Winter can be a challenging time to keep kids entertained, especially with cold weather and snow. However, if you're in or near Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, there are plenty of fun activities for kids to embrace the outdoors or take comfort inside!
Get Out And See What Pleasant Prairie Has to Offer
Visit Pleasant Prairie’s Christmas Holiday Lights Tour
Many of the homes in Pleasant Prairie create incredible holiday light displays for our Christmas Holiday Lights Tour. Visit Pleasant Prairie creates a map and guide to the BEST holiday lights in the Village. Some of the stops include holiday goodies as well. Get the map and vote for your favorite display through the link on our website each year.
Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire
Our amazing Village firefighters create a huge bonfire on January 6th each year using Christmas trees that the community donates. This FREE family-friendly event takes place on Lake Andrea beach. There are tree drop-off locations all around the Village leading up to the event - we post the list of locations on our social media accounts each year. The big event also includes professional carolers, hot cocoa and goodies for you and yours to enjoy.
Indoor Waterpark Fun at the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex
If your kids need a break from the cold, consider getting a membership to the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex for indoor waterpark fun. The facility includes multiple waterslides, a lazy river, a zero-depth pool, and a children's play area. There's also an indoor track, fitness center, and other amenities for adults. Non-members can pay to host a swim birthday party!
Sledding at Ingram Park
Ingram Park is a great spot for winter sledding. The park features several hills of varying heights and steepness, as well as plenty of space to build snowmen and have snowball fights. Park east of the sledding hill near the two dog parks. There is lighting for evening use. The park remains open until 10 p.m. seasonally for sledding. Be sure to dress warmly and bring your own sleds!
Winter Hiking at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area
For older kids who enjoy taking walks through nature and adding to their birding journals, the Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area offers winter trails through beautiful prairie and wetland habitats. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species, and the winter scenery can be stunning. The Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund also hosts monthly volunteer opportunities. Volunteer work days are on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. When you head out, be sure to dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear for the weather conditions.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Wilmot Mountain
Wilmot Mountain is a nearby ski resort with slopes for all skill levels. Tubing is a fantastic activity for the whole family, but the resort also offers opportunities to ski, snowboard, snowshoe and more. Rental equipment for all of the above is available at the resort.
Winter Crafts and Activities at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets
The Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets mall offers a variety of winter-themed crafts and activities for kids throughout the season. From cookie decorating to ornament making to meet-and-greets with Santa, there's always something fun going on. Check the mall's event calendar for details.
Ice Fishing at Lake Andrea
Lake Andrea is a popular destination for ice fishing during the winter months. Kids can try their hand at catching perch, bluegill, and other species, or simply enjoy the winter scenery from the ice.
Or Stock Up And Stay In
Enjoy an Overnight Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton
You’ll get one of their signature warm chocolate chip cookies when you check in to the hotel. When the kids get tuckered out after swimming in the indoor pool, take the family for a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant - Shelby Campbell’s Eatery & Bar. Don’t miss waffles at Sheby’s the next morning!
Hot Cocoa Potluck
Consider calling up a few families and hosting a hot cocoa potluck. Each family can bring the ingredients to make their favorite hot cocoa.
Hot chocolate is beloved around the world, and many cultures prepare it in different ways! Here are a few different hot chocolate ideas for you and your friends to consider.
- Mayan Hot Chocolate – Mexico
- Mumbai Hot Chocolate – India
- Parisian Chocolat Chaud – France
- Cioccolata Calda – Italy
- Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese – Colombia
Need some help sourcing delicious ingredients? Ghirardelli Chocolate Company at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets has some excellent chocolate to get you started.
Have a Family Game Night
Kids and adults alike love games! Whether you and yours want to focus on board games or video games or a combination of the two, you can have a lot of fun while staying warm inside.
Everyone knows that if you’re going to play games all day, you need incredible snacks! Fancy Snacks Charcuterie is a great choice for those who love cured meats, cheeses, fruit and nuts. If you want to pay homage to a snacking classic, grab a pizza from Ruffolos or get delivery from Jimano’s.
Local speciality shops to find your family’s next favorite game:
- Go! Calendars, Toys & Games
- Warhammer
- GameStop
The Village of Pleasant Prairie has plenty of ways to keep your kids busy and entertained during the winter months. Check out our list of upcoming events here. Don't let the cold weather get you down - embrace the season and all the fun it has to offer!
