Wisconsin Dells has been called the Waterpark Capital of the World, and that title is earned. But if you think the Dells is just waterparks, you are leaving a lot on the table. There are things to do with kids in Wisconsin Dells for every age, every budget, and every kind of day — including rainy ones.
This list covers the best of it, organized so you can actually plan. Little kids have different needs than teenagers, and a full day in the sun has different needs than a thunderstorm afternoon. We have broken it down so you spend less time figuring out what to do and more time doing it.If you are still figuring out where to eat during your trip, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells for honest recommendations by age and vibe.
1. Noah’s Ark Waterpark — Best Outdoor Waterpark for Families
America’s largest outdoor waterpark and the centerpiece of any summer trip to the Dells. Noah’s Ark sits on 70 acres with 49 waterslides, two wave pools, two lazy rivers, and four separate play areas built specifically for small kids. Tadpole Bay has an 8-foot dump bucket, sprayers, fountains, and shallow pools that toddlers can enjoy without constant supervision. Older kids and teenagers will gravitate toward the Scorpion’s Tail, the Black Anaconda water coaster, and the Raja — the world’s largest King Cobra slide.
Arrive early, especially on summer weekends. Buy tickets online ahead of time to save money and skip the box office line. Picnicking is permitted and coolers are allowed outside the fenced waterpark area.
Best for: Ages 3 and up. All-day families. Anyone visiting in peak summer.
Address: 1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone: (608) 254-6351
Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, daily 10am to 5–8pm
Website: noahsarkwaterpark.com
2. Original Wisconsin Ducks — Best Tour for All Ages
The Duck Tour has been running since 1946 and it is still one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells with kids. The restored World War II amphibious vehicles drive through the woods, squeeze through Red Bird Gorge, crest Roller Coaster Hill, and then splash directly into the Wisconsin River — all in one hour. Kids go nuts when the Duck hits the water.
The scenery here is the thing. The sandstone cliffs along the Wisconsin River are genuinely stunning and you cannot see them any other way. The tour covers 8.5 miles of terrain including private wilderness trails not accessible to the public. Free parking and free shuttle service from downtown Dells make logistics easy. Tours run rain or shine.
Best for: All ages. First-time visitors. Rainy days.
Address: 1890 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone: (608) 254-8751
Season: Mid-March through mid-November, daily 8am to 7pm in high season
Website: wisconsinducktours.com
3. Timbavati Wildlife Park — Best Animal Experience
Twenty-five acres, over 400 animals, 75 species, and a safari train that stops so kids can feed giraffes and camels by hand. Timbavati is an accredited zoological facility that does not get nearly enough credit for what it offers. The white tiger exhibit alone is worth the trip. Beyond the big cats, you will find kangaroos, sloths, rhinos, alpacas, wallabies, and more.
Budget note: it is not cheap, and the train ride and animal feeding are additional costs on top of admission. Buy the extras anyway. The train stop at the giraffe and camel feeding deck is the highlight of the whole park for most kids. Camel and pony rides are available for an additional charge. Open seasonally May through October.
Best for: Ages 2 to 12. Nature-loving families. A break from waterparks.
Address: 2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone: (608) 253-2391
Season: May through October, daily 9am to 8pm
Website: timbavatiwildlifepark.com
4. Wisconsin Deer Park — Best for Young Kids
For a simpler, quieter, and genuinely magical experience for young children, Wisconsin Deer Park is hard to beat. Over 100 deer roam free through wooded trails, and they will walk right up to your kids if you have food. Buy the wafer crackers at the entrance — the deer will follow you around the entire park.
It takes about 90 minutes to two hours and the price is reasonable compared to most Dells attractions. It is calm and unhurried in a way that stands out when everything else in the area is loud and stimulating. Goes especially well before or after a high-energy waterpark day.
Best for: Toddlers and young kids. Budget-conscious visitors. Slower-paced days.
Address: 2183 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Season: Spring through fall, seasonal
Website: wisdeerpark.com
5. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory — Best Rainy Day Activity
175 interactive exhibits, a Russian Space Station MIR core module on public display, a giant lever that lets kids lift a 5,000-pound car off the ground, and enough hands-on science to keep ages 5 through 15 genuinely occupied for two hours. The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is the best indoor non-waterpark option in Wisconsin Dells, and it is open year-round.
Kids who hit a rainy afternoon or need a break between waterpark days will be completely absorbed in here. Parents tend to enjoy it more than they expect. Plan for about 90 minutes to two hours. The downtown location makes it easy to combine with lunch.
Best for: Ages 5 to 15. Rainy days. Science-curious kids.
