FUN 101
FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024 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. 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 2023.
FUN 101 Categories
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Fall In Love With The Outdoors
Back to Top of List1. Play with your dog in the leaves (or snow) at one of our four off-leash dog parks. FREE to $5 depending on park
2. Get your 10,000 steps in and enjoy the beautiful fall colors at the same time! Find some suggested routes at VisitKenosha.com/Steps. Most of the routes are FREE to access
3. Take a scenic fall drive, hike, or bike ride through Petrifying Springs Park. FREE
4. Play disc golf at Fox River Park, Lincoln Park, Silver Lake Park, or the UW-Parkside campus. FREE - bring your own disc
5. 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
6. Everyone can play at Kenosha’s inclusive, 100% accessible playground: the Dream Playground at Petzke Park. FREE
7. At the Kenosha harbor, take time to stop and reflect at the Veterans Memorial Fountain and Lone Soldier Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. FREE
8. West of I-94, stop by the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park Honor Plaza, which serves as a tribute to veterans. FREE
9. 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
10. There are more than 100 miles of bike trails in Kenosha County, including the Kenosha County Bike Trail and the Pike Bike Trail. FREE
11. Speaking of biking, enjoy the new Petrifying Springs Park and UW-Parkside Multi-Use & Purpose-Built Mountain Bike Trail Network. 10 miles of trails have been built for bicyclists to enjoy. FREE
Fall Festivities & Halloween Happenings
Back to Top of List12. Enjoy one-of-a-kind hand-painted pumpkin displays (and much more) at Jerry Smith Farm. FREE to view displays; prices vary for other activities
13. A long-time tradition in Kenosha, the Kemper Haunted House happens on Saturday evenings, September 30 to October 28. $10 & under
14. There are many Oktoberfest events, including the Rustic Road Brewing Company Lakeside Oktoberfest, September 28 to October 1 at HarborPark Celebration Place. FREE admission
15. The Port of Fear Film Festival is Kenosha's only Horror film festival. It happens September 29-30 and October 1 at Kemper Center. The festival’s Spooky Market is FREE to attend.
16. The dinosaurs will come alive in the shadows during Dinos In The Dark at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. The dates are October 6, 13, and 20. $8-$10
17. Dig out your flannel: Flannel Fest is October 7 at Petrifying Springs Park. FREE admission
18. On October 7, all ages will enjoy Fall Fest at the Kenosha YMCA. FREE admission
19. The City of Kenosha's annual Fall Into Fun Festival is October 14 at Veterans Memorial Park. Enjoy kids’ games, activities, and musical entertainment. FREE
20. Enjoy trick or treating, arts & crafts, and games at the Kenosha YMCA’s Trunk Or Treat on October 28. FREE
Merry & Bright Holiday Events
Back to Top of ListStay up to date on holiday events in the Kenosha Area! Merry & Bright Website>
21. The City of Kenosha Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place outside of the Kenosha Public Museum on November 24. FREE
22. Lightin’ Up Downtown on November 24 features family activities, live entertainment, and special promotions at Downtown businesses. Shop Local – Dine Local – Play Local! FREE activities; offers at businesses vary
23. Enjoy a Holiday Light Walk at Jerry Smith Farm, November 24–December 17. Santa will be there on select dates! $7 walk
24. The Merry & Bright Holiday Market - featuring Kenosha Public Market vendors - will be held November 25-26 and December 2-3 at Kemper Center. It will take place indoors and outdoors. FREE to browse
25. Watch for special deals and giveaways at participating businesses during Small Business Saturday on November 25. Shop Small! Shop Local! Prices vary
26. Experience Christmas at Kemper. The Gallery of Trees and Historic Durkee Mansion Holiday Display are FREE.
27. On December 2, International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas Celebration takes place at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
28. It’s a Victorian Christmas at the Civil War Museum on December 2. There will be Victorian Era themed holiday music, living history, dancing, craft activities, and more. FREE
29. On December 2, enjoy the Light Up The Town Light Parade and Tree Lighting at Hansen Park in Bristol. FREE
30. Enjoy the Kenosha Pops Christmas Concert on December 16 in the beautiful A. F. Siebert Chapel on the Carthage College campus. FREE
31. Santa will be making his way through Kenosha in December. Go to VisitKenosha.com/Holidays to keep up with his busy schedule. FREE
32. Lemon Street Gallery hosts its annual Artistree Giftable Art Show & Sale, November 25 - December 24. Prices vary
33. Take photos as you go on the Holiday Gnome Hunt between December 1 and December 31 at Bristol Woods Park / Pringle Nature Center. FREE
34. As Christmas approaches, watch for the 12 Days of Lattes at The Daily Dose Café – featuring a different latte every day! Prices vary
35. 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
Cool-Outside-In-The-Winter-Kind-Of-Fun
Back to Top of List36. Have fun ice skating on the ice rink set up in Veterans Memorial Park near the harbor. FREE
37. Take a brisk walk along the lakefront. FREE
38. Let’s go sledding! Petrifying Springs Park and Fox River Park are popular county parks for that. FREE
39. Alford Park and Washington Park are among the City of Kenosha parks with sledding hills. FREE
40. Enjoy the cross-country ski trails at Brighton Dale Park, Fox River Park, and Petrifying Springs Park. You can also snowshoe! FREE
41. 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
42. Calling all birders! The National Audubon Society is looking for people to join the 124th annual Christmas Bird Count on December 21. FREE
43. 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
44. Go Fish! For FREE! No fishing licenses are needed January 20-21 in Wisconsin during Free Fishing Weekend.
45. Enjoy the Snow Daze Festival in Downtown Kenosha on January 27. There will be many ice sculptures to enjoy! FREE
Stay-Warm-Inside-Kind-Of-Fun
Back to Top of List46. Love a great cup of joe or cocoa from a local establishment? Go coffee shop hopping! Prices vary
47. 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.
