My friends at the Kenosha Area Convention and Visitors Bureau sent me this extensive list of fun to be had in the Kenosha area this summer. Our family has visited the area many times and there's never a shortage of fun. It's also great that so many of these activities are free. Take a look at the list and pick out some fun for the summer!
101 Things to See & Do for Under $10in the Kenosha Area: Many are FREE!
Located in Southeast Wisconsin on the Lake Michigan shore, the Kenosha Area is gaining a reputation as being the very affordable and fun travel destination that it is. The area is extremely accessible and close to Chicago and Milwaukee, off Interstate-94. Parking is free at Lake Michigan and in Downtown Kenosha. Coupons, military discounts, and hotel packages are available atVisitKenosha.com. On the same website is the very popular FUN101 list: 101 Things to See & Do for Under $10 in the Kenosha Area: Many are FREE!
Updated twice each year, here’s a sampling of this summer’s FUN101 list:
1. Take me out to the ball game! This is the inaugural season for the Kenosha Kingfish baseball team at historic Simmons Field. $8+
2. Enjoy 130+ vendors of organic produce, cheeses, artisan bakery goods, crafts, live music, chef demos, and much more at Kenosha HarborMarket. FREE to browse
3. Bring your favorite 4-legged friend to run and play at Ingram Park Dog Park, Carlisle Family Dog Park, Harris Family Dog Park, or Warren Close Bark Park. $2-5
5. Meet you at the lake! Bring the sunscreen and a beach towel … we have FIVE beaches along Lake Michigan! (no lifeguards on duty) FREE
8. Stop to see live animals and hands-on exhibits inside Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s Visitor Center, then head out birding. $7-10 per vehicle park entrance fee, Center is FREE
9. Take the kids for a fun pedal boat ride on Lake Andrea! $8-10
10. Try for an ace or a birdie on the disc golf course at UW-Parkside or Fox River Park. FREE
15. Enjoy a beautiful self-guided tour through Kemper Center's Durkee Mansion, which was built in the 1860’s on the Lake Michigan shore. FREE
16. Take advantage of the Super Twilight rate when walking 9 holes at Petrifying Springs Golf Course or Brighton Dale Links. $10
24. The Transparent Watercolor Society of America presents the 38th Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Kenosha Public Museum, through August 10. FREE
25. Spend Saturday night at the racetrack! On select dates, Wilmot Raceway offers Family Nights, which are a bargain! $10 & under
28. Splish! Splash! Fly down the 200-foot long water slide at Washington Park Pool or Anderson Park Pool. $5 & under
32. Checkmate! Relax and enjoy one of the chess tables in Petrifying Springs Park and Fox River Park. FREE
34. Nature enthusiasts need to visit Chiwaukee Prairie, which is considered an ecological gem. FREE
35. Let the kids cool off with a visit to HarborPark’s splash pad area. FREE
41. Enjoy amazing stunts on water as the very talented performers of the Aquanut Water Shows do their thing on Lake Mary twice a week. FREE
53. Stand tall! Climb the 72 steps of the 1866 Southport Lighthouse. $10 & under
60. Listen to live Kenosha Pops concerts under the stars at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell. FREE
61. Watch thrilling bicycle races at the Washington Park Velodrome. FREE
68. It’s a date! Meet your friends at Veterans Memorial Park for the Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series. Two concerts take place each Thursday, July 10 – August 28. FREE; view more music events here.
71. Enjoy our scenic Lake Michigan shore from the seat of an authentic Electric Streetcar. $1 & under
79. Enjoy a scenic bike ride on the Pike Bike Trail or the Kenosha County Bike Trail. FREE
85. Relax and watch an amazing sunrise over Lake Michigan. FREE
86. Reflect at the Veteran’s Memorial Fountain and Lone Soldier Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. FREE
101. Spend your Sunday browsing through the Wilmot Mountain Flea Market. $1 & under
For more information about these places and events and more in the Kenosha Area, log on to VisitKenosha.com or call (262) 654-7307 or (800) 654-7309. Follow Visit Kenosha on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to receive updates about events, specials, and more. Kenosha’s I-94 Visitor Information Center is located at the southeast corner of I-94 and Hwy. 165, while the Downtown Center is located at 812 - 56th Street.