Things to Do in Kenosha, WI?

Hi, my family is actually going to Kenosha this coming weekend ;) we plan to go to the Bristol Renaisance Faire and the Jelly Belly factory. You could extend to 2 nights and do the beach one day. Have fun!

Ok Jelly Belly Factory is not so fun for adults, but kids love it. Worth the time spent (we spent 45 min on a summer weekend). Also the Renaissance fair is wonderful. Good food and lots for kids to see. They will love jousting. It is so fun. And...this is a big "and"...the next 3 weekends are chuch festival weekends. Aug 6-8 is St. Peters, 13-15 is Holy Rosary and 20-22 is St Mary's. These are fun times, esp for kids. I have lived in Kenosha for years. Go to www.kenoshanews.com and look at Fridays "get out" section. It gives you everything you need to know about this fun city. There is something going on all the time. Be sure to visit the Civil War Museum and the regular museum-both located by the waterfront for very interesting displays and they usually have an interactive display for kids.

I haven't been to the Milwaukee Zoo in several years but it used to be very nice. When we first moved here everyone raved about the Brookfield Zoo and how wonderful it was. Now that we have been there, I think people here need to get out more. I think it is the worst zoo I have ever been to and definitely the dirtiest by far. So, if you like the Brookfield Zoo, and the Milwaukee Zoo hasn't changed, you will definitely think the Milwaukee Zoo is worthwhile. Kenosha is also right on Lake Michigan so you could spend some time at the beach if the weather is nice. The Milwaukee Museum used to be nice too but I also haven't been there in several years. Have fun!

You know what is fun - the Bristol Renaissance Faire. I'm sure they have a website but I know they are just over the state line into Wis. (on 94). Its worth a couple hours especially for your son at his age. HAve fun!

I would've mentioned all of the above, but if you do go to RecPlex, they also have an indoor pool with a sort of water playground for the kids. Ice skating is also an option, but I would check their website first for open skate and open swim if you choose to play indoors.
www.recplexonline.com

The Jelly Belly Factory of course in Pleasant Prairie!

Have fun and enjoy!

S H

Hi C.,

I live in Kenosha, and know a few places to go. Kenosha doesn't have a lot, but has a few historical landmarks if you like museums. I have been to Jelly Belly and I think the tour is over rated. If you never been there before, you can do but I was disappointed. I waited 2 hours in line during Easter and I thought it wasn't worth all the wait. At this time of year, there shouldn't be any long lines so it might be worth it to you...now I just go straight to the candy store, which I like going to get Easter candy. You can just walk in the candy store.

Racine now has a zoo so if you don't want to go all the way to Milwaukee Racine is much closer and cheaper. My kids like seeing the old Light house, which is near the Coast Guard building and behind the museum. The caretaker is pretty cool and tells interesting stories about the Indians that came to Kenosha. The new musuem in downtown Kenosha is pretty cool too, and you can look up tours for the historical houses too. I think one of the houses Orsen Wells was born there. My kids also like the trolley rides so that's something to do downtown Kenosha.

I like taking my kids to the Rec Plex just off 94 and they have rented paddle boats, there's a beach to go swimming in Lake Andrea or go fishing which my husband like to do. Fishing is catch and release only. There are also picnic areas with swings too.

Apple Holler is cool, but it was been very hot here lately so hot kids = cranky kids. I am not sure if Renaissance Fair is going on, but I hate that junk. I like the Wisconsin Fair too in West Allis (suburb in Milwaukee). The cream puffs are the best. If you are around the Milwaukee area, they also have water parks there too. Waukesau has a great one Country Springs is the hotel that my family loves. (I like avoiding downtown Milwaukee). If you are a baseball fan Milwaukee Brewers are there too.

That's about I have seen so far, if you like different restaurant..Italian places are everywhere in Kenosha, I mean good Italian food. I like the Boat House restaurant, but it's more like a pub and restaurant. It's also near the museum. Hope that helps a little.

Yep, I would extend your stay. Especially if you go either to the Milwaukee or Racine Zoos.

The Wisconsin state fair is going on right now...though it is not in Kenosha.
The Milwaukee zoo is really nice and very different from the Brookfield Zoo, I actually like it better so I would definitely check it out if your kids like to go to the zoo. The dinosaurs are there right now too so if you missed them at the Brookfield Zoo you will have a chance to check them out, all of my kids really liked them.
Jelly Belly is pretty lame, you ride around on a little train and watch a bunch of movies, it only takes about 20 minutes, though you do get free Jelly Beans at the end...only cool if the kids like Jelly Beans. The lines are really long on the weekends too, if you have to wait more than 30 minutes I would just leave.
The beach at the Lakeview RecPlex is also very nice and clean and lots of life guards on duty, it is also down the block from Jelly Belly. It does cost $7 per person but it is totally worth it.
The Kenosha Public Museum is fun if you need to do indoor activities.
There are also a couple of military museums in the area if your family is into that type of thing.

I would also recommend the Racine Zoo - I was a little upset to find out it isn't free anymore, but nice and during a busy weekend the right size. It's also right on the beach and my kids loved just playing on the beach before the long ride home. The Renaissance fair is wonderful too!
If you need food ideas- Try some Kringle from O&H in Racine and we never miss Charcoal Grill when we go the whole family loves it. Have Fun!

Not sure if anything is going on at Carthage College but it is a beautiful campus. My son will be a senior there this fall. they have choirs, musicals, plays etc. last year they had laura numeroff (if you give a mouse a cookie books) there for a signing. its loads of fun. i would check the website. I will ask my son as he has an apartment in kenosha now with a bunch of his frat brothers. he may know if there is anything going on

I was going to second the Milwaukee Zoo, I also think it's better then Brookfield. It's more compact so you can see a lot more without spending so much time walking between exhibits.

The Milwaukee zoo is great, worth the time for sure! Off of 294 near Kenosha is Apple Holler, you can pick apples and other berries there they have a petting zoo and fun stuff for kids that age. You can see it from the highway, I'm not sure what the exact exit is there. You are also close to the lake and can go to a beach there! Have a fun trip.

If your planning on going into Milwaukee I would recommend the Betty Brinn Children's Museum http://www.bbcmkids.org/. Lots of fun!!!

Hi C., I have never been to Kenosha but last week in my little local Des Plaines Journal & Topics newspaper was a pull out called 101 things to do in Kenosha! I hope you can search on line & find it. I am definately planning to go now! Most were free! It was a great way to advertise their town.
Maybe the Kenosha Chamber of Commerce put it in the paper?? Let us know how your trip goes!!