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 March 2024.

FUN 101 Categories    

Skip to:

Life By The Lake

Back to Top of List

1. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar along the lakefront and to museums, shops, restaurants, events, and more in Downtown Kenosha. $1 & under for one loop

Kenosha's Electric Streetcar

2. Watching a beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan needs to be at the top of your itinerary while visiting Kenosha! FREE

sunrise over Lake Michigan at North Pier Lighthouse

3. Hunt for sea glass / beach glass along the lake. FREE

4. 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

Southport Light Station Museum

5. Kids can cool off on a hot summer day at the splash pad near HarborPark. FREE

6. Lounge on a beach. Kenosha has five beaches on the Lake Michigan shore! FREE

Eichelman Beach - a photo contest winner

7. Take a pic of one of Kenosha’s most recognized landmarks: the North Pier Lighthouse. FREE

8. Ride the historic Lakefront Trolley through Downtown Kenosha and along Lake Michigan. This rubber-wheel trolley operates seasonally. $1 & under

9. The 1934 Tudor Revival Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island offers cornhole bag game rentals for 1.5 hours, June 1 through October 31. $9

10. At Simmons Island Beach, stroll along the boardwalk at Lake Michigan. FREE

Simmons Island Beach

11. Go paddleboarding in the harbor! The Kenosha Community Sailing Center is offering the activity in 45-minute timeslots, June 15 through August 31. $9

12. Head to Lake Michigan to view the LakeFest boat parade on July 20. It happens at sundown along the channel and harborside. FREE

Nature Break

Back to Top of List

13. 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

Petrifying Springs Park

14. Enjoy the Gnome Homes Trail at Pringle Nature Center, March 23 through April 8. Vote for your favorite! FREE

15. 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

16. Go Fish! Fish anywhere in Wisconsin without a license on Free Fishing Weekend, June 1-2. FREE

17. Celebrate International Mud Day at Pringle Nature Center on June 29. FREE

18. At Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, the kids will enjoy the Heritage Farmstead Learning Stations. FREE

19. 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

20. Bring your pooch to play at one of our many off-leash dog parks. Up to $5 depending on park

Carlisle Family Dog Park

21. Play at Kenosha’s inclusive, 100% accessible playground: the Dream Playground at Petzke Park. FREE

22. Go “over the river and through the woods” at Petrifying Springs Park – a hiking and biking destination. FREE

23. Play disc golf at Fox River Park, Lincoln Park, Silver Lake Park, or the UW-Parkside campus. FREE

disc golf at Fox River Park

24. 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. $5 per unit for general public

Meet At The Market

Back to Top of List

25. Kenosha HarborMarket® begins its outdoor season on May 11 at 2nd Avenue and 56th Street. Open year-round on Saturdays; its indoor season concludes April 27 at the Kenosha Union Club. FREE admission

Kenosha HarborMarket

26. Open year-round on Saturdays, the outdoor season of Kenosha Public Market begins May 11 near Veterans Memorial Park. It’s inside Kemper Center through April. FREE admission

Kenosha Public Market

27. 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

Kenosha Art Market

28. Search for treasures at Wilmot Flea Market. It takes place on Sundays, April 21 through October 13 (excluding August 11 and 18) at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds. Admission $2 & under

29. 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 List

30. Enjoy the Music at Twilight concert series on the lawn of Anderson Arts Center: June 11, June 25, July 9, July 23, August 13, August 27, September 10, and September 24. FREE

31. Tuesdays At The Shell happens at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell in Pennoyer Park along Lake Michigan, July 9 through August 27. FREE

32. It’s a tradition! Spend Wednesday evenings at the Kenosha Pops Concert at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell, June 12 through July 31. FREE

Sesquicentennial Bandshell at Pennoyer Park

33. Bristol Woods Park is the setting for Bristol Woodstock. The concert series happens on Wednesday evenings from June 12 through August 14. FREE

Bristol Woodstock

34. On the Lake Michigan shore, enjoy music at Lakeside Lounge on June 19, July 17, August 21, and September 18. This is held on the north lawn of Kemper Center. FREE

35. On select Wednesday evenings, Lincoln Park Live happens at picturesque Lincoln Park. FREE

Lincoln Park Live

36. Enjoy a serving of PB&J! Peanut Butter & Jam is a concert series on Thursdays, July 11 through August 29, at Veterans Memorial Park. FREE

37. Enjoy the Rhythm on the Lake Concert Series on Thursday evenings at Old Settlers Park, June 13 through August 22 (excluding July 4). FREE

