FUN 101
FALL 2022 / WINTER 2023 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, and shops 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. 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 September 2022.
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Fall Outdoors
Back to Top of List1. Get your 10,000 steps and enjoy the beautiful fall colors at the same time! We have many suggested routes for you. FREE
2. Take a scenic fall drive, hike, or bike ride through Petrifying Springs Park. FREE
3. Enjoy a round of golf at Brighton Dale Links or Petrifying Springs Golf Course. The 9-hole rate anytime weekdays and weekends after 2 pm starting October 3 is $10.
4. There are more than 130 miles of bike trails in Kenosha County, including the Kenosha County Bike Trail and the Pike Bike Trail. FREE
5. Play with your dog in the leaves (or snow) at one of our four off-leash dog parks. FREE to $5 depending on park
6. Families will enjoy the Bristol Woods Nature Playground at Bristol Woods Park. The playground has features made from "natural" materials, including climbing obstacles, a mud kitchen, and more. FREE
7. Take a leisurely stroll and pause to reflect at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park Honor Plaza. FREE
8. Play disc golf at Fox River Park, Lincoln Park, Silver Lake Park, or the UW-Parkside campus. FREE - bring your own disc
9. Everyone can play at Kenosha’s inclusive, 100% accessible playground: The Dream Playground at Petzke Park. FREE
10. Bring the family to enjoy the Heritage Farmstead Learning Stations at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum. A sound wall, weather wall, and mud kitchen are included. FREE
Fall & Halloween Events
Back to Top of List11. Enjoy one-of-a-kind hand-painted pumpkin displays at Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm. FREE; prices vary for other activities
12. A long-time tradition in Kenosha, the Kemper Center Haunted House happens on Saturday nights in October. $10 & under
13. Enjoy Dinos in the Dark - October 7, 14, and 21 - at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. The dinosaurs will come alive in the shadows! $10 for general public; advance registration required
14. Wilmot Flea Market happens at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds on Sundays through mid-October. $2 & under admission
15. Enjoy live music and browse for gifts at the Kenosha Art Market in Union Park on October 16. FREE to browse
16. Dia de los Muertos happens on October 22. Join the Kenosha Public Museum and Bradford High School at the museum in celebrating the Day of the Dead. FREE
17. On October 29, bring the kids for Trunk Or Treat On 63rd Street, 12-2pm. This is at the Uptown Brass Center. FREE
18. Families can Trick or Treat on 6th Avenue at participating businesses on October 29, 3-5pm. Check out all that the downtown business have to offer! FREE
19. On November 12, hunt for Pokémon hidden along the Bristol Woods trails and participate in activities at the Pringle Nature Center. FREE
Merry & Bright Holiday Events
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20. Stop by RK News Hallmark for the Keepsake Ornament Debut, October 8-16. There are more than 150 new Keepsake Ornaments! There will be bonus points, free gifts, promotions, and more. FREE to browse
21. Santa will greet the crowd and help light the City of Kenosha Christmas Tree on November 25 outside the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
22. Lightin’ up Downtown on November 25 features family activities, live entertainment, and special promotions at Downtown businesses. Shop Local – Dine Local – Play Local! FREE
23. Watch for special deals and giveaways at participating businesses during Small Business Saturday on November 26. Shop Small! Shop Local! Prices vary
24. Enjoy the Lakeside Players Production of A Seussified Christmas Carol during the first two weekends of December at the historic Rhode Center of the Arts. $10
25. The Lakeside Players will also produce A Doublewide Texas Christmas, December 16 -18. $10
26. Christmas at Kemper, a series of holiday events at the historic property on the lakeshore, kicks off November 26 and continues into December. Most events are FREE
27. Visit with Santa during designated hours at the Kenosha History Center on November 26, December 10, and December 17. FREE
28. Santa is expected to visit more locations in Kenosha as well! Go to VisitKenosha.com/Holidays to keep up with his busy schedule. FREE
29. Mrs. Claus is also making local public appearances - including at Actor’s Craft on November 25. FREE
30. It’s a Victorian Christmas at The Civil War Museum on December 3. There will be Victorian Era themed holiday music, living history, dancing, craft activities, and more. FREE
31. On December 3, International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas Celebration takes place at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
