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🌲 Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Resolution: Explore a New Wisconsin State Park

Make 2026 the year you discover Wisconsin's stunning natural beauty beyond our North Shore backyard. My top pick? Wyalusing State Park—a hidden gem where the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers meet. (The favorite park of my neighbor Mark, a retired DNR guy.) The 3-hour drive from Milwaukee rewards you with 14+ miles of hiking trails, dramatic 500-foot bluffs, and the kid-favorite Sand Cave Trail where little explorers can duck beneath sandstone overhangs.

Pro tip: Mark your calendar for Free Fun Weekend (June 6-7, 2026) when all Wisconsin state parks waive vehicle admission fees. Can't make that weekend? Check out a FREE state park pass from the Whitefish Bay Library.

Resolution: Hike Somewhere New

Explore the many paths and trails near the North Shore, from Mequon Nature Preserve to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and beyond. You can also start 2026 on the right foot with a First Day Hike on January 1st. Wisconsin State Parks offer guided hikes across the state—it's free, family-friendly, and the perfect way to shake off New Year's Eve cobwebs.

Resolution: Try a Polar Plunge

Ready to really start the year fresh? Join thousands of brave souls at one of Milwaukee's New Year's Day polar plunges. The Gentlemen of Shorewood Polar Bear Plunge at Atwater Beach is right in our backyard, but you'll also find plunges at Bradford Beach, Kenosha, Racine, and Sheboygan. Not ready to take the dip yourself? Cheering from the shore with hot cocoa counts too!

🚗 Road Trips & Getaways

Resolution: Experience Door County in Winter

Most people think of Door County as a summer destination — and it is — but the peninsula transforms also into a magical spot each season that's worth the 3-hour drive. Peninsula State Park offers 16 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, while Cave Point County Park features spectacular ice formations along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Warm up with a traditional fish boil at the White Gull Inn or wine tasting at one of a dozen year-round wineries.

Resolution: Plan a Madison Food & Fun Weekend

Our state capital is packed with family-friendly adventures. Explore the incredible Madison Children's Museum, and work your way through the city's outstanding restaurant scene. From the legendary Dane County Farmers' Market (returning in spring) to cozy brewpubs perfect for winter visits, Madison makes an easy overnight getaway that feels like a real vacation.

Resolution: Explore a New Wisconsin County

Wisconsin has 72 counties, perfect for a list of 72 adventures. Make 2026 the year you discover a new favorite historic Wisconsin small town. Port Washington is just 30 minutes north with more pre-Civil War buildings than any other Wisconsin city, plus the stunning Possibility Playground for kids. New Glarus delivers Swiss heritage and Wisconsin's best craft beer. Mineral Point charms with art galleries and Cornish pasties. Pick one per season and build your family's list of go-to getaways.

🏙️ Local Exploring

Resolution: Hop Local Farmers Markets

Start a checklist or a bingo card to explore all the local farmers markets. You can get started right away: The Shorewood Farmers Market is launching its first-ever winter market on January 4th. Running eight Sundays through February 22nd at The Atrium, you'll find your favorite local vendors, bloody marys, and a cozy indoor setting to browse on chilly mornings. It's the perfect resolution for eating more local.

Resolution: Explore Every Dog Park 

Your 2026 Milwaukee County Parks dog pass ($19) unlocks seven off-leash parks—including the brand-new Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park with 23,000 square feet of artificial turf under I-794. Challenge your family to visit them all: Estabrook near Shorewood for Oak Leaf Trail access, Currie in Wauwatosa for 10 acres of running room, and Granville for adventurous pups who love wooded trails and river access. Pick up your pass at MKE.DOG.

Resolution: Meet Emerson the Turtle at Schlitz Audubon 

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center's 185 acres along Lake Michigan offer year-round family programming—from maple syrup time in March to illuminated winter hikes in December. Climb the 60-foot observation tower for stunning lake views, explore six miles of trails through ravines and bluffs, and meet resident animals including Emerson the turtle. Urban Ecology Center members can borrow sleds, snowshoes, and nature exploration kits for free.

