Wisconsin’s 8,000-acre Green Lake is tucked cozily among the farmland and woods of the central part of the state. When you choose to stay at one of many beautiful vacation rentals on Green Lake, you’ll be able to enjoy the quiet and rural surroundings. Friends, families, and individual travelers will love the breath of fresh air away from an urban environment, and some time to recharge among nature. The small town of Green Lake is on the northern banks of the lake, and is the easiest place to go for a meal or shopping close to your rental home. Here are the top ten family activities for you to enjoy during your stay at Green Lake.

1. Boating

With eight boat landings and plenty of public access, boating is one of the best things to do at Green Lake. Bundle up the kids in life jackets and spend some family time together out on the water. Explore the lake, go fishing, or just enjoy the water and sunshine.

2. Paddleboarding

Bond with your kids on stand up paddleboards (SUPs). This water activity not only gives the family some much-needed exercise, but it also helps to build balance and strength. Plus, it’s fun for the entire family — especially if someone falls into the water! Children can try using their own paddleboard, or make mom and dad do some extra work by riding along on their board.

3. Sailing

Teach your children some valuable life skills — and have fun — when you sign up for a family sailing lesson. The Green Lake Sailing School can teach you everything you need to know and give your kids a taste for maritime adventure. If you want to spend some quality time relaxing, sign your kids up for a lesson and spend your time golfing.

4. Fishing

Green Lake is fully stocked with a variety of fish, such as walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, panfish, catfish, smallmouth bass, and trout. Charter a boat or find a nice quiet area and teach your kids about fishing while breathing the fresh air.

5. Swimming

For some sun and sand, visit Hattie Sherwood Beach, Dodge County Park Beach, and Sunset County Park Beach, which are all open to the public. Warm up in the sun while your kids burn off some energy playing in the water or building sand castles. All three parks have restrooms and picnic areas, so you can spend an uninterrupted day outside.

6. Going on a Lake Cruise

If you want to leave all the work of boating to someone else and just enjoy the day, check out a lake cruise. The tour company Escapade offers sightseeing lake tours so that you and your kids can learn about the lake while enjoying a relaxing ride.

7. Hiking

The water isn’t the only thing that Green Lake has to offer: it’s surrounded by miles of beautiful hiking trails from the half-mile Hammers Trail featuring creeks –that are perfect for young kids and inquisitive children –to explore. Check out the longer Sunnyside Conservancy Trail, where families can walk through woods and meadows for an outdoor adventure.

8. Biking

Bring your bikes on vacation or rent some and take a scenic journey around the lake. Tackle the 27-mile Loop the Lake trail if you have older children, or take the little ones on a small section of the route. For an inland adventure, hop aboard the 11-mile Mascoutin Valley State Park Trail for a scenic, forested experience.

9. Camping

Get touch with your inner outdoorsperson by spending one or more nights at one of Green Lake’s two campgrounds: Green Lake Campground or Hattie Sherwood Campground. Both sites offer RV hookups, bathroom facilities, and Wi-Fi access in case you don’t want to unplug entirely. The game rooms and playgrounds give your kids somewhere to play so you can have a little downtime.

10. Visiting Larson’s Famous Clydesdales

Punctuate your visit to Green Lake with a unique and educational visit to Larson’s Famous Clydesdales. Not only do children get to see the giant horses, but they can also pet the baby Clydesdales. The 90-minute tour culminates in a show, which both adults and children love.


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