48. Sensory Friendly Days are offered on select dates at the Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Museum. FREE; fee for main Civil War Museum exhibit
49. On the first and third weekends in September and October, tour the 1860s Durkee Mansion at Kemper Center. FREE
50. Learn about local shipwrecks in Lake Michigan at the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum (open through October). FREE
51. Every Friday is Free Book Friday at Studio Moonfall. Stop by the shop to pick up a free book from the selection of gently used titles. FREE
52. Explore Kenosha’s extensive AMC history and more at the Kenosha History Center. FREE
53. The Annual Winter Juried Exhibition is on display at the Anderson Arts Center, November 19 to January 7. FREE
54. Kids love the interactive exhibit Little Clint: The Story of a Baby Dinosaur at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. FREE
55. 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
56. 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
57. Enjoy a made-in-Kenosha adult beverage at a craft brewery. Prices vary
58. 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
59. Stop by Brat Stop’s Cheese Mart for cheese curds and more Wisconsin treats. Prices vary
60. 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
61. Shop for fall and winter fashion bargains at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Prices vary
62. A gift shop and art gallery in one, view the works of award-winning local artists at Pollard Gallery. FREE to browse
63. Kenosha is the home of Wisconsin’s oldest Harley-Davidson® dealership. Stop by Uke's Harley-Davidson to see their on-site museum of Uke’s history. FREE to browse
64. Get your hands dirty at The Clay Studio inside Lemon Street Gallery & Artspace. The cost is $3 per pound of clay, and includes glazes and firing.
65. 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
66. 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
67. Remember Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day! Get your significant other a greeting card at RK News Hallmark. Prices vary
68. Get your preschoolers excited about science and the world around them at Museum Munchkins, every Wednesday morning at the Kenosha Public Museum. Stop by the Field Station, too. FREE
69. Visit Nature’s Gallery, an artist’s studio and creative space, with handmade local art available to purchase. FREE to browse
70. 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 List71. Experience a “sculpture wonderland”! The Sculpture Walk – HarborPark is a biennial outdoor art exhibit that runs along the harbor and features 10 inspiring works of art. FREE
72. Visiting Wisconsin for the first time? Take a picture with the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign at our Wisconsin Welcome Center - Kenosha. FREE
73. Walk, bike, or drive through Kenosha’s four historic districts. Explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the buildings. FREE
74. In the Library Park Historic District, view a plaque that notes the birthplace of acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer Orson Welles. FREE
75. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar to restaurants, shops, museums, historic districts, and more in Downtown Kenosha. $1 & under
76. Climb the tower of the 1866 Southport Lighthouse for an amazing view (open through October, must be 8 or older)! $10 & under
77. Come see our castle! Enjoy one-of-a-kind FREE photo spots and samples at Mars Cheese Castle.
78. Pick up your “I Heart Kenosha” frame and take photos at our iconic places. Use our hashtag #KenoshaFun to share! FREE
79. 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
80. Take a pic of one of Kenosha’s most recognized landmarks: the North Pier Lighthouse, home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio. FREE
81. Get your picture taken with the Greetings From Kenosha mural by artist Kelly Witte in Downtown Kenosha. FREE
82. 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
83. 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 #KenoshaFun
Back to Top of List84. Show some LOVE to our locally owned restaurants! Kenosha Restaurant Week takes place February 24 to March 3. Each participating venue will have discounts or special offers. Prices vary
85. The Kenosha History Center offers Historic Walking Tours on select dates this fall. Tour the Library Park or Third Avenue Historic District or take the Old Northside Historic Walking Tour with volunteer historians. $10 each tour
86. See the Southport Quilters Guild Quilt Show at Anderson Arts Center, September 10 to October 15. FREE
87. The 2023 edition of the Kenosha Book Festival comes to a close on September 24 at Studio Moonfall. FREE
88. 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
89. 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
90. On September 29, bring your classic car to the Kenosha History Center for a Cruise-in Night. FREE
91. The inaugural Southport Literary Fair, a celebration of literature for all ages and interests, is September 30 at Southwest Library. Blue House Books and the Kenosha Public Library have planned this event. FREE
92. Enjoy Third Thursdays in Downtown Kenosha! On the Third Thursday of each month, take advantage of special activities, extended hours, deals, and more at participating businesses in Downtown Kenosha. Offers vary
93. Eat at the oldest continuously operating lunch car diner in the U.S.: Franks' Diner. It’s been featured on the Food Network multiple times! Prices vary
94. 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
95. Wilmot Flea Market happens at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds on Sundays through October 15. $2 & under admission
96. Meet the makers at the Kenosha Art Market in the Union Park Arts District on September 17 and October 15. 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. Starting in January, order, pick up, or view online our 2024 Kenosha Area Visitors Guide. FREE
99. Looking for things to do in Kenosha tonight? Find a list of ongoing trivia, live music, bingo, and more activities at VisitKenosha.com/Tonight. Some activities 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
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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