🍽️ Food Adventures

Resolution: Explore a New Cuisine

2026 is your year to explore it diverse dining. We've mapped out comprehensive guides to help you, from Indian food, Italian dining, Mexican favorites — have you tried Milwaukee's best chimichangas yet? You can also attend one of the many local food festivals, like the Shorewood Feast.

Resolution: Experience a Classic Wisconsin Supper Club

There's no dining experience more Wisconsin than a supper club, like Jack Pandl’s Whitefish Bay Inn and other historic establishments that have been serving families for generations. We've got a guide to 40+ supper clubs.

Resolution: Find Your Family's Favorite Sweet Treat

Milwaukee's heritage means incredible sweet treats around every corner. Make 2026 the year you discover the perfect birthday cake spot, the best donuts (like Donut Monster), or your go-to Belgian waffle source. From Simma's award-winning slices to kringle from O&H Danish Bakery, there's a sweet adventure waiting for every family.

🎪 Festivals & Events

Resolution: Bike to a Summer Festival

The Oak Leaf Trail is a magical pathway that will take you right from the North Shore to the front doorstep of Milwaukee’s legendary festivals. Chances are there's a local festival you haven't experienced yet (or in a long time). Beyond the big names like Summerfest and Irish Fest, consider German Fest, Festa Italiana, Polish Fest, Bastille Days or Mexican Fiesta. Each offers unique food, music, and traditions that make our city special.

Resolution: Run a Festival 5K

Here's a resolution that combines fitness with fun: sign up for one of Milwaukee's festival races, like the iconic Storm the Bastille - Milwaukee’s only night race. The Irish Fest 5K and Mexican Fiesta Run/Walk also both include free festival admission with your registration—that's a $15-25 value on top of the race experience. Cross the finish line, then spend the day enjoying live music, cultural performances, and amazing food.

🏃 Sports & Active Adventures

Resolution: Try a New Sport

Has your family ever tried ice fishing? Snowshoeing? Fat tire biking? Cross-country skiing? Lacrosse? Dance? The new year is the perfect time to branch out. Whitefish Bay Recreation offers lacrosse programs from K5-8th grade, plus martial arts, wrestling, and rock climbing for ages 8-14. Fresh Coast Dance in Whitefish Bay welcomes beginners of all ages, from 2.5 to adult. Many state parks and nature centers rent equipment affordably, so you can try before you buy. The Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay even has a FREE ski lending program!

Resolution: Run (or Walk!) a Local Race

Greater Milwaukee has a huge variety of fun runs and races throughout the year. Many local running stores like Performance Running Outfitters also host free weekly group runs.

Resolution: Catch a Game as a Family

Milwaukee Admirals hockey games at the Panther Arena are affordable, action-packed, and perfect for young fans (plus, look for special themed nights like Hanukkah with the Admirals!). Brewers games at American Family Field remain a summer rite of passage, and nothing beats a (FREE!) Bucks game when the team is on fire. Many teams offer family pack discounts and special kids' days throughout the season.

📋 Your 2026 Adventure Checklist

Ready to make it official? Here's a quick checklist to track your progress - feel free to add to it!

☐ Visit a new Wisconsin State Park
☐ Attend a First Day Hike (January 1st)
☐ Take the polar plunge (or cheer someone on!)
☐ Shop Farmers Markets
☐ Try new restaurants from different cuisines
☐ Bike to a festival
☐ Run or walk a local race
☐ Catch a live sporting event
☐ Find your family's favorite bakery

Make It Happen

The best resolution is one you'll actually keep, so start small. Pick two or three adventures from this list that genuinely excite your family, mark specific dates on your calendar, and make it happen. Adventures don't have to be expensive or far away—sometimes the best memories come from exploring something new in your own backyard.

Here's to a 2026 filled with adventure, togetherness, and plenty of Wisconsin charm. Let's make it the best year yet!

Have a 2026 adventure goal we missed? Hit reply and share your family's resolutions—we'd love to hear what's on your bucket list!

See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures

P.S. Forward this guide to anyone still asking, “What did we do in 2025???”