A Family Day Trip to Bay Beach Amusement Park with Young Kids
- Jess Barrera
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
There’s something magical about Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It’s one of those places where the rides are just the right size for younger kids, tickets are only a quarter each, and the nostalgia hits hard for parents who grew up with simple, classic amusement parks. We took our kids on a summer day trip to Bay Beach, and while the heat was a little much at times, it turned into one of our favorite family memories so far!
Bay Beach is Perfect for Families with Young Kids
Unlike big amusement parks, Bay Beach is incredibly affordable and designed with families in mind. Rides are low in cost and sized for kids who aren’t quite ready for roller coasters.
Our kids especially loved:
The Pirate Ship – gentle but exciting
The Boats – perfect for younger children to "drive"
Bumper Cars – family favorite for all ages
The Carousel – classic and relaxing
Spinning Swings – just the right mix of thrill and fun
Parents can actually enjoy the day without worrying about breaking the bank!
Tips for What to Pack for Bay Beach
Bay Beach is budget-friendly, but it can get hot and sunny in the summer. A little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s what helped us:
Lightweight Cooler Backpack – easy to carry water and snacks
Refillable Water Bottles – keep everyone hydrated and save money vs having to buy water bottles
Portable Mini Fan – lifesaver in the heat
Comfortable Walking Shoes – kids will be running from ride to ride
A comfortable daypack for essentials.
Snack bags to fuel little ones!
Packing smart makes the day more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone! Sometimes it's better to overpack and be prepared than having to calm down cranky kids!
Food Options (and Why We Recommend a Picnic!)
Bay Beach has a few snack stands, but choices are limited. We recommend packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it at the nearby picnic shelters.
If you’d rather grab a meal afterward, here are some family-friendly Green Bay restaurants nearby:
Kroll’s East – famous for butter burgers
Chefusion – nicer but still kid-friendly with great food
Zesty’s Frozen Custard – perfect for ice cream after a hot day
Cooling Down: Ice Cream, Splash Pads & Pools
Since it was hot during our visit, cooling down became part of the adventure. Our kids loved stopping for ice cream, but you could also check out:
Joannes Aquatic Center – family-friendly pool
Titletown’s Splash Pad – great for younger kids
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – shady trails and animals to explore
Suggested Itinerary for a Day at Bay Beach
Here’s how we structured our day to keep everyone happy and avoid overtired, overheated kiddos:
Morning:
Arrive early to beat the crowds
Ride classics like the Carousel and Boats first
Snack break with water + fruit
Late Morning:
Let kids try the Pirate Ship, Bumper Cars, and Spinning Swings
Rotate shady breaks between rides
Lunch:
Picnic at the park or head to Kroll’s East for burgers
Afternoon:
More rides or playground time if kids still have energy
Stop for ice cream at Zesty’s
Evening (optional):
Head to Joannes Aquatic Center or Titletown splash pad to cool down before heading home
It’s a simple day trip, but it packs in plenty of fun for little ones.
Bay Beach is low-cost, manageable with younger kids, and full of old-fashioned charm. Our kids didn’t stop smiling, and even with the heat, it was one of those days we’ll remember for years. If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly outing in Wisconsin, Bay Beach is 100% worth it.
Enjoy the ride!
Jess
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