32. The Merry & Bright Holiday Market - featuring Kenosha Public Market vendors - will be held December 3-4 at Kemper Center. It will take place indoors and outdoors. FREE to browse
33. It’s a family tradition for many: drive around Kenosha enjoying holiday light displays. Numerous homes and businesses go all out! Especially check out Christmas Lane, off of 60th Avenue and 68th Street and neighboring streets. FREE
34. Enjoy the Holiday Light Walk, November 25 - December 18 at Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm. $7 for ages 3+
35. In time for holiday shopping, Lemon Street Gallery hosts its annual Artistree Giftable Art Show & Sale, November 24 - December 24. Prices vary
36. Shop at the Holiday Craft Fair at GFWC Woman's Club of Kenosha on November 5. Prices vary
37. Take photos as you go on the Holiday Gnome Hunt between December 1-31 at Bristol Woods Park / Pringle Nature Center. FREE
38. Always a special event, the Carthage Christmas Festival is December 2-4. Tickets sell out fast! $10
39. As Christmas approaches, watch for the 12 Days of Lattes at The Daily Dose Café – featuring a different latte every day! Prices vary
Winter Outdoors
Back to Top of List40. Have fun ice skating on the ice rink set up in Veterans Memorial Park near the harbor. FREE
41. Enjoy the cross-country ski trails at Brighton Dale Park, Fox River Park, and Petrifying Springs Park. You can also snowshoe! FREE
42. You can rent snowshoes to use at Bristol Woods Park from the park’s Pringle Nature Center during designated hours. There are more than four miles of trails. $5 & under
43. Take a brisk walk along the lakefront. FREE
44. Calling all birders! The National Audubon Society is looking for people to join the 123rd annual Christmas Bird Count on December 21. FREE
45. Let’s go sledding! Petrifying Springs Park and Fox River Park are popular county parks for that. FREE
46. Alford Park and Washington Park are among the City of Kenosha parks with sledding hills. FREE
47. Silver Lake Park has more than 2.5 miles of groomed cross-country trails and over 10 miles of single track trails. Also enjoy mountain bike trails year-round. FREE
48. Go Fish! For FREE! No fishing licenses are needed January 21-22 in Wisconsin during Free Fishing Weekend. FREE
49. Enjoy the Snow Daze Festival in Downtown Kenosha on February 4. Lots of ice sculptures to enjoy! FREE
Stay-Warm-Inside-Kind-Of-Fun
Back to Top of List50. Learn about local shipwrecks in Lake Michigan at the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum (open through October). FREE
51. On the first and third weekends of October, enjoy a self-guided tour of the 1860s Durkee Mansion at Kemper Center. FREE
52. Every Friday is Free Book Friday at Studio Moonfall, 10am-7pm. Stop by the shop to pick up a free book from the selection of gently used titles. FREE
53. Attend the Native American Artist Market on November 5 inside the Kenosha Public Museum. View and purchase art from the artisans and enjoy live music and several hands-on activities. FREE admission
54. On the third Tuesday of every month, Senior Day is presented by Hospice Alliance at the Kenosha YMCA. Seniors (ages 60 & over) enjoy the facility FREE of charge.
55. Through November 6, visit the Acrylic International Biennial Exhibition at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
56. Enjoy live music, piano jams, live trivia, and open mic nights at Union Park Tavern. Menu prices vary
57. The Annual Winter Juried Exhibition is on display at the Anderson Arts Center, November 20 - January 8. FREE
58. Love a great cup of joe or cocoa from a local establishment? Go coffee shop hopping! Prices vary
59. Make your gifts this year! Paint your own pottery at Alpaca Art. Pricing starts at $8
60. Bring the kids to the Resource Center inside The Civil War Museum. There’s a kid size cabin made out of giant Lincoln Logs and many more fun activities. FREE
61. Listen to live jazz at Sazzy B. Menu prices vary
62. Explore Kenosha’s extensive AMC history and more at the Kenosha History Center. FREE
63. Enjoy art exhibits, concerts, and plays at the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities on the UW-Parkside campus. Some events are FREE
64. Get a taste of Italy at Tenuta’s Delicatessen. Ask for a homemade Cannoli; you have your pick of size, shell, and filling. Prices vary
65. Visit ArtWorks and the Pencillarium in the Union Park Arts District. One building houses an art gallery, a custom framing service, and a pencil seller. FREE to browse
66. Carthage Fine Arts invites the public to a variety of art exhibits throughout the school year in the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art on the Carthage College campus. FREE
67. Shop for fall and winter fashion bargains at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Prices vary
68. Visitors of all ages with complex developmental disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or on the autism spectrum are given a safe, comfortable environment to explore museum exhibits during Sensory Friendly Days, on select dates at different museums. FREE
