14 Indoor Winter Activities in Wisconsin for Kids: No-Cost, Low-Cost & Splurge-Worthy Adventures
- Jess Barrera
- Nov 30
- 4 min read
Stay Warm and Have Fun This Winter in Wisconsin
When the temperatures drop and the snow piles high, it’s easy to feel stuck inside. But Wisconsin families know winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation! Whether you’re looking for free educational outings, low-cost play options, or a special splurge-worthy indoor adventure, there are plenty of cozy, exciting places to explore with your kids.
Here are 14 of our favorite indoor winter activities in Wisconsin—organized by budget—so you can plan the perfect day no matter the forecast.
No-Cost Indoor Winter Activities in Wisconsin for Kids
1. Madison Children’s Museum — Madison, WI
📍 100 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703
This interactive, eco-friendly museum invites kids to create, explore, and learn through play. From an indoor area to art studios and science labs, there’s something for every curious mind. Look for free-admission days throughout the year.
2. Local Library Play Spaces & Storytimes
Don’t overlook your local library! Many Wisconsin libraries offer free indoor play areas, weekly story times, and craft sessions—perfect for preschoolers and early readers.
Keep little readers cozy at home with a plush reading chair, Kid’s Play Tent, and Solid Wood Bookshelf which will last years to come as they grow older.
Low-Cost Family Fun
3. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum — Milwaukee, WI
📍 929 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
We love visiting this children’s museum for hands-on learning and fostering imagination! Kids can run a pretend grocery store, drive a city bus, or create in the STEM lab. It’s a perfect balance of fun and education!
4. Children’s Museum of Green Bay — Green Bay, WI
📍 1230 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302
The kids can explore creative exhibits and play areas which make this a must-stop for families up north! The toddler-friendly Discovery Zone is especially great to keep kids busy on cold, snowy days.
5. Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum — Stevens Point, WI
📍 1100 Main St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
This gem offers rotating exhibits, art studios, and sensory play—it’s all designed for young learners. Admission is budget-friendly and packed with value!
6. The Big Backyard — New Berlin, WI
📍 2857 S 160th St, New Berlin, WI 53151
A 10,000 square foot, 3-level play structure built for children ages 1–8 with slides, tunnels, and climbing zones. Make sure to bring socks and snacks, so your kids can burn off energy for hours!
Don’t forget a snack container for healthy, on-the-go munchies!
Splurge-Worthy Indoor Play Spots
7. Xtreme Air Trampoline Park — Appleton, WI
📍 W3035 Edgewood Trail, Appleton, WI 54913
A trampoline park with a foam pit, climbing wall, and dodgeball courts—ideal for kids who love movement. It’s an exciting option for birthday parties or cabin fever weekends.
Pack grippy anti-slip trampoline socks for safety.
8. Slick City Action Park — Wauwatosa, WI
📍 1435 N 113th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
An indoor slide park unlike anything else—no water, just speed and thrills! There’s also a soft play area for littles and plenty of seating for parents.
9. Urban Air Adventure Park — Appleton, WI
📍 4741 W Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54914
Climbing walls, trampolines, ninja courses, and even indoor go-karts make Urban Air an all-in-one indoor amusement park for families.
Bring a reusable water bottle for kids to stay hydrated during all the action.
10. Play Grounds of La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
📍 3320 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601
This 17,000-square-foot play facility offers tunnels, slides, and climbing structures—plus a café for parents to relax.
11. Wisco Kidz Place — Madison, WI
📍 2136 City View Dr, Madison, WI 53718
This newer play café is a hit for toddlers and preschoolers. Parents can enjoy coffee while kids explore themed play zones like a mini grocery store and doctor’s office.
12. Altitude Trampoline Park — Appleton, WI
📍 W3035 Edgewood Trail, Appleton, WI 54913
This play place is perfect for older kids who love adventure—this park offers foam pits, basketball dunk zones, and open jump areas.
Keep hands germ-free with travel-size hand sanitizer.
13. Funset Boulevard – Appleton, WI
📍 3916 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914
When you want an indoor outing that’s full of energy for both younger and older kids, Funset Boulevard is a solid pick. At this large family entertainment center you’ll find over 100 video and arcade games, a giant playground zone, bumper cars, a carousel, a train ride, and laser tag.
When outdoor play just isn’t ideal, this place gives the kids tons of space to move and explore—while you sip a hot beverage and relax.
Pro tip: Check for mid-week or off-peak wristband deals and bring socks (some play zones require them).
14. Luv 2 Play Appleton – Appleton, WI
📍 Address: 4938 Integrity Way, Appleton, WI 54913.
This indoor playground & arcade is built especially for kids ages 3-12, with a two-story climbing structure (tube slides, mazes, tunnels), a dedicated toddler area with ball-pit and soft play, and an arcade section for older kids.
On a cold Wisconsin winter day when you need a safe, indoor spot where kids can burn energy and enjoy movement, Luv 2 Play is a great option. Parents can relax in the seating/café area while the littles climb and explore.
Tip: Make sure to pack socks in the diaper-bag (play socks required).
Bonus: Indoor Play and Learning at Home
When you can’t travel, need a cozy day inside, or don’t want to splurge on fun, create your own indoor adventure with a few fun staples:
Indoor play tunnels and tents to build forts
STEM activity kits for rainy-day learning
Yoga cards for kids to encourage mindful movement
Creative art supply sets for endless imagination
These items transform any snow day into a mini adventure right at home!
Make the Most of Every Winter Day
Winter in Wisconsin is magical when you know where to go. From free museum days to indoor play cafés and trampoline parks, there’s a spot for every family and every budget. Bundle up, pack your snacks, and head out for a season of memory-making adventures that keep everyone smiling—even when it’s below zero outside.
Until the Next Adventure,
Jess
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