Top Things to Do With Kids

Wilderness Walk Zoo and Western Town

Want to walk with white tail deer and peacocks, or see many Wisconsin wild animals up close? Wilderness Walk Zoo and Western Town can make these dreams a reality! Visit the trout ponds, a petting zoo area and feed all kinds of farm animals! You can also visit the Siberian Tiger, Ring Tailed Lemur and other exotic animals in natural cage settings too. The western town is a picnic area, with a video arcade, mystery house and maze for everyone to enjoy. And don’t miss the boardwalk filled with museums of all the makings of an old western town, including an area to pan for gold. Open Memorial to Labor Day.

Downtown Hayward

Boutiques, antiques, sweets & treats… your visit isn’t complete without a treasure from Downtown Hayward! The Hayward area offers an eclectic mix of goods and services that are sure to appeal to any member of your traveling crew. Along with souvenir and t-shirt shops, expect to find antiques, flea market treasures, fine jewelry, Native American arts and crafts, and leather goods. You’ll also find home and garden furnishings, accessories and décor, as well as books, novelty items and clothing for adults and kids alike. And being in the Northwoods, don’t forget about spots to shop for the outdoor recreation lover, fishing enthusiast and sportsman (or woman!) in your life. Make sure to bring your family to Lake Kids on the first block of Main Street for a fun and unique toy store and gift shop with books, games, puzzles & more!

Birkie Trail System

The over 100-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.  The Birkie trail was built for all silent sports enthusiasts to enjoy. The non-profit 501(c)(3) American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation maintains 100% of the trail system. The trail system is open year-round and is fun for all ages! Stop in the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner too and learn about the history of one of the area’s world-class events!

Lumberjack Village

If you are looking for a family adventure, casual lakeside dining, or a world-class lumberjack show – Scheer’s Lumberjack Village in Hayward is your one-stop destination! Situated on a bay of Lake Hayward, Lumberjack Village is a delightful place to spend some family vacation time. Plan your visit around an afternoon or evening lumberjack show or just stop in to enjoy dinner at The River Deck Restaurant. Play 18 holes of mini-golf then treat yourself to a double scoop at the Namekagon Cone. There’s plenty to do at Scheer’s Lumberjack Village, open seasonally spring, summer and autumn.

Fishing Hall of Fame & Big Musky

Ever seen a half city block long and four and one-half stories tall Musky? Look no further than the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, WI. The highlight of the museum complex is a landmark “Shrine to Anglers” which is located inside this massive concrete, steel and fiberglass likeness of a leaping fish (a muskellunge). Its gaping, open jaw accommodates about 20 persons and reveals a wonderful panoramic view of Lake Hayward, the city of Hayward and the grounds. The “Big Musky” sits atop an 88,000 gallon pond. Added in 2024 was a new playground and refreshed game room. The adjacent four-building museum complex houses over 50,000 sportfishing historical and vintage artifacts ranging from lures, rods, reels and accessories as well as over 300 mounted fish and about 1000 antique motors. A real treat for fishing enthusiasts of any age!

The Community Library

The Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community Library offers plenty of activities for families to enjoy. In the children’s room, kids can enjoy four iPads with learning-based games, along with a variety of other activities such as monthly scavenger hunts, an I Spy tank, a Can You Guess board, Take-N-Make Kits, and a This or That voting game. The library also has puppets, blocks, children’s puzzles, and coloring sheets for hands-on fun. On Tuesday mornings at 10:15 AM, don’t miss the weekly Storytime, sponsored by Northwest Connection Family Resources, which offers an engaging experience for young listeners. There’s also a play café where children can relax and enjoy free play with their peers.

For those who prefer outdoor adventures, the library is conveniently located on 0.77 acres that have a beautiful nature trail, pond and learning kiosks. The trail features large artwork and offers an audio description of the area’s flora and fauna through the seasons, provided by local naturalist Emily Stone from the Cable Natural History Museum. Additionally, families can enjoy a StoryWalk® along the trail, with a book perfect for all ages. The library also occasionally hosts outdoor scavenger hunts, either on the trail or around Hayward, making it a fun way to explore the community.

Off the children’s room, you’ll find a gated patio where children can enjoy fun activities, many of which are painted by the local Hayward High School Art Club. Families can also picnic on the children’s patio or on the larger adult patio, enjoying a space designed for play and relaxation. For the adults, there’s a peaceful adult room/area, where you can find a quiet spot to read and take in the beautiful view of the pond. Inside the library, there are 8 internet stations, two study rooms, and a community meeting room, providing a space for learning and quiet time. The adult area also houses a 1,000-piece community puzzle, perfect for a relaxing activity while you enjoy the surroundings.

