Fun 101

FALL 2021 / WINTER 2022 FUN 101:
101 Things to See & Do in the Kenosha Area for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!)

Learn about these and more local attractions, restaurants, and shops at our website VisitKenosha.com. Please follow health guidelines and maintain social distancing when in public; be respectful of the safety guidelines that individual venues are setting; be patient.

Be sure to check the VisitKenosha.com Event Calendar often as events continue to be added.

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 2021.

This 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.

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FALL OUTDOOR FUN

HALLOWEEN RELATED

WINTER OUTDOOR FUN

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

ARTS & CULTURAL

SHOPPING

MORE FUN

1. Get your 10,000 steps and enjoy the beautiful fall colors at the same time! We have six suggested routes for you. FREE
2. According to Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report, the estimated week of peak for Kenosha County is the second week of October. Visit any of our local parks to view bur oaks, maples, and other native tree species putting on a show. FREE
3. Take a scenic fall drive, hike, or bike ride through Petrifying Springs Park. FREE
4. Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum - with its 2 miles of trails through the woods and a 12-acre Arboretum - is a great place to enjoy the fall colors. FREE
5. 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 4 is $10.
6. There are more than 130 miles of bike trails in Kenosha County, including the Kenosha County Bike Trail and the Pike Bike Trail. FREE
7. Play with your dog in the leaves (or snow) at one of our four off-leash dog parks. FREE to $5 depending on park
8. The Kenosha YMCA hosts a new outdoor event on October 2: Fall Fest at the Y. FREE admission
9. Play disc golf at Fox River Park, Lincoln Park, Silver Lake Park, or the UW-Parkside campus. FREE
10. Everyone can play at Kenosha’s first inclusive, 100% accessible playground: The Dream Playground at Petzke Park. FREE
11. 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, October 9-30. $10 & under
13. Bring a flashlight and walk among the skeletons of the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Dinos In The Dark takes place October 15, 22, and 29. $10 & under
14. On October 23, Dia de los Muertos happens at the Kenosha Public Museum. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with games and craft activities. FREE
15. Spooky hike time! The family-friendly Candlelit Halloween Hike happens at Bristol Woods Park on October 29. $6 & under
16. Trick or Treat on 6th Avenue in Downtown Kenosha on October 30. FREE
17. Gather the kids on October 30 and enjoy Trunk Or Treat On 63rd Street in Uptown Kenosha. FREE
18. This winter, enjoy ice skating on the ice rink set up in Veterans Memorial Park near the harbor. FREE
19. 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
20. Enjoy the cross-country ski trails at Brighton Dale Park, Fox River Park, and Petrifying Springs Park. You can also snowshoe! FREE
21. Let’s go sledding! Petrifying Springs Park and Fox River Park are popular county parks for that. FREE
22. Alford Park and Washington Park are among the City of Kenosha parks with sledding hills. FREE
23. 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
24. Go Fish! For FREE! No fishing licenses are needed January 15-16 in Wisconsin during Free Fishing Weekend. FREE
25. Pringle Nature Center hosts a Valentine's Candlelight Hike at Bristol Woods Park on February 11. $6 & under 
26. Take a brisk walk along the lakefront. FREE
27. Christmas at Kemper, a series of holiday events at the historic property on the lakeshore, takes place November 28-January 9. Most events are FREE
28. The 2021 City of Kenosha Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on November 26 outside the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE
29. Visit with Santa during designated hours at the Kenosha History Center on November 27 and December 11. FREE
30. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Is presented by the Lakeside Players at the historic Rhode Center for the Arts, December 3-5, 10-12. $10
31. Bring the family to International Holiday at the Kenosha Public Museum on December 4. FREE
32. It’s a Victorian Christmas at The Civil War Museum on December 4. Expect to be entertained and educated about traditions from long ago! FREE
33. A Cowboy Christmas is presented by RG Productions at the Kenosha Public Museum on December 12. Enjoy old time radio and cowboy poetry. FREE
34. It’s a family tradition for many: drive around Kenosha enjoying holiday light displays. Numerous homes and businesses go all out! FREE
35. Climb the tower of the 1866 Southport Lighthouse for an amazing view (open through October, must be 8 or older)! $10 & under
36. Learn about local shipwrecks in Lake Michigan at the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum (open through October). FREE
37. Enjoy the Sculpture Walk, which runs along the harbor and features a dozen works of art. The 2019-2021 exhibit has been extended to September 2022. FREE
38. At the Kenosha Public Museum, see the mammoths (excavated in Kenosha County!). FREE
39. Walk, bike, or drive through Kenosha’s four historic districts. Explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the buildings. FREE
40. Make your gifts this year! Paint your own pottery at Alpaca Art. Pricing starts at $8
41. Through November 7 at the Kenosha Public Museum, enjoy selections from the museum’s Asian Art collection. FREE
42. The Winter Juried Show is on display at the Anderson Arts Center, November 21 - January 9. FREE
43. Newly remodeled, the Resource Center inside The Civil War Museum features many fun activities for kids. There is a kid size cabin made out of giant Lincoln Logs and much more. FREE 
44. Explore Kenosha’s extensive AMC history and more at the Kenosha History Center. FREE
45. Enjoy art exhibits, concerts, and plays at the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities on the UW-Parkside campus. FREE
46. Fusion, an intimate performance space showcasing local and regional talent, features a variety of events. Some are FREE.
47. In the Library Park Historic District, view a plaque that notes the birthplace of acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer Orson Welles. FREE
48. The Kenosha Public Museum has Inuit Art on exhibit through March 6. FREE
49. Enjoy the mural on the exterior of the DeBerge's Framing & Gallery building. It’s a replica of Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”. FREE
