FUN 101
SPRING / SUMMER 2025 FUN 101 Edition:
101 Things to See & Do in the Kenosha Area for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!)
Discover – and/or re-discover – what affordable adventures await in the Kenosha Area! We have the list divided into categories to make it easier to digest. Learn about these and more local attractions, restaurants, shops, and events at the website you’re on: VisitKenosha.com. Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local! Be sure to check the Visit Kenosha Events Calendar often as events continue to be added.
FUN 101 is a product of Visit Kenosha. Visit Kenosha has been producing the FUN 101 list since 2010. It’s updated twice a year – for the fall/winter and spring/summer months.
Fine Print: Prices, events, and other information reflected are subject to change. Some events require pre-registration. Prices do not include tax, service/handling fees, or gratuity. Retail purchases, as well as food and beverage prices vary based on selection.
Published online March 2025.
FUN 101 Categories
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Life By The Lake
Back to Top of List1. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar along the lakefront and to museums, shops, restaurants, events, and more in Downtown Kenosha. $1 & under for one loop
2. Lounge on a beach. Kenosha has five beaches on the Lake Michigan shore! FREE
3. Watch for fun events all summer long at the Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island. The calendar includes the Ultimate Battle of Everything: A Performing Arts Showdown of Music, Dance & Talent, May 24-26, the Simmons Island Luau on June 28, and LakeFest on August 23. FREE admission
4. The Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island also features Friday Bonfire Nights, each week from Memorial Day Weekend to Halloween. FREE; s'more kits for sale
5. Watching a beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan needs to be at the top of your itinerary while visiting Kenosha! FREE
6. Hunt for sea glass / beach glass along the lake. FREE
7. Climb 72 steps to the top of the 1866 Southport Lighthouse tower for an amazing view of Lake Michigan. Open May through October (must be at least 8 years old). $10 & under
8. Kids can cool off on a hot summer day at the splash pad near HarborPark. FREE
9. Take a pic of one of Kenosha’s most recognized landmarks: the North Pier Lighthouse. FREE
10. Ride the historic Lakefront Trolley through Downtown Kenosha and along Lake Michigan. This rubber-wheel trolley operates seasonally. $1 & under
11. At Simmons Island Beach, stroll along the boardwalk at Lake Michigan. This beach also features portable mobility mats on the sand during the summer days. FREE
Nature Break
Back to Top of List12. Get your 10,000 steps in while sightseeing in Kenosha! Find some suggested routes at VisitKenosha.com/Steps. Most of the routes are FREE to access
13. Bring your pooch to play at one of our many off-leash dog parks. Up to $6 daily fee depending on park
14. At Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, there are nearly five miles of trails with upland and floodplain forests, prairies, wetlands, flower gardens, historic buildings, a wildlife blind, a scenic boardwalk, a forest canopy overlook, and Hawthorn Hollow’s Heritage Farmstead. FREE
15. Play disc golf at Fox River Park, Lincoln Park, Silver Lake Park, or the UW-Parkside campus. FREE
16. There are more than 150 miles of dedicated bike lanes and signed routes in Kenosha County, including the Kenosha County Bike Trail, the Pike Bike Trail, and mountain bike trails at Silver Lake Park. FREE
17. Go Fish! Fish anywhere in Wisconsin without a license on Free Fishing Weekend, June 7-8. FREE
18. Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area is a 482-acre remnant lake plain wet prairie, an ecological gem. Enjoy nature study, birding, photography, and hiking here. FREE
19. Play at Kenosha’s inclusive, 100% accessible playground: the Dream Playground at Petzke Park. FREE
20. Go “over the river and through the woods” at Petrifying Springs Park – a hiking and biking destination. FREE
21. Pringle Nature Center offers many tools to explore Bristol Woods Park including GPS units that are pre-programmed with the known geocaches and ecocaches located in the park. $6 per unit for general public
Meet At The Market
Back to Top of List22. Open year-round on Saturdays, the outdoor season of Kenosha Public Market begins May 10 near Veterans Memorial Park. It’s inside Kemper Center through April. FREE admission
23. Kenosha HarborMarket® begins its outdoor season on May 10 at 2nd Avenue and 56th Street. Open year-round on Saturdays; its indoor season concludes April 26 at the Woman’s Club of Kenosha. FREE admission
24. Meet the makers at the Kenosha Art Market in the Union Park Arts District on the third Sunday of the month, June through October. FREE admission
25. Search for treasures at Wilmot Flea Market. It takes place on Sundays, April 27 through October 12 (excluding August 10 and 17) at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds. Admission $2 & under
26. On select days of the week, Farmers Markets occur at various City of Kenosha parks. They are open based on produce availability. FREE admission
