ideal for families. Suites have separate living areas with sofa beds. Rooms typically have views of the harbor, resort gardens, or the lake.
The Abbey has a large indoor pool with a separate children’s pool. They also have outdoor pools which are very popular during the summer. There is a family pool with a splash pad and shallow areas for the little ones.
One of the best things about the resort is the number of family-friendly activities they offer. From watching movies at their small theater to roasting s’mores at the bonfire and creating crafts, your family will always have something to do. Plus, when the weather’s nice you can take a short walk to Fontana Beach.
The Abbey’s location on the harbor means families have easy access to boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake. The resort also offers bike rentals which are a fun way to explore the area.
The resort offers a Kids’ Night Out program on select weekends and holidays. Kids can enjoy movies, games, and dinner while parents escape for a few hours to enjoy an adult meal at 240° West.
Lake Lawn Resort
There are several other lakes in the region beyond Geneva Lake, and Lake Delavan has an amazing resort that has been welcoming families for generations. Lake Lawn Resort is about 15 minutes from Lake Geneva and has been a popular destination for families from Chicago and Milwaukee since 1895.
The resort has typical hotel rooms, cottages, and condos with full kitchens and living areas. Like most resorts in the area, it has a terrific spa and championship golf course, as well as several dining options on property.
Kid-friendly highlights include Bucky’s Playhouse- an indoor play area with laser tag, ping pong, crafts, movies, build-a-buddy, and so much more. During the high seasons the resort hosts daily events like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and relays which can be found on their daily activity guide. There are indoor and outdoor pools which are always popular with families, no matter the season.
There are also plenty of great lake activities to enjoy. You can rent boats, kayaks, Wave Runners, paddleboards, and water toys from the Lakefront Landing watersport building.
The Ridge Hotel
One of the newest properties in Lake Geneva is the Ridge Hotel, a smaller, 146-room property with views of Lake Como and Geneva National Golf Resort. This property is part of the larger Lodge Geneva National complex.
The property has a large outdoor pool with incredible views and a poolside bar. There are also several seating areas near the pool that overlook the surrounded woods, lake, and golf course. In the evenings, the property often has fire pits going which are a great place to make s’mores. When the weather is cold, take advantge of the indoor saltwater pool.
In addition to spacious hotel rooms, there are also suites with multiple beds and kitchenettes and adjoining rooms which are ideal for families. All rooms have mini fridges and Keurigs. This property is dog friendly which is perfect for those of you that love to travel with your four-legged friends.
Thank you to Cheryl Eugenio who wrote the original version of this article. A big thanks to Visit Lake Geneva which has hosted Trekaroo writers in the past and helped us gather the best information possible about Lake Geneva to bring to our readers. Trekaroo is never asked to express a specific opinion about a destination.
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