Rhythm on the Lake Concert Series at Old Settlers Park

Preserving History

Back to Top of List

38. Learn from former students what Kemper Center was like when it was an all-girls school. Take the Kemper Grand Tour on April 14. $5

39. See the 1962 Rambler American from the "3rd Rock from the Sun" television show at the Kenosha History Center as part of the "AMC in Hollywood" exhibit. FREE

Kenosha History Center 2024 car exhibit

40. On select weekends, the 1860s Durkee Mansion on the historic Kemper Center grounds is open to tour. FREE

41. Come show off your classic car at the Cruise-in Nights that take place outside the Kenosha History Center on May 31, July 26, August 30, and September 27. FREE       

42. Approximately 50 original images printed during the Civil War are part of the Printmaking – Pop Culture of the Civil War Exhibit at the Civil War Museum, June 15 through August 18. FREE

43. Travel back in time 237 million years ago to the present at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. FREE

Dinosaur Museum - Kids Dino Dig

44. Walk, bike, or drive through Kenosha’s four historic districts. Explore and appreciate the architecture and history of the buildings. FREE

45. 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

46. 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

Southport Light Station Museum

47. At the Kenosha Public Museum, visit the mammoths that were excavated right here in Kenosha County. FREE

Kenosha Public Museum Mammoths

48. West of I-94, stop by the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park Honor Plaza, which serves as a tribute to veterans. FREE

49. Each month, a Sensory Friendly Day is held at a different museum (Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, or Dinosaur Discovery Museum). FREE admission; fee for main CWM exhibit

50. 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

Fun Festivals and Events

Back to Top of List

51. The Downtown Kenosha Small Business Bunny Hop is on March 23. Children and adults can collect an Easter egg from 50 participating businesses. FREE

52. Be amazed the Lego Brick Show, May 18-19, at Uke's Harley-Davidson. See the creations of the Kenosha Lego Users Group. $6 includes admission and lunch for one person (discount if 4 people)

53. In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, May 19-25, Tourism Week Free Days will occur. Each day, a different attraction or business is providing free admission and/or products. FREE

54. “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

bike races at Washington Park Velodrome

55. On select Sundays, enjoy six editions of the Kenosha Book Festival and four editions of the Kenosha Comic Con’s Artist Alley at Studio Moonfall. FREE admission

56. Enjoy an Aquanut Water Show. The award-winning water ski show team performs on Lake Mary, most Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 25 through August 31. FREE

Aquanut Water Show

57. Let's root, root, root for our Kingfish! Tickets to the collegiate baseball games start at $8.

Sunset at Kenosha Kingfish game at Simmons Field

58. 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

59. Go fly a kite! You’ll see gigantic show kites in the sky at the Outta Sight Kite Flight, which is June 1-2 at Kennedy Park. FREE

60. June 8-9, celebrate National Outlet Shopping Day(TM) 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

61. Spend the morning at Crane Grain Farms for the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast. It happens June 15. Breakfast costs $10 & under

Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast

62. Ride your bicycle to and from the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast; join the DairyAir Community Bike Ride on June 15. Bristol Woods Park is the starting point. FREE ride; pre-registration is encouraged.

63. Enjoy a Movie Night in the Park on Fridays, June 21 through August 23, at Petrifying Springs Park. Select nights – including when “Barbie” is shown – will have a costume contest. FREE

64. Take time to smell the roses at the Gateway Rose Society Annual Rose Show on June 22 at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE

65. The Kenosha History Center presents its second annual Kenosha Taco Fest on June 28. Watch for the location to be announced as the date approaches. FREE admission

66. The 24th annual Harborfest 7s Rugby Tournament is June 29 at Kennedy Park next to Lake Michigan. FREE for spectators

67.  "The Statue of Liberty: A National Treasure" is the theme for the 2024 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade on June 30. FREE

68. Celebrate America - a festive event on the Lake Michigan shore - is July 3 and 4 with fireworks on July 4. FREE admission

Celebrate America Fireworks

69. Enjoy special events and family activities – including Sunflower Fields – at Jerry Smith Farm. Prices vary

sunflowers at Jerry Smith Farm

70. Kenosha Pride 2024 happens July 6 at HarborPark Celebration Place. This is the 12th annual LGBTQ+ Pride event in Kenosha. FREE

71. Bristol Progress Days is a fun community festival July 12-14 at Hansen Park. FREE admission

72. Be inspired during the Four Seasons Garden Club's Secret Garden Walk, a self-guided tour of Kenosha area private gardens, on July 13. Tickets $10, accompanied children under 12 free

73. July 18-20, experience Wisconsin's Largest Pop-up Biergarten at HarborPark Celebration Place. FREE admission

74. Celebrate the 121st Anniversary Homecoming at Uke’s Harley-Davidson and in the community, July 25-28. FREE events

75. Savor the flavors of specialty food and beverage vendors and enjoy live music at Taste of Wisconsin on our lakefront, July 26-28. FREE admission

76. “Hay Bales & Cow Tails” is the theme of this year’s Kenosha County Fair, August 14-18. Every day is Senior Day! Seniors (65+) get in for $8.