Free Outdoor Concert Series
Back to Top of List27. Enjoy the Music at Twilight concert series on the lawn of Anderson Arts Center: June 3, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, and August 26. FREE
28. Tuesdays At The Shell happens at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell in Pennoyer Park along Lake Michigan, July 8 through August 26. FREE
29. It’s a tradition! Spend Wednesday evenings with the Kenosha Pops Concert Band at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell, June 18 through August 6. FREE
30. Bristol Woods Park is the setting for Bristol Woodstock. The concert series happens on Wednesday evenings from June 11 through August 13. FREE
31. Lincoln Park Live happens at picturesque Lincoln Park on select Wednesdays: July 16, July 23, August 6, and August 20. FREE
32. Enjoy the Rhythm on the Lake Concert Series on Thursday evenings at Old Settlers Park, June 12 through August 21 (with the exception of July 3). FREE
33. Enjoy a serving of PB&J! Peanut Butter & Jam is a concert series on Thursdays, July 10 through August 28, at Veterans Memorial Park. FREE
Preserving History
Back to Top of List34. Visit the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and go behind the stories that created history. $5 & under
35. Tour a maritime museum! At the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum, learn about 40+ shipwrecks buried near Kenosha and see a model of the SS Wisconsin, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1929. FREE
36. On select weekends, the 1860s Durkee Mansion on the historic Kemper Center grounds is open to tour. FREE
37. Travel back in time 237 million years ago to the present at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. FREE
38. Walk, bike, or drive through Kenosha’s four historic districts. Explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the buildings. FREE
39. Book your spot on a Kenosha History Center historic walking tour. On select dates, three different historian-led tours are available: Old Northside, Third Avenue, and Library Park. $10
40. At the Civil War Museum, the special exhibit “Civil War Innovation & Technology” explores the groundbreaking developments that reshaped medicine, transportation, communication, daily life, and warfare. FREE
41. West of I-94, stop by the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park Honor Plaza, which serves as a tribute to veterans. FREE
42. At the Kenosha Public Museum, visit the mammoths that were excavated right here in Kenosha County. FREE
43. Two special exhibits open August 16 at the Kenosha Public Museum. These are “Ancestral Women: Portraits of Elders from the 12 Tribes of Wisconsin” and “Women and Water: Woven Portraits from Around the World”. FREE
Cars, Cars, Cars
Back to Top of List44. Calling all made-in-Kenosha cars! The Kenosha Homecoming Car Show, produced by the Kenosha History Center, will be held July 22-27. A series of events will take place at various locations. The big car show is at Kennedy Park on Saturday, July 26. Car Show: FREE for spectators
45. Come show off your classic car at the Cruise-in Nights that take place outside the Kenosha History Center on May 30, August 29, and September 26. FREE
46. Bring your classic car to Cruise-in Nights at Bristol 45 Diner on the first, third, fifth Mondays of the month, May through September. FREE
47. On May 17, the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association produces Business In The Park and Car Show. FREE for spectators
48. The Father's Day Car Show at Baker Park is hosted by the Kenosha Classic Street Machine and the Vintage Auto Group. The date is June 15. FREE for spectators
49. The Kenosha Car Club Show is June 22. FREE for spectators
50. The Port of Kenosha Beverage House hosts the 5th Annual Port Grand Prix (Hot Wheels tournament) on July 13. This is a fundraiser to place a bronze Al Molinaro statue outside the business. FREE for spectators
51. Are you a Volkswagen / Audi enthusiast? You won’t want to miss the Kooler by the Lake show at Kennedy Park on August 9. FREE for spectators
52. The Art of the Car - Car Show is August 23 at Kemper Center. FREE for spectators
53. Show off your car and see what Downtown Kenosha has to offer during the Kenosha Classic Cruise-In on August 30. FREE
54. August 31 is the Southern Wisconsin All Airborne Chapter Car Show at Petrifying Springs Park. This event benefits wounded veterans. FREE for spectators
Fun Festivals & Events & Activities
Back to Top of List55. The Go Downtown Kenosha Small Business Bunny Hop is on April 12. Children and adults can collect an Easter egg filled with a treat/special offer from participating businesses. FREE
56. April 12, head to Historic Simmons Field for Elvis’ Egg Hunt. Join the Kenosha Kingfish baseball team’s mascot Elvis at this new event. FREE; please RSVP
57. In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4-10, Tourism Week Free Days will occur. Each day, a different attraction or business is providing free admission and/or products. FREE
58. NEW! May 15-18, the Go Downtown Kenosha Chalk Walk features sidewalk art (FREE for spectators to view) and sidewalk sales.
