Our family loves Door County. We had traveled to the area several times before having a kid and were used to all the adult activities there were to do. When the first summer rolled around, and we had to entertain a kid while enjoying the trip ourselves, we had to do a lot of homework and try some new places. The first summer, while he was an infant, was less about the activities for a kid and more about places that were fine for us to bring an infant with us. The second summer when he was one, we really started exploring activities he would like. We’ll keep the list organized by town, so it’s easy to sort through the options based on where you are staying or traveling for the day.
Sturgeon Bay
The Farm
The Farm is an excellent stop as you head through Sturgeon Bay. Be ready to feed the animals and tour the farm!
Renards
Renard’s is an excellent stop for snacks on the way north and is perfect for a pit stop for kids. The playground is great.
Sunset Park
A nice park with a good water view. There are a few different playground areas and plenty of space for the kids to run around.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Sandy beaches on the lakeside. The water will be a little colder and rougher for swimming, but great for playing in the sand.
The Salty Seagull Mini Golf
This mini golf course is new to the area and is located just off the highway in Sturgeon Bay. This could be a good stop on the way north or south to break up the drive for the kids.
Egg Harbor
One Barrel Brewing Company
One Barrel has a great setup the whole family can enjoy. There are plenty of board games and some retro games inside. Outside are corn hole sets and other yard games—lots of seating and Sun for those nice summer days. Read our review of One Barrel here!
Plum Loco Animal Farm
This is a great farm to stop by and feed the animals. There are some larger animals to feed, like carrots to horses and donkeys. There’s also a fun play town with many toys for the kids to spend time with.
Egg Harbor Fun Park
Go-karts, mini golf, an indoor arcade, and other outdoor activities. There’s plenty to do, and with the indoor arcade, it’s a good option for a rainy day.
Harbor View Park
Smaller park down the hill in Egg Harbor overlooking the marina. The play set is small, but a great paved walking path is in the water.
Door County Trolleys
Not just for adults! Some rides are tailored to the kids; they’ll love a ride outside their normal car.
Wood Orchard Market
Wood Orchard Market is a place the whole family can enjoy! There is a great playground outside with peddle carts for the kids. The shop has lots of nice things and snacks the kids will enjoy. Don’t miss out on the free apple cider pops for the kids inside.
PC Junction
A train-themed restaurant where the food is delivered on trains! Be careful; their hours can differ from most restaurants in the area. This is probably the top stop for kids in Door County. Aside from the train-delivered food, there is a playground, pedal bikes, and pigs/other animals.
Fish Creek
White Gull Inn Breakfast
Family-friendly inside and out. With an infant napping in the morning, the patio was quiet while the adults enjoyed breakfast—plenty of options for the kids to eat.
Lautenbach’s
Another fun market just off the highway with good treats for everyone. The play area is set up well for a break from driving the kids, with swings and slides.
Fish Creek Beach
They just remodeled this beach right in the main area of Fish Creek. There are nice bathrooms and green spaces to spend some time with a nice water view.
YMCA
You can get a day pass to the Y if needed. On a rainy day, this may be a good option.
Biking Peninsula State Park
There are a few bike rental places right outside the park. One of our favorites has kid cart rentals and electric bikes to have a nice family day exploring the park. Our little guy took a nap during the ride. The park has plenty of paved paths and less challenging trails for family activity.
Nicolet Bay
This is our favorite beach in Door County. Usually calm water and warmer since it’s on the bay side. They have plenty of sand that they groom to keep clean. The water starts very shallow for little ones to play and stays shallower for older kids to swim. They have rentals right at the beach, a nice store, bathrooms with showers, and a food truck in summer. An umbrella is suggested with some beach chairs.
Skyway Drive-In Movie Theater
With limited nighttime activities for kids, this is a great option. They always have a double showing with a kid-friendly movie to start. Get there early to enjoy the playground and the fresh popcorn they must fan out into the air. If you want to enjoy the movie outside the car, bring chairs, bug spray, and blankets to stay comfortable.
Eagle Tower
The remodeled tower is now accessible to the whole family. Hike up the ramp with a stroller or a walking toddler to enjoy the views at the top. Parking can be rough in the middle of the day, so we suggest stopping after breakfast.