The library also offers free Wi-Fi that is available both inside the building and in the parking lot, as well as along the nature trail, so you can stay connected no matter where you are on the property. Check our event calendar for library events.

Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center

Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center in Minong, WI has a little bit of everything for a variety of activities year-round! There is a 1,900 square foot Fitness Center, an 8,000 square foot Aquatic Center and a 2,000 square foot banquet space. The Center focuses on being a positive place for individuals, families, and the community at large to gather and come together and to also provide enriching physical, social, and recreational wellness opportunities. Swim lessons, group fitness and water exercise classes, a walking track and so much more are available!

Cable Natural History Museum

The Cable Natural History Museum offers many exciting programs for children, adults and families. Hikes, crafts, games, river and forest explorations, naturalist-guided canoe and kayak trips, bird watching, engaging lectures, and live raptor programs are just a few of the educational experiences the Museum provides to residents, visitors and vacationers.

Lake Hayward Public Beach

Hayward Lake Public Beach is the perfect spot for a family-friendly day by the water! With a sandy shoreline, designated swimming areas, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s an ideal place for kids to splash, play, and explore. Families can enjoy picnicking in the shaded areas, building sandcastles, or strolling along the scenic trails nearby. The calm waters make it a safe and enjoyable swimming spot, while the open space allows for plenty of outdoor fun.

Water Adventures

No trip to the Northwoods is complete without a water adventure or two! The Hayward area boasts many lakes to spend time swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, boating, water skiing, tubing, fishing; the list goes on and on! There are many options to rent equipment if you didn’t bring your own. Water activities don’t just take place on lakes in Hayward though, but also on the Namekagon River. “Wisconsin’s Moving National Park” is a great way to enjoy a genuine wilderness experience on the water.

Summit Lake Campground, RV Park & Game Farm

Summit Lake Campground & RV Park is 18 miles south of Hayward, WI and is located next to Summit Lake Game Farm in Stone Lake, WI. This 6,000-acre, private Northwoods destination haven is a great place to explore, relax, and spend time with friends and family. While you are there you can enjoy fishing, swimming, volleyball, kayaking, ATV trails, hunting, sporting clays, and single-track biking trails.

RELM Skate Park

Located at 10402 Greenwood Lane, Hayward, WI 54843, The Randy & Erik Lawry (RELM) Skate Park is the go-to destination for skaters of all skill levels! Featuring a mix of ramps, rails, ledges, and bowls, this dynamic park offers plenty of challenges for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts. Designed for both beginners and experienced riders, the park provides a safe and exciting space to practice tricks, perfect skills, and connect with the local skate community. With open areas for spectators and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great spot for both action and fun.

CAMBA Trail System

The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) is responsible for the development and management of a regional mountain bike trail system of over 300 miles. The CAMBA trails lie in and around the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest as well as in the Bayfield and northern Sawyer County Forests – nearly a million acres in which to ride your fat tire bike. Area cyclists have created the CAMBA trail system to make this vast, unique area available to everyone. Some of these trails are right in the town of Hayward to give easy access to bikers, hikers and skiers of all skill levels. CAMBA has a mission to support mountain bike advocacy, education, sustainable trail development and tourism in the Chequamegon Area in partnership with the U.S Forest Service, local governments and agencies and private landowners.

Joyful Journey Alpacas and Yarn Harmony Gifts

Call to make an appointment to have a fun farm experience and learn about the alpacas! Alpacas are child friendly and groups up to 10 are welcome to book a tour of the farm. Please call 715-558-0989 to set up an appointment. Yarn Harmony Gifts is the gift store on site. Find wonderful alpaca clothing and goods. Comfortable seating in and outside of store. Call the same number for store hours.

Bowling

Riverside Lanes is a family fun modern bowling center with 8 lanes of bowling, with bumpers and ramps available upon request. Open 7 days a week. Monday night bingo. There is a game room with 2 pool tables, ping pong, basketball, darts, air hockey and video games. 8 televisions to watch sports and shows, a full bar and food, and karaoke anytime (over 20,000 songs to choose from). Please call (715) 634-2695 or visit their Facebook page for hours and events.

Community Support and Activities

Northwest Connection Family Resources is a great organization in the area whose mission is to support and strengthen families and care givers by building a long-lasting foundation through education, information, referrals, and shared opportunities. They host family activities and events, have a lending library, provide parent education and support classes and other community opportunities.