59. NEW! Visit the Hansen Park Biergarten in Bristol. This family friendly space offers food, beverages (including non-alcoholic), live music, and more. FREE admission
60. “Fill the Hill” on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Watch bicycle races at the Washington Park Velodrome. Built in 1927, it’s the nation’s oldest operating velodrome. FREE
61. Enjoy an Aquanut Water Show. The award-winning water ski show team performs on Lake Mary, most Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 24 through August 30. FREE
62. Enjoy six editions of the Kenosha Book Festival at Studio Moonfall: April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 24, and September 21. FREE admission
63. Go fly a kite! You’ll see gigantic show kites in the sky at the Outta Sight Kite Flight, which is June 7-8 at Kennedy Park. FREE
64. Yoga in the Park happens at Petrifying Springs Park on Mondays, June 9 through August 11. FREE
65. Have breakfast on a farm! The Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast is at Mighty Grand Dairy on June 14. $10 & under
66. June 14, celebrate National Outlet Shopping Day™ at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. You can expect hundreds of fantastic finds on the most sought-after brands, limited-time giveaways, and unique center-wide experiences. Prices vary
67. The Juneteenth Celebration Kenosha Festival takes place June 14 and features a vendor market, entertainment, games, and a cultural festival. FREE admission
68. Visit the Pop-up Biergarten for beverages, food, live music, and fun activities at HarborPark Celebration Place, June 19-21 and July 17-19. FREE admission
69. Enjoy Movie Night in the Park at Petrifying Springs Park. This takes place on Fridays, June 20 through August 29 (excluding July 4). FREE
70. Experience Sound Baths by Nerve-Ana at Petrifying Springs Park on June 20, July 18, August 15, September 12, and October 7. FREE
71. Stop and smell the roses! The Gateway Rose Society Annual Rose Show is June 21 at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
72. Go Downtown Kenosha before the weekend begins. Take advantage of special activities, extended hours, deals, and more at participating businesses as part of Third Thursdays in Downtown Kenosha. Prices vary
73. The Kenosha History Center presents its third annual Kenosha Taco Fest on June 27 at Kennedy Park. FREE admission
74. The 25th annual Harborfest 7s Rugby Tournament is June 28 at Kennedy Park next to Lake Michigan. FREE for spectators
75. Stop by the Petrifying Springs Biergarten for locally made sausages, German & local craft beer, Bavarian pretzels, events, and more. FREE admission
76. June 29, the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade marches through Downtown Kenosha. FREE
77. Celebrate America – a festive multi-day event near Lake Michigan – features fireworks on July 4. FREE admission
78. July 5 is the Libertyfest Parade and Fireworks in Twin Lakes. The festivities include an Aquanut Water Show. FREE
79. Enjoy special events and family activities at Jerry Smith Farm, which opened 50 years ago. Prices vary
80. Celebrate the Harley-Davidson Homecoming in Kenosha, July 9-13, at Wisconsin’s oldest Harley-Davidson® dealership Uke’s Harley-Davidson (which opened 95 years ago). There will also be community events. FREE admission
81. Bristol Progress Days is a fun community festival July 11-13 at Hansen Park. FREE admission
82. Kenosha Pride 2025 happens July 12 at HarborPark Celebration Place. This is the 13th annual LGBTQ+ Pride event in Kenosha. FREE
83. It’s billed as the ultimate Oktoberfest preparty! Enjoy PROST! Das Fest Wisconsin at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds, July 18-20. $2 admission
84. Savor the flavors of specialty food and beverage vendors and enjoy live music at Taste of Wisconsin on our lakefront, July 25-27. FREE admission
85. “Let the Good Times Grow” is the theme of this year’s Kenosha County Fair, August 13-17. Every day is Senior Day! Seniors (65+) get in for $8.
