Things to Do at the Dells

We live in Madison, WI, and went to The Dells for a day a couple years ago. Went to the upside down house (not worth it for the price), went on a Duck ride (really worth it; we enjoyed the ride, and they give a lot of fascinating information), and went to the deer farm (definitely worth it. You get to go inside the farm and feed the deer, get close to them; some of them will let you pet them. They also have elk and ducks and goats--everyone in my family enjoyed it. It might be open in the winter.).

But I also agree with all the other posters that you'll probably find that you'll have more than enough to do at The Wilderness. That's something we've been talking about doing before my daughter gets much older (she's 11), going to and staying at one of the indoor waterparks. She also wants a weekend at The Mall of America. So we'll have to see which one we can get in for a vacation. ;)

Have fun!

You'll probably have more than enough to do at your resort, but if you do venture out, I agree that the Ducks are top notch. Circus World in Baraboo is also a lot of fun, but I'm not sure when its season starts. Its the historical home of the Ringling Bros. Circus and in the summer they perform a full blown circus every day. Its about 15 minutes away and in the off season there are still museums on site that my 4 year old LOVED. If your kids like trains, try Buffalo Phil's for a meal. They have a room where most of the food is delivered by garden scale model trains. Your meal also includes a free roller coaster ride at the attached indoor amusement park. Also good for food is the Mr. Pancake across from Noah's Ark. Have fun!

Ho wlong are you staying there? Because if it is just for a weekend....you probably won't have enuf time to do much else! The indoor waterparks and all the other things at the hotel will keep you busy! We just went to Great Wolf Lodge last weekend and we had so much fun that we did not even make it into the arcade! Enjoy!

I second ride the Ducks. The weather should be good enough since it's been such a mild winter. We did it in early April once. The Wilderness has pottery painting, for an extra fee of course. My boys enjoyed that. The Wilderness is big enough to keep you busy if you just stay there, but I'm envious of Ripley's Believe it or Not. My 12 year old loved the one in Jackson, WY! The Wilderness also has an indoor playground/arcade.

well we have been to the wilderness three times now...our kids are a bit younger...but we have never found enough time to leave. We usually stay 4 days 3 nights. There is just so much to do right on sight. Between the three indoor water parks and the golfing/racing track and other things it keeps you pretty busy!

I am not sure if I would bother with the cabana...unless you find it busy when you get there.

OH, You will love the Wilderness Resort. That's where we stayed on our last trip there, and there's a TON of stuff to do there.

Your boys would LOVE to ride the ducks, so make sure you do that. Schedule your trip THROUGH Wilderness Resort...the ducks pull right up to the front and you just hop on. It's kind've a wild ride, a bit of education, but SUPER fun. Ripley's is fun...so are a lot of the science-y places downtown Dells. For mom, there are some fun shops, candy stores, etc. :)

We got down to the Dells frequently in April, there won't be much open. Wilderness has the wet and dry park, so we ended up staying there most of the time. They do have a Wizard's Quest that may be fun - its like a scavenger hunt with some tasks you need to do. Ducks are fun. I'm sure they won't be into it much, but they do have the outlet mall there. :)

I wouldn't worry about renting a cabana. You can normally always find a place to sit and with all the water parks at Wilderness, my guess is you'll be moving from one to another a lot.

I also agree that you might find the Wilderness is all you need, depdending on the length of your stay. The cabannas are very nice if you have a bigger group, but if is just the four of you I would say pass, you should be able to find chairs/table. I really think you will find you don't want to leave Wilderness, but if you do The Ducks are great - just dress warm if you go in April.

If you have a chance to have mom morning/afternoon to yourself, go to Sundara spa - it is AMAZING (spend your money there rather than on a cabana)!! And Sundara has transportation will pick you up at the Wilderness.

Places to eat: Moose Jaw Pizza, Monks (burgers) , and if you want a "fancier/dressy" dinner the The Del Bar has great food!

Have fun! We always have a great time in the Dells!