Looking for a family getaway that’s close to Green Bay but feels like a little escape? Pack the swimsuits, round up the kids, and head to Suamico!
This lakeside community is full of outdoor adventures, beautiful natural areas, local eats, and plenty of ways to keep the whole family entertained. And with so much to do in every season, it’s a great spot for a day trip or a weekend away.
If you’re making a weekend of it, grab a room at Comfort Inn & Suites. The indoor heated pool and whirlpool are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Head Outdoors
Suamico is a dream for families who love fresh air, wildlife, and a little adventure. From paddling down the river to exploring miles of wooded trails, there’s plenty to discover.
Get Out on the Water
See Suamico from the water with Suamico Paddle, which offers convenient self-serve kayak and paddleboard rentals along the Suamico River. The calm water and mild current of the river make it a great choice for beginners and families. The round trip to the mouth of the bay takes about two hours, with opportunities to spot waterfowl, songbirds, deer, muskrats, beavers, and maybe even an otter!
Choose from single or tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and even floating coolers to keep your snacks and drinks within reach.
Explore Trails, Parks, & Wildlife
Suamico is home to some fantastic natural areas, each with its own mix of scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Start at Calavera Springs Community Park where you’ll find walking trails that wind past a unique flowing spring that is a tributary to Hidden Lake and the Suamico River. You’ll also find sports fields, tennis courts, and trails for cross-country skiing.
At Sensiba Wildlife Area, coastal marshes along Green Bay provide habitat for all kinds of birds. Wander the trails and wooden boardwalk and take a quiet break at the observation platform (don’t forget your binoculars!). Visit in winter for serene cross-country skiing over the fresh snow.
For even more room to roam, head to Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve. This 1,000-plus-acre preserve features forests, meadows, wetlands, and more than nine miles of scenic hiking trails. The West Shores Interpretive Center offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs, while winter visitors can enjoy groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The preserve is also home to Sensory Woods, an inclusive nature experience designed to connect people of all abilities with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the outdoors.
Another great option is the Reforestation Camp, where more than 1,400 acres offer hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnic spots. Winter may get frosty, but it doesn’t stop the outdoor fun at Barkhausen. In the colder months, enjoy cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, and snowmobiling.
And if you’re visiting the Reforestation Camp, you’re in luck! The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is right next door! Meet animals from around the world, catch special feedings and animal encounters, or take things up a notch with ropes courses, climbing walls, and a zip line.
Eats, Treats, and Family Fun
After all that fresh air, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Luckily, Suamico has plenty of local spots to satisfy hungry explorers.
Near the NEW Zoo, Sweets & Eats serves up an enormous ice cream menu, from classic shakes and sundaes to fun creations like the Kids Monster Cookie Sundae and Cotton Candy Flurry. Stick around for a round of mini-golf, too. For bowling, arcade games, and classic American fare, head to Buzz Social.
At 888 Cheese & Co, grilled cheese gets the gourmet treatment, with more than 10 varieties and even a grilled cheese flight for anyone who can’t settle on just one. Rustique, tucked inside a 122-year-old chapel in Historic Downtown Suamico, serves thin-crust New York-style and brick-oven pizza.
Need a sweet finish? Stop at local favorite Zesty’s for frozen custard.
For breakfast or brunch, grab something healthy from DIRT Juicery, which offers organic smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, and toast. Spork Cafe is another great choice for brunch, with an ever-changing farm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Other local favorites worth checking out include Four Way Bar & Restaurant, Chambers Hill, The Kitchen Table, and Ahnapee Brewery, where adults can enjoy small-batch brews and an outdoor patio.
Add Suamico to Your Day Trips List
With so many outdoor adventures plus ice cream stops and family-friendly fun, Suamico makes it easy to fill a day with memories. Just be prepared: the hardest part might be convincing the kids it’s time to head home.
