As summer starts to wind down and the first day of school draws nearer, you might be thinking about putting together one last family trip… somewhere close to home but still full of magic and adventure. Somewhere like, oh, I don’t know, Green Bay? 😉
It doesn’t matter if your crew is all about adrenaline or laid-back memory-making, Green Bay has plenty for you to do this month. In fact, we’ve put together a few summertime day trip itineraries that we hope will inspire you to spend the day (or weekend) with us!
The Adventure-Seeking Family
Start your day at the NEW Zoo, where you can say “hello” to the adorable lions, bears, penguins, and giraffes. For the thrill-seekers in your group, the zip line, ropes course, and climbing wall in the adjacent Adventure Park will add an adrenaline rush to your morning.
GBASO (Green Bay Action Sports Organization) is another great stop if you have energetic teens or tweens who love to skate, bike, or scooter. This indoor skate park is perfect for burning off some energy, rain or shine. With areas for all skill levels, it’s a fun and safe space to learn new tricks or just cruise around for a bit.
Finally, we suggest ending your day at Bay Beach Amusement Park, one of the most affordable amusement parks in the country (yes, tickets are still just a quarter each). Ride the Zippin Pippin, spin around on the Tilt-A-Whirl, and take a relaxing family ride on the Ferris wheel.
The Nature-Loving Family
Start your day at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can hike miles of scenic trails, feed the ducks, and meet native wildlife in rehabilitation. It’s peaceful, educational, and completely free (not including the bags of corn, which are just a few dollars each).
After that, why not go for a kayak ride on the Fox River? There is a brand new self-serve kayak rental station at Optimist Kayaker’s Point, located off W. Lazarre Avenue. This convenient option from Kayak Wisconsin means you can easily reserve a kayak ahead of time and enjoy some time on the water without having to strap your kayaks to your vehicle!
Finally, we suggest wrapping up your day with a leisurely sunset stroll through the Green Bay Botanical Garden, which is especially gorgeous during the late summer season. From May through August, the garden is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Be sure to check their events calendar beforehand for information on their live music series!
For Those with Little Ones in Tow
Little kiddos need lots of excitement, but they also need lots of rest. We suggest beginning the day with some imaginative play at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay. With interactive exhibits designed for kids of all ages, the museum is the perfect way to spend a few hours.
From there, everyone is going to be ready to refuel… and who doesn’t love a pancake lunch? The Pancake Place is known for its giant pancakes and kid-friendly atmosphere. Grown-ups, you will also find lots of mouth-watering options. We recommend the stuffed hash browns!
Finally, head on over to Titletown to let the kids play and explore. You can let them burn some energy on the massive playground, practice your Hail Mary on the regulation-sized football field, or race to the top of Ariens Hill for a panoramic view of Lambeau Field.
The Family Who Bleeds Green & Gold
If you’re coming to Green Bay, there’s a good chance you back the Pack. Why not start your day with a stadium tour of Lambeau Field? Kids of all ages (including adults) will enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium while hearing about the team’s legendary history.
After the tour, you can head across the street to Titletown for lunch at Hinterland Brewery BelAir Cantina. Both of these restaurants have seriously great food and kid-friendly options that don’t skimp on the foodie experience. Plus, you get a great view of the stadium!
After lunch (and a few lawn games), it’s time to head back over to Lambeau to check out the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. This impressive museum features two levels of exhibits, interactive displays, and memorabilia celebrating more than 100 years of football. It’s a must-see for any fan of any age! Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Hall of Fame exclusive bobbleheads that are currently available at the front desk!
No matter which itinerary you choose, Green Bay is full of ways to celebrate the last days of summer before the backpacks come out and the alarm clocks return. Make the most of it with one last day of family fun, and if you need help planning, you know where to find us!
