All of Door County is very kid-friendly. Want to take them to a nice dinner – great (we like Chop and Lure because they have outdoor seating and take reservations)! Want to take them to a show at theater? Also approved!
Sometimes when planning a family trip, you quickly discover that some of the best memories happen in the simple moments – feeding baby animals, skipping rocks along the shoreline, eating ice cream after dinner, and watching a movie under the stars. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, elementary-aged kids, or a mix of ages, these family-friendly spots are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.
To keep the kids entertained throughout your stay, be sure to check out our Door County Scavenger Hunt and Word Search. Download, print, and bring them along for the adventure!
Stabbur Beer Garden
Great Food, Fast Service, and Goats on the Roof
One of our favorite meal stops is Stabbur in Sister Bay. Parents will appreciate the good food and efficient service, while kids love the spacious outdoor seating area where they can move around without feeling confined to a table. This is our go to when the wait at other restaurants is too long!
The biggest attraction? In the daytime, you can easily see the famous goats grazing on the roof of nearby Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. It’s a uniquely Door County experience that never gets old, even for repeat visitors.
Wild Tomato
Pizza and a Playground
Wild Tomato in Sister Bay is practically designed for families. The restaurant serves great wood-fired pizza, but the real magic for parents is the playground behind the restaurant.
Order your food, grab a buzzer, snag a spot at the outdoor bar and let the kids burn off energy while you wait. Instead of trying to keep little ones entertained at a table, they can climb, slide, and play until your table is ready.
Another great option is ordering a pizza to go and taking it to the park for a picnic. It’s a low-stress dinner plan that works especially well on busy summer evening.
Anderson Dock
Leave Your Mark on Door County
One of Door County’s most iconic traditions is visiting Anderson Dock and adding your name to the colorful collection of signatures, artwork, and messages that cover the historic warehouse.
The dock itself is also a great place to take a stroll, watch boats come and go, and enjoy beautiful waterfront views of Sister Bay. Many families make it an annual tradition to return and find their artwork from previous visits—or add a new one each year as their kids grow.
A few tips:
- Bring a paint pen or permanent marker if you’d like to add your family’s name.
- Visit during the morning or evening for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Take a photo of your artwork so you can find it again on future trips.
It’s a simple stop, but there’s something special about leaving a small piece of your family’s story in a place that has welcomed Door County visitors for generations.
Sweeten the Day at Wilson’s
Every great family vacation needs an ice cream stop, and Wilson’s is a Door County classic.
The old-fashioned atmosphere feels like stepping into another era, and the generous scoops make it easy to understand why families return year after year.
Whether you choose a cone, sundae, shake, or malt, Wilson’s is the perfect way to celebrate a day of adventures. Kids love the treats, and parents appreciate the nostalgic charm.
PC Junction
Where Food Arrives by Train
If you have train-loving kids, PC Junction is a must-visit.
This unique restaurant combines dining with entertainment by delivering food to your table via toy trains. The moment kids see the trains carrying meals around the restaurant, they’re hooked.
The train-themed atmosphere creates an experience that’s about much more than the food. There are also many outdoor activities to keep everyone happy!
Pebble Beach
Must see to skip rocks!
Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories.
Pebble Beach in Sister Bay is the perfect place to collect smooth stones and practice skipping rocks across the water. Kids love searching for the “perfect” skipping stone, and parents can enjoy beautiful waterfront views while everyone relaxes.
It’s free, easy, and requires no planning—just show up and enjoy some time by the lake.
Bring water shoes if you have them, and don’t be surprised if this quick stop turns into a much longer visit.
Peach Barn Brewing
Great for Kids + Adults
Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery is one of our favorite family-friendly stops in Sister Bay. While parents can enjoy a local drink, kids have plenty of space to play thanks to the large outdoor lawn, swings, hammocks, and yard games.
The relaxed outdoor setting makes it easy for everyone to unwind after a busy day of exploring Door County. With frequent live music and lots of room to roam, it’s a great spot where both kids and adults can have a good time.
The Farm
Our Door County Tradition
No family trip to Door County feels complete without a visit to The Farm.
Children can interact with some of the sweetest animals around, including goats, sheep, piglets, chicks, and other farm animals. Feeding baby goats is often the highlight, and many kids could happily spend hours in the animal areas.
The Farm offers a hands-on experience that’s perfect for young children and nostalgic for parents who remember visiting as kids themselves. It’s one of those places that consistently lives up to its reputation.
Catch a Movie at the Drive-In Theater
A drive-in movie feels like stepping back in time—and kids absolutely love it.
Pack pajamas, blankets, pillows, and your favorite movie snacks (there are also concessions available), then enjoy a film (or two) from the comfort of your car. Younger children can stretch out in the back seat, and parents don’t have to worry about keeping everyone perfectly quiet.
It’s a classic summer experience that has become increasingly rare, making it a memorable addition to any Door County vacation.
One Barrel Brewing
Pizza, Games, and a Relaxed Family Atmosphere
One Barrel Brewing in Egg Harbor is a great family dinner stop when everyone needs a little space to relax. The laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating, and family-friendly vibe make it easy to enjoy a meal without feeling rushed.
Kids love the games and open areas to explore, while parents can enjoy a local craft beverage and some excellent pizza. It’s the kind of place where families can settle in for a casual evening after a day at the beach, hiking, or sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a spot that keeps both kids and adults happy, One Barrel Brewing is a fun addition to your Door County itinerary.
Movie Night in Sister Bay
There’s something special about watching a movie outside on a warm summer evening. Sister Bay’s outdoor movie nights are a family favorite and a wonderful way to wind down after a day of exploring.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks, and settle in as the sun goes down. Kids love the novelty of watching a movie under the stars, and parents appreciate the relaxed community atmosphere.
Check the local schedule before your visit, as movie nights are typically offered on select evenings during the summer season.
Sister Bay Bowl
The Perfect Rainy Day Activity
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, Sister Bay Bowl is the perfect place for family fun. This classic bowling alley offers a nostalgic experience that’s getting harder to find—including hand-scoring your game the old-fashioned way.
Kids get a kick out of learning how bowling scores were kept before automatic scoreboards, and parents often enjoy the trip down memory lane. Whether you’re escaping a rainy afternoon or just looking for a break from the beach, bowling is an easy activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
With its vintage charm and family-friendly atmosphere, Sister Bay Bowl is one of those Door County experiences that feels delightfully unchanged by time.
Uncle Tom’s Candy Store
There are a lot of great candy stores sprinkled throughout Door County, but Uncle Tom’s is one of our favorites due to proximity to the cottages and they are known for their homeade chocolate, fudge, brittle and even pancake mixes! Tip: this is a nice stop before/after you visit the beach too!
Final Thoughts
Door County offers plenty of attractions, but some of the best family experiences are surprisingly simple: watching goats on a roof, feeding baby animals, skipping rocks, playing on a playground, and sharing ice cream together.
If you’re traveling with kids, these stops provide a wonderful mix of food, fun, outdoor adventure, and classic Door County charm. They keep children engaged, give parents a chance to relax, and create the kinds of vacation memories families talk about long after the trip is over.
