Trip Report: Family Fun at Wisconsin Dells – The Waterpark Capital of the World

Wisconsin Dells is the perfect destination for a family-friendly getaway. Offering an unbeatable mix of waterparks, entertainment and unique experiences. Recently, I took a trip there with my family, and it was filled with memorable highlights that I’m excited to share with you.

Mt. Olympus

Thrills in the Rain Mt. Olympus was undoubtedly a highlight of our trip. Even when it started to rain lightly, the rides, slides and go-karts stayed open, creating an exhilarating atmosphere. With the crowd clearing out, we had the park nearly to ourselves. We got to ride everything as much as we wanted — definitely a rare and exciting experience!

One of the park's signature attractions is The Rise of Icarus, the tallest waterslide in America, standing at an astonishing 145 feet tall. The sheer height combined with the steep drop makes for an adrenaline-pumping plunge that leaves you breathless — definitely not for the faint-hearted!

For roller coaster enthusiasts, Hades 360 is a must-try. This thrilling ride boasts a 360-degree loop and takes you on a wild journey through underground tunnels, delivering an unforgettable rush. But for us, the most thrilling part of Mt. Olympus was the go-kart tracks. These aren’t your typical go-kart rides. One track spirals high into the air, and on the way back down, sharp turns can make you lose control, which often leads to fun traffic jams as everyone races to the finish. There’s also a track that goes underground, adding to the excitement. You will also find another track that takes you up into Troy, offering a unique twist to your racing experience.

Original Wisconsin Ducks

A Unique Adventure If you’re planning a visit, you must make time for the Original Wisconsin Ducks. This one-of-a-kind ride takes you from the road directly into the water, an exciting transition that had both the kids and me in awe. The thrill of driving straight into the river is something the kids couldn’t stop talking about, making it a highlight of our trip.

Dining highlights

B-Lux Grill & Bar, Buffalo Phil’s, and Sneaky Pete’s Pirate Ship Show When it comes to dining in Wisconsin Dells, there’s no shortage of delicious and entertaining options that keep the fun going.

At B-Lux Grill & Bar, I had one of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted. The burger was perfectly juicy and packed with flavor, paired with the rich, decadent Hard S'more Milkshake, which was pure indulgence with its chocolatey and marshmallow goodness. B-Lux is a fantastic spot for casual dining, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves gourmet burgers and shakes.

Over at Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille, the experience was just as entertaining as the food. The Western-themed decor around the restaurant kept us amused while we waited, and the unique touch of having our food delivered by a miniature train was a highlight for the kids. It added a playful twist to the meal, and the food didn’t disappoint either, with hearty pizza and other family-friendly options on the menu.

If you're looking for a unique dinner experience, Sneaky Pete’s Pirate Ship Show is an absolute must-see. This pirate-themed buffet not only serves a variety of delicious dishes but also features exciting live performances that keep the whole family entertained. The combination of great food and lively entertainment makes it a perfect way to wind down after a day filled with activities.

Waterpark variety and thrills

Staying at Wilderness Resort was an adventure. With four different indoor and outdoor waterparks all connected, there was no shortage of water fun for the whole family. Whether it was the Wild Water Dome, featuring a glass ceiling and wave pools, or the more relaxed Lazy River at Klondike Kavern, there was truly something for everyone.

The Zipline Adventures at Wilderness Resort added an extra level of thrill. If you're brave enough, you can soar over the waterparks and wooded areas, getting a bird's-eye view of the entire resort.

Inside one of the indoor waterparks, we experienced the Hurricane, a family raft slide that was a true heart-pumper. We all rode together, swirling through the funnel-like slide with drops and spins that had everyone screaming in excitement.

Extra stops on our journey home

On our way home, we decided to stop at a couple more interesting spots. We visited Taqueria Mexico, where I tried horchata for the first time. It was absolutely amazing — creamy, sweet and cinnamon-spiced. It reminded me of the milk left over from a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal! I also had rice and a burrito that I’d go back for in a heartbeat.

Another fun stop was at the Top Secret Museum, where we took pictures with life-sized Transformers figures. The museum is full of oddities and surprises, making it a great stop for families looking to add a quirky twist to their trip.

We also visited Market Square Cheese, which boasts an extensive selection of Wisconsin’s finest cheeses. I treated myself to some blueberry goat cheese, which was delicious and unique — a flavor I highly recommend trying if you stop by.

Dinner and a show options

In addition to Sneaky Pete’s Pirate Ship Show, Wisconsin Dells offers plenty of other places where you can enjoy dinner and a show. A couple of standout options are The Palace Theater, which offers Broadway-style performances paired with a dining experience. Or try The Wisconsin Opry, where you can enjoy live country music and a hearty meal. These shows provide a fun and unique way to end your day in the Dells, especially if you’re looking to take a break from the waterparks.

Final thoughts & recommendations

Overall, Wisconsin Dells lived up to its reputation as the waterpark capital of the world. Whether you’re in it for the waterpark thrills, dining experiences or unique adventures like the duck boats, there’s something for everyone. I highly recommend taking some time out of the waterparks to try out the duck boats. Make sure to visit B-Lux, Buffalo Phil’s and Sneaky Pete’s for fantastic meals and unique experiences. On your way home, don’t miss out on a quick stop at Taqueria Mexico for a delicious meal. Make sure to grab some cheese from Market Square Cheese — the blueberry goat cheese is unforgettable!

Wisconsin Dells is the ultimate destination for family fun and adventure, earning its title as the Waterpark Capital of the World. With massive resorts like Mt. Olympus and Wilderness Resort, you’ll find a mix of thrilling waterslides, go-karts and unique attractions like the Original Wisconsin Ducks tours. For families, the Dells offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. From splashing in indoor and outdoor waterparks to enjoying casual dining spots like Buffalo Phil’s, where food is delivered by train. Or you can indulge in local favorites like B-Lux Grill.

In addition to water-based fun, the Dells features activities like ziplining and boat rides, making it ideal for adventure-seekers of all ages.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Wisconsin. In need of further inspiration? Check out Katie Dunagan’s guide, Girl’s Getaway to Door County, Wisconsin.