Jan 16, 2026
Wisconsin Dells may be known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but you don’t have to spend every minute splashing around to enjoy your trip. In fact, the area is packed with family-friendly attractions, scenic spots, and unique experiences that make it worth exploring beyond the resorts. Whether you need a break from the waterparks, are traveling with kids of different ages, or simply want to round out your itinerary, these activities offer something for everyone. Below are some of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells besides the waterparks.
Wisconsin Deer Park
The Deer Park in the Dells is one of our favorite places to visit! It gives kids and adults the opportunity to hand feed over 100 tame deer in a natural, wooded setting. They will come right up to you and eat out of your hand. Some will even follow you around the park until you give them more food. It is so fun for any animal loving kid or adult to have an experience like that. The Deer Park has other animals to walk around and see as well such as elk, bison, goats, peacocks, llamas, horses, emus, lemurs and more. It is a great stop to make sure to add to your Wisconsin Dells trip!
Timbavati Wildlife Park
Timbavati Wildlife Park was a fun and unique stop during our time in Wisconsin Dells. It’s part zoo, part animal encounter, and had a surprising variety of animals for a smaller attraction. From giraffes and kangaroos to lemurs, tortoises, and even a bengal tiger, there was something exciting around every corner.
One of the highlights for our family was being able to hand-feed some of the animals and take a ride on the Safari Train, which gave us a great view of emus, a bongo, ostrich and more. The park is very walkable, with interactive exhibits and plenty of opportunities for kids to engage with the animals.
It’s not a full-day zoo, but it makes for a great few hours, especially for families looking for hands-on animal fun in a setting that’s a bit more personal than a big city zoo.
Duck Boats
If you spend anytime in the Dells, you can't miss the Wisconsin Duck Boats! These historic World War II-era vehicles travel on both land and water, which made for a super fun and unique experience, especially for the kids. We cruised through scenic wooded trails, splashed into the river, and even got some great views of the beautiful sandstone cliffs that the Dells are known for.
The tour was the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and history, with a guide who kept things entertaining the whole way. It’s bumpy at times and definitely loud, but that just added to the fun. If you’re visiting Wisconsin Dells, the Duck Boats are something unique to add to your trip!
Outlet Mall
Outlets in the Dells Outlet Mall, also known as Tanger Outlets, is right across the parking lot from Great Wolf Lodge. If you are staying in that hotel, you can actually walk to the outlet mall. It has over 50 stores ranging from adult & children's apparel, to footwear, to house & home, to speciality stores and more. It is a rectangular layout with one long walkway right down the middle of the mall. It is super easy to navigate and a great place to do a little outlet shopping while you're in the Dells. The outlet mall opens at 10am every but varies on the time that it closes depending on the day of the week. Make sure to check their website for all up to date information regarding store hours and the store directory. You can find their website here: https://www.outletsatthedells.com/.
Mini Golf
The Dells is filled with a variety of unique and exciting courses, making it a perfect activity for families, friends, or even a fun date night.
Whether you like a challenge with tricky obstacles, enjoy themed courses like pirates or jungles, or prefer something indoors with glowing neon lights, the Dells has a mini golf course to match your style. Many of the courses are designed with creative details like waterfalls, caves, bridges, and even storybook characters, which makes every round feel like a new adventure.
No matter when you visit, mini golf is an easy, affordable, and memorable way to add a little extra fun to your trip. It’s one more reason why the Dells is the ultimate family vacation destination!
🍕 Dine by Train at Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Wisconsin Dells that’s just as much an experience as it is a meal, Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille is the place to go. Located right next to the Outlets at the Dells, this family-friendly restaurant is known for one thing that sets it apart from anywhere else: your food and drinks are delivered right to your table by a miniature train!
From the moment you sit down, kids can’t help but get excited when they see the trains winding their way around the restaurant carrying meals, appetizers, and drinks. It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines good food with a little extra magic.
