Family Weekend in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Explore The Perfect 3-Day Getaway for Families.
Looking for a family-friendly Wisconsin getaway that combines outdoor adventure, world-famous attractions, and hands-on learning?
Looking for a family-friendly Wisconsin getaway that combines outdoor adventure, world-famous attractions, and hands-on learning?
Baraboo offers everything families need for an unforgettable weekend. Nestled among the scenic Baraboo Bluffs, you'll discover cozy cabin accommodations, Wisconsin's most visited state park, America's circus heritage, and interactive experiences designed specifically for children.
Whether you're visiting from Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, or making a side trip from Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo is the perfect destination for families seeking meaningful experiences and memory-making adventures.
Day One:
Arrive and Relax
Start your weekend by settling into Fireside Cabins, a cozy lodging option located just minutes from Baraboo's most popular attractions. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, gathering around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and preparing for a weekend filled with adventure.
Official Website: Fireside Cabins
Evening Ideas
Explore historic downtown Baraboo
Enjoy dinner at the Log Cabin Family Restaurant
Take an evening stroll along the Baraboo Riverwalk
Relax around the campfire and plan tomorrow's adventures
Day Two:
Explore Wisconsin's
Natural Wonder
Morning: Devil's Lake State Park
No visit to Baraboo is complete without experiencing Devil's Lake State Park.
Known for its stunning quartzite bluffs, crystal-clear lake, sandy beaches, and nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, Devil's Lake attracts visitors from across the Midwest. Families can choose easy shoreline walks, scenic overlooks, swimming, kayaking, picnicking, or simply enjoying Wisconsin's most spectacular natural scenery.
Official Website: Devil's Lake State Park
Family Tip : Arrive early during summer weekends to enjoy cooler temperatures, easier parking, and quieter trails. The East Bluff and West Bluff overlooks provide some of the most photographed views in Wisconsin.
Afternoon: Experience Circus World
Baraboo served as the original home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and today Circus World preserves that incredible history through live performances, historic buildings, authentic circus wagons, exhibits, demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment. During the summer season, visitors can experience live circus performances beneath the Big Top while exploring one of the world's largest collections of circus wagons.
Official Website: circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org
Why Families Choose Baraboo
Few destinations offer such a diverse collection of family experiences in one convenient location:
✔ Scenic hiking and outdoor adventure
✔ Wisconsin's most visited state park
✔ America's circus heritage
✔ Family-friendly lodging
✔ Interactive educational experiences
✔ Small-town charm
✔ Easy access from Wisconsin Dells, Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago
Baraboo combines natural beauty, history, entertainment, and play into one unforgettable family weekend.
Related Family Travel Resources
Planning Your Visit
Day Three:
Learn Through Play
Baraboo Children's Museum
Before heading home, spend the day exploring Baraboo Children's Museum.
After a weekend of hiking and sightseeing, children can take the lead through hands-on exhibits designed to inspire creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and exploration. The museum provides an opportunity for children to learn through play while parents and caregivers participate alongside them.
Whether your child enjoys building, pretend play, STEM exploration, art, or imaginative adventures, the museum offers an engaging experience that complements the rest of your Baraboo vacation.
Why Families Visit Before Heading Home
Indoor fun regardless of weather
Hands-on learning experiences
Perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children
A relaxing pace after a busy weekend
Creates lasting family memories
Extend Your Stay
Many families add additional attractions to their itinerary, including:
International Crane Foundation
Mirror Lake State Park
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Pewit's Nest
Al. Ringling Theatre
These attractions help make Baraboo one of Wisconsin's premier family destinations.