Family Fun Weekend
Looking for an affordable getaway the whole family will love? Whitewater, WI is packed with easygoing adventures, outdoor fun, and plenty of spots to refuel between activities. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, this family-friendly town makes it easy to slow down, explore, and enjoy time together.
Where to Stay:
Baymont Inn & Suites or Fairfield Inn are great family-friendly options, offering all the comforts of home — free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, fitness centers, hot tubs, and indoor heated pools for year-round fun.
Need more space? Stay at a local Airbnb near town or by Whitewater Lake.
Feeling adventurous? Pitch a tent or park the camper at Whitewater Lake Campground or Scenic Ridge, both offering easy access to the outdoors.
Day One: Nature, Play & Pizza Night
Breakfast
Start the day at the Sweet Spot Café, a local favorite for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, breakfast burritos, and sweet treats. It’s also a great place to grab sandwiches or salads to go for later.
Adventure
Head out of town for a hike! Along the way, stop at the Whitewater Flowing Well for a drink or to fill up your water bottles.
For a family-friendly hike with plenty of nature, frogs, and birds, take the Rice Lake Nature Trail. If you are looking for more, take the connector trail to the Ice Age Trail.
Have a stroller? Walk one of the paved paths at UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve.
Picnic & Play
Set up a picnic at Rice Lake Recreation Area, where kids can burn off energy on the playground while adults relax and enjoy the view.
Swim
On a warm summer day, head over to Whitewater Lake Beach to swim and cool off — kayak rentals are available, too. If the weather isn’t cooperating, switch gears and visit the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center, featuring an indoor pool, lazy river, and whirlpool.
Dinner
Wrap up the day at Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company, a fifth-generation family farm serving craft beer, live music, and food trucks on Friday and Saturday nights (June–September). Grab pizza or a food-truck special and enjoy the relaxed outdoor patio.
Prefer to stay closer to town? Whiney's Wine & Beer Haus at The Fuzzy Pig offers wood-fired pizza, wine, cocktails, and live music in a scenic countryside setting.
Too tired to dine out? No judgment here — pick up pizza from Gus’s Pizza Palace or Rosa’s Pizza and enjoy a low-key night in.
Day Two: Nature Hike, Shops & Classic Eats
Breakfast
Fuel up at Jessica's Family Restaurant, where classic breakfast favorites like bacon, eggs, French toast, pancakes, and waffles keep everyone happy.
Adventure
Head over to Paradise Springs for a ½ mostly paved, stroller-accessible nature trail. Follow the path to a spring-fed pond and an abandoned historic springhouse — a great photo stop. Kids will love spotting frogs, waterfalls, and fishing spots along the way.
On the drive back, stop at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit Headquarters. Browse the gift shop, explore the museum, and check out kid-friendly activities like birding areas and interactive exhibits. Pick up trail maps if you’re inspired to explore more.
Lunch
Step back in time at Brain Freeze, a classic 1950s-style diner serving burgers, fries, cheese curds, mini corn dogs, chicken tenders, shakes, malts, and Mullen’s ice cream.
Explore Downtown
Spend the afternoon downtown browsing local shops or strolling through Cravath Lakefront Park. Let the kids play at the playground or tackle “Killer Hill” at Trippe Lake Park. Stop by ReVamp Nutrition for delicious shakes kids actually love… and parents feel good about. If the weather isn’t cooperating, head over to the Whitewater Public Library. There is a children’s space, a makerspace (ages 11 and older), and tons of events.
Dinner
Enjoy a family dinner at Fanatico, known for Italian favorites and a kid-friendly menu with pasta, pizza, chicken fingers, and more.
Not in the mood for Italian? Taco Fresco serves up flavorful Mexican dishes, while 841 Brewhouse offers classic American comfort food.
Day Three
Morning
Pack up, check out, and get ready for the journey home.
Breakfast
Take advantage of the hotel’s continental breakfast, or swing by Center Street Café on your way out of town for a breakfast sandwich or toasted bagel.
