There are a million things to love about the four seasons in Wisconsin. But there’s something extraordinary about summertime in the Waukesha Pewaukee area. There are many beautiful places with water to explore, stunning parks to enjoy, and seasonal fun at different shops and destinations.
Check out these five ideas, then craft a plan to make the most of spectacular family summer adventures.
1. Take the Plunge
What’s better on a hot day than jumping into a pool or lake to cool off? Not much. In Waukesha Pewaukee, you’re in luck because our area offers many opportunities to beat the summertime heat.
- Pewaukee Lake is the largest lake in our area and has a beautiful sandy beach and picturesque views that make it the perfect spot to soak in the season.
- Or take your pick from six swimming beaches at these Waukesha County Parks to spend the day splashing around and having fun in the sun.
- If a pool is more your vibe, we have you covered with the two city of Waukesha swimming pools – Horeb Springs Aquatic Center and the brand new Buchner Park Pool.
- Explore Springs Water Park at the Ingleside Hotel for indoor water entertainment. It has something for everyone, including tube and body slides, a lazy river, an activity pool, an arcade room, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a zero-depth pool.
2. Play on the Water
Fun is the name of the game at High Roller Fun Rentals, with water toys to rent while delighting in the Fox River. Paddle boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes are available to enjoy a day on the water.
With several public boat launches, marinas, and a depth of 44 feet, Pewaukee Lake has many opportunities to get on the water for boating adventures. Visitors enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing… to name a few.
3. Make Time for Games
If mini golf or hitting at the batting cages sounds good, stop by Prairieville Park. The mini golf course is full of exciting obstacles and hazards for golfers of all ages. It also has five batting cages, including three slow-pitch softball machines and four baseball machines.
Take part in this engaging and free program called the City of Waukesha Playground Passport. The first 250 families who visit 10 or more of the 31 playgrounds listed on the Playground Passport and answer the question specific to each park will receive a family prize. All submitted passports will be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize of a free 2024 Basic Season Pool Pass. The program runs through August 31, 2023.
With 15 parks, Pewaukee Parks are an excellent way for your family to spend quality time together. Pack a picnic, bring the sunscreen, and play the day away.
When life throws you a rainy day, play at Waukesha Pewaukee’s many indoor family fun spots to keep you entertained from morning until night when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Have a blast trying speedways, laser tag, bowling, ice skating, roller skating, axe throwing, trampoline parks – the list goes on!
4. Get Creative
If you like rolling your sleeves up to get creative, be sure to check out one of these places.
- Stroke of Genius is Waukesha’s paint and wine studio in the heart of the historic downtown. Create a work of art with your instructor’s step-by-step direction or stop by open paint session nights.
- Learn how to create delectable dishes at home and sign up for a cooking class or two at Chef Pam’s Kitchen in downtown Waukesha.
- At Fisk Avenue create your next woodworking masterpiece. Whether it’s a custom piece you’ve been thinking about or a cornhole set, cutting board, or flowerbox, no experience is necessary. And all your materials and tools are included.
- If you want to explore pottery making, The Potters’ Shop is your go to for interactive classes for students of all levels to explore clay in a fun and creative atmosphere.
- This & That Craft Mill offers crafters a variety of workshops where old skills are refreshed or visitors try something new and are open to various ages and skill levels.
5. Consider a Short Road Trip
Within just a short drive of Waukesha Pewaukee, experience these one-of-a-kind places.
- Basse’s Taste of Lake Country offers you the opportunity to pick your own berries and enjoy a family friendly farm experience with mazes and activities. Also pick apples and sunflowers when they are in season.
- East Troy Railroad Museum engages visitors in electric interurban railways and trolley systems through equipment restoration, preservation, and operation. Regularly scheduled trains run Saturday and Sunday from April through October. Also offered are dinner, picnic or burger trains, and special events throughout the season.
- Head to Ebert’s Greenhouse Village, where you’ll find an amazing variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, and hanging baskets that are a feast for your eyes. Rain or shine, Ebert’s is accessible with paved walkways and carts to carry your new treasures.
- Does interacting with donkeys, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, ducks, and chickens sound great to your family? Then pop over to Homestead Animal Farm, where you can visit the animals, play area, and picnic space, or take a hayride.
- Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit offers more than 22,000 acres of forested glacial hills, kettle lakes, and prairies, as well as 100 miles of mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and nature trails. Also available are boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, winter sports, and campgrounds.
- Old World Wisconsin. Experience the world of Wisconsin’s early immigrants, where you will help with chores and cooking and try your hand at crafts and trades. You can also check out the blacksmith shop, say hi to the farm animals, dye and spin wool, knead bread, collect chicken eggs, ride high-wheel tricycles, and sample tasty beer in the Brewhouse.