Address: 560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Hours: Open year-round, daily
Website: tommybartlett.com
6. Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park — Best for Older Kids and Teens
Mt. Olympus is the best option in the Dells for families with older kids and teenagers who want more than water slides. It combines an outdoor waterpark with a dry theme park featuring go-karts, roller coasters, and thrill rides — including America’s tallest water slide at 10 stories. The combination means full-day visits that do not get repetitive.
The go-kart tracks are a particular draw for kids who are done with waterparks but not ready to leave. Multiple tracks at different skill levels. Multi-day passes are available and worth it if you are staying more than one day.
Best for: Ages 8 and up. Families with teenagers. Multi-day visitors.
Address: 655 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Website: mtolympuspark.com
7. WizardQuest — Best for Older Kids on a Non-Water Day
WizardQuest is a 30,000 square foot fantasy labyrinth in downtown Wisconsin Dells where groups carry tablets and solve quests by interacting with creatures and environments across four distinct realms. It is a two-hour indoor scavenger hunt that genuinely works for kids 10 and up, teenagers, and adults. Hidden doorways, narrow corridors, and a surprisingly elaborate fantasy world make it more immersive than it sounds.
Honest note: younger kids under 8 or so may not fully grasp the quests and can get tired before the two hours are up. It is designed with teens and adults in mind, with kids welcome.
Best for: Ages 10 and up. Teens. Families looking for something different.
Address: 115 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Website: wizardquest.com
8. Dells Boat Tours — Best Scenic Activity
The Wisconsin River sandstone cliffs are the reason Wisconsin Dells became a tourist destination in the first place, long before the waterparks arrived. The Upper Dells Boat Tour is a two-hour trip past formations like Romance Cliff, Chimney Rock, and the Twin Sisters, with a stop at Stand Rock for a short hike. The geology here is genuinely impressive — Cambrian sandstone found in only four places on earth — and a good guide makes it interesting even for kids who do not normally care about rocks.
This is the activity that tends to stick with families long after the waterpark memories fade. The Scenic River Walk near the departure point is free and worth a 20-minute stop before or after.
Best for: All ages. First-time visitors. Families who want nature without hiking.
Address: 11 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Season: Mid-March through mid-November
Website: dellsboats.com/
9. Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark — Best for Young Kids and Off-Season Visits
Great Wolf Lodge is the best option for families with toddlers and young kids, particularly for visits outside of peak summer season when Noah’s Ark and Mt. Olympus are closed. The indoor waterpark has a water fort treehouse, activity pools, kiddie slides, and shallow areas designed specifically for small children. MagiQuest — the wand-based interactive game connected to the lodge — is a favorite for ages 4 to 9.
The waterpark is open to the public even if you are not staying at the hotel. Check availability for day passes if you are staying elsewhere — they sell out on busy weekends. After 5pm passes are occasionally available at a discount.
Best for: Toddlers and kids under 10. Fall and winter visits. One-stop families.
Address: 1400 Great Wolf Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Website: greatwolf.com/wisconsin-dells
10. Riverside and Great Northern Railway — Best for Train-Loving Kids
A working steam-powered narrow gauge railway that takes families on a scenic trip through the Wisconsin Dells countryside, with a two-mile route through unique rock formations and wooded terrain. For kids who love trains, this is a genuine highlight. The railway has been operating since 1962 and the equipment is the real thing — not a theme park novelty.
There is a train-themed playground, a picnic area, and a gift shop on site. The experience takes about an hour including the ride and time to explore the grounds. Relatively affordable compared to most Dells attractions.
Best for: Ages 2 to 10. Train enthusiasts. A quieter hour mid-trip.
Address: N115 Co Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone: (608) 254-6367
Website: rgnry.com
Planning Tips for a Family Trip to Wisconsin Dells
- Buy tickets online. Nearly every attraction offers online pricing discounts. Buying at the gate costs more.
- Arrive early at outdoor waterparks. Noah’s Ark and Mt. Olympus get crowded fast on summer weekends. A 9am arrival means short lines for the first two hours.
- Have a rainy day backup plan. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, WizardQuest, and Great Wolf Lodge are all indoor and all excellent.
- Mix waterparks with non-waterpark days. Two full days at waterparks is a lot, especially with young kids. Breaking it up with the Duck Tour, Timbavati, or the Boat Tour makes the trip more memorable.
- Most seasonal attractions close after Labor Day. If you are visiting in September or October, call ahead or check websites for current operating status.
Hungry after a long day? Our best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells guide covers the spots actually worth your time. For waterfront dining specifically, our best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin Dells post has you covered.
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