A trip to Sheboygan with kids is the perfect overnight or weekend getaway from Milwaukee, Green Bay, or Madison.

The area has completely transformed since I grew up going to school in Sheboygan county and it deserves to be on everyone’s Wisconsin bucket list.

Here are twelve things to do with kids in Sheboygan with kids.

Things to do in Sheboygan with Kids

1. Bookworm Gardens

This is a true treasure in Southeast Wisconsin. The Bookworm Botanical Garden is impeccably maintained and it is themed around dozens of Children’s stories. You cannot miss this stop on your trip to Sheboygan with kids.

We strolled for hours, following our toddler’s lead as he bopped around each play space, inspected the colorful flowers, and created art with natural materials.

We spent the week following our visit reading many of the books that were ‘featured’ in the Gardens and talking about what he remembers exploring.

You cannot miss this stop on your trip to Sheboygan with kids.

If you live in Sheboygan County, your local library might offer passes for Bookworm Gardens that you can checkout for 3 days at a time. If not, check out the Mead Public Library (scroll down for more info.)

2. Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan with Kids

Check in to the Blue Harbor Resort with its Breaker Bay Waterpark. This is the ideal place to stay with kids young and old; it offers something for everyone. Situated right along Lake Michigan and a sprawling sandy beach, you can enjoy windy walks along the waterfront.

Breaker Bay Waterpark is included with your stay. My three year old found plenty of slides and activities for his size.

3. Above and Beyond Children’s Museum

This non-profit organization offers a delightful space for children and families to connect, learn, and play. With three floors of hands-on exhibits spread across 10,000 square feet, there’s no shortage of interactive fun and exploration. This museum is a beloved local favorite that constantly evolves the exhibits.

Their imaginative and engaging activities are best for ages 1-8 and should definitely be part of your visit to Sheboygan with kids.

4. Mini Mocha Play Café

Pair your morning coffee with happy kids! I love the concept of play cafes; a place for my infant and toddler to play and socialize while I sip my morning brew.

The owners of this Sheboygan café are especially friendly, helpful, and business savvy. We found the space to be impeccably clean and well laid out as well.

5. Bowling in Sheboygan with Kids

Grab a Spotted Cow, Root Beer, and Popcorn and treat your kids to some good old-fashioned bowling fun. With little ones, we were so pleased with the customer service and amenities at Odyssey Fun Center. This is a great spot to keep in your back pocket for a rainy day in Sheboygan with Kids.

To help my toddler’s rolls reach the pins, they set up a Dinosaur shaped ramp for him to push the ball down. Additionally, they had bumper rails for him. They’d automatically rise and lower when it was his turn to bowl. Have I been under a rock? I didn’t know this was a thing!

6. Lake Michigan

Whether it’s a walk along the riverfront, the lakefront, boating, or even surfing, your trip to Sheboygan is incomplete without enjoying the water!

My favorite two access points for the beach are behind Blue Harbor Resort our within the Kohler Andrae State Park.

7. See a Colossal American Flag

The Acuity Insurance Building in Sheboygan boasts “The World’s Largest Symbol of Freedom.” On your drive to or from Sheboygan with kids, have your family watch out the window and try to spot it! (As if you could miss it.)

There is something wonderfully humbling though about seeing it up close, to hear the flag flapping in the wind. Input “Acuity Flagpole Sheboygan” into Google Maps to navigate to the parking lot.

According to the sign on site:

• The flag is 79×140′ making it the world’s largest American Flag.
• Each star is over 3 feet across. Each strip is 5′ high.
• The flagpole is 400′ tall with an 11′ diameter at the base.
• It takes 500 gallons of paint to cover the pole.

8. Kohler Andrae State Park

I grew up camping at Kohler Andrae State Park and felt right at home checking it out with my son before spending the day in downtown Sheboygan.

My favorite part is its sprawling beach of soft sand along Lake Michigan, 2.5 miles worth to be precise. The dunes are beautiful.

Entry is $8-11 for a day pass or free with the annual Wisconsin State Park Pass.

9. John Michael Kohler Arts Center

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, make sure to visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Art comes alive here in the most extraordinary ways.

Beyond the artwork, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center offers a drop-in art studio, concerts, dance performances, classes, and special events. It’s a vibrant and welcoming space where people of all ages can immerse themselves in the world of art and creativity.

While the performances typically charge an admission, it is free to explore the art museum and use the art studio.

10. The Art Preserve

The Art Preserve of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to artist-built environments, showcases an incredible collection of artworks. These immersive installations are created by self-taught artists who transform their surroundings into captivating artistic expressions.

Admission is FREE thanks to a generous donation for ongoing maintenance by its founder who passed away just before the Preserve opened to the public.

Because it is free, I felt more at ease about a visit with my 5 year old, knowing that if he wasn’t into it we could leave at any time without feeling like we waited money on admission. But we spent about an hour there taking it in. We joked that we felt like we were in an iSpy book and made a game of it.

My favorite part was the wacky and fun decor of the bathrooms. You’ve got to see them!

11. Mead Public Library

Anyone is welcome to use the library of course, but I highly recommend signing up for a Library Card with the Mead Public Library and here’s why:

I mentioned the Bookworm Gardens, the State Park, and the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum earlier and if you are lucky you’ll be able to check out an “Explore Pass” to get you in for free!

They also have Explore Passes for other great spots for kids in the area like Farm Wisconsin, Green Bay Botanical Garden, and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum (and Submarine!) in Manitowoc.

You do not have to be a resident of Sheboygan County to sign up.

If you’re just coming for some downtime on your visit to Sheboygan, head upstairs for the spacious children’s library and play area.

12. Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts

The Stefanie H. Weill Center is an elegant and historic theater determined to preserving the arts and enriching the community.

Whether you’re seeking a night of musical brilliance, theatrical performances that transport you to different worlds, or a mesmerizing ballet production, the Weill Center has it all. The venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ensuring there’s something for every taste and many are kid-friendly. Check their event calendar to see what performances coincide with your visit.

Adventures Beyond Sheboygan

I often find our family venturing through Sheboygan en route to other places like Door County, Green Bay, or Upper Michigan. Check out our kid-friendly guides to enjoy those mid-west gems as well!

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