5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sheboygan, Wisconsin: A budget-friendly Midwest getaway from the Twin Cities!

This past August, I joined a small group of Midwest bloggers for a workshop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The city hosted us with free lodging, meals, and activities — and I’m so glad they did. I hadn’t spent time in Sheboygan before, but after a few days there, I realized what a great spot it is for families.

And did you know it’s known as the “Malibu of the Midwest?” It’s true! It’s actually known for its freshwater surfing on Lake Michigan and has its own surf culture.

Why Sheboygan Works for Twin Cities Families

Sheboygan is about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from the Twin Cities and sits right on Lake Michigan. The views are beautiful, the people are friendly, and there’s a lot to do that doesn’t cost much. If your family likes lake views, good food, and fun experiences that don’t break the budget, Sheboygan is worth the trip.

Here are five highlights from my visit that families will especially enjoy.

5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sheboygan

1. Bookworm Gardens

If you visit one thing in Sheboygan, make it Bookworm Gardens. This was hands-down the highlight of my trip. It’s a super-cute, beautifully designed garden that brings children’s books to life. You’ll stroll through winding paths filled with flowers, sculptures, and storybook displays from classics like Charlotte’s Web, The Three Little Pigs, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Kids love it here!

Kids can climb, explore, and interact with the exhibits, while adults can appreciate how creative and peaceful the space is. Prices are reasonable – tickets for 18+ are $12, and kids ages 3-17 are $10. Donations are also encouraged to support this magical nonprofit space.

2. John Michael Kohler Arts Center

We also stopped at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and it really surprised me. I’ve been to a lot of art museums, but this one stood out because it focuses just as much on the artists’ lives as the art itself. You learn about where they came from, what inspired them, and even see parts of their home environments recreated inside the museum.

It’s not a huge museum, but it’s very thoughtfully done, and even kids or teens who don’t think they “like art” might enjoy it because it feels more personal and interesting. Admission is free, which makes it an easy and worthwhile stop.

3. Kohler-Andrae State Park

If your family likes being outdoors, Kohler-Andrae State Park is the perfect place to spend a few hours. It’s just south of town and has sand dunes, trails, picnic spots, and a long stretch of Lake Michigan beach.

You’ll need a day pass for your car, but it’s inexpensive and totally worth it. Bring a blanket, snacks, and maybe a kite — there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the lake.

4. Blue Harbor Resort

Our group stayed at Blue Harbor Resort, and it’s an ideal spot for families. It’s right on the lake and has an indoor waterpark, beach access, and a big walking path along the water. Even if you don’t stay there, you can stop by the lakefront area, enjoy dinner at the resort’s restaurant, The Beacon, or have a drink at On the Rocks Bar & Grill, which has a great view of the sunset.

If you stay here, you get a lot for your money here as so much is included. It has plenty to do right on the property! There is a fitness center, game room, gift shop with coffee and gelato, and even an outdoor pool in addition to the waterpark. Try to catch an off-season or weekday rate, but whenever you visit it’s a wonderful splurge that still feels like good value because of everything that’s included.

5. Eat Your Way Around Sheboygan

One of the biggest surprises of the trip was how good — and affordable — the food was. We ate at several local spots that I’d absolutely recommend to families:

Harry’s Diner – A fun, 1950s-style diner with big breakfasts, classic booths, and friendly service. Great for kids and an easy start to your day. 

Frankie’s Pub & Grill – Known for their huge burgers and sandwiches. And I mean HUGE! This is a casual, family-friendly lunch stop that everyone will love.

Il Ritrovo – An authentic Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza, fresh ingredients, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s warm, welcoming, and perfect for families who love pizza night with a twist.

Eb Flo Coffeehouse – We enjoyed breakfast here one morning; it’s a cozy café right across the street from our hotel. Their famous croffle — a croissant-meets-waffle combo — is worth the trip alone.

Sly’s Midtown Salooon (yes, that’s three “o”s!) – Since Sheboygan is the Bratwurst Capital of the World, it’s the perfect place to try their traditional double brat plate — complete with potato salad and baked beans. It’s hearty, local, and full of flavor, but the menu also has plenty of other kid-friendly options.

All of these spots were welcoming, affordable, and had great local flavor — no chain restaurants needed.

Budget Tips for Families

• Drive instead of fly. The drive from the Twin Cities is under six hours and very doable with kids.

• Visit during the week. Hotels are usually cheaper Monday–Wednesday.

• Take advantage of free attractions. The Arts Center and the lakefront don’t cost anything.

• Pack snacks or picnic supplies. There are lots of parks and green spaces for a family picnic.

Pro Tip

During the blogger workshop, we were joined by a local blogger and author, Lori Helke. She wrote the book “100 Things to Do in Sheboygan Before You Die.” It’s a fabulous book and I highly recommend it! I’ve been reading my copy and it’s been fun reading about many things I did during my visit.

Visit Sheboygan is so helpful!

Also, check out Visit Sheboygan’s website for everything you need to plan your trip! And when you’re there, stop by their visitors center for info, cool things to do (like an interactive globe!) and a gift shop.

Final Thoughts

Sheboygan turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. Between the lake views, the creative local attractions, and all the free or low-cost things to do, it’s an easy and affordable getaway for families. It has just the right balance of things to explore and space to relax.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery without spending a ton, Sheboygan is definitely worth adding to your family travel list.

(Disclosure: Some of my visit was comped. Also, this post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)