50. Visit the bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln in Library Park. FREE
51. You’ll also find a bronze sculpture of Abraham Lincoln on the Carthage College campus. FREE
52. See the Kenosha County Soldiers’ Monument in Library Park. It consists of a 60-foot monolithic granite Corinthian column capped by a Winged Victory statue. FREE
53. The One Year in Chiwaukee Prairie Exhibit is at the Kenosha Public Museum November 20 – March 6. It’s a photo journal of preservation by Dr. Dana Garrigan. FREE
54. 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
55. The Kenosha Public Library offers a variety of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, learning resources, music, movies, and tv shows online. The library branches are also open. FREE
56. Stop inside the Simmons Library, which was dedicated in 1900. The Neo-Classical Revival building was designed by architect Daniel H. Burnham. FREE
57. Wilmot Flea Market happens at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds on Sundays through October 10. $2 & under
58. In time for holiday shopping, Lemon Street Gallery hosts its annual Artistree Giftable Art Show & Sale November 11 through December 24. Prices vary
59. Hot Chocolate is the beverage of choice for many this time of year. At A Summer's Garden Florist, hot chocolate dunking spoons are available. $4.50 each
60. On Saturdays, shop at Kenosha Public Market. It’s outdoors near Veterans Memorial Park through October, then inside The Vault Banquet Hall. FREE to browse
61. Enjoy Mama P’s HoHo Cakes from Lou Perrine’s Gas & Groceries. The delicious cakes come in a variety of flavors. $5 per slice   
62. Visit our castle! Enjoy one-of-a-kind FREE photo spots at Mars Cheese Castle.
63. You’ll find exhibits and gifts by local artists at Pollard Gifts & Gallery, located at historic Rhode Center for the Arts. FREE to browse
64. Stop by Brat Stop’s Cheese Mart for cheese curds and more Wisconsin treats. Prices vary
65. 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
66. Add popcorn from Sandy’s Popper to your movie night at home. The popcorn is made in-house in small batches. Prices vary
67. Visit Blue House Books in their new home at 5915 6th Avenue A for a variety of items for under $10: bookmarks, face masks, new and used books, and more. Prices vary
68. 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
69. 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
70. When making an in-store purchase at Beef Jerky Experience at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, mention this Visit Kenosha FUN 101 list to receive a FREE meat stick ($2.99 value).
71. 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
72. Fidget Friday deals can be enjoyed each Friday at Duck Duck Goose Children’s Shop. Prices vary       
73. Every Friday is Free Book Friday at Studio Moonfall. Stop by the shop to pick up a free book from the many used books that are on hand. FREE
74. November 13 is Kindness Day; we recommend you get a card at RK News Hallmark to send to someone special. Prices vary
75. You’ll find Wisconsin-made ice cream and seasonal homemade soups, including frozen soups to go at Scoops Ice Cream & Candy. Prices vary
76. Shop for fall and winter fashion bargains at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Prices vary
77. Pick up tiny succulent plants at Equinox botanical boutique. Small in size, they are perfect for your home office! Prices vary
78. To & From Gift Shop offers unique and spirited items for every personality. Their funky magnets make great stocking stuffers! Prices vary
79. Make it a relaxing spa day at home! Modern Apothecary offers a variety of bath bombs. Shop online or in person. Starting at $5
80. Stay warm! Get some local raw honey from House of Nutrition & Wellness to add to your hot tea this winter. Honey starts at $5.99
81. A pair of fun novelty socks from Mike Bjorn’s Clothing will look great under the tree! Prices vary
82. Shop Kenosha Swag online! Cotton face masks and can koozies by The Lettering Machine are under $10.
83. Starting in January, order, pick up, or view online our 2022 Kenosha Area Visitors Guide. FREE
84. Show some LOVE to our locally owned restaurants! Kenosha Restaurant Week takes place February 19-27. Each participating venue will have discounts or special offers. Prices vary
85. Kenosha is a Wisconsin Harbor Town! Relax and watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan. No matter the season, the sun still rises! FREE
86. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar to restaurants, shops, museums, historic districts, and more in Downtown Kenosha. $1 & under
87. 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
88. Are the little ones restless? Bring them for unlimited open play time at Play Space. $9 per child
89. Cheer on the Firebirds! Carthage College is a NCAA Division III program. Carthage charges admission for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball games. Tickets $6 & under 
90. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you take the Metra train from Chicago to Kenosha. $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass is good for unlimited rides that day
91. Take a pic of one of Kenosha’s most recognized landmarks: the North Pier Lighthouse, home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio. FREE
92. PUBLIC Craft Brewing Co. has Trivia Night on Thursdays with weekly prizes to the top three teams. FREE to play
93. 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
94. Did you know that Kenosha Brewing Co. is located where the first brew pub in the Midwest was after Prohibition? Come see what they’ve got cooking and brewing. Prices vary
95. Enjoy our Kenosha Area Activity Book – available online. It’s for all ages and includes trivia, coloring, puzzles, photo quizzes, and other activities – all related to Kenosha. FREE
96. Visiting Wisconsin for the first time? Take a picture with the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign at our I-94 Visitor Information Center. FREE
97. Perfect for tailgating, you can purchase an empty Rustic Road Brewing Company growler for $6. Have it filled at Rustic! Beverage prices vary
98. Pick up your “I Heart Kenosha” frame and take photos at our iconic places. Use our hashtag #KenoshaFun to share! FREE
99. R'Noggin Brewing Co. is celebrating five years in business this fall. Stop by sometime to see what this nano brewery is all about! Prices vary
100. Make your own list of fun in the Kenosha Area by using the favorites tool at VisitKenosha.com! FREE to plan
101. Watch for this annual sign that winter is coming to an end: Big Star Drive-In re-opens around March 1. Prices vary