Our kids absolutely love this place! It not only is fun to have the train deliver your food, but it is fun to walk around the restaurant because it is filled with custom Lego displays created by international Lego artist, Paul Hetherington! You can walk around the main level or take the elevator to the next floor and be in awe of all the Lego City creations around the whole restaurant. This is definitely a place you will want to stop with your kiddos the next time you are in the Dells.
Knuckleheads
Attached to the Buffalo Phils Restaurant is a place called Knuckleheads that will keep your kids entertained for hours. From the trampoline park and arcade games to bowling and indoor amusement rides, there’s something for everyone. Whether your kids want to bounce, play, or ride, Knuckleheads has it covered. Parents can join in on the fun or take a break at the on-site restaurant, which serves up family favorites like pizza, burgers, and wings.
It’s the perfect spot to go on a rainy day, after shopping, or anytime you want to switch things up from the waterparks. With so many ways to play under one roof, Knuckleheads is a must-stop for families visiting the Dells.
Rick Wilcox Magic & Comedy Show
If you’re looking for a fun evening activity in Wisconsin Dells, the Rick Wilcox Magic & Comedy Show is a perfect pick. This family-friendly performance mixes Las Vegas–style illusions with laugh-out-loud comedy, keeping both kids and adults entertained from start to finish.
Rick and his wife, Susan, put on a high-energy show filled with mind-bending tricks, audience interaction, and plenty of surprises. The theater has an intimate feel, so no matter where you sit, you’re close to the action.
It’s a unique experience that goes beyond the waterparks and will leave your whole family talking long after the show ends.
Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
If you're looking for a fun, interactive experience in Wisconsin Dells, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is a must-visit. Located hear the heart of the Dells, this science and technology center is packed with more than 150 hands-on exhibits, making it perfects for kids and adults!
From exploring the laws of physics and testing out optical illusions to experimenting with water, electricity, and motion, the Exploratory offers learning through play in a way that’s exciting and engaging. Whether your kids want to build, test, or discover, there’s always something new to try.
It’s also a great option for a rainy day or a break from the area’s waterparks. Parents will enjoy watching the kids explore while learning a little science themselves, and the variety of activities ensures that everyone stays entertained.
With its focus on interactive, educational fun, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is more than a museum, it’s an experience that sparks curiosity and keeps the whole family engaged. It’s a perfect stop for anyone visiting the Dells who wants to mix fun and learning in one visit.
Sneaky Pete's Wild West Dinner Show
For a unique evening in Wisconsin Dells, Sneaky Pete’s Wild West Dinner Show offers action, comedy, and a hearty meal all in one. Cowboys, outlaws, and daring stunts bring the Wild West to life, with plenty of audience participation to keep everyone entertained.
Guests enjoy a buffet-style dinner while watching the high-energy show, making it a perfect choice for families or groups looking for something different from waterparks and shopping. Sneaky Pete’s delivers a memorable night full of laughs, thrills, and fun for all ages.
MagiQuest
MagiQuest at Wisconsin Dells is an interactive, live-action adventure game inside Great Wolf Lodge where players use magic wands to unlock clues, complete quests, and even battle dragons. Each quest takes you through themed rooms filled with enchanted objects that spring to life with a wave of your wand, making it a mix of scavenger hunt, puzzle-solving, and imaginative play. It’s great for kids and families, and while wands and game play are an extra cost, they make for a fun keepsake you can reuse on future visits.
Newport Park
Newport Park is a peaceful outdoor destination perfect for families and nature lovers looking to take a break from the busy waterparks. The park features a sandy riverside beach area where you can relax, play, or even swim when conditions are calm, and offers picnic tables, shelters, and grills making it a great spot for a casual lunch or snack with scenic river views.
Visitors also enjoy watching boats and ducks float by, fishing from the pier, and taking in the natural beauty of the sandstone cliffs and river backdrop.
A visit to Newport Park offers a quieter, more relaxed experience in the Dells, making it a wonderful addition to your itinerary if you’re exploring things to do besides waterparks.