A Weekend Cabin Stay in Medford, WI: Family Fun on a Budget
- Jess Barrera
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Sometimes the best family trips are the simple ones. We recently spent a weekend in Medford, Wisconsin, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and affordable trips we’ve taken as a family.
Thanks to booking our cabin through Capital One Travel with points, we scored our two nights completely free! Since we also packed groceries from home, our only expense was fuel—proof that a great family getaway doesn’t need to break the bank.
Here’s a look at our weekend itinerary in Medford, WI, complete with what we did, what we ate, and ideas for how you could expand the trip if you want to explore even more.
Day 1: Settling into Sackett Lake
We arrived at our cabin on Sackett Lake, a peaceful spot with everything you’d want for a lakeside getaway. The lake has a public boat landing, sandy beach, and a brand-new nautical-themed playground complete with slides, climbing structures, and plenty of picnic tables.
We spent the afternoon swimming, fishing, and kayaking while soaking in the fresh northern Wisconsin air. The boys had a blast catching frogs along the shoreline, and we ended the evening with a cozy campfire under the stars.
Meals:
Breakfast: Pancakes (cooked right in our cast iron skillet)
Lunch: Tacos with fresh toppings from home
Dinner: Grilled cheese sandwiches and campfire snacks
Insider Tip: We packed our own cast iron skillet and a stainless steel pot, which saved us big time—the cookware in the cabin wasn’t really usable. If you’re renting a cabin, it’s worth bringing a couple of basics from home to make cooking easy. Click here for more tips and meals ideas for cooking at a rental!
Other things you could do on Day 1:
Rent a canoe or paddleboard to explore more of Sackett Lake.
Bring bikes for a ride along the quiet backroads near the lake.
Stop by Perkins Natural Trail (about 15 minutes from Medford) for an easy family-friendly hike.
Day 2: Exploring Medford + Children’s Museum
After a filling breakfast of French toast, we headed into town to visit the Medford Children’s Museum of Southern Wisconsin (a hidden gem for families with kids under 8)! This nonprofit museum was bigger than we expected, and packed with lots of imaginative play opportunities!
Some of the exhibits included an ice cream shop, hair salon, grocery store, restaurant, LEGO station, sensory room, police station, hunting lodge, farm, and an outdoor playground. The kids could have played for hours—and they did!
By the time we left, it was late, so we treated ourselves to dinner at Culver’s, which hit the spot after such a busy afternoon.
Meals:
Breakfast: French toast (family favorite!)
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwiches
Dinner: Culver’s (Burgers, cheese curds, and of course, frozen custard)
Other things you could do on Day 2:
Stop by Medford City Park, which has a large playground, picnic areas, and a splash pad in summer.
Walk the Riverwalk Trail downtown for a little fresh air and views of the Black River.
Grab coffee or a bakery treat from a local spot like Black River Coffee before heading back to the cabin.
Day 3: Slow Morning & Lake Time
For our last morning, we kept things simple—another hearty pancake breakfast, a little more fishing off the dock, and some quiet time by the water before packing up. Trips don’t always need to be jam-packed to be meaningful; sometimes the best part is simply slowing down together.
Other things you could add before heading home:
Visit High View Supper Club, a local favorite if you want a classic Wisconsin dining experience.
Check out a nearby county park for a quick hike or picnic before driving back.
Weekend Travel Games & Toys: Family Favorites
One thing that made our weekend even more enjoyable was having a few go-to activities for the kids in between swimming, fishing, and exploring. We kept it simple but fun with:
Card games like Sleeping Queens and Kids’ Charades for downtime at the cabin.
Nets for catching frogs (these were hands down the highlight of the trip for the boys)! Be sure to bring extra incase one gets lost or left behind at a park!
Books for quiet moments before bed. We love Where's Waldo, Dinosaurs, and Richard Scarry's Super Silly Seek and Find!
Playdough at the picnic table for creative, low-mess fun. This Travel Play-Doh Set is our favorite to pack for trips!
These little extras kept everyone happy and busy during slower moments. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my post on 25 Must-Have Travel Games and Toys for Kids for even more ideas to pack on your next family trip!
A Budget-Friendly Family Getaway
This trip reminded us how much fun can be had when you keep things simple. By using travel points for lodging and packing food from home, we turned a weekend getaway into an affordable adventure filled with fishing, swimming, playground time, and family memories.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot in Wisconsin where kids can run free, parents can relax, and you won’t feel pressure to spend a lot of money, Medford and Sackett Lake are absolutely worth a visit.
I hope this trip itinerary inspires you to find a cabin rental near you for a relaxing mini getaway family retreat.
Have fun on your next adventure!
Jess
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