Summer Bucket List for Families in Sauk County, WI
This guide is sponsored by the Sauk County Historical Society. Learn more about their exhibits, events, and the Sauk County Historical Museum below.
Need some ideas for keeping the kids busy this summer? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite things to do around Sauk County so the next time you hear, “I’m bored,” you’ll have plenty of ideas ready to go.
Whether you’re looking for a quick outing, a new adventure, or just an excuse to get out of the house, we hope this list helps your family make the most of summer.
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Looking for a summer camp?
Events & Festivals in Sauk County
- Sauk County Dairy Breakfast – Enjoy a hearty farm-style breakfast on June 13, 2026 at the Windi Ridge Farm (The Luxton Family).
- Baraboo’s Big Top Parade – Celebrate circus heritage on June 13 with marching bands and colorful floats.
- Butterfest Parade in Reedsburg – Join the fun on June 20, 2026 with floats, music, and community spirit.
- June Tunes at Meyer Oak Grove Park – Enjoy live music every Tuesday in June from 6:30-8:30pm in Sauk City.
- Sauk County Fair – Experience rides, games, food trucks, exhibits, and more from July 6–12, 2026 in Baraboo.
- Community Expo in Sauk Prairie – Attend on June 18, 2026 for local vendors, food, and community connections.
- VFW Breakfast Buffet in Reedsburg – Enjoy a hearty breakfast on the 2nd Sunday of every month.
- Visit a Different Farmers Market – Shop local produce, crafts, and more all summer long.
- Blackhawk 4th of July Parade – Family-friendly 4th of July celebration including a parade and a chicken barbeque.
- WO-ZHA-WA Days – Free family activities, including an arts and crafts fair, antique flea market, Maxwell Street Days, live entertainment and a 100-unit parade.
Outdoor Adventures in Sauk County
- Hike at Devil’s Lake State Park
- Bike the Great Sauk State Trail
- Paddle the Wisconsin River
- Horseback Riding at White Mound County Park – Bring your own horse.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the Beach at Mirror Lake State Park
- Fishing at Lake Redstone
- Visit Hartje Nature Center (check to make sure they’re open before you drive there)
- Spend a Weekend Camping
- Go Swimming or Visit a New Splash Pad
- Sign your kids up for a summer camp
Arts & Culture
- Explore the Sauk County Historical Society Museum (Sponsors of this guide!)
- Visit the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo – Catch a live performance or tour the historic venue.
- Explore the Circus World Museum – Learn about the rich circus history of Baraboo.
- Tour the Mid-Continent Railway Museum
- Attend a Workshop at River Arts Inc in Prairie du Sac
- Visit Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park
- Enjoy Live Music Performances
- Visit Elm Street Plaza and Listen to Live Music
- Visit the Reedsburg Area Pioneer Log Village
- Explore House on the Rock
Food & Drink
- Play Tourist in the Dells and Dine at a Restaurant You’ve Never Been To
- Get Dinner from the Food Trucks at Grateful Shed
- Grab a Coffee Somewhere New
- Attend a Cooking Class at Bekah Kate’s
- Have Ice Cream at The Frozen Local
- Go Out for Wood Fired Pizza
- Pick Your Own Berries
- Grab Donuts from a Local Bakery
- Dine Outside at a Patio Restaurant
- Visit Carr Valley Cheese Factory
Family-Friendly Activities
- Visit Timbavati Wildlife Park
- Explore the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue
- Attend a Storytime at a Local Library
- Play at a Playground You’ve Never Been To
- Visit the Baraboo Children’s Museum
- Go Mini-Golfing
- Have a Family Movie Night at the Drive-In Theater
- Participate in a Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Visit a Free Petting Zoo at Oschner’s or Ski-Hi
- Take a Family Bike Ride on the 400 State Trail
About the Sponsor:
Visit the Sauk County Historical Museum
Step inside the beautiful historic Van Orden Mansion in Baraboo and discover Sauk County’s newest exhibit, Wish You Were Here: Life and Leisure in Sauk County.
This season’s exhibit explores how generations of Sauk County residents and visitors have spent their free time—from iconic tourist destinations and beloved supper clubs to community picnics, swimming pools, movie theaters, team sports, and the area’s rich outdoor recreation history. Visitors can also explore exhibits featuring all four Sauk County state parks, Ho-Chunk Powwow regalia, colorful vintage Wisconsin Dells tourism posters, local authors, early 20th-century wedding traditions, and more.
Located at 531 4th Avenue in Baraboo, the Sauk County Historical Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12–4 p.m. through the end of October. Admission is free. And make sure to check out their upcoming events.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting the area for the first time, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the stunning Van Orden Mansion and experience the stories that make Sauk County such a special place to live and explore.