Old Post Office Restaurant
A family-friendly restaurant with a patio to enjoy water views. The kids would enjoy the fish boil as the flames shoot up while they cook the food in front of the crowd. Breakfast is our favorite here, with options for the kids.
Northern Sky Theater
The Northern Sky Theater is in Peninsula State Park and has shows at night during the summer. These are always kids friendly and extra special because they are outside. Since they start when it’s getting dark out, keeping the younger kids up for the show may be tough.
Evergreen Miniature Golf
Evergreen is a brand new mini golf course opening in Fish Creek. This course is located in between Fish Creek and Ephraim, next to the BP gas station.
Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard
Not Licked Yet is a great spot to take kids day or night. The parking lot is small, so you may have to park on the main street and walk down. There is a large playground area for the kids and plenty of seating to enjoy your custard. They have many specialty dishes to mix up for extra fun and good treats.
Par 3 Golf Course at the Park
Peninsula State Park has a nice 6-hole short course for the whole family to enjoy. This short course is located across the street from the main entrance to the regular golf course, and this short course is well-manicured and great for kids to play a round.
Sledding Hill in the Park
There aren’t as many things to do in winter in Door County, but Hole 17 on the golf course has a great sledding hill. Head into the park at the golf course entrance, and you’ll run into just off the side of the road.
Ephraim
Wilsons
A classic restaurant with an excellent menu for kids. The old jukeboxes at the table are a nice throwback, and ask for a hat for the kids! Don’t forget to get some ice cream on the way out.
Harbor Side Park
A nice park right in downtown Ephraim. It’s not very large, just a few slides and climbing areas for the kids.
Red Putter Mini Golf
Our favorite mini golf we’ve ever been to. It’s a classic. The prices beat everyone else around. Score under par for your entry onto the pro board, and guess the M&M jar at the end of the round.
Sister Bay
Pirates Cove Mini Golf
A fun mini golf course, but be careful of the crowds during the busy season.
Johnson’s Family Fun Park
Plenty of options for fun here. Batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade to keep the kids entertained.
Peach Barn Brewery
A nice stop for both the kids and adults. On a nice day, the beer garden has a play area for the kids and yard games to entertain the whole party. On rainy or colder days, the indoor area has board games for the whole family. Read our review of Peach Barn Brewery here!
Sister Bay Beach
Right in downtown sister bay, this beach can get crowded in the summer right by the water. There is plenty of park space surrounding the beach, though. There’s a nice playground for the kids and plenty of restaurants to walk to that offer carry-out for a picnic.
Stabbur Beer Garden
Also, in downtown Sister Bay, a stop the whole family will enjoy on a nice day. The beer garden has some yard games to keep the kids entertained while the adults take a break with some beverages.
Door County Ice Cream Factory
Just past the downtown area of Sister Bay, they make the ice cream right inside the store, and the kids can watch. Lots of flavors to keep everyone happy and a good food menu.
Village Of Sister Bay Sports Park
Located a few blocks off the main highway through sister bay, the park has a playground, basketball, baseball, disc golf, and a nice dog park—lots of parking and room for kids to run around. In winter the park has an outdoor skating rink.
Seaquist Orchards
Another nice market is located north of Sister Bay. The bakery here is impressive, and the playground outside gives the kids something to do. They have a free rope maze for the kids, and an indoor hay maze in the fall.
Door County Creamery
Located right in downtown Sister Bay, the sandwiches and gelato are delicious. We are adding this to the kid’s list because the patio outside is nice for rolling up a stroller or sit with the kids to eat.
Bailey’s Harbor
The Ridges Sanctuary
A nice park and educational center in Bailey’s Harbor. The walking paths are wonderful through the woods, and a good portion is on an elevated boardwalk, so you can also take strollers.
Door County Brewing Co
A family-friendly brewery in the main area of Bailey’s Harbor. The outdoor beer garden is great in the summer, and the indoor seating is great year-round. There are plenty of board games for the whole family to enjoy. Outside in summer, the food truck has some nice options for the whole crowd. Read our review of Door County Brewing Company here!
Kendall Weisgerber Memorial Playground
Located just off the main highway, this playground is nice for the kids—a few options to play on spread out, with some nice picnic areas to enjoy a meal.
Ridges Park
This is a nice beach just off the highway in Bailey’s harbor. Usually quieter than some of the others, it is on the lakeside so the water will be colder and potentially rougher than on the bay side.