77. The Picnic in the Park event will be held on August 17 at Petrifying Springs Park. This event includes live music, family activities, and concessions. FREE

78. Show off your car and see what Downtown Kenosha has to offer during the Kenosha Classic Cruise-In on August 31. FREE

Kenosha Classic Cruise In

79. Enjoy cheese and music at Cheese-A-Palooza, August 31 and September 1. FREE admission

80. Celebrate Kenosha’s Electric Streetcars during Kenosha Streetcar Day on September 7. FREE activities

81. For the first time, the United States Hickory Open Golf Tournament is coming to Kenosha. The tournament is September 9-10. FREE for spectators

Artsy Side

Back to Top of List

82. Stroll through the Sculpture Walk - HarborPark, a biennial outdoor art exhibit that runs along the harbor. New pieces will be installed in mid-September. FREE

Sculpture Walk - HarborPark

83. Pause and absorb all the creativity found within an art gallery; there are many galleries to visit in Kenosha! FREE

84. Exhibits opening this spring and summer at the Anderson Arts Center include the Chicago Society of Artists Show, the Rogue Artists Show, and the Southport Quilters Guild Quilt Show. FREE

85. 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

86. The Transparent Watercolor Society of America 48th Annual National Juried Exhibition showcases 80 paintings from artists across North America. The exhibit is May 4 through August 4 at the Kenosha Public Museum. FREE

87. For a taste of New York City … view a Miniature Statue of Liberty inside the Kenosha History Center. FREE

88. For a taste of Paris … Kenosha has its very own Wallace Fountain in HarborPark. The public, drinking water sources are primarily found in Paris, France. Ours is an art piece. FREE

Wallace Fountain in HarborPark

89. The Acrylic International Biennial Exhibition consists of 45 outstanding paintings at the Kenosha Public Museum, August 17 through November 3. FREE

90. 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

Kemper Center mosaic

91. Enjoy the Port of Fear Film Festival, September 13-14, at Kemper Center. Single use tickets to films are $10. Check out the vendors at the Spooky Market, which is FREE to attend.

92. Get your picture taken with the Greetings From Kenosha mural by artist Kelly Witte in Downtown Kenosha. FREE

Greetings From Kenosha mural

More #KenoshaFun

Back to Top of List

93. Fly down the 200-foot-long water slides at Washington Park Pool and Anderson Park Pool this summer. Prices vary

94. Come see our castle! Enjoy one-of-a-kind photo spots at Mars Cheese Castle. FREE

Mars Cheese Castle

95. On the third Tuesday of every month, seniors (60 & over) can enjoy the Kenosha YMCA at no cost (photo ID required). FREE

96. Summertime means homemade Italian Sausage cooking on the outdoor grill at Tenuta’s Delicatessen & Liquors, a Kenosha landmark. Prices vary

97. Every Friday is Free Book Friday at Studio Moonfall. Simply pick out a book from the used book selection. You can also meet guest authors every Friday, 4-7pm. FREE

98. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 21 at Sandy’s Popper (new location!), Scoops Ice Cream & Candy, Smarty’s Sweets & Treats, or Sweet Corner Ice Cream. Prices vary

Scoops Ice Cream & Candy

99. Pick up some cheese curds at Brat Stop’s Cheese Mart. Prices vary

100. Carhop service continues to this day in Kenosha! Get a taste of nostalgia with your order when you visit The Spot Drive-In (open year-round) and the seasonal Big Star Drive-In (get there before Labor Day). Prices vary

101. 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

Selfie in front of the Welcome to Wisconsin sign

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Mammoths, electric streetcars, a cheese castle, automotive history including the AMC Gremlin, … READ MORE HERE>

  • 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.

  • 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>

  • 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:

    SPRING/SUMMER>

    FALL>

    WINTER>

     

  • 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>

Events

Special events are a big reason the Kenosha Area is a choice...

Restaurants

If you love exploring a new place through the food culture,...

Places To Stay

Kenosha, Wisconsin lodging properties offer a full range of options...