DAY ONE

Start your family adventure at EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh to share the spirit of aviation with over 200 historic aircraft, thousands of artifacts and a hand on KidVenture Gallery.  Oshkosh is “Wisconsin’s Event City” so check out the family-friendly festivals throughout the year including; Oshkosh Sawdust Days in July and Celebration of Lights late November thru December.  Winnebago County boasts a robust park system for family outings to include the Pollack Community Water Park.  There is even a place for the family dog at the Best Friends Dog Park.

With camping, boat rentals, ice skating and much more this entire area is a kids’ paradise.
(Check out the Outdoor Adventures Road Trip for suggestions).

DAY TWO

Get the day off to the perfect start for family time at Schreiner’s Restaurant, Bakery and Bernie’s Pub, a Fond du Lac landmark since the ‘30s.  Famous for scratch-prepared food be sure to order a stack of pancakes with a side of award-winning pie!  Then it’s off to the hands-on-fun at the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac to play, explore and have fun.  Interactive exhibits include the new Bull & Bear Market.

Visit the ranch of Larson’s Famous Clydesdales in Ripon – open mid-May to mid-October at 1pm for a tour and grandstand show.  (Reservations suggested).   Then head to LaClare Farms for the milking of the goats at 4:30pm.  Pet the goats and shop for Wisconisn artisan and farmstead cheeses and ice cream.

There’s lots of lodging choices in Fond du Lac.  Families will particularly enjoy the Holiday Inn with its large recreational center to include an indoor pool and game room.  Have pizza pool side from in-house Benvenuto’s Italian Grill.

DAY THREE

For some outdoor fun ride the carousel, train and whip at Lakeside Park.  The official “Sponsors of Summertime,” Fondy Sports Park features indoor and outdoor sports and amusement park fun.  You’ll have a hard time deciding what to do with go karts, off road karting, bumper boats, lighted golf driving range, video arcade and much more.  There’s a snack bar and picnic areas, as well.  For fun in the sun visit the Fairgrounds Aquatic Center/Waterpark with zero depth entry, two tube slides, two drop slides and sand play and picnic areas.

DAY FOUR

It’s child’s play all day in Calumet County.  Catch a chicken, milk a cow, kiss a pig, ride a pony and cuddle a kitten at the Mulberry Lane Petting Farm. From spring to fall there is always something to enjoy on Meuer Farm in Chilton,  There’s maple syrup season, pick-your-own strawberries, hayrides, a corn maze and pumpkins depending on the season.   In fall pick out the perfect pumpkin at Polly’s Pumpkin Patch in Chilton.

Before you head home be sure to stop at Kelley Country Creamery in Eden.  Voted “Best Ice Cream in America” by Good Morning America this old-fashioned ice cream shop features confections crafted from the creamery on the on-side dairy farmstead.  Choose from over 20 flavors and seasonal offerings and end your rod trip with smiles all around.