69. Enjoy Mama P’s HoHo Cakes from Lou Perrine’s Gas & Groceries. The delicious cakes come in a variety of flavors. $5 per slice
70. You’ll find exhibits and gifts by local artists at Pollard Gallery and Gifts, located at historic Rhode Center for the Arts. FREE to browse
71. Get your preschoolers excited about science and the world around them at Museum Munchkins, every Wednesday from 9:30-10 a.m. at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
72. Kids love the interactive exhibit Little Clint: The Story of a Baby Dinosaur at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. FREE
73. Did you know that Jockey International, Inc. is headquartered in Kenosha? Shop the clearance room at the Jockey Factory Store for all kinds of products and savings. Prices vary
74. Stop by Brat Stop’s Cheese Mart for cheese curds and more Wisconsin treats. Prices vary
75. Enjoy a made-in-Kenosha adult beverage! Stop at a craft brewery while here! Prices vary
76. To & From Gift Shop offers unique and spirited items for every personality. Their funky magnets make great stocking stuffers! Prices vary
77. Add popcorn from Sandy’s Popper to your movie night at home. The popcorn is made in-house in small batches. Prices vary
78. Visit Blue House Books for a variety of items for under $10: bookmarks, new and used books, and more. Prices vary
79. Pick up tiny succulent plants at Equinox botanical boutique. Small in size, they are perfect for your office! Prices vary
80. The Kenosha Public Library offers a variety of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, learning resources, music, movies, and tv shows online – as well as four library branches to visit. FREE
Year-Round Sightseeing
Back to Top of List81. The Sculpture Walk – HarborPark has new sculptures to enjoy! The 2022-24 exhibit was installed in September. FREE
82. Visit our castle! Enjoy one-of-a-kind FREE photo spots at Mars Cheese Castle.
83. Take a pic of one of Kenosha’s most recognized landmarks: the North Pier Lighthouse, home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio. FREE
84. Visiting Wisconsin for the first time? Take a picture with the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign at our Wisconsin Welcome Center - Kenosha. FREE
85. Walk, bike, or drive through Kenosha’s four historic districts. Explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the buildings. FREE
86. In the Library Park Historic District, view a plaque that notes the birthplace of acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer Orson Welles. FREE
87. A great photo spot is with the Greetings From Kenosha mural by artist Kelly Witte at 55th Street and 6th Avenue. FREE
88. Visit 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). The concert took place in Kenosha on January 24, 1959. FREE
89. Check out the Starry Night over Kenosha mural by artist Eric Houghton on the side of DeBerge’s Framing & Gallery in the Uptown neighborhood. FREE
90. Kenosha is a Wisconsin Harbor Town! Relax and watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan. No matter the season, the sun still rises! FREE
More Fun
Back to Top of List91. Show some LOVE to our locally owned restaurants! Kenosha Restaurant Week takes place February 18-26. Each participating venue will have discounts or special offers. Prices vary
92. Starting in January, order, pick up, or view online our 2023 Kenosha Area Visitors Guide. FREE
93. Climb the tower of the 1866 Southport Lighthouse for an amazing view (open through October, must be 8 or older)! $10 & under
94. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar to restaurants, shops, museums, historic districts, and more in Downtown Kenosha. $1 & under
95. Shop at Kenosha HarborMarket on Saturdays. It’s outdoors at 2nd Avenue and 56th Street through October, then inside the Kenosha Union Club. FREE to browse
96. On Saturdays, shop at Kenosha Public Market. It’s outdoors near Veterans Memorial Park through October, then inside the Kemper Center Simmons Auditorium. FREE to browse
97. Winter weather doesn’t stop car hop service at The Spot Drive-In! Enjoy their famous Double Cheese Burgers and Root Beer Whirls. Prices vary
98. Cheer on the Firebirds! Carthage College is a NCAA Division III program. Sports include football, cross country, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and more. Ticket prices vary
99. Pick up your “I Heart Kenosha” frame and take photos at our iconic places. Use our hashtag #KenoshaFun to share! FREE
100. Cheer on the Rangers! UW-Parkside is a NCAA Division II program. Sports include cross country, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and more. Ticket prices vary
101. Watch for this annual sign that winter is coming to an end: Big Star Drive-In re-opens around March 1. Prices vary
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