86. The Picnic in the Park event will be held on August 16 at Petrifying Springs Park. This event includes live music, family activities, and concessions. FREE
87. September 5-6, enjoy live performances by talented bands and musicians at Bloomin’ Bands. The location is the Kenosha Moose Lodge #286 festival grounds. FREE
Landmarks and Sculptures and More #KenoshaFun, Oh My!
Back to Top of List88. Come see our castle! Enjoy one-of-a-kind photo spots at Mars Cheese Castle. FREE to visit; product prices vary
89. Summertime means homemade Italian Sausage (and more!) cooking on the outdoor grill at Tenuta’s Delicatessen & Liquors, which opened 75 years ago. Prices vary
90. Pick up some cheese curds at Brat Stop’s Cheese Mart. Prices vary
91. Carhop service continues to this day in Kenosha! Get a taste of nostalgia with your order. The Spot Drive-In opened 80 years ago and is open year-round. Big Star Drive-In is seasonal; get there before Labor Day. Prices vary
92. Are you a first-time visitor to our state? You must get your pic with the Welcome to Wisconsin sign at the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Kenosha! FREE
93. Stroll through the Sculpture Walk - HarborPark, a biennial outdoor art exhibit that runs along the harbor. FREE
94. Fly down the 200-foot-long water slides at Washington Park Pool and Anderson Park Pool this summer. Prices vary
95. On the third Tuesday of every month, seniors (60 & over) can enjoy the Kenosha YMCA at no cost (photo ID required). FREE
96. Visit a local art gallery to be inspired. FREE to browse
97. Exhibits opening this summer at the Anderson Arts Center include the Wisconsin Visual Artists Exhibit and the Southport Quilters Guild Quilt Show. FREE
98. The Transparent Watercolor Society of America 49th Annual National Juried Exhibition showcases paintings from artists across North America. The exhibit is May 3 through August 3 at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
99. Check out the sculpture that commemorates the second stop on the Winter Dance Party Tour (Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and Dion and the Belmonts). FREE
100. On the side of the Kady B. Faulkner building at the historic Kemper Center is an outdoor mosaic made from items found on the nearby beach. FREE
101. Get your picture taken with the Greetings From Kenosha mural – either the original mural by artist Kelly Witte in Downtown Kenosha or the LEGO® mosaic that the community helped build at Bricks & Minifigs Kenosha. FREE; product prices at the store vary
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mammoths, electric streetcars, a cheese castle, automotive history including the AMC Gremlin, … READ MORE HERE>
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Yes; it’s swim at your own risk. Beaches are not staffed with lifeguards. Refer to our BEACHES PAGE HERE to learn more about Great Lakes swimming and Lake Michigan Water Safety before enjoying our beaches.
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Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar, rent a duck themed pedal boat, see mammoths and dinos at our museums, create art at DIY studios, build sandcastles on a beach, visit an aerial adventure park, enjoy Kenosha Kingfish baseball games, or visit the Bristol Renaissance Faire. In the winter, go skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Wilmot Mountain. READ MORE HERE>
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It totally depends on what you want to do! Kenosha is a four-season destination. The bulk of our attractions are open year-round. You can certainly dine and shop no matter the time of year – and Lake Michigan sunrises are gorgeous no matter the season! Here’s a quick look at what differentiates the seasons in Kenosha:
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A variety of locally owned restaurants including supper clubs, gastropubs, drive-in eateries, diners, bistros, coffee shops, and craft breweries can be found in our community. READ MORE HERE>
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